When planning a family vacation, theme parks are a top choice for creating unforgettable memories. In 2025, the best family-friendly theme parks in the US are focusing on immersive experiences, new attractions, and improved amenities to make visits even more magical. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers or teenagers, here’s a parent-friendly guide to the best US theme parks for families in 2025. Universal Orlando Resort Walt Disney World Resort (Florida) Why it’s great for families:Walt Disney World remains the gold standard for family-friendly theme parks. With four parks—Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom—there’s something for every age group. Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland is perfect for younger kids, while Hollywood Studios offers thrilling Star Wars and Pixar experiences for older ones. New in 2025: Expanded Moana-inspired water play area in EPCOT. New nighttime parade in Magic Kingdom. Updated ride technology for classics like Peter Pan’s Flight. Parent Perks: Genie+ service for skipping lines. Rider Switch for parents with young children. Plenty of stroller-friendly paths and baby care centers. Disneyland Resort (California) Why it’s great for families:Disneyland Resort in Anaheim offers two parks—Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure. It’s a smaller, more manageable option for families who want all the Disney magic without the vast size of Walt Disney World. New in 2025: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure replaces Splash Mountain. More Marvel attractions in Avengers Campus. New character meet-and-greets featuring Encanto and Elemental characters. Parent Perks: Close proximity of both parks makes travel easy. Baby care centers with changing and feeding areas. Rider Switch available for bigger rides. Universal Orlando Resort (Florida) Why it’s great for families:Universal Orlando is fantastic for families with kids who love Harry Potter, Minions, and Jurassic World. It offers thrilling rides and immersive worlds that rival Disney’s magic. New in 2025: The grand opening of Epic Universe, featuring Super Nintendo World. Updated Minion Land experiences in Universal Studios. New kid-friendly Jurassic Park attractions. Parent Perks: Child swap programs for thrill rides. Express Pass options to skip long lines. Hotel packages with early park entry benefits. Legoland California & Legoland Florida Why it’s great for families:Designed for children aged 2-12, Legoland parks are packed with interactive attractions, water parks, and creative play areas. New in 2025: Expanded Lego Movie World attractions. New Peppa Pig-themed rides. Enhanced 4D movie experiences. Parent Perks: Free admission for kids under 3. Stroller and locker rentals available. Family-friendly restaurants with plenty of healthy options. Dollywood (Tennessee) Why it’s great for families:Dollywood is an excellent choice for families looking for a theme park with a mix of thrills, live entertainment, and southern charm. With kid-friendly rides, water parks, and Dolly Parton’s influence, it’s a well-rounded experience. New in 2025: Expanded Wildwood Grove for younger visitors. A new family-friendly roller coaster. Additional live entertainment shows. Parent Perks: Free water stations throughout the park. Shaded rest areas perfect for breaks. Great food options for picky eaters. Sesame Place (Pennsylvania & California) Why it’s great for families:Perfect for preschoolers, Sesame Place offers gentle rides, water attractions, and live shows featuring beloved Sesame Street characters. New in 2025: New Cookie Monster-themed ride. Expanded parade route and interactive zones. Enhanced dining options for families. Parent Perks: Quiet rooms for sensory-sensitive children. Plenty of toddler-friendly attractions. Easy-to-navigate layout for strollers. Hersheypark (Pennsylvania) Why it’s great for families:Hersheypark blends a love for chocolate with fun rides for all ages, plus an adjoining water park and zoo. New in 2025: A new chocolate-themed family coaster. Expanded interactive play areas. Hershey’s Chocolate World upgrades. Parent Perks: Family-friendly pricing with bundle deals. Plenty of shaded picnic areas. Free Hershey’s chocolate samples! Final Tips for Parents: Plan Ahead: Buy tickets in advance for discounts and early entry perks. Pack Smart: Bring sunscreen, refillable water bottles, and comfortable shoes. Use Parent-Friendly Services: Take advantage of baby care centers, rider swaps, and mobile food ordering. Know Your Kids’ Limits: Take breaks when needed to avoid exhaustion. By choosing one of these top US theme parks for families in 2025, you’ll be setting the stage for an unforgettable trip filled with fun, laughter, and adventure. Happy travels!
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