Destinations: Orlando, Paris, Tokyo, Los Angeles, San Diego
Activities: Arts and Entertainment, Eat, Sightseeing, Sleep
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.
Sometimes it's the kids who need coaxing onto the coasters. Here's how one mom got her son over his roller coaster fears.
For families on a budget, amusement and water parks offer low-cost thrills and new attractions, often close to home.
On your next family vacation, test your fear and keep your cool on thrilling new coasters and giant water slides across the country.
Make sure your kids have fun but stay safe during your amusement and water park adventures.
Cool off with your kids at wet and wild family water parks across the United States.
Anaheim is the town that Mickey Mouse built. But the popular family vacation destination has more to offer than ever before.
Learn how to navigate Disneyland like a pro with tips from our expert who’s visited the Magic Kingdom nearly 100 times.
Find popular kids activities for your next Atlanta family vacation, from the best parks to visit, treetop ropes courses and tasting 70 different kinds of Coke from around the world.
Swim with dolphins, take a dip at a pool casino and gaze at aquariums in your hotel room at this Bahamas mega resort.
Beijing sights offer cultural insights from old to new, from historical sites to futuristic Olympics venues.
Tens of thousands of twinkling lights and a plethora of festive shows make Branson a top destination for the holidays.
Slashed gate prices and online specials help families save big bucks at amusement parks this summer.
Old-school kiddie parks offer a bit of history at a bargain price.
Take a family vacation road trip to these New England destinations that are kid-friendly and affordable.
Maximize your visit to these theme parks that on your Southern California vacation to see elaborate Lego creations, including an 11-foot-long submarine.
London’s great, but why not experience the rest of England—even if only for a day.
A family vacation at the Mouse’s House doesn’t come cheap. Read how our writer saved her family some Disney dollars.
Learn when to visit, how to beat the lines, catch the best rides and keep all family members happy during your Disney World family vacation.
Tips on how to enjoy a visit to the world’s theme park capital and explore local favorites outside the parks.
Orlando’s many rollers coasters are teen favorites. Which are best? Let our local teen guide give you the inside scoop.
Underwater views of hippos, playing in giant bubbles and a simulated space capsule are just a few of the family attractions in San Antonio.
This Southern California destination remains a family favorite, but cool new hotels and restaurants make it an appealing playground for adults too.
To escape the city, locals and tourists alike head to this manmade resort area for beach fun, dining and Singapore family attractions.
Go on a Serengeti Safari and play tiger tug-of-war at Busch Gardens and Jungala.
Immerse yourself in everything chocolate in Hershey, Pa, from a chocolate fondue wrap to chocolate martinis to a chocolate museum. There are new rides at Hersheypark too.
Williamsburg theme park passes and hotel discount package, free Orlando and San Francisco hotel gas card offers, Bahamas Wyndham Nassau resort discount.
Wind your way through elaborate cornfield mazes across the United States and even the world for an exciting, and often corny, outdoor adventure.
This week's specials range from an Orlando single-parent family deal to a package for the Beijing Olympics.
A fire that destroyed several Universal Studios sets won’t hinder theme park visitors.
Retrace U.S. colonial history on your next vacation to Williamsburg, Virginia.
Circus World and Ringlingville keep the circus tradition alive and well in Baraboo, Wis.
From wild amusement park rides to mellow nature hikes, the Wisconsin Dells has it all.
Slip and slide your way to the Water Park Capital of the World for a vacation full of action-packed entertainment.
A mom who’s visited Disney 54 times explains how the ever-daunting Disney World vacation can actually be a walk-in-the-park.
Both Frommer’s and DK Eyewitness Travel guides give you the lowdown on navigating Walt Disney World with kids, as well as touting the charms of nearby Orlando.
Every parent knows they must plan a family vacation to this theme park mecca at some point. Our latest issue tells you how.
