If you're planning a family vacation, check
out one of these aquariums, zoos or amusement parks. With locations all
across the country, there's no need to travel very far for the perfect
getaway. From roller coasters in Ohio to wildlife bike trails in
Arizona, it's easy to find just the right park for your family.
Amusement Parks
Busch Gardens- Williamsburg, VAKnown for its appearance as much as its rides, Busch Gardens offers the beauty of internationally themed landscaping and architecture throughout the park. This amusement park also boasts the world's tallest dive roller coaster. Make Busch Gardens the next stop on your vacation for a trip filled with as much site seeing as attraction riding.
Disneyland & Disney World- Anaheim, CA & Orlando, FL
Disney is well known for its theme parks in Anaheim, CA and Orlando, FL, making Disneyland and Disney World a must-stop destination for every family. Including rides for all ages, these parks offer the fun and excitement of traditional theme parks, with the classic Disney touch. Meet characters, experience story themed rides and enjoy the nightly fireworks show and parades. While the two parks do offer unique rides, both share themes and rides to offer a similar experience on each coast.
Six Flags Great America- Gurnee, IL
For more extreme thrill seekers, Six Flags amusement parks offer a wide variety of intensely fast and high roller coasters. With many movie themed rides, adults and children alike are sure to enjoy the many attractions based on popular heroes, villains and cartoons. Great America offers over 70 rides, and an adjacent water park.
Legoland- Carlsbad, CA
Located in Carlsbad, CA, Legoland is a one-of-a-kind theme park designed around the popular kids' toys. Including over 50 rides and attractions, this theme park is perfect for families who are looking for a change in the traditional amusement park. Also, rides tend to be less frightening than other parks, making it a good destination for families with younger children.
Cedar Point- Sandusky, OH
With the most rides and attractions of any amusement park in the world, this massive 300 plus acre park offers 75 rides and a water park. With some of the tallest and fastest roller coasters in the world, Cedar Point is the perfect destination for anyone with a serious thrill streak. Also enjoy several shows and attractions for a calmer day at the park.
Universal Studios- Orlando, FL
Offering a retail shopping area, restaurants and a variety of shows and attractions, Universal Studios offers more than the standard amusement park rides. Also based on popular movies and TV shows, these attractions are designed to engage park goers of all ages. The Orlando location is also split into two separate parks, encompassed in their resort.
Zoos And Aquariums
Columbus Zoo And Aquarium- Columbus, OHIncluding 7,000 animals on display, this world-renowned zoo also features a waterpark, aquarium and golf resort. Open since 1927, the Columbus zoo has garnered attention for its large collection of animals, and many attractions, making it a good destination for families looking to see more than the average zoo can offer.
Monterey Bay Aquarium- Monterrey Bay, CA
Offering 200 exhibits, this large aquarium features over 30,000 animals and plants to view, and sometimes touch. A special hands-on area offers younger children a chance to interact with displays, and the aquarium offers a bat ray petting pool along with three other touch pools. Located at the beach, the aquarium is frequently host to aquatic studies, and thrives on interactive displays and attractions.
Phoenix Zoo- Phoenix, AZ
Setting itself apart from other zoos, the Phoenix zoo offers a large, spacious set up, and allows guests to bike ride or roller blade through the park. Featuring over 1,200 animals, there is plenty to see and do across approximately 125 acres. With regionally themed areas, visit the Phoenix zoo for a glimpse at some of North America, Africa and the tropics' best animals.