Elen is a writer and editor based in the small city of Nelson, on New Zealand's South Island. Her work focuses on travel, arts, culture, and the humanities. When not working, she likes to explore one of the three national parks on her doorstep.
Elen is a writer and editor based in the small city of Nelson, on New Zealand's South Island. Her work focuses on travel, arts, culture, and the humanities. When not working, she likes to explore one of the three national parks on her doorstep.
Hi, I'm Elen!Elen is a writer and editor based in the small city of Nelson, on New Zealand's South Island. Her work focuses on travel, arts, culture, and the humanities. When not working, she likes to explore one of the three national parks on her doorstep.
Hi, I'm Elen!Elen is a writer and editor based in the small city of Nelson, on New Zealand's South Island. Her work focuses on travel, arts, culture, and the humanities. When not working, she likes to explore one of the three national parks on her doorstep.
Whether you’re traveling with kids or are just looking for a day of fun, the roller coasters, water slides, and other attractions at the world’s best theme parks have a way of breaking the language barrier, no matter where you are. From up-close encounters with cartoon characters to snorkeling in cenotes, here are some top parks to visit on your next vacation.
Universal Studios Hollywood® is a must-visit theme park for movie lovers. Studio Tours show you where and how some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters are made, and rides from the worlds of Harry Potter and more provide fun for everyone, from little ones to seasoned film buffs. You can even dine at movie-themed restaurants on-site.
Families in particular will love LEGOLAND Florida. Along with opportunities to play and build with LEGO® bricks, there are rides, shows, and a water park designed especially for kids. Where else can you build your own LEGO raft and then ride it down a lazy river? Handily, LEGOLAND is also right next door to the Peppa Pig Theme Park.
Once you’ve had your fill of the spectacular natural attractions at Niagara Falls, head up to Clifton Hill, a strip of rides, games, and novelties that includes the Niagara Skywheel, Movieland Wax Museum, minigolf, ten-pin bowling, and more. The Clifton Hill Fun Pass makes it easy to visit multiple attractions.
If you prefer to participate in outdoorsy activities while traveling, put the Dominican Republic’s Scape Park on your itinerary. Exploring natural underground caves and cenotes, ziplining off cliffs and into the water, and snorkeling at the tropical beach are some of activities that await at the 247-acre (100-hectare) park.
An eco-archaeological park, the Xcaret Park in Playa del Carmen takes advantage of the area’s natural beauty and scenic, intriguing ruins—just the kind of place to visit if you’re looking for a theme park that allows you to experience Mexico’s unique landscape, culture, and history. Snorkel in underground rivers, dive into natural cenotes, and watch cultural shows at this unique attraction.
A feature of Disneyland® Paris is that it’s actually two parks—Disneyland Park® and Walt Disney Studios® Park—so you can pick and choose which you want to visit depending on your interests, or visit them both. Disneyland® Park provides a more “traditional” Disneyland® experience, with rides and parades featuring Disney® characters, while Walt Disney Studios® Park offers immersive experiences in the movies of Disney®, Pixar, and Marvel.
The hugely popular Land of Legends theme park, near Turkey’s Antalya coast, makes a fun break from the beaches and historical sights nearby. Ride the roller coasters in Adventure Land and the water slides in Aqua Land, chill in the Tropical Lagoon, or treat the kids to the rides, animated figures and play areas in the “Masha and the Bear” section of the park.
In addition to having its own Disneyland® nearby, the Japanese capital is a jumping-off point for DisneySea®. This water park offers attractions at seven “ports of call,” including a mock Venetian gondola ride and Aladdin-inspired Arabian Coast, along with a transit steamer boat for getting around the park. Both Tokyo Disneyland® and DisneySea® are located in Chiba, just outside Tokyo.
Take a break from the beaches of Bali at Waterbom Bali, an aquatic park with 22 attractions ranging from mellow to extreme. Kids can enjoy floating down the lazy river in a beautifully landscaped jungle setting, while the more adventurous can test their bravery on water slides with names including Green Vipers and Smashdown.
Live out your race-car dreams at Abu Dhabi’s Ferrari World. The highlight is Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster—you’ll reach speeds of up to 150 mph (240 kph) in around 5 seconds, in a Ferrari-shaped coaster. Drivers can also get behind the wheel of a Ferrari and navigate the roads of Yas Island.
The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies were filmed all around New Zealand, but the Hobbiton Movie Set in rural Waikato is the place to go to see the fictional world of Tolkien’s The Shire all in one place. Visit Hobbit holes, learn about movie-making history, and have a Southfarthing Ale at the Green Dragon Inn.
Universal Orlando Resort is home to three exciting theme parks so why limit yourself to just one? Experience Universal’s Islands of Adventure where comics, characters, and stories come to life; immerse yourself in the next generation of blockbuster entertainment at Universal Studios Florida; and make a splash at Universal’s Volcano Bay™—a tropical water theme park.
Dive into the world of Walt Disney at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. Here, you'll have the chance to ride a 4-person raft down Miss Adventure Falls and take a plunge in North America's largest wave pool. Families with little squirts will love Ketchakiddee Creek, a wonderland designed for little kids and perfect for them to splash around all day.
