18 Thrilling Theme Parks to Explore Outside Disney

When it comes to theme parks in the United States, Disney may dominate the headlines, but there’s a whole world of excitement beyond Mickey Mouse. From record-breaking roller coasters to immersive themed lands and family-friendly attractions, many parks offer unique experiences that rival the magic of Disney. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker chasing adrenaline or a family looking for fun, these parks provide something for everyone.

With great destinations spread across the country, each park offers its own special brand of entertainment, from cinematic worlds to historical themes and holiday celebrations. Get ready to explore 18 of the best theme parks in the U.S. that aren’t owned by Disney, each filled with unforgettable adventures!

Universal Studios Hollywood combines the thrill of a theme park with the glamour of a working movie studio. The park’s iconic Studio Tour offers guests a behind-the-scenes look at famous movie sets, with thrilling encounters like King Kong 360 3-D and Fast & Furious – Supercharged. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter brings the magic of Hogwarts to life, while Jurassic World – The Ride offers a heart-pounding adventure with realistic dinosaurs. Its proximity to the heart of Hollywood also makes it a must-visit for film buffs and thrill-seekers alike.

Universal Orlando Resort is home to two extraordinary theme parks: Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, plus the Volcano Bay water park. Guests can immerse themselves in detailed lands such as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where they can ride the Hogwarts Express between Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Islands of Adventure is also home to thrilling coasters like the Incredible Hulk and the brand-new Jurassic World VelociCoaster. The resort’s attention to cinematic storytelling and thrilling rides makes it a top competitor to Disney World in Florida.

Located just north of Los Angeles, Six Flags Magic Mountain is known for its massive collection of roller coasters, including record-breakers like Twisted Colossus and X2. With over 20 coasters, this park is a dream destination for adrenaline junkies. It also offers a wide variety of family-friendly attractions, live shows, and seasonal events like Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park. Six Flags Magic Mountain consistently delivers high-energy thrills in a beautiful Southern California setting.

Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, proudly claims the title of “Roller Coaster Capital of the World.” With 17 roller coasters, including the world-renowned Steel Vengeance and Millennium Force, it’s a paradise for thrill-seekers. The park sits on a scenic peninsula along Lake Erie, offering breathtaking views alongside its heart-stopping rides. In addition to coasters, Cedar Point features a water park, live entertainment, and a charming beach, making it a top vacation destination in the Midwest.

Nestled in the Smoky Mountains, Dollywood offers a unique blend of thrilling rides, Southern culture, and live music performances, all under the watchful eye of country music icon Dolly Parton. The park’s standout attraction, Lightning Rod, is the world’s fastest wooden coaster, offering exhilarating drops and speeds. Dollywood also embraces the local culture with artisan demonstrations, traditional Southern cuisine, and festive seasonal events like Smoky Mountain Christmas. Its picturesque setting and charming atmosphere make it a must-visit for families and music lovers.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay masterfully combines the excitement of a theme park with the wonder of a zoo. Visitors can experience heart-stopping rides like SheiKra, a floorless dive coaster, and Cheetah Hunt, a thrilling launch coaster that mimics the speed of its namesake. The park also features an expansive Serengeti Plain, where guests can take a safari to see giraffes, zebras, and more. With its thrilling rides and focus on wildlife conservation, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers something for everyone.

Knott’s Berry Farm is California’s original theme park, offering a charming blend of old-fashioned fun and modern thrills. Its Western-themed Ghost Town immerses visitors in the wild frontier, while rides like GhostRider and Silver Bullet provide high-speed excitement. The park is also home to the beloved Peanuts characters, making it a great destination for families with young children. With live entertainment, delicious food (especially the famous boysenberry treats), and thrilling coasters, Knott’s offers a unique slice of Americana.

Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri, transports guests to the 1880s with its rich atmosphere, artisan shops, and old-timey charm. The park is known for its exceptional craft demonstrations, from blacksmithing to glassblowing, making it both educational and entertaining. Thrill-seekers can ride Time Traveler, the world’s fastest, steepest, and tallest spinning coaster, or explore Marvel Cave, a natural wonder that lies beneath the park. With its unique blend of history and adventure, Silver Dollar City is a standout in the Midwest.

Hersheypark is a sweet destination in more ways than one, offering a theme park experience infused with chocolatey goodness. Located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, this park features a range of coasters, from the intense Skyrush to the family-friendly Cocoa Cruiser. Hersheypark also includes a water park and ZooAmerica, a small zoo showcasing North American wildlife. As an added treat, visitors can explore Hershey’s Chocolate World for a behind-the-scenes look at how their favorite candies are made.

SeaWorld Orlando combines marine life experiences with thrilling rides to create a one-of-a-kind adventure for visitors of all ages. The park’s roller coasters, like Mako and Kraken, provide high-speed thrills, while interactive animal exhibits and live shows educate guests about marine conservation. The popular Dolphin Days and Orca Encounter shows offer the opportunity to see these intelligent creatures in action. With a mix of entertainment, education, and adrenaline, SeaWorld Orlando remains a beloved destination in Florida.

SeaWorld San Diego offers a marine-themed adventure on the West Coast, with a focus on both education and thrills. The park’s roller coasters, including Electric Eel and Emperor, deliver excitement, while its marine life exhibits showcase dolphins, sea lions, and sharks. Guests can interact with animals through experiences like touch pools and behind-the-scenes tours, enhancing their appreciation for marine conservation. Located in sunny San Diego, this park is a great blend of outdoor fun and educational exploration.

Carowinds sits right on the border of North and South Carolina, offering a blend of thrilling coasters and family-friendly attractions. The park’s signature ride, Fury 325, is one of the tallest and fastest roller coasters in the world, drawing thrill-seekers from far and wide. In addition to its extensive ride lineup, Carowinds features a seasonal water park, Carolina Harbor, and special events like SCarowinds during Halloween. With a mix of high-speed thrills and laid-back charm, Carowinds appeals to all ages.

Six Flags Great America, located near Chicago, offers an array of roller coasters, including the hypercoaster Raging Bull and the wooden-steel hybrid Goliath. The park also boasts themed areas like DC Universe, where guests can enjoy superhero-inspired attractions like Batman: The Ride and Justice League: Battle for Metropolis. For water enthusiasts, Hurricane Harbor water park provides a refreshing escape in the summer months. With a mix of high-octane thrills and family-friendly options, this park has something for everyone.

LEGOLAND California is a family-friendly park located in Carlsbad, featuring rides and attractions built around the iconic LEGO bricks. From mini-lands depicting famous cities in LEGO form to interactive rides like NINJAGO The Ride, the park caters to younger audiences but offers fun for all ages. It also includes a water park and SEA LIFE Aquarium, adding variety to the park’s attractions. With its imaginative designs and engaging experiences, LEGOLAND is a perfect day out for LEGO fans.

LEGOLAND Florida, located in Winter Haven, is a colorful and creative playground designed especially for families with young children. The park features themed areas such as LEGO Kingdoms, Miniland USA, and Pirate’s Cove, with plenty of interactive attractions to engage kids. The adjacent LEGOLAND Water Park provides additional fun with water slides, wave pools, and build-your-own-raft adventures. With its focus on creativity, imagination, and family fun, LEGOLAND Florida is an ideal destination for younger visitors.

Lake Compounce in Bristol, Connecticut, is the oldest continuously operating amusement park in the U.S., offering a mix of classic and modern attractions. Boulder Dash, a wooden coaster that runs along the mountainside, is a fan favorite and consistently ranks among the best wooden coasters in the world. The park also features a water park, Crocodile Cove, and traditional carnival-style rides. Its blend of history, scenic views, and family fun make Lake Compounce a timeless destination in the Northeast.

Dorney Park in Allentown, Pennsylvania, offers an exciting blend of roller coasters, water rides, and family-friendly attractions. Steel Force, the park’s signature hypercoaster, provides breathtaking drops and high-speed thrills, while Hydra adds a unique floorless coaster experience. The adjacent Wildwater Kingdom water park is perfect for cooling off in the summer with a variety of water slides and wave pools. Dorney Park’s mix of dry and water attractions makes it a well-rounded destination for thrill-seekers and families alike.

Located in San Antonio, Six Flags Fiesta Texas is known for its thrilling roller coasters, including Superman Krypton Coaster and the hybrid coaster Iron Rattler. The park’s setting in a former limestone quarry provides stunning views and natural scenery that enhance the ride experience. In addition to its coasters, the park features White Water Bay, a water park with slides and a lazy river, perfect for cooling off in the Texas heat. Fiesta Texas also offers year-round events, including Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park, adding to its appeal.