Ready to wear your flip-flops and sunglasses for summertime in the US? Good news: you’ll have all of June to August (and maybe even a little bit of September) to enjoy the warm temperatures that are ideal for outdoor activities.
One of the best US summertime activities is visiting theme parks, as good ol’ Uncle Sam has an abundance of them. Whether you’re on the East or West coast, you’ll have plenty to choose from!
Visiting on a work trip? No sweat, there are also plenty of summer holidays to enjoy:
- Memorial Day (May 27)
- Independence Day (July 4)
- Labor Day (September 2)
If you’re headed to the US this summer, there’s no reason to miss out on a fun day at an amusement park with friends and family. Since there are so many to choose from, we’ll help you pick. Here are the best theme parks in the US to visit this summer:
Disneyland
- Walt Disney World Orlando
- Disneyland California
Universal Studios
- Universal Orlando Resort
- Universal Studios Hollywood
Seaworld
- Seaworld Orlando
- SeaWorld San Diego
Legoland Florida
- Legoland Florida
- Legoland Anaheim
- Legoland New York
Disneyland
1. Walt Disney World Orlando
Walt Disney World is so big that it’s made up of four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Credits: @perfectportraitart on Instagram
Florida is known for its sunshine, especially during summer in the US. It’s the perfect weather to go out and enjoy Walt Disney World Orlando, which is not only the Happiest Place on Earth but also the biggest theme park in the world! It’s home to four distinct theme parks with classic rides and new attractions, such as the musical boat ride It’s a Small World and the futuristic indoor coaster Space Mountain.
2. Disneyland California
Disneyland California has two distinct sections: Disneyland Park and the newer Disney California Adventure Park.
On the West Coast, specifically in Anaheim, California, lies the original Disneyland founded by Walt Disney himself. Although smaller than its Florida counterpart, Disneyland California is jam-packed with classic rides and nostalgia that will make summertime in the US worthwhile! You’ll also find a slew of new attractions at Disney California Adventure Park, including the Avengers Campus and the Incredibles-themed Incredicoaster.
Universal Studios
1. Universal Orlando Resort
At Universal Orlando, you can immerse yourself in the worlds of Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Transformers, and more!
Universal Orlando Resort is located in sunny Orlando, Florida, which is rightfully dubbed as the Theme Park Capital of the World. Universal is where your favourite film franchises come to life and you can experience their magic through various rides and attractions. Must-try rides include Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, an indoor roller coaster for the Potterheads, and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, where you can listen to tunes while going through exhilarating twists and turns.
2. Universal Studios Hollywood
If you’re a film buff, then a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood is essential!
If California is your US summertime destination, Universal Studios Hollywood is another great theme park to visit. This one is big on film sets and immersive experiences that make you feel like you’re part of the film. The park’s famous Studio Tour will take you to all the film sets in the lot, which ends with a ride on the Fast & Furious – Supercharged, a 3D immersive ride that takes you on a high-speed chase with the cast.
Can’t decide on whether to go to Universal Studios Hollywood or Orlando? We’ve done our homework and made a guide to help you pick:
Seaworld
1. Seaworld Orlando
Get up close and personal with the aquatic animals in SeaWorld.
SeaWorld Orlando offers the best of both worlds! Experience the fun of a theme park with thrilling water rides that make a splash (must-tries: Manta and Infinity Falls) and check out the collection of diverse wildlife: polar bears, sea turtles, Shamu and more!
2. SeaWorld San Diego
Both Orlando and San Diego have the Journey to Atlantis ride, a log flume/roller coaster hybrid that will get you wet!
You can get a similar experience on the West Coast of the US at SeaWorld San Diego in California. Like its Orlando sibling, SeaWorld San Diego also offers marine animal encounters and exciting rides. However, San Diego has attractions unique to its park such as the Electric Eel, the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the city.
Legoland Florida
1. Legoland Florida
Legoland Florida rides range from classic roller coasters to interactive adventures
Still in sunny Florida is LEGOLAND® Florida, home to 50 lego-theme rides, shows, and attractions for the whole family! One of the best rides in the park (not to mention the most technically advanced) includes Lego Movie Masters of Flight, an immersive movie experience/coaster based on the Lego Movie franchise. For a dash of thrill, you can go on Flying School, a suspended roller coaster where you can let your feet dangle in the air!
2. Legoland Anaheim
The LEGO Movie™ 4D A New Adventure is the California version of Lego Movie Masters of Flight
While Legoland California has 16 rides similar to its Orlando counterpart, you’ll be happy to know that when you’re in the Golden State you’ll still have 12 new rides to try! Enjoy the fairy tale boat ride (Fairy Tale Brook) and the helicopter ride (Sky Patrol) as well as LEGO Movie™ 4D A New Adventure, an immersive ride set in The Lego Movie.
3. Legoland New York
Legoland New York is the newest and biggest Lego-themed park in the US
Capping off our list of theme parks to check out during summertime in the US is Legoland New York. The 520-acre park is the biggest among the Legolands in the US as well as the newest, having opened in April 2022. Similar to Florida, it has 50 lego-theme rides, shows, and attractions but has its own set of rides you can only find in New York, like the gear-spun galleon Anchors Away and the self-drive boat ride Coast Guard Academy.
