If you love adventure and fun [1], then look no further than these family-friendly parks this Summer. Here you will find the best theme park, amusement park, water park, or fair in every single US state that has all of the rides and games that both tourists and locals can enjoy! While some of them are only around for a week or two per year — I'm lookin' at you, state fairs — many of these are open year round. And while I wish I could have included so many more — because, let's be real, California and Florida [2] have a lot to offer — I had to choose the absolute best option in each state. Curious about which parks took top spots? Keep reading to find out.
— Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes
Alabama — Waterville USA
Waterville USA [4], in Gulf Shores, AL, includes an amusement park and a water park.
Alaska — Alaska State Fair
While the state fair [5] isn't going on year round, the fairgrounds have events all the time.
Arizona — Castles N' Coasters
This fun theme park [6] in Phoenix even has mini golf.
Arkansas — Magic Springs and Crystal Falls
You can save money on entry at Magic Springs and Crystal Falls [7] by buying a dual ticket for both parks.
California — Disneyland
California's Disney parks [8], including Disneyland and California Adventure [9], are the original home of the Disney magic.
Colorado — Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park [10] lives up to its name with cave tours available!
Connecticut — Quassy Amusement Park
You can bring your whole family along to Quassy Amusement Park [11] in Middlebury, CT.
Delaware — Funland
Delaware's old-school amusement park, Funland [12], is located on the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk and has been around since 1962.
Florida — Universal
The trip to Universal Orlando [13] is worth it simply to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter [14].
Georgia — Six Flags Over Georgia
Make sure you check out Six Flags Over Georgia [15]'s website for ticket deals before you go!
Hawaii — Wet N' Wild Hawaii
You can find Wet N' Wild Hawaii [16] on the island of Oahu.
Idaho — Yellowstone Bear World
Yes, you will see bears at this drive-through adventure park [17].
Illinois — Six Flags Great America
You can't miss the superhero-themed rides at this Chicago park [18].
Indiana — Holiday World and Splashin' Safari
This park [19] is located in Santa Claus, IN. Yes, Santa Claus.
Iowa — Adventureland
Adventure Bay [20], which is part of the park, is Iowa's newest water park.
Kansas — Kansas State Fair
Kansas's state fair [21] takes place in September and has plenty of rides, games, and food to choose from.
Kentucky — Kentucky Kingdom
Louisville's Kentucky Kingdom [22] also has a water park.
Louisiana — Greater Baton Rouge State Fair
This Louisiana fair [23] happens in the Fall, so it's a little cooler for enjoying the outdoor activities than it would be in Summer.
Maine — Palace Playland
Palace Playland [24] is New England's only beachfront amusement park.
Maryland — Jolly Roger Amusement Park
You can't miss Jolly Roger [25]'s zipline!
Massachusetts — Six Flags New England
This Massachusetts amusement park [26] is New England's largest.
Michigan — Michigan's Adventure
Michigan's Adventure [27] covers 250 acres of land.
Minnesota — Nickelodeon Universe
Take a break from shopping inside the Mall of America to visit Nickelodeon Universe [28].
Missouri — Silver Dollar City
Not only does Silver Dollar City [30] have plenty of rides to choose from, but the park also offers various festivals throughout the year.
Montana — Montana State Fair
Montana's Summer extravaganza [31] has been going for nearly 90 years.
Nebraska — Island Oasis Water Park
Island Oasis Water Park [32] has deals for the evening, making it easy to bring the kids after you get off work.
Nevada — Circus Circus
Of course you can find an amusement park inside a hotel in Las Vegas [33].
New Hampshire — Canobie Lake Park
Canobie Lake Park [34] has more than 85 rides to choose from.
New Jersey — Six Flags Great Adventure
New Jersey's Six Flags Great Adventure [35] sits smack dab between New York City and Philadelphia.
New Mexico — Cliff's Amusement Park
Cliff's [36] is the place to be for a birthday party if you live in New Mexico.
New York — Luna Park
You can spend all day at this historic Coney Island attraction [37] and then go just a few steps further to the nearby beach for dinner.
North Carolina — Carowinds
This Charlotte park [38] is right off the freeway and super easy to access and enjoy.
North Dakota — Red River Valley Fair
You can spend your July in West Fargo, ND, at the Red River Valley Fair [39].
Ohio — Cedar Point
Cedar Point [40] is aptly named the Roller Coaster Capital of the World as it has 16 thrilling coasters.
Oklahoma — Frontier City
Oklahoma City's Frontier City [41] is all Western themed.
Oregon — Oaks Amusement Park
This little amusement park [42] is just outside Portland, OR.
Pennsylvania — Kennywood
Pennsylvania's Kennywood [43] has been running since 1899.
Rhode Island — Adventureland
Enjoy Adventureland [44] during the day and head over to Narragansett Beach, RI, for sunset.
South Carolina — Family Kingdom
Escape the Myrtle Beach, SC, beach crowds and head to Family Kingdom [45] instead.
South Dakota — Thunder Road
Thunder Road [46] has three locations in South Dakota and even one in North Dakota.
Tennessee — Dollywood
Dollywood [47], in the Great Smoky Mountains, is partly owned by, of course, Dolly Parton.
Texas — Galveston Island Pleasure Pier
Have some old-fashioned fun on this Texas pier [48].
Utah — Lagoon
This amusement park [49] is just north of Salt Lake City.
Vermont — Champlain Valley Fair
The Champlain Valley Fair [50] takes place every August.
Virginia — Busch Gardens Williamsburg
You can find rides, shows, animal attractions, and more at Busch Gardens Williamsburg [51].
Washington — Wild Waves Theme and Water Park
Entry into this park in the Pacific Northwest [52] is a steal at just $17.
West Virginia — Camden Park
Camden Park [53] started as just a picnic spot before growing into an amusement park.
Wisconsin — Bay Beach Amusement Park
Bay Beach Amusement Park [54] is situated right on the water.