Top 10 Theme Parks And Amusement Parks In Anaheim, California

theme parks in anaheim
Anne
Anne 
Updated
| 4 min read

Anaheim in California is well-known for Disneyland, along with the Richard M. Nixon Library. However, California’s 10th largest city is also renowned for a number of other facts. Fans of Gwen Stefani will be thrilled to know the singer was born in Anaheim and formed a ‘No Doubt’ rock band here. Those who enjoy eating Boysenberries should note that it was Rudolph Boysen, a resident of the city, who created the delicious hybrid of a Pacific blackberry and raspberry. The fascinating Crystal Cathedral in Anaheim was designed by Dr. Robert H. Schuller and contains more than 10,000 glass plates, along with a set of nine-story high sliding glass doors. If you’re planning a vacation, consider one of the top hotels with free parking or hotels with kitchen for accommodation. Whatever your reason for wanting to visit, check out the top theme parks and amusement parks in Anaheim, California.

1. Disneyland Park (from USD 310.0)

One of the best theme parks in Anaheim, Disneyland Park used to be known as Disneyland and was the first of two theme parks to open at Anaheim’s Disneyland Resort. As a matter of interest, Disneyland Park is the only and one-of-its-kind park to be designed and constructed under the supervision of Walt Disney himself. There are a number of great attractions in the park, including the fabulous “Believe … In Holiday Magic” firework display, the exciting “Magic Happens” parade, the Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion and ‘It’s a Small World’ (to name but a few). You don’t also need to look for shopping malls or eateries in the area since the park offers a selection of snack concessions and shops selling some of the best souvenirs to take back home.

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Anaheim Disneyland® Resort Admission Tickets

Duration: 2 to 5 days

481 reviews

2. Adventure City

SUNDAY FUN DAY! Meet your friends today for Roller Coasters, Rock Climbing, Trains & Soooooooo much more! Open today 11-8 and Labor Day Monday 10-7

Posted by Adventure City on Sunday, 1 September 2019

One of the smallest adventure parks in Anaheim, California, Adventure City has a range of spots to explore and things to do for people of all age groups. Among the many attractions are the fun Rewind Racers, Rescue 911, Drop Zone, Balloon Ride, and Freeway Coaster. The kids will love the Carousel, located right in the center of the park, as well as the Giggle Wheel, Petting Farm and Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends. The park has a variety of food and drinks on offer, including sandwiches, salads, pizza, hot dogs, nachos, churros, ice cream, caramel apples, and more.

Adventure City

Address: 1238 S Beach Blvd, Anaheim, California, USA

Website: Adventure City

Opening hours: Hours vary throughout the year - check out the website for the latest information

Price: From 21.95 USD

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3. Disney California Adventure Park

2011 Disney California Adventure- Mickey's Fun Wheel and California Screaming (5809337433)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Marc Smith used under CC BY 2.0

Disney California Adventure Park has many fun rides and attractions for the whole family. Try out Jessie’s Critter Carousel, based on cowgirl Jessie and her friends from ‘Toy Story 2’, or the Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind through Riley’s memories. Cars Land is a popular attraction, especially for the boys, while Pixar Pier offers attractions and dining. Go for a ride on the Incredicoaster or Radiator Springs Racers, or be creative at the Animation Academy. Feeling hungry? Pacific Wharf and Buena Vista Street are the places to go for delicious food and shopping.

Disney California Adventure Park

Address: 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, California, USA

Website: Disney California Adventure Park

Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)

Price: Prices vary by date. Check out the website for details.

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Nearby theme parks and amusement parks

4. Pacific Park, Santa Monica

Pacific Park, Santa Monica
Source: Photo by Flickr user Tony Webster used under CC BY 2.0

Located on the iconic Santa Monica Pier, Pacific Park offers a fantastic array of rides and attractions suitable for all ages. From the exhilarating Pacific Wheel, a solar-powered Ferris wheel with breathtaking coastal views, to the adrenaline-pumping West Coaster, a roller coaster that twists and turns above the Pacific Ocean, there’s no shortage of thrilling experiences.

You can also enjoy classic carnival games, indulge in delicious treats at the food stands, or simply take in the vibrant atmosphere of street performers and musicians. Pacific Park is the perfect blend of nostalgia and modern amusements and is a must-visit destination for families, couples, and anyone seeking a day filled with laughter, adventure, and the beauty of the California coastline.

Pacific Park

Address: 380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States

Website: Pacific Park

Opening hours: Fri - Wed: 11am - 10pm; Thu: 11am - 4pm

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5. Raging Waters Los Angeles, San Dimas

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Nestled in San Dimas, this water park near Anaheim is a treasure trove of thrilling rides and attractions that promise endless fun for visitors of all ages. From the heart-pounding speed of slides such as the “Ragin’ Racer” to the lazy, winding river journey of “Amazon Adventure,” there’s a water adventure to suit everyone’s taste.

If you prefer a laid-back experience, their wave pool and calming float pools have got you covered. What makes Raging Waters truly special is the fantastic blend of adrenaline-pumping excitement and a relaxing, sun-soaked atmosphere. It’s a place to create lasting memories with family and friends while beating the heat.

Raging Waters Los Angeles

Address: 111 Raging Waters Dr, San Dimas, CA 91773, United States

Website: Raging Waters Los Angeles

Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon - Fri)

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6. Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal City, LA (from USD 209.0)

theme parks in anaheim | universal studios hollywood, universal city, la

Universal Studios Hollywood is a theme park and film studio set in the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles County. DinoPlay for Kids is located in Jurassic World with its fascinating dinosaurs, while the older kids will love The Walking Dead Attraction and Fast & Furious Supercharge. The whole family can play like a minion in ‘Despicable Me Minion Mayhem’, or have magical fun at 'The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’. Dining includes Mexican at Antojitos Cocina Mexicana, while CityWalk offers many more places to eat along with unique shops. Catch the latest movies in the AMC Movie Theater in the park.

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Universal Studios Hollywood: Ticket with Easy Cancellation

4106 reviews

7. Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia (from USD 68.0)

theme parks in anaheim | six flags magic mountain, valencia

Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia is ideal for families and adults alike. The self-proclaimed ‘Thrill Capital of the World’ offers everything from an adrenaline-pumping roller coaster to more gentle rides. Thrill Rides include CraZanity, BATMAN The Ride, Dive Devil and Full Throttle, while Buccaneer, Jammin’ Bumpers and Pacific Speedway are ideal for the whole family. Kids riding alone can appreciate Daffy’s Adventure Tours, the Grand American Carousel and a ride on the Magic Flyer. The park has plenty of dining and shopping options, too.

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Six Flags Magic Mountain One-Day Admission Ticket

Duration: 1 day

29 reviews

8. Knott's Berry Farm, Buena Park (from USD 67.0)

Knott’s Berry Farm used to be a small family farm, but now it is so much more. The park features four themed areas, along with speeding roller coasters and endless fun and excitement. Get wet in the Knott’s Soak City Waterpark and experience a tidal wave. Head to the Snoopy themed wing and meet Snoopy and his pals. Stay over at the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel, or dine at one of the many restaurants, including Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant. Don’t forget to visit the marketplace to buy loads of great items to take back home.

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Skip the Line: Knott's Berry Farm General Admission Ticket

Duration: 1 day

162 reviews

9. SeaWorld San Diego (from USD 49.99)

SeaWorld San Diego is another family-friendly amusement park. Here, you can come face-to-face with marine animals. There are thrilling rides that will give you the feeling of the ocean, while aquariums are filled with sea creatures that are fascinating to view. Over the holiday season, enjoy shows like Cirque Christmas or Winter Wonderland on Ice, and meet Santa at the Sesame Street Christmas Village. Have dinner with Santa, or in other months dine with the orca whales. The park offers animal tours and educational day camps, too.

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SeaWorld San Diego Ticket

651 reviews

10. Legoland California, Carlsbad (from USD 100.99)

legoland california, carlsbad

Everyone loves Lego, and what better place to enjoy it than Legoland California om Carlsbad? Make a splash at the Legoland Waterpark with the DUPLO characters, or head to the Sea Life Aquarium, right next door, where the family can meet rays, octopi and sharks. Spend the night at the Legoland Resort Hotel for the ultimate Lego experience. The hotel features a choice of Lego-themed rooms, including Adventure, Pirate, Lego Ninjago, Kingdom and Lego Friends.

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LEGOLAND® California 1-Day Ticket

Fun for the whole family in California, USA

There is nothing quite like visiting a fun theme or amusement park while on a family vacation. While visiting this fun resort city and checking out all the various sites, steakhouses, and other attractions, make sure to take the whole family to some of the top theme parks near Disneyland and around in Anaheim, California.

Frequently asked questions about theme parks and amusement parks in Anaheim


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Anne Sewell was born in England, but has spent most of her life in Africa - Malawi, Zimbabwe and South Africa - and now resides on the beautiful Costa del Sol in southern Spain. She loves writing...Read more

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