Amusement Parks

Amusement parks offer a collection of rides and attractions to amuse or entertain. Unlike fairs and carnivals, they do not travel. People travel to them. For example, Coney Island, an early trolley park, was built in the 19th century by a trolley-car operator to encourage riders to go to the end of the line. They went in droves.

During the boom years following World War II, kiddie parks started gaining in popularity and currently are experiencing a retro resurgence. These parks typically have maximum age and height limitations, in order to cater to youngsters.

Lovers of coasters know Sandusky, Ohio, home to 17 coasters—a world record—but everyone knows Disneyland, which launched an institution. Disney parks can now be found around the globe, from Paris to Hong Kong. Walt Disney also was the first to organize his amusement park around a theme, an enduring trend. From SeaWorld Orlando to Universal Studios and Legoland to Dollywood, today’s choices for kids seem endless.