Trying to plan a family vacation to the best theme parks in the world, but not sure where to start? This list of 10 of the most popular theme parks in America should help:

Disneyland

Disneyland is, by far, one of the most popular destination theme parks in the United States, if not the world. Located in Anaheim, California, Disneyland has continued to grow and develop since its first opening in 1955, adding more rides, attractions and even a second theme park known as Disney California Adventure Park. The two parks makeup what is known as the Disneyland Resort; the west coast counterpart to The Walt Disney Company’s Walt Disney World in Florida.

Disney World

Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, takes the Disneyland theme park to a much larger scale. Spanning over 30,000 acres, the resort features several specific theme parks:

• Magic Kingdom: Designed after the original Disneyland and home of Cinderella’s Castle.
• Epcot: A theme park dedicated to international culture and technological achievements.
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Like the name says, this theme park focuses on the showbiz side of The Walt Disney Company.
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Considered the largest section of Walt Disney World, Disney’s Animal Kingdom takes on the theme of an animal conservation.

Universal Studios Hollywood

Functioning as both a movie and TV studio lot, and a theme park, Universal Studios Hollywood is a theme park where guests can get an inside look at what it means to be a part of the Hollywood starlight. Located in Universal City, California, Universal Studios Hollywood is rich in both movie cinema excitement and history. Those who are planning a trip to Disneyland should definitely consider setting aside some time to visit Universal Studios Hollywood, as well.

Universal Studios Orlando

Like Disneyland and Disney World, the Florida version of Universal Studios is much like its west coast counterpart, just on a much larger scale. Universal Studios Orlando, located in Orlando, Florida, is a full-fledged resort for the entire family to enjoy. Plan on setting aside several days if you want to visit all the rides and attractions of the two theme parks within the resort: Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

Knott’s Berry Farm

Aside from Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland, Southern California is also home to the Knott’s Berry Farm theme park. Taking on a theme of the Old West, Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California is a Western adventure just waiting to happen. It is also home to the world famous Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts Gang.

Dollywood

Located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Dollywood is an amusement theme park named after the iconic American entertainer, Dolly Parton. Dollywood is divided into 10 unique areas, most of which are meant to display the rich culture and history of the Smoky Mountain region where the park is located. Rollercoasters, yearly festivals, daily shows and exhibitions are just some of the attractions Dollywood has to offer.

SeaWorld

If you’re looking for an alternative to your average theme park, SeaWorld might be just what you are looking for. At SeaWorld, guests can discover the mysteries and wonders of aquatic life, and witness the marvels of marine mammals. With locations in California, Florida and Texas, future guests can visit the individual parks’ websites for possible theme park discounts and to check out what each different park has to offer.

Busch Gardens

Originally built as a marketing device for Anheuser-Busch to display its products, Busch Gardens has become a popular family theme park within the US. Now owned by SeaWorld Parks, Busch Gardens has two separate locations in Williamsburg, Virginia and Tampa Bay, Florida. The Virginia location is takes on a European theme, where the park is divided into various sections meant to represent various countries in Europe. The Florida location is themed after an African safari, with park sections meant to represent various countries and locations throughout Africa.

Great Wolf Lodge

America is home to a fantastic chain of indoor waterparks known as Great Wolf Lodge. These waterparks also function as full resorts, with accommodations and amenities for waterpark attendees. Heated pools, water slides and water play areas are just some of the water attractions you would expect to see at any water theme park. But what really sets Great Wolf Lodge aside from the rest is that the fun takes place mostly indoors, which means weather is never an issue.

Raging Waters

Raging Waters is a popular chain of waterparks located all throughout California. With locations in San Dimas, San Jose and Sacramento, you definitely have to pay a visit to Raging Waters the next time you find yourself on vacation in California. With waterslides and attractions suitable for every age and every swimming level, Raging Waters is a great place to cool down from the California heat.