Let your Steam off in these 10 Awesome Amusement Parks (not just for kids)

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Family vacations are not complete without side trips to amusement parks. Road trips are even boring without this kind of stop over to look forward to. For many adults, the first thing that comes to mind when amusement parks are discussed is the long hours of making sure your child doesn't get lost in a sea of people.

That and the heat, the long queue and the expensive food sold inside the premises.

For many adults, the first thing that comes to mind when amusement parks are discussed is the long hours of making sure your child doesn't get lost in a sea of people. That and the heat, the long queue, the expensive food sold inside the premises and the thought of how most of the rides are for kids.

Whereas for the kids, it's a day of wild extreme and unadulterated fun regardless of the heat, the crowd and the long lines.

I'm sure many of us are aware that amusement parks, depending on which one, can be enjoyable and age appropriate for both kids and adults. I am also certain that some places have already popped up in your mind. Most of them are in the USA, right?

Well, let's run down the list, shall we?

LEGOLAND

[caption id="attachment_7546" align="alignnone" width="600"] Legoland[/caption]

Carlsbad, California

Every kid has gone through a Lego loving phase and what better way to enjoy a vacation than actually to be in Legoland for a day? This theme park decorated with bricks of Lego, Lego characters, and fun-packed activities is one even a parent who hates stepping on Lego pieces would thoroughly enjoy. Stretching out to ten themed areas, Legoland is a must-see park. For a day pass rate of $107 (adult) and $101 (kids), you get to enjoy Legoland California, Sea Life, and Water Park. Annual passes are also for sale ranging from $159-$279. Check out Legoland for more info.

Disneyland Park

[caption id="attachment_7548" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Disneyland[/caption]

Anaheim, California

Enter the magical world of your favorite Disney films for as low as $95 per day. We're not unfamiliar to the enchanting world of Disney through its films, and they brought this magic to life where kids and adults experience them firsthand. Filled with Disney movie themed locations and 60 rides, Disneyland is one of the most visited amusement parks in the world. Needless to say, it is worth the money with different activities any age group can choose from - entertainment, attractions, tours and dining. This is truly a vacation every kid and every kid inside the adult dreams of.

Universal's Islands of Adventure

[caption id="attachment_7550" align="aligncenter" width="810"] UniversalOrlando[/caption]

Orlando, Florida

Much like Walt Disney studios, Universal Pictures have also brought decades of good movies for our kids. One of their greatest works is the Harry Potter series which amassed millions of sales around the world for every franchise.

Of course, Universal Studios took advantage of its undying popularity even after the series ended and created The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This specifically themed area of one of the biggest amusement parks in the world is equipped with anything you would find in Harry Potter's real world. From butterbeer at The Three Broomstick's to wand shopping at Ollivander's to a leisurely stroll through Diagon Alley, you name it, they have it.

And let's face it, our kids aren't the only ones who became HP Fanatics. :) But don't be secluded in one area, check out Jurrasic Park and Seuss' Landing, too!

Walt Disney World

[caption id="attachment_7551" align="alignnone" width="640"] Orlando-Florida[/caption]

Orlando, Florida

Yet another huge Disney location, Disney World does not fall short of amazing. Centered to aim for a wonderful magical experience, Disney World has taken to technology to cut the waiting time by introducing FastPass+. Starting $101/day admission pass, enjoy more than three dozen rides and attractions, Magical Kingdom, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach to your hearts content. Many have said and proven that one day at this park isn't enough. Book your week long vacation and stay at Disney World Resort to make the most out of this magical experience.

Universal Studios

[caption id="attachment_7552" align="alignnone" width="961"] UniversalStudios[/caption]

Hollywood, California

Regardless of what age group you belong to, you'll love this place. Only one of the millions of amusement parks where you get to see a live film shooting as if you're watching from a VIP box. Get up close and personal with movie sets, see movie stars (if you're lucky) and indulge on the numerous different attractions. Did I mention The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is also opened in this park? If I have not, then yes, it is open for all you wizard wannabes. Plus, take a ride on the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride and Transformers: The Ride for the price of $95-$115 for a day pass admission.

Six Flags - Magic Mountian & Hurricane Harbor

[caption id="attachment_7554" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Yelp[/caption]

Los Angeles, California

While Six Flags is known world-wide for it's fierce and scream-inducing rides, they're still very child and family friendly. They have great family rides like the Roaring Rapids, Buccaneer, Cyclone 500 among the numerous other family rides. And of course, they did not neglect the kid population by featuring Grand American Carousel, Pepe Le Pew's Tea Party, Magic Flyer, The Looney Tunes Lounge and much more. The entire family would also enjoy Hurricane Harbor which is Six Flag's Magic Mountain's neighboring water park. Who wouldn't love slides and lots of H2O fun, right?

Hersheypark

[caption id="attachment_7555" align="alignnone" width="640"] HersheyPark[/caption]

Hershey, Pennsylvania

The name itself is guaranteed to give you a sweet heck of a time on their grounds. Located in Pennsylvania, the chocolatey world of Hershey's and their other candy creations are packed in a park filled with varied attractions such as the Hershey's Chocolate World where your kids will learn about chocolate through their Chocolate Tour, make their own candy bars and get their own chocolate tasting experience.

Hersheypark also has thrilling rides for kids and a water park any age group would enjoy. Oh, they also sell all of your favorite candy bars all over the park. At $62.95 for a 1-day Admission Pass this summer, you're sure to get your money's worth and a day filled with sweet fun

Diggerland

[caption id="attachment_7556" align="alignnone" width="640"] Diggerland[/caption]

West Berlin, New Jersey

Diggerland USA makes childhood dreams into a reality, especially for kids who are fascinated with heavy machinery. True to its name, Diggerland gives children and families the chance to ride, operate and drive REAL machinery. Comprised of over 335 attractions, Diggerland has made sure their attractions, which are mostly real diesel powered machines, have undergone advanced engineering modifications to make them public friendly and safe. This family owned and operated business sits on a 14 acre land in West Berlin, New Jersey. And, for only $36.95, you get to get down and rugged for an entire day.

Story Land

[caption id="attachment_7557" align="alignnone" width="640"] Storyland[/caption]

Glen, New Hampshire

A place where fairytale is the reality, Story Land is a perfect fit for your young dreamers. Story Land is comprised of dozens of rides and attractions that seemed to be taken right out of our favorite story books and brought to life. Opened in 1954, same year Disneyland was opened, Story Land has been in business for decades and still brings new and exciting things to their patrons whether young or old. At $32.99 a day, Story Land will give you your money's worth and so much more. Make precious memories that count a lifetime!

Cedar Point

[caption id="attachment_7559" align="alignnone" width="940"] CedarPoint[/caption]

Sandusky, Ohio

Known as the roller coaster capital of the world with 18 world class roller coasters in their premise. But this doesn't sound promising when you have a bunch of 5-year olds, right? Well, Cedar Point has three kids areas equipped with right-sized rides to choose from like the Snoopy Bounce, Red Baron, Mustangs, etc.

Of course, a park like this will not be rated as one of the best amusement parks in the US if it doesn't have a water park. Yes, go ahead soak up some sun and much needed water break in their Soak City Waterpark. Get into Cedar Point for as low as $47.99 for a day pass.

For those planning their family vacations, there you have it, folks.

Start mapping out your destinations and see if you have time to spend a day or two in any of these awesome places. You'll love it, your kids will enjoy and they will love you for it. Most of these places help you save some money if you book online ahead of time so might want to look into it.

If you've been to any of the places mentioned in this post, we're pretty sure you'll recommend them as well.

If you've never been, well, you better put this on your bucket list.

Happy vacation! Got any thoughts on this post? Leave a comment below!

Original article source: Let your Steam off in these 10 Awesome Amusement Parks (not just for kids)