Best Theme Parks for Older Children in the U.S.
As a parent, finding the perfect theme park that strikes the right balance of thrilling and safe for older children can be challenging. I’ve been in that situation myself, and over the years, I've learned that the best parks for older kids should offer exciting rides, interactive attractions, and a range of entertainment options to keep them engaged. In this article, I’ll share my personal experiences and research on some of the best theme parks across the U.S. that cater specifically to the adventurous spirit of older children.
Fun Spot America Theme Parks - Kissimmee
2850 Florida Plaza Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34746, USA
1. Universal Studios Florida
Universal Studios Florida is one of the best places to take older children for an immersive, action-packed adventure. It offers everything from high-speed roller coasters to immersive rides based on popular movies like Harry Potter and Jurassic Park. I took my kids there last summer, and they couldn’t stop talking about the thrilling Revenge of the Mummy roller coaster. With rides that cater to older kids, Universal Studios has managed to maintain a perfect blend of adrenaline-pumping action and movie magic.
Kiddy Hawk
300 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273, USA
1.1 Highlights for Older Children
The park’s signature attractions include:
- Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts: A combination of a roller coaster and a 3D simulator that places riders right in the middle of a Harry Potter adventure.
- Revenge of the Mummy: An indoor roller coaster filled with surprises and intense moments that are sure to excite older children.
- Transformers: The Ride-3D: A thrilling 3D simulator ride that takes guests through a battle between Autobots and Decepticons.
2. Six Flags Magic Mountain
If you have children who crave heart-racing experiences, Six Flags Magic Mountain in California is the place to go. Known for its intense and record-breaking roller coasters, the park has a wide variety of rides that cater to older kids, especially those who are looking for something beyond the usual family-friendly attractions. My son, who was 12 at the time, absolutely loved the Twisted Colossus, which is one of the tallest and fastest wooden roller coasters in the world. The entire park is dedicated to thrill seekers, making it an excellent choice for older children.
2.1 Thrilling Rides for Older Kids
Some of the best attractions at Six Flags Magic Mountain include:
- Twisted Colossus: A coaster that combines the traditional wooden structure with modern steel tracks, offering some of the best airtime and twists.
- Full Throttle: The world’s tallest and fastest looping coaster, reaching speeds of up to 70 miles per hour.
- X2: A 4D roller coaster that flips riders upside down while speeding through high-speed turns.
3. Disney’s California Adventure Park
For families with children who are looking for a mix of excitement and Disney magic, Disney's California Adventure Park offers a wide variety of attractions for older children. When I visited, I was surprised by how much my kids enjoyed the more thrilling rides, including the Incredicoaster, which is a high-speed roller coaster with incredible loops and a storyline tied to the movie The Incredibles. The park’s unique blend of thrilling rides and whimsical Disney experiences makes it a fantastic destination for families.
3.1 Must-See Rides for Older Kids
Don’t miss these thrilling rides at Disney’s California Adventure Park:
- Incredicoaster: A fast roller coaster that includes sharp turns, high speeds, and a dramatic drop.
- Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout: A thrilling drop tower ride with incredible theming based on the Marvel movie.
- Radiator Springs Racers: A mix of dark ride and high-speed racing through the world of Cars.
4. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay combines the excitement of thrilling roller coasters with the beauty of a wildlife park, offering a unique experience for older children. My family had the chance to explore the park last year, and it quickly became one of our favorites. The combination of animal encounters and world-class rides like the SheiKra coaster, which has a 90-degree drop, provided the perfect balance of adventure and excitement.
4.1 Unique Attractions for Older Kids
Busch Gardens offers several exciting options for older children:
- SheiKra: A 200-foot-tall roller coaster with a terrifying 90-degree drop.
- Iron Gwazi: A hybrid coaster that offers fast speeds and multiple airtime moments.
- Cobra’s Curse: A family-friendly but thrilling spinning coaster with a vertical lift.
5. Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood, located in California, is another excellent choice for older kids looking for a mix of movies and adrenaline. During my visit, my kids couldn’t get enough of the Jurassic World – The Ride, which combines a thrilling boat ride with incredible animatronics and effects. Universal Studios Hollywood offers a range of immersive attractions based on movies, making it ideal for kids who love interactive experiences and cinematic adventures.
5.1 Top Attractions for Thrill Seekers
These are some of the must-see rides for older kids:
- Jurassic World – The Ride: A high-speed boat ride through the world of Jurassic Park with thrilling drops and intense animatronics.
- Revenge of the Mummy: An indoor roller coaster that blends intense drops with cutting-edge special effects.
- Transformers: The Ride 3D: A 3D simulator ride that puts riders in the middle of an epic battle between Autobots and Decepticons.
6. Legoland California Resort
If you’re looking for a theme park that is less intense but still offers fun and exciting activities for older children, Legoland California Resort might be the perfect choice. While it is well-known for being a family-friendly park for younger children, it also has some fantastic rides for older kids. My kids loved the LEGO Kingdoms and Technic Coasters, which offered a great combination of fun and excitement without being too overwhelming.
6.1 Fun for All Ages
Even older kids can find plenty of thrilling experiences at Legoland:
- LEGO Kingdoms: A medieval-themed area with fun rides like the Dragon Coaster.
- Technic Coasters: A high-speed roller coaster with sharp turns and a fun ride experience.
- Miniland USA: An interactive experience where kids can explore iconic landmarks built entirely from LEGO bricks.
