Florida is a paradise for theme park enthusiasts, offering the whole family heaps of fun and entertainment. No one is too old (or too young) to put on Mickey and Minnie ears and take on the thrilling rides that any of the parks have to offer. There is a multitude of resorts for accommodation options near these attractions, including themed resorts and budget accommodation. There are also shopping venues, entertainment complexes, and celebrity chef restaurants to keep everyone in the family satisfied throughout their visit. Although Orlando is the center of all the fun, housing Disney World and Universal Studios, the whole state of Florida offers various amusement and theme parks. Read on to know our picks for the top theme parks and amusement parks in Florida, USA.
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1. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is located in the city of Tampa, Florida, only just over an hour’s drive from the city of Orlando. Busch Gardens is an African-themed animal park offering rides, animals and shows. They have over 12,000 animals from 300 different species at the Gardens as well as famous Florida rollercoasters including the inverted coaster, a 200-feet (61 meters) tall floor-less dive coaster and a 360-degree vertical loop, upside down coster.
2. Universal Orlando Resort
The Universal Orlando Resort includes multiple theme parks with rides and attractions, various accommodation resorts and hotels, shopping, entertainment shows, special events and more! Plan ahead and buy a ticket online to give yourself a vacation advantage, so you could save time and see everything the theme park has to offer.
Book Tours : Universal Orlando Park Ticket
3. Universal Studios Florida
What can you expect from a theme park whose creative consultant is Academy Award-winning producer/director Steven Spielberg? Magic and mayhem combined with movies and pop culture to make those screens come alive. The attractions are based on pop-culture icons and blockbuster films and some of the highlights of the park are the Incredible Hulk roller coaster and The Men In Black Alien Attack. You can also visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to add even more magic to your visit.
4. Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World Resort offers visitors and all-encompassing treat during their stay. With over 25 different Disney Resort Hotels and accommodation options, there is something for couples, large groups and families, all budgets and needs. From Disney themed rooms to sleeping under the stars at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, the wonder and magic of Walt Disney World Resort is everlasting during your stay. Combine hotel stays with entrance tickets to the parks for an unforgettable experience!
Walt Disney World Resort
Address: Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, Florida, 32830, USA
Website: Walt Disney World Resort
Opening hours: Various, Walt Disney World Resort is open 365 days a year
Price:Disney Base Tickets from USD 355
5. The Holy Land Experience
A Christian-based theme park that is located in Orlando, The Holy Land Experience recreates the architecture and themes of the ancient city of Jerusalem in 1st-century Judea. The live shows are a highlight of any visit and range from dramatic plays, lighthearted humour to Broadway-style musicals. The theme park is a registered non-profit corporation and conducts weekly church services and bible studies classes for the general public.
Book Tours : Holy Land Experience Admission Ticket
6. SeaWorld Orlando
From the best water rides and roller coasters to educational attractions about endangered species that live international waters, SeaWorld is a great experience for the whole family looking to cool down from those warm Florida summers. From world-class rapids to a hyper coaster known for high speeds and deep dives, SeaWorld will make you feel like you are one with the water creatures and the world below the surface. Journey to Atlantis and take a walk down Sesame Street for wholesome family fun.
Book Tours : SeaWorld Orlando: Park Admission Ticket
7. Discovery Cove
Discovery Cove is the perfect opportunity to get up close and personal with Florida’s favourite sea creatures- the dolphins! Choose to swim with the dolphins and learn more about these fantastic intelligent creatures. You can also wade with the otters and the curious marmosets or spend your day relaxing on the currents of a tropical river where you pass by different terrains of beaches, rainforests and cascading waterfalls.
Discovery Cove
Address: 6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando, FL 32821, USA
Website: Discovery Cove
Opening hours: Daily, 9 AM - 5 PM
Price: From USD 149
8. Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Hollywood Studios enables you to experience your favourite movies and characters come alive. Meet Mr. and Mrs. Incredible and Woody from the Toy Story as you walk through this magical theme park and work your way through some of the most interesting rides and shows. Fans of the Star Wars movies are in for a major treat as they are spoiled with photo opportunities with their favourite characters and five different Star Wars-themed rides throughout the park.
Book Tours : Private Disney World Assistant (Hollywood Studios)
9. Disney's Animal Kingdom
Spread over 500 acres (202 hectares) of land, Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park has the benefit not only of rides, roller coasters and shows but also is home to approximately 1,700 animals of 250 different species including lions, gorillas and giraffes. The Animal Kingdom offers dinosaur-themed rides, expeditions through Everest, jungle rivers and treks, ideal for children of all ages. Be sure to take a moment out of your day to take shade under the park’s iconic Tree of Life, an artificial baobab tree, to make you feel like you are within the Serengeti, even if it is just for a few moments.
Book Tours : Private Disney World Assistant (Animal Kingdom)
10. Magic Kingdom Park
Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park is located near Orlando and offers over 40 themed rides including famous cartoons Winne the Pooh, Aladdin, Peter Pan and of course Micky and Minnie Mouse. Space Mountain and Splash Mountain provide the thrill seekers in your group with the adrenaline rush they were looking for. Don’t forget to stay for the nightly display of spectacular fireworks at Happily Ever After.
Book Tours : Private Disney Magic Kingdom Magic VIP Tour
Water parks in Florida
Do you love water-based activities as well? Then, check out the exciting water parks in Florida, listed below!
11. Universal's Volcano Bay
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Universal’s Volcano Bay will reopen on February 27th from its seasonal closure. Due to increased demand, while we limit...
Posted by Universal Orlando Resort on Thursday, February 4, 2021
Universal’s Volcano Bay, a part of Universal Studios Theme Parks, is a water theme park with a man-made tropical volcano. Located in Orlando, Florida, it’s the perfect place for some water fun in the sun. Forget about getting your wallet wet as they provide you with a waterproof wrist band electronic wallet. Check out the Krakatau volcano area for some unique and exhilarating aqua coaster ride and multi-lane racer slides. For a more relaxing activity, take a dip in the splash pools at Wave Village. In case you want to take a break, you can relax in an array of personalized waterside cabanas.
Universal's Volcano Bay
Address: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, United States
Website: Universal’s Volcano Bay
12. Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park is a water theme park within Walt Disney Resort in Bay Lake, Florida. Surprise your kids with a tour of the park’s lazy river, Cross Country River, or chill out at the Melt-Away Bay. Explore the park’s main attractions such as Tike’s Peak, summit plummet, Toboggan Racers, Runoff Rapids, and Ski Patrol Training Camp, to name a few. A visit here is going to be fun and exciting for the kids and kids at heart.
Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park
Address: 1534 Blizzard Beach Drive, Orlando, FL 32836, United
Website: Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
Opening hours: 10am - 8pm (daily)
13. Big Kahuna's Water & Adventure Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park is a fun attraction that has something for everyone especially thrill-seekers. With over 40 different play areas, the fun activities that await you here range from a lazy river to speed slides. You and your friends are sure to have a wonderful and memorable time at this adventure park. Since kids can’t try intense rides, they can opt for kiddie slides, cute fountains, and more. Experience water thrills and relaxation all at once in this fun park located in Destin, Florida.
Big Kahuna's Water & Adventure Park
Address: 1007 US-98, Destin, FL 32541, United States
Website: Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park
14. Rapids Waterpark
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Located in Riviera Beach, Florida, Rapids Waterpark offers a wide selection of rides and slides for families, friends groups, or individuals. Whether you’re young or old, you can choose from a wide variety of kid and family rides. If you want to go all out, splash in the Big Surf that consists of six different wave patterns, or try crossing over floating icebergs without falling into the water! For relaxation, visit the wave pool and the quarter-mile lazy river with water sprays and a giant tipping bucket. When hungry, check out dining options here that sell many mouthwatering treats. Rent a poolside cabana and enjoy service with a personal touch.
Rapids Waterpark
Address: 6566 N Military Trl, West Palm Beach, FL 33407, United
Website: Rapids Waterpark
15. LEGOLAND Florida Water Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
LEGOLAND Florida Water Park offers different types of fun rides and interactive shows. The park is specially designed for families with kids given the interactive play areas and fun LEGO-themed slides and attractions. Get ready to slide, splash, and create fun memories of a lifetime in its Splash Safari, LEGO Wave Pool, and Twin Chasers.
LEGOLAND Florida Water Park
Address:1204 Helena Rd, Winter Haven, FL 33884, United States
Website: LEGOLAND Florida Water Park
Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 12pm - 4pm; Thu - Fri: 12pm - 4pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 5pm (closed on Wed)
16. Adventure Island
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Weekend views Need a reservation? Learn more at http://spr.ly/6183GvTvB
Posted by Adventure Island on Friday, September 18, 2020
Adventure Island is Tampa’s largest water park. It offers tourists many fun attractions ranging from water slides and lazy rivers. Aside from slides and splash pools, this park also features a selection of restaurants to satisfy those cravings. You can either dine at Duval Street Grill or Surfside Cafe. While here, you and your family try out different fun rides such as Aruba Tuba, Calypso Coaster, Colossal Curl, Caribbean Corkscrew, and Runaway Rapids. In case you need water gear, do check out the shop on site.
Adventure Island
Address: 10001 N. McKinley Drive, Tampa, FL 33612
Website: Adventure Island
17. Reunion Resort Water Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Aside from lazy rivers and water slides, Reunion Resort Water Park also offers a variety of golf courses and meeting venues. This is a great place to bring your kids for a fun and memorable Florida vacation ever. While you’re busy playing a round of golf with some friends, your kids can have fun in kid-friendly water slides. For thrill-seekers, enjoy the Wave Racer, Storm Chaser, and Tsunami Water Rides. After a day of having fun, relax on the poolside lounges while indulging in some mouthwatering dishes.
Reunion Resort Water Park
Address: 7593 Gathering Dr, Kissimmee, FL 34747, United States
Website: Reunion Resort Water Park
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
18. Grapeland Water Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Grapeland Water Park in Miami is a family-friendly and affordable outdoor attraction. Here, you get to enjoy fun in the sun and refreshing water activities. Bring your kids with you and check out several attractions such as Shipwreck Island, Pirates Plunge, Captain’s Lagoon, and Buccaneer River Ride. If you are looking for activities to do with your family, try out water shooting cannons or drift along the lazy river. Once done, relax and enjoy the large heated pool or grab a bite at the snack bar.
Grapeland Water Park
Address: 1550 NW 37th Ave, Miami, FL 33125, United States
Website: Grapeland Water Park
19. Sun-N-Fun Lagoon
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
One million gallons of water fun will thrill children, parents and grandparents alike at Collier County's premier water park, Sun-N-Fun Lagoon! napleswaterpark.com
Posted by Sun-N-Fun Lagoon, Naples Waterpark on Thursday, July 18, 2019
Sun-N-Fun Lagoon is a family-friendly destination that offers an amazing fun-in-water paradise—thanks to its fantastic water features such as Tadpole Pool, Dolphin Dive and Lap Pool, Turtle Cove, and Sunny’s River. So, what more can you ask for? With this park’s amazing slides, waterfalls, and lazy rivers, kids are going to have an unforgettable visit here. For a list of other activities, do check out its official website.
Sun-N-Fun Lagoonchildren
Address: 15000 Livingston Rd, Naples, FL 34109, United States
Website: Sun-N-Fun Lagoon
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8:30am - 7:30pm (closed on Sun)
20. Shipwreck Island Waterpark
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Shipwreck Island Waterpark must be the prime destination for the ultimate fun family day out. Located in Panama City Beach, Florida, on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, Shipwreck Island Waterpark features a myriad of exciting attractions from the lazy river to the white-water rafting. After joining the kids in some exhilarating rides, recharge and order some refreshments, snacks, and light meals from the on-site restaurants. You can also go on a shopping spree at the gift store on the premises.
Shipwreck Island Waterpark
Address: 12201 Hutchison Blvd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407, United States
Website: Shipwreck Island Waterpark
Experience magic in the sunshine state
Your visit to Florida would be incomplete without visiting the many theme parks and amusement parks the state has to offer. You can choose from a simple one-day visit to the park that piques your interest the most, or go all in with a multi-day visit and explore the endless fun the parks have to offer. Either way, comfortable walking shoes, sunblock, and a water bottle are must-haves for any visit.
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