America’s most thrilling theme parks beyond Disney

Travel, Travel Tips, World Roaming 9 Minutes

Slide 1 of 28: Disney's glittering theme parks draw the crowds year-round – but there are plenty more besides its fairy tale offerings. From huge sites dotted with hair-raising roller coasters to smaller family-owned affairs, the USA has no shortage of amusement parks. We've picked the best across the country to find out what's in store for the 2019 season. 

Head-spinning attractions around the USA

Disney’s glittering theme parks draw the crowds year-round – but there are plenty more besides its fairy tale offerings. From huge sites dotted with hair-raising roller coasters to smaller family-owned affairs, the USA has no shortage of amusement parks. We’ve picked the best across the country to find out what’s in store for the 2019 season.

Slide 2 of 28: Spreading itself over 110 eye-popping acres, Islands of Adventures is one of three theme parks at Universal's Orlando Resort (Universal Studios and Volcano Bay water park deserve a mention too). It's made up of themed "islands". There's a great section of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter on one, including Hogwarts Castle, a chance to board the Hogwarts Express, and from 13 June 2019, a new roller coaster, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. The Marvel Super Hero Island includes a stellar green roller coaster themed around the Incredible Hulk. 

Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Florida

Spreading itself over 110 eye-popping acres, Islands of Adventures is one of three theme parks at Universal’s Orlando Resort (Universal Studios and Volcano Bay water park deserve a mention too). It’s made up of themed “islands”. There’s a great section of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter on one, including Hogwarts Castle, a chance to board the Hogwarts Express, and from 13 June 2019, a new roller coaster, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. The Marvel Super Hero Island includes a stellar green roller coaster themed around the Incredible Hulk.

Slide 3 of 28: This park in Sandusky fancies itself as "the roller coaster capital of the world". It's not undeserving of its self-afforded moniker, either, with 18 tumbling roller coasters and 53 other rides. This year, the park gears up for the opening of Forbidden Frontier on Adventure Island which promises to be an interactive, live-action experience with mind-boggling challenges to test the whole family. There are plenty of spots to stay on site and nearby, including the cabins of Lighthouse Point campground.

Cedar Point, Ohio

This park in Sandusky fancies itself as “the roller coaster capital of the world”. It’s not undeserving of its self-afforded moniker, either, with 18 tumbling roller coasters and 53 other rides. This year, the park gears up for the opening of Forbidden Frontier on Adventure Island which promises to be an interactive, live-action experience with mind-boggling challenges to test the whole family. There are plenty of spots to stay on site and nearby, including the cabins of Lighthouse Point campground.

Slide 4 of 28: There are several stateside parks in the Six Flags portfolio, but this one edges above the rest for its sheer stock of hair-raising rides. There’s Viper, a spiraling coaster that rattles off at 70mph, and Twisted Colossus, a hybrid wood and steal coaster packed with twists and rolls. Those not possessed by the need for speed can take in one of the family-friendly shows. The park lies around an hour's drive from downtown Los Angeles.

 

Six Flags Magic Mountain, California

There are several stateside parks in the Six Flags portfolio, but this one edges above the rest for its sheer stock of hair-raising rides. There’s Viper, a spiraling coaster that rattles off at 70mph, and Twisted Colossus, a hybrid wood and steal coaster packed with twists and rolls. Those not possessed by the need for speed can take in one of the family-friendly shows. The park lies around an hour’s drive from downtown Los Angeles.
Slide 5 of 28: This park describes itself as “the sweetest place on Earth”. It began life as grounds for Hershey’s Chocolate Factory workers, and has now grown into a mammoth family park with heady roller coasters, gushing water rides and spirited shows. Highlights include The Shore, a 378,000-gallon wave pool, and the wooden, double-tracked Lightning Racer coaster, the first of its kind in the USA. If you want to make a weekend of it, you can stay on site at Hershey Lodge or The Hotel Hershey.

Hersheypark, Pennsylvania

This park describes itself as “the sweetest place on Earth”. It began life as grounds for Hershey’s Chocolate Factory workers, and has now grown into a mammoth family park with heady roller coasters, gushing water rides and spirited shows. Highlights include The Shore, a 378,000-gallon wave pool, and the wooden, double-tracked Lightning Racer coaster, the first of its kind in the USA. If you want to make a weekend of it, you can stay on site at Hershey Lodge or The Hotel Hershey.
Slide 6 of 28: This loud, proud park in the foothills of Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains is co-owned by country legend Dolly Parton. It has been in operation since 1986 and covers 150 acres, each one crammed with all manner of colorful rides and amusements. The Wild Eagle coaster is a highlight. Riders are strapped to the “wings” of seven steel eagles, soaring above the park at more than 200 feet (60m). New for 2019 is Wildwood Grove, with family-friendly rides and Hidden Hollow, an indoor playground. In true Parton style, the evening unfolds with musical shows and you can stay over in the Dollywood Resort.

Dollywood, Tennessee

This loud, proud park in the foothills of Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains is co-owned by country legend Dolly Parton. It has been in operation since 1986 and covers 150 acres, each one crammed with all manner of colorful rides and amusements. The Wild Eagle coaster is a highlight. Riders are strapped to the “wings” of seven steel eagles, soaring above the park at more than 200 feet (60m). New for 2019 is Wildwood Grove, with family-friendly rides and Hidden Hollow, an indoor playground. In true Parton style, the evening unfolds with musical shows and you can stay over in the Dollywood Resort.

Slide 7 of 28: A slew of wiggling, looping roller coasters dot this bold site in Charlotte. Fury 325 is the jewel in the park’s dizzying crown: the world’s tallest, fastest giga coaster, it soars to 325 feet (99m). The big draw for 2019 is Copperhead Strike, a mile-long steel ride that hurtles you from 0 to 42 mph in 2.5 seconds. When you're ready to relax Camp Wilderness Lodge, made up of little wooden cabins, is on the park’s doorstep.

Carowinds, North Carolina

A slew of wiggling, looping roller coasters dot this bold site in Charlotte. Fury 325 is the jewel in the park’s dizzying crown: the world’s tallest, fastest giga coaster, it soars to 325 feet (99m). The big draw for 2019 is Copperhead Strike, a mile-long steel ride that hurtles you from 0 to 42 mph in 2.5 seconds. When you’re ready to relax Camp Wilderness Lodge, made up of little wooden cabins, is on the park’s doorstep.

Slide 8 of 28: The whole clan is catered for at this park in Santa Claus, southwest Indiana. Those with a head for heights should brave the mighty arch of The Voyage, whose wooden track reaches 173 feet (52.7m) at its highest point. Visitors after a gentler ride can try HallowSwings, a "flying carousel" that circles passengers at 34 feet (10.3m) – this one's particularly pretty when lit up at night. The park recommends staying at Lake Rudolph Campground and RV Resort, less than a mile from the action.

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, Indiana

The whole clan is catered for at this park in Santa Claus, southwest Indiana. Those with a head for heights should brave the mighty arch of The Voyage, whose wooden track reaches 173 feet (52.7m) at its highest point. Visitors after a gentler ride can try HallowSwings, a “flying carousel” that circles passengers at 34 feet (10.3m) – this one’s particularly pretty when lit up at night. The park recommends staying at Lake Rudolph Campground and RV Resort, less than a mile from the action.
Slide 9 of 28: Another Six Flags offering, you’ll find this park a 20-minute drive away from downtown Dallas – the highlight is a clutch of dramatic superhero-themed rides. BATMAN: The Ride beats a pulse-quickening path over 2,700 feet, while CATWOMAN Whip is a giant wheel that tips its riders upside down as it spins. El Diablo is the latest offering for 2019, a looping coaster that will leave you hanging 100 feet (30m) in the air. Live entertainment includes a daily Looney Tunes dance party and karaoke for kids.

Six Flags Over Texas

Another Six Flags offering, you’ll find this park a 20-minute drive away from downtown Dallas – the highlight is a clutch of dramatic superhero-themed rides. BATMAN: The Ride beats a pulse-quickening path over 2,700 feet, while CATWOMAN Whip is a giant wheel that tips its riders upside down as it spins. El Diablo is the latest offering for 2019, a looping coaster that will leave you hanging 100 feet (30m) in the air. Live entertainment includes a daily Looney Tunes dance party and karaoke for kids.

Slide 10 of 28: Open through the summer months, this Louisville park includes a motley assortment of thrill and family rides, plus a decent-sized water park. Brave Cyclos, a huge pendulum-style ride that rotates 360 degrees, then get your breath back on the watery slides and rapids of Hurricane Bay. The new Kentucky Flyer is a family-friendly wooden coaster, reaching speeds of 35 mph, that opens in spring 2019. All-American comfort food is dished up at various spots throughout the site – try the Bayside Grill for juicy burgers. 

Kentucky Kingdom, Kentucky

Open through the summer months, this Louisville park includes a motley assortment of thrill and family rides, plus a decent-sized water park. Brave Cyclos, a huge pendulum-style ride that rotates 360 degrees, then get your breath back on the watery slides and rapids of Hurricane Bay. The new Kentucky Flyer is a family-friendly wooden coaster, reaching speeds of 35 mph, that opens in spring 2019. All-American comfort food is dished up at various spots throughout the site – try the Bayside Grill for juicy burgers.

Slide 11 of 28: This Colorado park serves up a hefty dose of adrenalin. Situated in the midst of the Rockies, the park makes the most of its mountaintop location. The Giant Canyon Swing dangles riders 1,300 feet (396m) over the Colorado River, while the Alpine Coaster sees individual cars clatter down a rocky slope. Once you’ve had your fill of thrills, you can explore the vast Glenwood Caverns or clamber up the on-site climbing wall. There are plenty of cozy spots to overnight in Glenwood Springs. Discover 14 more reasons to visit the Centennial State.

 

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, Colorado

This Colorado park serves up a hefty dose of adrenalin. Situated in the midst of the Rockies, the park makes the most of its mountaintop location. The Giant Canyon Swing dangles riders 1,300 feet (396m) over the Colorado River, while the Alpine Coaster sees individual cars clatter down a rocky slope. Once you’ve had your fill of thrills, you can explore the vast Glenwood Caverns or clamber up the on-site climbing wall. There are plenty of cozy spots to overnight in Glenwood Springs. Discover 14 more reasons to visit the Centennial State.

Slide 12 of 28: This site dates back to 1975 and has been growing its selection of rip-roaring rides ever since. Intimidator 305, a startling red and yellow coaster, stands head and shoulders above the rest, warranting its fearsome name. Twisted Timbers, with its undulating steel and wood track, joined the ranks in 2018. Events include Taste of Virginia, bringing the state's best produce and local makers to the park, and if you stay at Kings Dominion KOA campground, you'll save on your admission fee too.
 

Kings Dominion, Virginia

This site dates back to 1975 and has been growing its selection of rip-roaring rides ever since. Intimidator 305, a startling red and yellow coaster, stands head and shoulders above the rest, warranting its fearsome name. Twisted Timbers, with its undulating steel and wood track, joined the ranks in 2018. Events include Taste of Virginia, bringing the state’s best produce and local makers to the park, and if you stay at Kings Dominion KOA campground, you’ll save on your admission fee too.
Slide 13 of 28: There are more than 70 rides at this park in northern Idaho, whose closest city is lakeside Coeur d'Alene. One of the most pulse-quickening coasters is Tremors, with dramatic drops and a winding wooden track. Another is Spincycle, a circular ride that dizzies passengers as it revolves them full circle, legs dangling, arms in the air. Towering water slides such as Rumble Falls and Velocity Peak are highlights too, and Silverwood's RV Park, open May through to October, is right by the park.

 

Silverwood Theme Park, Idaho

There are more than 70 rides at this park in northern Idaho, whose closest city is lakeside Coeur d’Alene. One of the most pulse-quickening coasters is Tremors, with dramatic drops and a winding wooden track. Another is Spincycle, a circular ride that dizzies passengers as it revolves them full circle, legs dangling, arms in the air. Towering water slides such as Rumble Falls and Velocity Peak are highlights too, and Silverwood’s RV Park, open May through to October, is right by the park.
Slide 14 of 28: Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun sit side by side at this Kansas City park. There are rides galore, like Cyclone Sam, meant to emulate a storm, and Detonator, which drops riders from 150 feet (47m). Plus there’s Oceans of Fun, with twirling waterslides and a vast wave pool too. The park offers more than just adrenalin: from 13 July to 4 August, you can join street performers and floats as the Grand Carnivale wends its way around the site at 5pm each evening. 

Worlds of Fun, Missouri

Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun sit side by side at this Kansas City park. There are rides galore, like Cyclone Sam, meant to emulate a storm, and Detonator, which drops riders from 150 feet (47m). Plus there’s Oceans of Fun, with twirling waterslides and a vast wave pool too. The park offers more than just adrenalin: from 13 July to 4 August, you can join street performers and floats as the Grand Carnivale wends its way around the site at 5pm each evening.

Slide 15 of 28: The city of Green Bay is proud of Bay Beach, a pint-sized park close to Fox River, with 22 rides in total. The star is Zippin' Pippin', one of the oldest wooden roller coasters in the USA, dating back to the early 1900s. It was once housed in Libertyland, Memphis and was purportedly the favorite ride of rock 'n' roll legend Elvis Presley. If you're not keen to reach Zippin' Pippin's dizzying heights, there's some old-fashioned fun to be had on the park's big wheel. There's no admission fee, you just pay per ride. 

Bay Beach Amusement Park, Wisconsin

The city of Green Bay is proud of Bay Beach, a pint-sized park close to Fox River, with 22 rides in total. The star is Zippin’ Pippin’, one of the oldest wooden roller coasters in the USA, dating back to the early 1900s. It was once housed in Libertyland, Memphis and was purportedly the favorite ride of rock ‘n’ roll legend Elvis Presley. If you’re not keen to reach Zippin’ Pippin’s dizzying heights, there’s some old-fashioned fun to be had on the park’s big wheel. There’s no admission fee, you just pay per ride.

Slide 16 of 28: The latest ride to be built here was the aptly-named Delirious – lit up in neon by night, it's a great big circle with a 24-seat train scooting around its center. An already-established favorite is lofty Power Tower: riders are inched upwards, before free-falling a stomach-churning 250 feet (76.2m) from the tower's summit. Soak City, the on-site water park that's free with park admission, is a hit in summer, and you can find a comfortable hotel in the city of Shakopee where the park is based.  Discover the most terrifying attraction in every US state here. 

 

Valleyfair, Minnesota

The latest ride to be built here was the aptly-named Delirious – lit up in neon by night, it’s a great big circle with a 24-seat train scooting around its center. An already-established favorite is lofty Power Tower: riders are inched upwards, before free-falling a stomach-churning 250 feet (76.2m) from the tower’s summit. Soak City, the on-site water park that’s free with park admission, is a hit in summer, and you can find a comfortable hotel in the city of Shakopee where the park is based.

 

Slide 17 of 28: Kids take center stage at this park in Rossville. Lovingly nicknamed "Lake Winnie", it has a long history, first opening back in the 1920s – but years of modern updates mean it's still a well-loved spot. The Tour Train, which chugs its way around the park, is a perennial favorite, while old-school attractions like the bumper cars and a Ferris wheel remain. The Cannonball Roller-coaster has been sating thrill-seekers since 1967, while 2013 saw the addition of a sizable water park.

Lake Winnepesaukah, Georgia

Kids take center stage at this park in Rossville. Lovingly nicknamed “Lake Winnie”, it has a long history, first opening back in the 1920s – but years of modern updates mean it’s still a well-loved spot. The Tour Train, which chugs its way around the park, is a perennial favorite, while old-school attractions like the bumper cars and a Ferris wheel remain. The Cannonball Roller-coaster has been sating thrill-seekers since 1967, while 2013 saw the addition of a sizable water park.
Slide 18 of 28: This laid-back park in Denver is one of the nation’s prettiest, with its pastel-colored rides and lily-padded pond. A historic swinging carousel is at the site's center: it’s called the Turn of the Century and was moved here from France. The usual heart-pumping juggernauts stud the park, too, from seven-story Brain Drain to the mighty loop that is Sidewinder, each affording fleeting views over the city. New this year is dark ride Meow Wolf’s Kaleidoscape, with an arty theme. 

Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park, Colorado

This laid-back park in Denver is one of the nation’s prettiest, with its pastel-colored rides and lily-padded pond. A historic swinging carousel is at the site’s center: it’s called the Turn of the Century and was moved here from France. The usual heart-pumping juggernauts stud the park, too, from seven-story Brain Drain to the mighty loop that is Sidewinder, each affording fleeting views over the city. New this year is dark ride Meow Wolf’s Kaleidoscape, with an arty theme.

Slide 19 of 28: The vivid green tracks of The Monster dominate this Altoona park – it's the newest roller coaster here, whisking passengers along its course at more than 60mph. There's often a line for Dragon too, which rises in two massive loops. Once you've fueled your adrenalin, take refuge in the Alpine Games Area where there's a host of family-friendly activities. The resort includes a hotel and campground if you want to spend longer than an afternoon here.

Adventureland Resort, Iowa

The vivid green tracks of The Monster dominate this Altoona park – it’s the newest roller coaster here, whisking passengers along its course at more than 60mph. There’s often a line for Dragon too, which rises in two massive loops. Once you’ve fueled your adrenalin, take refuge in the Alpine Games Area where there’s a host of family-friendly activities. The resort includes a hotel and campground if you want to spend longer than an afternoon here.
Slide 20 of 28: This Wild-West themed park in Oklahoma City opened in 1958 and was a replica frontier town, with a saloon, a bank and some western stores. Today it's a colorful park rivaling the States' biggest players when it comes to thrills and amusements. The biggest ride of the bunch is Wildcat: a back-to-basics wooden roller coaster with plenty of stomach-dropping peaks and troughs.

 

Frontier City, Oklahoma

This Wild-West themed park in Oklahoma City opened in 1958 and was a replica frontier town, with a saloon, a bank and some western stores. Today it’s a colorful park rivaling the States’ biggest players when it comes to thrills and amusements. The biggest ride of the bunch is Wildcat: a back-to-basics wooden roller coaster with plenty of stomach-dropping peaks and troughs.
Slide 21 of 28: This pocket-sized park in Portland features over 20 rides, including Adrenaline Peak, the park's latest addition. The new roller coaster's pink and purple track includes a beyond-vertical drop and a head-spinning corkscrew. It joins Scream'n Eagle: a popular ride with a gigantic arm that swings back and forth. You'll also find one of the biggest roller-skating rinks in the USA and a riverside miniature golf course here.

Oaks Amusement Park, Oregon

This pocket-sized park in Portland features over 20 rides, including Adrenaline Peak, the park’s latest addition. The new roller coaster’s pink and purple track includes a beyond-vertical drop and a head-spinning corkscrew. It joins Scream’n Eagle: a popular ride with a gigantic arm that swings back and forth. You’ll also find one of the biggest roller-skating rinks in the USA and a riverside miniature golf course here.
Slide 22 of 28: This Hot Springs Park is a truly family-friendly affair, with initiatives such as "Cooler Sundays", encouraging visitors to bring a picnic to the park from May to September. Book ahead for the movie-themed events in July 2019 showcasing Captain Marvel and How to Train Your Dragon. And beyond the usual collection of thrill rides, there's a brilliant water park, home to large slides like the Rapid Falls Raceway and the Seven Falls Slide Tower.

 

Magic Springs & Crystal Falls, Arkansas

This Hot Springs Park is a truly family-friendly affair, with initiatives such as “Cooler Sundays”, encouraging visitors to bring a picnic to the park from May to September. Book ahead for the movie-themed events in July 2019 showcasing Captain Marvel and How to Train Your Dragon. And beyond the usual collection of thrill rides, there’s a brilliant water park, home to large slides like the Rapid Falls Raceway and the Seven Falls Slide Tower.
Slide 23 of 28: Entry to this family-owned park in Elysburg is completely free, so it's a great bet if you're on a budget. Impulse, with its bold blue and yellow track, is the most striking ride, while Scenic Skyway takes passengers up and over the park on a chairlift ride to a nearby mountaintop. The Crystal Pool (here before the rides built up around it) remains a favored place for a dip, while 18-hole Knoebels Golf Course is nearby too. Knoebels Campground is the ideal place to crash after a busy day.

Knoebels Amusement Resort, Pennsylvania

Entry to this family-owned park in Elysburg is completely free, so it’s a great bet if you’re on a budget. Impulse, with its bold blue and yellow track, is the most striking ride, while Scenic Skyway takes passengers up and over the park on a chairlift ride to a nearby mountaintop. The Crystal Pool (here before the rides built up around it) remains a favored place for a dip, while 18-hole Knoebels Golf Course is nearby too. Knoebels Campground is the ideal place to crash after a busy day.
Slide 24 of 28: Adventuredome is tucked inside the lavish Circus Circus hotel in Las Vegas. It's spread over five acres and daredevils can rock climb, bungee jump or hop onto one of the indoor roller coasters here. Canyon Blaster, which speeds off at more than 55 mph, includes the world's only indoor double loop. There are also hi-tech attractions such as the Ice Age 4D ride and a stimulating laser challenge – the latter involves breaking as few beams as possible in a quest to escape.

 

Adventuredome, Nevada

Adventuredome is tucked inside the lavish Circus Circus hotel in Las Vegas. It’s spread over five acres and daredevils can rock climb, bungee jump or hop onto one of the indoor roller coasters here. Canyon Blaster, which speeds off at more than 55 mph, includes the world’s only indoor double loop. There are also hi-tech attractions such as the Ice Age 4D ride and a stimulating laser challenge – the latter involves breaking as few beams as possible in a quest to escape.
Slide 25 of 28: Funtown visitors should make straight for Excalibur, an enormous wooden roller coaster that towers over this Saco park. Splashtown is worth exploring too: you can plunge down the colossal Corkscrew slide or slip through the winding green tubes of Triton's Twist. For younger family members, there's Cactus Canyon, on which kids can sail a lazy river in their own little boat. You could set up camp in Portland, Maine or even make the 90-minute trip from Boston.

 

Funtown Splashtown, Maine

Funtown visitors should make straight for Excalibur, an enormous wooden roller coaster that towers over this Saco park. Splashtown is worth exploring too: you can plunge down the colossal Corkscrew slide or slip through the winding green tubes of Triton’s Twist. For younger family members, there’s Cactus Canyon, on which kids can sail a lazy river in their own little boat. You could set up camp in Portland, Maine or even make the 90-minute trip from Boston.

Slide 26 of 28: Hangtime, the first dive coaster in California, opened last year, but we think the curling course of Montezooma’s Revenge remains this park's biggest thrill, reaching speeds of 50 mph in less than three seconds. Visit during Knott's Boysenberry Festival in spring for live music, craft brews and a chance to sample the tasty berries that gave the park its name. The site is in Buena Park and you can lodge at Knott's Berry Farm Hotel, which has adorable Snoopy-themed rooms.  Now take a look at these eerie abandoned theme parks around the USA

 

Knott’s Berry Farm, California

Hangtime, the first dive coaster in California, opened last year, but we think the curling course of Montezooma’s Revenge remains this park’s biggest thrill, reaching speeds of 50 mph in less than three seconds. Visit during Knott’s Boysenberry Festival in spring for live music, craft brews and a chance to sample the tasty berries that gave the park its name. The site is in Buena Park and you can lodge at Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel, which has adorable Snoopy-themed rooms.

 

Slide 27 of 28: Nostalgic Pioneer Village is a unique attraction at this Farmington amusement park – it includes a replica schoolhouse, smokehouse and a town hall from the late 1800s. Lagoon A Beach is another top spot, brimming with rapids, lazy rivers and water slides twisting in every direction. Giant roller coasters Colossus: The Fire Dragon and Cannibal are both white-knuckle rides, the latter surpassing 200 feet (60m), and you can bed down at Lagoon’s RV Park and Campground.  Discover the world's most jaw-dropping roller coasters

Lagoon, Utah

Nostalgic Pioneer Village is a unique attraction at this Farmington amusement park – it includes a replica schoolhouse, smokehouse and a town hall from the late 1800s. Lagoon A Beach is another top spot, brimming with rapids, lazy rivers and water slides twisting in every direction. Giant roller coasters Colossus: The Fire Dragon and Cannibal are both white-knuckle rides, the latter surpassing 200 feet (60m), and you can bed down at Lagoon’s RV Park and Campground.

 

Slide 28 of 28: This Coney Island playground doesn’t apologize for its kitschness. There are 29 rides here, from the legendary Coney Island Cyclone which hurtles passengers over 2,640 feet (804m) of track, to Luna 360, which offers sweeping views across the beach and boardwalk as it swings 360 degrees. New for 2019 is a zip-lining course with four routes for all ages and abilities. Beyond the rides, there are plenty of traditional fairground and arcade games ("Whac a mole" and "Grab a Duck" to name a few), plus some gloriously gaudy souvenir shops. Planning a visit to the Big Apple? Check out what else to see with our guide. 

 

Luna Park, Coney Island, New York

This Coney Island playground doesn’t apologize for its kitschness. There are 29 rides here, from the legendary Coney Island Cyclone which hurtles passengers over 2,640 feet (804m) of track, to Luna 360, which offers sweeping views across the beach and boardwalk as it swings 360 degrees. New for 2019 is a zip-lining course with four routes for all ages and abilities. Beyond the rides, there are plenty of traditional fairground and arcade games (“Whac a mole” and “Grab a Duck” to name a few), plus some gloriously gaudy souvenir shops. Planning a visit to the Big Apple? Check out what else to see with our guide.

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