Summer Fun: The Best Amusement Parks for Families in 2017

Amusement parks are one of the most quintessential summertime activities for families," explains Lissa Poirot, editor-in-chief of Family Vacation Critic. "But for those traveling with family members of various ages – including kids-at-heart – finding a park that caters to thrill-seekers and the younger set isn't always so easy. This list includes parks that successfully cater to both, and those that also have exciting new features for the 2017 season."

---

---

• Cedar Point (Sandusky, OH)
  What's New: Cedar Point Shores, an 18-acre waterpark located along Lake Erie with 17 water attractions for all ages, VIP cabanas, restaurants, shopping and live entertainment.
• Dollywood (Pigeon Forge, TN)
  What's New: Drop Line, a 230-foot tall drop tower, with a spinning gondola that offers riders a breathtaking view of the Great Smoky Mountains. Also joining the park in 2017 is Whistle Punk Chaser, a junior coaster positioned as a great first-coaster for younger park visitors.
• Hersheypark (Hershey, PA)
  What's New: Hershey Triple Tower offers three drop towers for park guests to choose from – Hershey's Tower, the tallest at 189-feet high; Reese's Tower, is the second tallest at 131-feet high; and Hershey's Kisses Tower standing at 80-feet tall.
• Kings Island (Mason, OH)
  What's New: Mystic Timbers, a 3,265-foot long wooden coaster with a 48" height requirement – making it an ideal coaster for riders of various ages.
• Silver Dollar City (Branson, MO)
  What's New: New Silver Dollar Food Days run from July 31 – August 20, highlighting favorite festival food like funnel cakes, kettle corn and milkshakes, and taking them to new levels.
• Universal's Islands of Adventure (Orlando, FL)
  What's New: For guests visiting the park, plan a trip to Universal Orlando Resort's newest water theme park, Volcano Bay – a 25-acre park featuring 18 unique attractions including a wave pool, winding river, raft rides, body slides and more.
• Universal Studios (Hollywood, CA and Orlando, FL)
  What's New: Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon brings guests a simulated race through New York City – a history of The Tonight Show, Hashtag the Panda and the Ragtime Gals barbershop quartet also join in the fun.
• Six Flags (Nationwide)
  What's New: Six Flags is unveiling new rides at each of its parks across North America, including Warner Brothers and DC Comics-branded rides and attractions.

For more information, visit Family Vacation Critic's full list of the Best Amusement Parks for Families in 2017. For photos of the top parks, click here.

About Family Vacation Critic
Family Vacation Critic® is a comprehensive online travel resource for families that offers reviews of family hotels, resort and destinations. The site features vacation ideas, family travel tips and an online forum for family travelers. Family Vacation Critic is published by The Independent Traveler, Inc., a subsidiary of TripAdvisor, Inc.

---

More Summer Fun Ideas

• Summer Fun: TripAdvisor Reveals America's 10 Most Popular Tours
  

990WBOB Originals

• No Laptop, No Problem: 9 Things to Pass the Time on Your Next Flight
  
• Representing with Moira Walsh: 5 Questions with a First Term Representative

The Summer Fun Series is brought you by Tripadvisor.com