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Nothing says summer fun like carnival games, rollercoasters and waterslides. Luckily, the U.S. is teeming with amazing family theme parks from coast to coast. Get ready to scream because these are some of the best in the county.

1. Great Wolf Lodge

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What's your family's favorite area of the water park at #GreatWolfLodge? 🏄🏊

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From the Pocono Mountains to Colorado Springs, Great Wolf Lodge has locations in every region of the U.S. This popular hotel chain is famous for its wild waterparks, buzzing arcades and on-site entertainment. Great Wolf Lodge is a great getaway for families, couples and friends with entertainment for people of all ages.

2. Knott’s Berry Farm

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With one week until the #BoysenberryFestival the anticipation is unreal! What are you most excited for?

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Rollercoasters, waterslides and live shows, Knott’s Berry Farm make for local California fun. In addition to the park’s everyday fun, Knott’s also plays host to several special events throughout the year like Knott’s Summer Nights, Knott’s Scary Farm and themed brunches. Visitors who want the total Knott’s experience can stay on-site at their full-service Snoopy-themed hotel, the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel.

3. Schlitterbahn

Schlitterbahn brings the South and Midwest together with its chains of waterparks throughout Kansas and Texas. Here travelers can get lost on lazy rivers, try their hand at surfing and ride the wave in extra-large wave pools. Select locations also feature nearby Schlitterbahn Resorts, the South Padre Island location even has a beachfront view.

4. Nickelodeon Universe

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Thank you, Stephen Hillenburg, for helping to create so many memories throughout the years. You will be missed. 💛

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A place where all things Nick come to life, guests of Nickelodeon Universe can meet their favorite characters like SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer and even the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Nestled within Minnesota’s Mall of America, Nickelodeon Universe offers year-round fun to help beat those nasty winter blues in the form of rollercoasters, mini-golf and more.

5. Dollywood

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Dream big and dream more. (📸: Samantha Lee)

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The Queen of country music meets family fun at Dollywood, a park and resort owned by legendary performer Dolly Parton in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Dollywood offers the typical theme park thrills in addition to many rare attractions such as the opportunity to scope out Dolly’s countless awards and elaborate costumes in an interactive museum. Of course there’s plenty of live music to be heard at Dollywood, including live performances from mountain music bands and bluegrass performers. 

6. Carowinds

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Who wants some? 🍦

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North Carolina’s favorite theme park, Carowinds has fun for little ones and adults alike. Some of the main attractions at Carowinds are Camp Snoopy, waterpark Carolina Harbor and Fury325, a speedy rollercoaster topping out at 95 MPH. One attraction offered by Carowinds that stands out from other theme parks are its nearby luxury camping and RV sites. Large groups can reserve the Great Wilderness Lodge, a 1,100-square-foot cabin fully equipped with wrap around porch and outdoor patio.


About the Author

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Senior Editor for VAX VacationAccess and world explorer, Jenna Buege loves writing about all things travel. When she’s not busy creating content, she spends her time exploring the great outdoors, cuddling with her two black cats and researching her next big (sometimes strange) adventure. 


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