Theme parks are more than just a collection of thrilling rides and colorful attractions — they're gateways to worlds of wonder, where fantasy and reality merge to create memorable experiences. Offering an escape from the ordinary, theme parks across the United States see millions of visitors per year.

But which ones offer the best experiences? We asked a panel of experts to nominate their top parks, each offering a range of attractions, from adrenaline-pumping roller coasters to family-friendly rides, as well as top-notch dining and entertainment options.

Then, readers voted to decide the winners. These are the 10 best theme parks for 2026.

No. 10: Hersheypark
Hershey, Pennsylvania
The amusement park of every chocolate lover's dreams, Hersheypark features 121 acres with more than 70 rides (including 15 coasters), a water park, and an 11-acre zoo — all accessible via a single admission. Wildcat's Revenge, the first hybrid coaster manufactured by Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) in Pennsylvania, boasts four inversions, including the world’s largest underflip. Candymonium — the park’s tallest, fastest, and longest hyper coaster — debuted in 2020.

No. 9: Cedar Point
Sandusky, Ohio
Located on a Lake Erie peninsula in Sandusky, Ohio, Cedar Point bills itself as "the roller coaster capital of the world" with 18 thrilling coasters covering more than 10 miles of track. The park's history dates back to 1870, making it the second-oldest continually operated amusement park on the continent, and it's managed to maintain that classic park feel, complete with a generously sized midway and one of the only operating D.C. Muller carousels in the world.

No. 8: Holiday World
Santa Claus, Indiana
Opening every May to November, Holiday World in the aptly named town of Santa Claus features thrill rides, shows, and more for the whole family to enjoy. To add to the holiday ambience, there are rides with names like the Scarecrow Scrambler and Good Gravy, games like the Headless Horseman, plus corn mazes, hayrides, holiday drone shows, and more to get you into the spirit of each season!

No. 7: Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Williamsburg, Virginia
The European-themed installment of Busch Gardens in Williamsburg transports visitors to England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Germany, and Italy circa 17th century, albeit a rather exciting version of the era, with more than 50 rides and attractions. Busch Gardens Williamsburg frequently ranks among the world's most beautiful theme parks, and its thrill ride options are top-notch.

No. 6: Kings Island
Mason, Ohio
Kings Island has plenty of family-friendly offerings among its several rides, shows, and attractions, but the roller coasters are king. The park boasts many of them, including the world's longest wooden roller coaster, The Beast, as well as Diamondback, a thrilling steel coaster. Park admission also allows visitors to cool off at the Soak City Water Park.

No. 5: SeaWorld Orlando
Orlando, Florida
Most famous as a marine zoological park, SeaWorld Orlando has made a name for itself in the world of high-octane thrill rides as well, thanks to Manta — one of the only coasters of its kind in the world — and Mako, a hyper coaster with deep dives, high speeds, and thrills aplenty. Young visitors to the park can also walk down Sesame Street and interact with their favorite furry friends.

No. 4: Kennywood
West Mifflin, Pennsylvania
If you love a theme park with oodles of history and a collection of iconic rides, Kennywood is your place. Witness over 120 years of innovation in classic favorites that include wooden roller coasters like the side-by-side Racer, the intense Thunderbolt, and the circa-1920 Jack Rabbit. Plus, there's an unmatched collection of dark rides like the Old Mill and the last-of-its-kind Noah's Ark, as well as modern thrill rides like the Steel Curtain coaster.

No. 3: Lost Island Themepark
Waterloo, Iowa
Lost Island brings tropical escapism to the Iowa cornfields with five distinct island realms (Fire, Water, Air, Earth, Spirit) packed with coasters, family rides, and enough tiki vibes to make you forget you're in the Midwest. Beyond the adrenaline rushes, including the park's signature Matugani launch coaster, you'll find live entertainment, affordable dining spots, and attractions scaled for everyone from toddlers to thrill-seekers. The unique design around a lake makes it easy to navigate, too.

No. 2: Knoebels
Elysburg, Pennsylvania
The pizza at this vintage amusement park in Pennsylvania's coal country is nearly as famous as its rides, but don't discount the family-friendly thrills at this Susquehanna River Valley institution. The rare amusement park that's still free to enter (rides require old-school tickets), Knoebels is home to Phoenix, one of the most popular wooden roller coasters in the United States. And it's a virtual museum of still-operating classic rides like Whipper, Flying Turns, and the Haunted Mansion dark ride. Add in some modern thrills and water rides and you have the perfect mix for a relaxed yet thrilling day in the park.

No. 1: Silver Dollar City
Branson, Missouri
Silver Dollar City, with its 1880s mining town theme, attracts some 2 million visitors annually with its combination of entertainment, festivals, 100 resident craftsmen, and more than 40 rides and attractions. The park is also home to Time Traveler, the world's fastest, steepest, and tallest spinning coaster.