ThemeParks, El Paso

Balboa Park, originally called City Park, used to be 1,400 acres of undeveloped land. Landscaping began in 1892, followed by the construction of water systems and roads through 1910. In 1915, San Diego was to be the host of the Panama-California Exposition. Nature lovers have a lot to see in the gardens at Balboa Park in San Diego. The 1935 (Old) Cactus Garden at San Diego Balboa Park features massive cactus and succulent plants. Visitors will even find exotic African and Australian Protea plants at this area within Balboa Park San Diego. The Botanical Building and the lily pond in front of it are some of the most popular areas that are photographed in Balboa Park - and with good reason. There are over 2,100 permanent plants inside the building and a changing collection of cycads, ferns, orchids and palms. The California Native Plant Garden shows visitors thousands of plants that thrive here in their San Diego habitat. Bring your kids to the Balboa Park Carousel. This fun destination is adjacent to the San Diego Zoo and features plenty of hand-carved animals so that your kid has lots of choices. All but two of the hand-carved animals on the Balboa Park San Diego Carousel are original from 1910! While you're on the merry-go-round, you can even play the brass ring game. Balboa Park's Carousel is one of a small number around the world that still have the brass ring game for riders to play. The Balboa Park Miniature Railroad takes families on a fun journey across four acres. https://www.sandiego.com/balboa-park

Fast Track Amusements is all about fun and games! Whether you're racing one of go-karts, hitting a hole on mini-golf course, playing a video game, or zapping opponents in laser tag arena, you're bound to have fun while at Speedy's Fast Track! http://www.houstonfasttrack.com/

Enter a magical kingdom where you can sail with pirates, explore exotic jungles, meet fairy-tale princesses, dive under the ocean and rocket through the stars! Disneyland Park is a beloved Southern California destination where generations of families have made their Disney dreams come true. Walt Disney’s original Disneyland theme park, which first opened on July 17, 1955, is now divided into 8 extravagantly themed lands: Main Street, U.S.A., Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Mickey’s Toontown, Frontierland, Critter Country, New Orleans Square and Adventureland. https://disneyland.disney.go.com/

Find a full day of action-packed entertainment all in one place: thrilling Theme Park rides and shows, a real working movie studio, and Los Angeles’ best shops, restaurants and cinemas at CityWalk. Universal Studios Hollywood is a unique experience that’s fun for the whole family. Go behind the scenes of a real working movie studio! Visit 13 city blocks on four acres of historic studio lot in the largest set construction project in studio history, built with creative consultation from Steven Spielberg himself. Or see what awaits you inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! From magical spells to magical creatures, from dark villains to daring heroes, it’s all here at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, now open at Universal Studios Hollywood. Explore the mysteries of Hogwarts castle, visit the shops of Hogsmeade, and sample fare from some of the wizarding world’s best-known establishments. Plus experience pulse-pounding rides and attractions that transport you into a world of magical thrills and excitement. https://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/park-highlights/

Located in Kelley Park in San Jose, Happy Hollow Park and Zoo has been providing affordable family entertainment, education and fun since 1961. The Park is a peaceful, creative and safe place for children of all ages, with the main focus on “little ones” between the ages of 2-10. There are creative play areas, children’s rides, hand puppet and marionette shows, special events, and birthday areas. Learn about wildlife up close during daily meet-and-greets, leap like a lemur on the playground, brush and feed the goats, or take a peek inside Doc’s Critter Care building and the Ranch House. Double-H Ranch features a combination of animal exhibits, including giant anteaters and red ruffed lemurs, as well chickens and domesticated animals that are docile enough to touch. http://www.hhpz.org/

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a classic seaside amusement park located along a beautiful sandy beach in a friendly beach town. The Boardwalk features more than 40 rides and attractions including two National Historic Landmarks: the world-famous 1924 Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster and the beautiful 1911 Looff Carousel, plus many scream-inducing thrill rides, gentle kiddie rides, casual restaurants, gift shops, games, indoor arcades, and miniature golf. https://beachboardwalk.com/FAQs

Fill your day with roller coasters, live shows, concerts, fireworks, amusement park food favorites and even a water park at the iconic California's Great America. Thrills for every age are ready to rock your world and run you ragged. New rides and attractions are introduced every year and special events like the nightmarish Halloween Haunt are looked forward to by the tens of thousands! Get your walking shoes ready and practice your screaming, there's a lot to cover on this adrenaline rush of an outing! https://www.sanjose.org/listings/californias-great-america

Located along the scenic riverbanks in White River State Park, the Indianapolis Zoo is conveniently located near beautiful downtown Indianapolis with easy access to walking and biking trails into the city. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the American Alliance of Museums. Run with cheetahs on the African plains, or swim with dolphins in deep blue oceans. Wherever your adventure may take you, the Indianapolis Zoo will be your guide! https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/

Since the 1870s, Cedar Point amusement park has been a summertime tradition for families across the Midwest. The rich history and modern world wonders have created one of the most successful entertainment attractions in the world. Every year Cedar Point hosts more than three million people from around the world. Its popularity continues to grow due to world-recording-breaking roller coasters and amazing attractions. With 68 rides, including 16 roller coasters, Cedar Point has more rides and more roller coasters than any park in the world. Two of its newest coasters are legends. Built in 2003, Top Thrill Dragster is 420 feet tall and reaches speeds of 120 mph! On the other side of the peninsula, the Millennium Force stands 310 feet in the air and reaches speeds of 93 mph along more than 6,500 feet of track. The Magnum XL-200 steel roller coaster features a huge hill of more than 200 feet while the maXair ride, Cedar Point's newest ride, swings guests 140 feet in the air. Riders sit in outward-facing suspended seats that form a giant circle of 50 passengers as their legs dangle freely in the air. Both attractions reach speeds of 70 mph. https://www.toledo.com/attractions/cedarpointamusementpark/

Believe in make-believe! Come experience Disney storytelling like never before as you enjoy the exciting rides, attractions and characters throughout all six lands of the Magic Kingdom. Zoom through the galaxy, brave a ghostly mansion and embark on high-seas adventures during the Golden Age of Piracy! Or party at animated parades, catch spectacular fireworks extravaganzas and snap photos with Disney Characters! Don't forget to celebrate seasonal holidays, join a dastardly pirate crew, tour the park’s steam trains and vanquish Disney Villains! https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/magic-kingdom/

Centreville Theme Park is the ultimate summer destination for families! Located on the Toronto Islands, Centreville offers a full day of family fun — featuring more than 30 kid-sized rides & attractions, alongside beautiful beaches and 14 casual restaurants for grown-ups and kids to enjoy. One of the top attractions for families in Canada, guests are invited to revel in Centreville’s new & improved Sky Ride. You are welcome to explore 600 acres of natural parkland, interact with farm animals and experience stunning lake and city views. Getting to Centreville is almost as exciting as the park itself. Everyone likes the scenic Centre Island ferry ride across Toronto Harbour. You can choose to arrive by private boat or water taxi just minutes from downtown Toronto, along the Harbourfront. http://www.seetorontonow.com/listings/centreville-theme-park/#sm.0017houyxdtier210nr1h126u6a73

The Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum welcomes the young at heart! Housed in the National Register-listed Allan Herschell Carrousel Factory building, this attraction has exhibits, demonstrations, two antique carousels, a children’s gallery, gift shop and more. https://www.visitbuffaloniagara.com/businesses/herschell-carrousel-factory-museum/

Oceanfront activity center offering floating bouncy slides, a bar & grill, banana boat rides, jet skiing, zip lining, and much more. One of the newest attractions on Grand Bahama Island, Pirate Cove sits on nearly 7.5 acres of beachfront property where there is an array of energizing and tranquil activities for the entire family. https://www.bahamas.com/vendor/pirates-cove-waterpark-and-zipline

For 65 years, since its establishment in 1955, Storybook Land has been keeping the spirit of childhood alive in an entertaining and educational atmosphere. We invite you to relive your childhood while introducing the innocent themes of wonderment to an entire new generation. Your children’s - and grandchildren’s - memories will be with them throughout their lifetimes! The timelessness of childhood will ring true as your family literally walks through its all-time favorite stories and nursery rhymes at Storybook Land. Children’s classics are interspersed with exciting new family rides and attractions in a remarkably clean and enjoyable park setting. Join us several times a year for memorable family experiences. You are certain to enjoy your visits! https://storybookland.com/

1000 Feet of Over-the-Ocean Fun! Located on the world-famous boardwalk in Atlantic City, just steps from casino resorts and New Jersey’s beautiful miles of beach, the Steel Pier is shore to excite you. Whether you are skyrocketing to the stars over the ocean or gathering for an event with the best view in town, the Steel Pier offers some kind of fun for everyone! Whatever you choose, brace yourself for great action! The history of the Steel Pier has changed like the tides in the ocean below it since it was founded in 1898. https://steelpier.com/

Where to start before such a vast choice? Right here. See all the fascinating things you can do at La Ronde, a roller coaster that will give you adrenaline rush to the sweet rides for toddlers. Take a break watching one of our shows or grab a bite at one of our restaurants. Do not forget to bring back memories of your day! The whole family finds its account in La Ronde. Be ready to laugh a big shot! From the highest peaks to the loveliest adventures, we have a host of rides that you can enjoy together. In La Ronde you will find the rides that will make your group happy. Nothing leaves memories as memorable as a great show, especially when you're there with friends or family. In addition to offering you the most exciting rides on the planet, La Ronde presents a variety of high caliber entertainment, which you will remember for a long time. https://www.laronde.com/fr/larondeFR/rides-and-attractions

Sucre is home to one of the largest collections of dinosaur footprints in the world. The footprints (over 5000 of them) are set into a the Cal Orck’o cliff, just 5kms from the city center. Discovered on the grounds of the local cement company, Fancesa, the footprints have been turned into a major tourist attraction with the creation of a dinosaur-themed park which includes a museum dedicated to the findings, and a collection of life-size dinosaur sculptures including the enormous titanosaurus. Called Parque Cretácico, the park can easily be visited in a couple of hours and is a must for any visit to Sucre. Because let’s face it – dinosaurs are awesome. http://www.sucrelife.com/sucres-dinosaur-park/

Everyone in the family will love a day out at Gypsy Wood Park! We are one of North Wales’ top family attractions, and with a huge range of attractions and things to do for all the family, you’ll be sure of a fun-filled family day out. Come and meet our friendly animals, take a ride on Woody’s Train, try your hand at one of our family games, run wild in our outdoor play areas, make some music in our treehouse and see if you can spot all of our fairies on the fairy hunt and lots more, all set in 20 acres of beautiful natural Welsh woodland. And don’t forget to pack your wellies for the woodland walk and write up your wishes for the Fairy Princess. So why not come and make happy holiday memories with us here at Gypsy Wood Park? https://www.visitwales.com/product/509978

Coral Island is Blackpool's largest indoor free admission family attraction. Explore and enjoy an action-packed day filled with fabulous food and family favourite seaside rides and redemption games as well as adult gaming and prize bingo. https://www.visitblackpool.com/detail/coral-island-717100/

South Pier is a fantastic day out for those of all ages. The Laughing Donkey family bar host great free live entertainment as well as a beer garden with the best views in town. https://www.visitblackpool.com/detail/south-pier-5901/

Britain’s favourite amusement park! There’s something for everyone at Blackpool Pleasure Beach with thrilling rides and spectacular shows you’ll be sure to have the time of your life! For the ultimate in thrills why not brave Pleasure Beach’s tallest rollercoaster, the Big One. Hold your breath as you board Infusion, the exhilarating five looping coaster suspended completely over water. Brave Valhalla, the world’s most spectacular dark ride featuring amazing special effects or experience the thrill of one of the world’s only twin track coasters, the Grand National plus lots, lots more. https://www.visitblackpool.com/detail/blackpool-pleasure-beach-5886/

Thrill seekers will love the sky-high thrill rides! Soar through the air on the Eagles Claw, hurtle through the deep, dark forest aboard The Ultimate (Europe’s longest roller coaster) and venture into the underground world of Raptor Attack, then come see the park from a whole different viewpoint aboard the Black Pearl or hop on Apollo and take a spinning ride far above the treetops. There are plenty of rides for the junior thrill seekers too, including Splash Falls with sharp turns and sudden drops, wet N wild fun on the Wild River Rapids, and swashbuckling adventures aboard our speedy Skull Rock and the tummy-tickling Flying Cutlass. Plus jump around on our huge Jumpin’Jacks! bouncy pillow. Younger guests will love the outdoor and indoor play, the Lightwater Express train ride around the park, Eagles Creek Farm tractor ride, plus a selection of young fun fairground rides, the Adventure Playground and Mini Sand Diggers. https://www.visityork.org/explore/lightwater-valley-theme-park-p796261

Plantasia is now open. Grow Your Imagination. Your adventure starts here! Go on an amazing adventure through a tropical rainforest. Get up close & personal with the animals and discover a variety of rare and exotic plants. Grow your imaginations in this interactive, fully immersive tropical indoor experience for all the family. Discover the different levels of a rainforest; from the dark undergrowth to the breath-taking canopy, there’s so much to squeeze in! https://www.visitswanseabay.com/listings/plantasia-1/

One price family adventure park with over 100 rides and attractions including the UK's only motorbike launch rollercoaster, the free-falling cliff hanger and Kamali the suspended looping rollercoaster. There are also 5 family shows plus the UK's largest privately-owned zoo home to many exotic species including giraffes, lions, rhinoceros and tigers. If you are looking for white knuckle thrills, there is a sensational collection of 8 extreme rides, including the latest rollercoaster Hero that puts visitors in a superhero flying position before swooping them around a track. There is also the Guinness World Record Breaking Mumbo Jumbo, with the steepest drop. You will quickly discover what makes Flamingo Land an award-winning zoo (Day Out With The Kids, 2018). With over 140 species of reptiles, mammals and birds, including the amazing Penguin Coast, you can enjoy an amazing view of the animal kingdom. A variety of Animal Feeding Times with Keeper Talks and a sea lion show are included within your admission. See the progress of the two Rothschild giraffe calves that were born in 2015. For unrestricted views, meander through the Lemur and Wallaby Walkways. https://www.visityork.org/explore/flamingo-land-resort-p796921

Voted Devon’s best family attraction, Crealy Theme Park & Resort offers fun and excitement every day! During your day out, experience over 60 amazing rides and attractions including the adrenaline pumping rollercoasters Twister and Maximus, as well as water rides Tidal Wave and Vortex. Crealy also homes over 100 animals and for rainy days, you can enjoy over 75,000 square feet of the indoor play area and indoor rides and a rollercoaster! Crealy also offers a host of live events throughout the Devon School holidays including Summer shows, the SpookFest at Halloween and the extremely popular Christmas Spectacular. https://www.visitexeter.com/things-to-do/crealy-theme-park-and-resort-p154963

Robin Hoods Wheelgate Family Theme Park is an amazing family focused All-Weather park near Mansfield. All-inclusive UK largest Robin Hood’s waterpark. Slide the wet and wild water slides, splash through the water fountains and watch out as the bucket tips for a guaranteed drenching. Theme Park, Farm Park and Waterpark in one! Join us throughout the year for special character days; meet your favourites from the small screen including Chase & Marshall from PAW Patrol and Peppa Pig. Summer sorted with our giant splash park; make sure you pack your swimming essentials! Join our friendly Halloween mascot Millie the Monster during our Award Winning Lil’ Park of Horrors! Join Santa and his cheeky elves for a truly enchanting Christmas Experience. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for all the latest news, updates and daily competitions! https://www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk/things-to-do/robin-hoods-wheelgate-park-p351701

Set in the middle of ten miles of golden sand, Bournemouth Pier is the destination of choice for thousands of families every year. As well as stunning views across the bay, framed by the Isle of Wight on one side and the Purbeck Hills on the other, Bournemouth Pier also boasts a wide and varied selection of attractions, entertainments and retail outlets to make any visit to Bournemouth memorable. At the entrance of the pier is the Pier Amusements Family Entertainment Centre. Here you will find a wide range of entertainment machines and all of the most up-to-date videos and prizes. RockReef presents the first pier to shore zip wire! Located at the very end of the Bournemouth Pier and the first of its kind in the world, the PierZip is an experience not to be missed. The RockReef Adventure Activity Centre is also located on the pier and features a wide variety of fun climbing challenges using the Clip ‘n Climb concept, the Pier Cave adventure that includes 3 different levels of challenge and the HighLine aerial obstacle course. https://www.bournemouth.co.uk/things-to-do/bournemouth-pier-p1369993

Paultons is the UK’s number 1 family theme park — located in Hampshire with over 70 exciting rides and attractions, set within 140 acres of beautiful parkland on the edge of the New Forest National Park. Paultons is also home of the UK's only Peppa Pig World with 9 fun Peppa-themed rides, great for an amazing day out with the kids. Enjoy roller coasters, thrill rides, family rides, indoor and outdoor play areas, water splash parks, entertainments and an astonishing collection of birds and animals at our amusement park. A world first and UK exclusive, Peppa Pig World is an amazing land that lets youngsters discover Peppa’s World in nearly 3 acres of fully themed fun! Meet Peppa Pig along with Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig and George, all in their very own land with Peppa Pig themed rides and restaurants. Enjoy The Queen’s Flying Coach Ride, Grampy Rabbit’s Sailing Club, Daddy Pig’s Car Ride, an indoor playzone, Muddy Puddles water splash park and much more! https://www.bournemouth.co.uk/things-to-do/paultons-park-home-of-peppa-pig-world-p1316893

The Coca-Cola London Eye is centrally located in the heart of the capital, gracefully rotating over the River Thames opposite the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. At 135 metres, the Coca-Cola London Eye is the world's tallest cantilevered observation wheel; a feat of design and engineering it has become the modern symbol representing the capital and a global icon. The experience showcases breathtaking 360 degree views of the capital and its famous landmarks and has been the number one visitor experience in the city for the past decade. The gradual rotation in one of the 32 high-tech glass capsules takes approximately 30 minutes and gives you an ever-changing perspective of London. Within each capsule, interactive guides allow you to explore the capital's iconic landmarks in several languages. An experience on the Coca-Cola London Eye will lift you high enough to see up to 40 kilometres on a clear day and keep you close enough to see the spectacular details of the city unfolding beneath you. https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/place/282783-coca-cola-london-eye

Norway's largest amusement park, with more than 30 fun attractions, great games, shops and places to eat. The park features attractions for all ages, including lots of rollercoasters, carousels, a log ride and much more. Barnas Fryd and Frydskogen are packed with rides and activities for small kids. In summer you can enjoy BadeFryd, a water park with a swimming pool, a swimming river and a huge waterslide. https://www.visitoslo.com/en/product/?TLp=186606&TusenFryd-Amusement-Park

Santa Park is located in an underground cavern just a few kilometres north of Rovaniemi. Along with Santa Claus, the cavern is home to countless happy and helpful elves, and children are able to spend time in Elf School learning their tricks. There is also a bakery where you can help the elves decorate gingerbread, a restaurant, and an ice bar and gallery. Every 2 hours the elves put on an entertaining show for the children on the stage, and there is a charming train to take you around the different areas of the cavern. Santa Park also provides plenty of outdoor fun for the family, including Husky sledge rides, Reindeer sleighs, Skidoo and mini-Skidoo, and sledging – don’t worry about the cold as SantaPark provides arctic wear for the outdoors activities, and there are several open fires and hot berry juices to keep the chill-out. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/santa-park/

Fårup is one of Denmark's largest tourist attractions with plenty of wild, fun and crazy water activities for the whole family. Everything from wild roller coasters and a children's theme park to Denmark's largest and wettest water world. Close to the beach by Blokhus and Løkken and yet all the way in the forest you will find the amusement park Fårup Sommerland. Fårup is one of Denmark's largest tourist attractions with plenty of wild, fun and crazy water activities for the whole family. Everything from wild roller coasters and a children's theme park to Denmark's largest and wettest water world. There are more than 60 rides - and once the admission has been paid, all rides and the Aqua Park are free. https://www.visitaalborg.com/aalborg/plan-your-trip/farup-sommerland-amusement-park-gdk597112

WOW PARK Billund - The wildest forest! WOW PARK is a brand new play and amusement park in the wild nature of the forest. In an area equivalent to more than 40 football fields, the whole family can romp in the tree-crowns, in the forest floor and underground. There are activities for the whole day - so take your time for a walk-in WOW PARK. You get red cheeks, sweat on your forehead, fresh air, high to the sky and bird flute! In the treetops, you can play right up in the wooden crowns, slide down at full speed and run from tree to tree in the fun hanging bridges. Also, try the many GIGA nets that are stretched out between the wooden crowns - here you can jump between huge balls, crawl on multi-storey nets and finally feel the rush down the 40-meter long slide. In WOW PARKS many battle-fields you can play football pool, walk on the line, play old Viking games and enjoy our little game mecca for the little ones. Also, make your way past the sweet pat goats who love getting some grass served from your hand. https://www.visitbillund.dk/billund/service-information/wow-park-billund-gdk1116063