10 Best Theme Parks in New York

While Coney Island is technically a neighbourhood rather than a theme park, this action-packed peninsula merits a mention. Located on the southern end of Brooklyn, the historic district was the USA's most extensive entertainment area at the turn of the 20th century. Groundbreaking innovations in amusement rides and audio-visual technology saw it cement its name in the history book.

Massive modern amusement parks have since dwarfed Coney Island, but it’s still worth a visit. Pop into the iconic Nathan’s Famous for a hotdog, then hit some of the top attractions. Highlights include Luna Park, the New York Aquarium, and Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park. 

Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park is a famous attraction straddling Coney Island Beach and Boardwalk. While the park hosts 6 adult and 12 kid-friendly rides, it’s best known for its namesake: a wonderful Ferris wheel owned by a bloke called Deno. 

The 150-ft-tall observation wheel was constructed in 1920 and has become a New York City designated landmark. A full lap of the wheel takes about 10 minutes – punters get sweeping views of the city and Atlantic Ocean. Entry to Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park is free, but you’ll need to purchase credits to enjoy its eclectic collection of rides.

Luna Park is one of the oldest and most iconic theme park brands in the USA, making it a must for history buffs and nostalgic types. Upon its Coney Island inauguration in 1903, the original amusement park thrilled local families with a dazzling array of attractions and rides. The brand quickly expanded worldwide, and many spin-offs continue to trade today.

The original Coney Island Luna Park closed after a devastating fire in 1944. But in 2010, investors reopened a new and improved Luna Park across the road from the original site. Of its 36 present-day rides, the most sought-after attractions include the Thunderbolt and Beast rollercoasters, the Soarin’ Eagle spinning ride, and the Coney Island Raceway go-kart track.

Adventureland is a family-friendly theme park in East Farmingdale, a small Long Island village about 30 minutes east of New York. Since opening in 1962, the park has become a popular attraction for holidaymaking families in New York State. A festive atmosphere and a solid selection of rides continue to lure the crowds today.

The seasonal park opens in March and offers unlimited rides with an admission ticket (online bookings and adults over 25 years get a discount). With attractions spanning rollercoasters to waterslides and kid-friendly arcades, Adventureland has an adventure for just about everyone.

Niagara Amusement Park and Splash World is a popular family-orientated option a stone’s throw from the world-famous Niagara Falls. Due to this strategic location, the park welcomes a steady stream of vacationing families visiting the thundering triple cascade.

The seasonal park opens in May and closes when icy temperatures return in December. In the amusement park section, you’ll find a plethora of death-defying rides, such as a rollercoaster and log flume. The splash park section focuses on fun in the sun, with attractions like waterslides, a lazy river, and a wave pool.

Six Flags Darien Lake is a prominent theme park in Darien Center, a laidback rural hamlet about 45 minutes from Buffalo. As it’s on the way to Niagara Falls and Canada, it welcomes plenty of American vacationers venturing west. Owned by the Six Flags corporation, this branch is one of 27 amusement parks scattered across the USA, Canada, and Mexico 

The most sought-after Darien Lake ride is Superman: Ride of Steel, a mile-long rollercoaster with a 213-ft, 70-degree drop – it’s guaranteed to get the G-force cranking. If the thought of that makes you weak in the knees, Six Flags Darien Lake has several less terrifying options, like waterslides and kiddie rides.

Splish Splash is a massive waterpark in Calverton, a rural district on the east side of Long Island. The 96-acre aquatic amusement center is the largest of its kind in New York State making it a go-to option when the sun soars. Thrillseekers can choose from over 20 waterslides, plus 2 wave pools and a lazy river.

For next-level fun, give Alien Invasion or Bootleggers a go –they’re both rated as the park's most intense rides. Laidback toddler-friendly slides and wading pools provide the little ones somewhere safe to splash. Splish Splash opens for the summer season in May.

Zoom Flume resides in East Durham, a Greene County town about 2.5 hours north of New York City. While it’s not as big as other New York State waterparks, it has ample aquatic adventures to keep the whole family happy.

Serious thrill-seekers should seek out the 10,000-gallon-a-minute Wild River Ride. Alternately, try Black Vortex, which churns through a terrifying network of pitch-black twists and turns. For something more easygoing, hit the Lazy River or Lagoon Activity Pool instead.