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The INSIDER Summary:
Theme parks are popular attractions all over the US. With research and the help of Foursquare we found the cream of the crop.
Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri, for example, is themed entirely around the 1880s.
Lagoon in Farmington, Utah, is an amusement and water park that's been open since 1896.
Visiting theme parks is a beloved pastime of Americans of all ages. From parks with record-breaking roller coasters to water parks with slides and wave pools, amusement parks have long been the perfect place for thrill seekers and people just looking to cool off from the summer heat.
2017-09-15
While theme parks are often associated with the summer months, some parks in places like California and Florida are enjoyable year-round, while others, such as Santa's Village in Jefferson, New Hampshire, are holiday-themed and specialize in wintertime fun.
We turned to Foursquare as well as our own research to find the very best theme park in every state.
"[The park is] hopping in summer with shows, the salmon bake, air museum, & the train (a must for all ages). The gallery is open year around," — Foursquare user Rachael Kvapil.
ARKANSAS: Magic Springs And Crystal Falls Theme Park in Hot Springs
Magic Springs is home to both kid-friendly and thrill rides (plus a water park), making it the perfect place for families to spend a summer day.
Magic Springs Theme and Water Park/Facebook
"This amusement park is amazing. When you want a thrill but not the overload of Disneyland, come here. Awesome new rides and an amazing waterpark for the summertime. They have live bands & awesome food," — Foursquare user Candace F.
From mini golf to bumper boats to go-kart racing, Fort Fun has a wide variety of activities.
Fort Fun/Facebook
"We had our daughter's birthday party here. It was a very fun day. The staff was excellent & friendly & the food was tasty. Everyone had a great time both at the indoor activities & the outdoor ones," — Foursquare user S J.
"Great small amusement park! I love the Wild Mouse and the Astrosphere! Tilt-A-Whirl is the fastest around! Best water slide is the Mammoth! Enjoy!" — Foursquare user Michael Sales.
The dizzying drops on the Superman Ride of Steel coaster are not for the faint of heart.
Six Flags America/Facebook
"If you love rollercoasters but hate the huge wait times at other parks, this is perfect. You can easily ride every coaster in the park in a day — no wait was over 15 minutes." — Foursquare user Angie Harmon.
Take a step back in time at this 1880s theme park. Among the many rides are fascinating historical sites like a school house and church.
Silver Dollar City Attractions/Facebook
"The most authentictheme park I've ever visited. No fake plastic "log cabins" — it's all the real deal, and some of the sights are historic landmarks. Tons of trees keep the park cool and beautiful," — Foursquare user Jenna Rose Robbins.
"Loved it! Great for everyone! The rides, multiple places to eat, arcade, wave pool and shallow pool, along with volleyball and grassy areas make it hard to get bored... I'm 100% sold," — Foursquare user Crystal L.
Located on top of the Stratosphere Tower, this theme park is not for those with a fear of heights.
TRphotos/Shutterstock
"All day unlimited ride pass for $36 gets you to the top and a chance to get on Insanity, Big Shot and X-Scream as many times as you want," — Foursquare user Vladimir Kovtun.
"The best kiddie park in New Hampshire hands down! Very friendly staff and extremely clean! Not one piece of trash seen on the ground. A+++" — Foursquare user Eric Gagne.
"Go to Great Adventure and see if you can keep your hands in the air during the entirety of the first drop on Nitro (which happens to be the best ride in the park!)" — Foursquare user Katie Baker.
"Great rides for kids. I thought this place was super old school and not that friendly, but I was wrong. Perfect day outing with kids," — Foursquare user Oz Lubling.
Carowinds goes beyond summer fun. The park offers events well into the fall season, including a pumpkin festival and a transformation into a haunted Halloween-themed park.
Carowinds/Facebook
"The rides are a thrill, the food is amazing, and the staff is friendly and courteous. If you want to have a great time at an amusement park, this is the place to go," — Foursquare user Kali Girl.
"Great place to take the family. Free parking, free admissions, free use of the picnic areas, and free entertainment at the grand stand. Rides are inexpensive and the food is fantastic," — Foursquare user Jason Percival.
"Great oceanfront amusement park with all the rides you would expect... Ferris wheel overlooking ocean and more... Just great for adults and kids alike!" — Foursquare user Rob Price.
Dolly Parton's theme park, Dollywood, is filled with coasters, food, and other attractions.
Dollywood/Facebook
"Had an awesome time with my family at Dollywood. Nice staff, great food, awesome rides and attractions. Totally worth it!" — Foursquare user Christina Bullock.
"If you love rollercoasters and beautifully themed parks, this is your place. This park makes you feel like you're in Europe indeed. It's breathtaking. Don't underestimate any of the rides," — Foursquare user Yuri Bello.
"A great place for families and kids of all ages on the banks of Green Bay. Tons of great rides and all for less than a dollar. Also home to the famous and historic Zippin Pippin roller coaster," — Foursquare user Tony Tandeski.
Madeline is a contributing visual features reporter at INSIDER and Business Insider.She graduated with degrees in creative writing and history from Bucknell University. She is originally from California but has lived on the East Coast for the past five years.You can follow her on Twitter @madgdiamond.
