5 Best Theme Parks With Kids In USA – 2024

Summer vacations and kids…. And you know it’s time of the year to have some fun. So let’s explore some of my favorite theme parks today.

Finding the best theme parks with kids can be a real headache. I know, because I’ve been there.Traveling with my little ones, Olivia and Liam, is a wild ride. From Olivia’s picky eating to Liam’s endless energy, it’s a challenge. 

But the joy of exploring new places together makes it all worth it. Moms often ask me how I manage theme park trips with my kids. 

So, I decided to share our adventures and help you plan the perfect family getaway. 

Let’s dive in and find my recommendation of 5 best theme parks with kids in the USA for 2024!

5 Best Theme Parks in USA 

Disneyland, California

Disneyland is the ultimate dreamland for kids! We visited in March 2024 with my sister’s family. 

Five kids total, 3 of my sister’s and 2 mine – pure chaos! Okay, just kidding. It was magical. 

Disneyland has something for everyone, especially little ones. Fantasyland is a dream come true with gentle rides like Peter Pan’s Flight and Dumbo. Olivia was in heaven with all the princesses, while Liam was mesmerized by Mickey.

Finding food for picky eaters like her was a challenge, but we managed. There are character dining options, but they can get pricey. I packed some snacks, a lifesaver! 

Restrooms were clean and there were plenty of baby care stations. The only downside? No Bryan! Planning a trip with Olivia and Liam alone was tough, but the kids’ smiles made it worth it.

Legoland Florida: A Brick-tastic Adventure

Legoland Florida is a fantastic option for kids, especially those obsessed with Legos like Olivia. It’s a world made entirely of bricks! There are rides, shows, and even a water park.

However, I learned a hard lesson. While Legoland is perfect for kids aged 2-12, my little Liam, who was just 1.8, couldn’t fully enjoy it. The small Lego pieces were a safety concern.

But don’t let that discourage you. Olivia had a blast! The park is designed to be interactive, with plenty of hands-on activities.

Plus, there are areas specifically for younger kids. We packed Liam’s favorite Monster Truck Toy and snacks to keep him entertained.

One thing I loved about Legoland was the Coke refill stations. It’s a great way to stay hydrated without breaking the bank. I recommend at least a full day to explore. If you’re planning to visit the water park too, consider a two-park ticket.

Magic Kingdom: A Sprinkle of Pixie Dust

The Magic Kingdom is a must-visit for any family with young kids. Fantasyland is a dream come true for little ones. 

We arrived 30 minutes before opening to avoid the crowds, especially around Cinderella Castle. This helped us enjoy the park without feeling overwhelmed. 

Olivia loved meeting princesses and riding the teacups. But if you have a little one under 32 inches, look for rides labeled “Any Height”. It’s a lifesaver! 

My little explorer, Liam, who’s about 33 inches tall, was also excited, even though he was a bit too short for many rides.

To manage Olivia’s picky eating, I packed her favorite snacks in Mothercould lunch box. They’re perfect for portion control and keeping her food separate. We had our favorite burgers on the way home, making it a perfect end to our day.

The Magic Kingdom is undeniably magical, but a little planning can make a big difference.

Universal Studios Hollywood: Minion Madness

Okay, so Universal Studios Hollywood? We went there when Olivia was just five, and let me tell you, the Minion madness was real!

She was obsessed with those little yellow guys, so this place was like heaven for her. There’s a whole section dedicated to Despicable Me, and we spent hours there laughing and playing.

I was surprised, though. There’s actually quite a bit for little ones too. We found a few rides that were perfect for her age.

It was a super sunny day, so I made sure to pack our trusty sunscreen for kids and the lightweight Grizzly water bottle. We even matched with our Retro sunglasses – it was a total mom-and-daughter moment!

Also, there are like nine different rides with height restrictions. So, it’s good to check those before you go. It’s a fun place to spend a day, but be ready for crowds.

Sesame Place: A Sesame Street Paradise

And I kept the best one for the last, my personal favorite that we visited this June “Sesame Place” . It’s like the ultimate dreamland for little kids! 

I mean, seriously, it’s like stepping right into Sesame Street. Olivia and Liam were in total heaven. There are so many fun rides, shows, and even a water park that it was hard to decide what to do first.

We spent hours meeting Elmo, Cookie Monster, and all their friends. It was pure magic!

The best thing is, there’s something for everyone. Little Liam loved the Elmo swing, and Olivia couldn’t get enough of the bigger rides. And don’t even get me started on the water park! We had a blast splashing around.

I packed a ton of snacks and even brought two changes of clothes for each of us. I got Liam and Olivia these super cute swimsuits from UpandFast swimsuits and Seaskin They were perfect for the water park and so comfy!

We actually went there for Liam’s 2nd birthday, and it was the best day ever. But seriously, pack smart for this trip. Sunscreen, hats, and extra clothes are a must!

So there You Have It Moms! My top 5 theme parks with kids in the US

From the magic of Disneyland to the brick-tastic fun at Legoland, there’s something for every kid (and every parent). Remember, planning is key. Pack smart, manage expectations, and most importantly, have fun!

I’d love to hear about your family’s theme park adventures. Share your favorite parks, tips, or any hilarious stories in the comments below. Let’s create a community of moms supporting each other!

And hey, if you found this post helpful, don’t forget to follow me on instagram and pinterest for more travel tips and stories about life with my little ones. I promise to keep it real and helpful!

Let’s make unforgettable memories together!