These FL Amusement Parks Were Just Named Among Best In US

FLORIDA — If adrenalin-producing roller coasters and smile-inducing costumed characters are your idea of a fun family play date, four of the 20 best amusement parks in the country are close to home in Florida, according to a recent U.S. News & World Report ranking.

The Florida mentions on The 20 Best Amusement Parks in the U.S. for 2025 are:

Walt Disney World Resort: Orlando

Some of Walt Disney World's newest offerings for 2025 include a new ride called Tiana's Bayou Adventure, a reimagined Country Bear Musical Jamboree and a Dream the Night Away nighttime parade. Four distinct theme parks make up the larger resort. Magic Kingdom is the resort's most iconic area, plus EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios and the Animal Kingdom houses rare animals.

Busch Gardens: Tampa

In 2025, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will open a new "Wild Oasis" kid-friendly adventure realm with climbing features, educational scavenger hunts and interactive water play areas. The park offers theme and water park action, plus a full zoo with more than 200 species of animals. Rides include a triple-launch roller coaster called Tigris, a family-friendly spin coaster called Cobra's Curse, a 300-foot drop tower, and more.

Universal Orlando Resort: Orlando

In May, Universal Orlando Resort will open a new theme park called Universal Epic Universe that will include numerous realms themed to "How to Train Your Dragon," Universal Monsters, Super Nintendo World and another Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Four parks will be located within Universal Orlando Resort by summer 2025: Universal Studios Florida showcases characters from movies and TV series such as "Harry Potter"; Universal's Islands of Adventure features popular characters; Universal's Volcano Bay Water Theme Park provides slides and pools; and the new Universal Epic Universe will take visitors through new words from "How to Train Your Dragon," Super Nintendo World and Dark Universe.

Legoland Florida Resort: Winter Haven

The park is expected to open the new SEA LIFE Aquarium in May, which will offer educational experiences in an underwater world. This theme park features life-sized Lego creations, themed rides and shows with favorite characters. Legoland Florida Resort is a three-in-one theme park featuring the Lego-themed amusement rides and water park attractions, plus the Peppa Pig Theme Park. The park is open year-round.

U.S. News said the amusement parks on the list can be affordable for families, especially when reservations are booked in advance. The parks are supported by a range of nearby lodging options including family-oriented hotels with pools to campgrounds.

Others on the list are:

• Six Flags Great Adventure: Jackson Township, New Jersey
• Walt Disney World Resort: Orlando, Florida
• Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: Tampa, Florida
• Universal Orlando Resort: Orlando, Florida
• Dollywood: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
• Legoland Florida Resort: Winter Haven, Florida
• Six Flags Fiesta Texas: San Antonio, Texas
• Cedar Point: Sandusky, Ohio
• Silver Dollar City: Branson, Missouri
• Kings Island: Mason, Ohio
• Kings Dominion Theme Park: Doswell, Virginia
• Holiday World & Splashin' Safari: Santa Claus, Indiana
• Knott’s Berry Farm: Buena Park, California
• Six Flags Magic Mountain: Valencia, California
• Disneyland Park: Anaheim, California
• Universal Studios Hollywood: Universal City, California
• SeaWorld San Diego: San Diego, California