1/10 Disney’s Magic Kingdom
Kissimmee, Florida
The champion of theme parks is Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Even the most cynical adult will be transported back to their childhood as they step onto Main Street in front of Cinderella’s Castle, and catch a first glimpse of Mickey Mouse. Fantasyland has it all, including a voyage under the sea with Ariel the mermaid and the chance to take part in the story of Beauty And The Beast.
A visit to one of the park’s many meet-and-greet areas, where children can meet their favorite cartoon character, is a Disney tradition that everyone in the family will love.
2/10 Universal Studios
Orlando, Florida
Budding wizards will jump at the chance to visit Universal Studios, with its new area dedicated to Harry Potter, as well as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in the neighboring park, Islands of Adventure. Featuring roller coasters and sets from the films, you can venture into Gringott’s Bank and board the Hogwarts Express to Hogwarts in the Islands of Adventure park.
Movie fans who aren’t enamored with Harry will still be entertained by the other attractions on offer. Many adults will secretly get butterflies on the ET Adventure ride when ET says goodbye to them by name. Transformers: The Ride is a recently opened high-speed simulator that mixes real and virtual effects to get everyone’s hearts pounding.
3/10 Busch Gardens
Tampa, Florida
Kids will feel like they’ve been on a roller-coaster safari when they visit the beautifully landscaped Busch Gardens, inspired by Africa and home to more than 2,000 animals, behind-the-scenes shows and truly exhilarating rides. Falcon’s Fury is a drop-tower ride that mimics the dive speeds of a falcon as it swoops down on its prey. It plunges riders straight down at 60 mph. Pantopia is a fantasy land devoted to travelers of the past who arrived by hot air balloon and other forms of transport. Wow-factor kinetic sculptures have been created from tuk-tuks, trucks, planes, bikes and wagons, while Botanica features intricate botanical sculptures.
4/10 Portaventura
Salou, Spain
Home to Europe’s fastest roller coasters, PortAventura guarantees thrill seekers will leave with white knuckles. Each of the park’s six “lands” is themed, and each one has a spectacular signature ride. At 250 feet tall, the Shambhala roller coaster creates an impressive backdrop to the land of China. In the Mexico area, the 375-foot-tall drop tower, Hurakan Condor, creates a soundtrack of screams that can be heard throughout the park. Younger visitors haven’t been forgotten. SeasamoAventura is home to the characters of Sesame Street and features 11 rides and attractions to entertain those too small for the bigger thrill rides. Children can take a ride through Elmo’s Farm or explore Cookie Monster’s Enchanted Garden playground. Costa Caribe Aquatic Park is next door, and filled with slides, river rides and a Sesame Street-inspired water play area.
5/10 Europa Park
Rust, Germany
A visit to Europa Park is an adventure tour of the colorful sights of Europe, with something to discover at every turn. Incredible theming, eye-catching shows and rides for the whole family make it one of the best theme parks in the world. Europa Park has more roller coasters than anywhere else in Europe, guaranteeing that all but the very youngest member of the family will find one to enjoy. There’s also an indoor land, based on the Arthur and The Invisibles movie trilogy, featuring a number of attractions, including a state-of-the-art child-friendly interactive coaster.
6/10 Moomin World
Naantali, Finland
Moomin World occupies a small island accessed by a wooden footbridge. By crossing the bridge, children feel like they are venturing into the real land of the Moomins. Fans of the Moomins will instantly recognize the locations: Snork’s Flying Machine, the Groke’s House and Moomin Pappa’s Boat. This isn’t a traditional theme park, as there are no rides, but Moomin World is a chance to escape everyday life for a fun-packed family adventure. Families can enjoy quality time on a nature walk or go swimming off the island’s beaches. For anyone who likes stories, a visit to Snufkin’s camp is a must, as he reads tales about his travels.
Those who like to be creative should visit Snork’s Workshop for some arts and crafts. The most important part of the day is to visit the Moomin House, where children and adults can get a cuddle from a Moomin. The area around the Moomin House is also the place to spot many of the characters.
7/10 Toverland
Sevenum, The Netherlands
A visit to Toverland is like stepping into a giant soft-play warehouse, made all the better by a whimsical collection of rides and roller coasters. With a theme of witches and trolls, the indoor halls are filled with colossal climbing frames, trampolines, log flumes, spinning rides, fun houses and even coasters. The outdoor area offers the largest rides and roller coasters that should more than satisfy youngsters and adults alike. You can escape the Trojan army on the Troy wooden coaster, take part in a high-speed motorbike race on Booster Bike or go spinning around the track on the Dwervelwind coaster. Having whizzed around without fear, kids will no doubt be entertained watching their parents nervously follow on the high-rope obstacle course.
Upon arrival, head straight outside to the bigger rides. Most people start indoors, so by going to the furthest part of the park first you can enjoy the rides with little to no wait.
8/10 Siam Park
Costa Adeje, Tenerife
Stepping into Siam Park, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d left Tenerife and found yourself in Thailand. An elaborate tropical landscape accented with Thai-inspired architecture, it’s home to a staggering array of water slides and attractions. The Tower of Power features a 92-foot sheer drop into a clear tunnel that travels through a shark tank. Kinnaree is an extreme slide that sends up to four riders at a time down a 650-foot course that includes a giant funnel and a near vertical wall, both of which create moments of weightlessness. The Mai Thai River offers some much-needed relaxation after the thrill rides, providing time to unwind as you drift along in rubber rings.
Sawasdee and the Lost Kingdom provide endless splashing fun for children. The two areas are adventure playgrounds in water and have slides and shallow pools. Those who don’t want to get wet can enjoy strolling around the park’s winding paths, where they’ll discover sea lions and fish and find a floating Thai market.
9/10 Paultons Park
Ower, Hampshire, UK
Toddlers who love Peppa Pig have likely pestered their parents for a visit to Paultons Park, home to Peppa Pig World. The area was designed so that youngsters can’t see the outside world, making them truly believe they’re visiting Peppa’s home. Many of the attractions can be enjoyed by even the youngest visitors, and adults can share in the fun of all the rides.
Paultons Park focuses on the under-12 set. A family-sized roller coaster called Cobra is as extreme as it gets, which makes for a calm but exciting atmosphere for youngsters. Bathrooms have baby-changing facilities, and stickers for children are handed out, on which you can write your mobile phone number — helpful should you get separated. It’s worth fitting in a visit to the colorful themed gardens, ideal for a family picnic.
10/10 Efteling
Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands
Having been wowed by the thatched castle that forms the park entrance, you know you’re about to escape into a fairytale world. Once inside, the beauty of the landscaping transports visitors into a world of enchanted childhood stories. Unlike many theme parks, there’s plenty of space to run around and explore at Efteling. It also has exciting rides, including a dualing wooden roller coaster based on the battle between George and the dragon. The ride that touches the heart of all ages is Dream Flight, which whisks passengers on a flight through wondrous forests filled with fairies and trolls.
Young children will love discovering the stories of Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers Grimm, brought to life in the Fairytale Forest. Older visitors will be thrilled by the Flying Dutchman, a mix of a roller coaster and log flume.