The 15 Best Amusement Parks In The World For Family Fun
Summer is here.and it’s time to gather the young and the old for a family holiday at these handpicked amusement parks and integrated resorts.
1. Port Aventura World,Spain
An hour away from the BarcelonaAirport lies the biggest resort of southern Europe, PortAventura World. This Spanish wonder in Salou houses three theme parks with unique features and several attractions, the biggest draw among which is Ferrari Land. Experience the tallest ride in Europe, The Red Force, that shoots to 180 kmph in under five seconds and goes up to 112 metres high. Understand the history of Ferrari, get into the shoes of an F1 driver, go Around The World in Ferrari, or buy souvenirs from the original store. Besides the Ferrari adventure, 17 cool attractions like the Bermuda Triangle wave pool provides much needed respite from the summer heat. Book a stay at one of the five themed hotels of PortAventura World; it comes with day long access to Ferrari Land. Access to the parks with a night stay starts from `12,500 portaventuraworld.com
2. Hersheypark, Pennsylvania, USA
Aticket to Hersheypark is no less rewarding thanWillyWonka’s golden ticket to the chocolate factory. Understandably located in Hershey, this Hershey themed park is literally what its name suggests, and more. Initially established as a leisure space for the company’s employees, the amusement park is today the perfect place to bring family, friends, or your partner. Enjoy the moderate to wild rides at the park, or spend a summer day at the waterpark. If chocolate is all you care for, visit the next door Hershey’s Chocolate World, and indulge in chocolate tours and tasting experiences, or make your own Hershey candy. When the sugar rush hits, head over to the quaint woodside cottages of the Hershey Hotel, one of the three official resorts of the park. Enjoy a relaxing spa, swim in the indoor pool, play golf, or take a tour of the town that is considered the sweetest place on Earth. If you feel like burning some of those holiday calories, choose one of the Hershey Outfitters activities, like kayaking or fly fishing. One day entrance ticket in summer costs `2,800 rooms from `18,000 per night hersheypark.com
3. Disneyland Paris, France
Baloo with his whimsical singing, Spiderman with his web slinging, Disney princesses with their wishful thinking, and Winnie the Pooh with his wise sayings all your favourite characters come alive at Disneyland Paris. What makes this Disney experience unique is its French backdrop, located a 40 minute train ride from Paris, and a Parisian version of the famous Disney castles. Scream out loud at the 13 storeyed Twilight Zone of Terror that reeks of hauntings. Indulge your senses in Gusteau’s famous Parisian restaurant through the 4D experience of Ratatouille. For some real food, eat your way through Bistrot Chez Rémy, where everything is oversized. Shop, eat, watch movies, or just take a stroll through the Disney Village. For a happiness overload, stay at one of the Disney Resorts and avail the Extra Magic Time reserved for the hotels’ guests. One day entrance is `5,000 per adult disneylandparis.com
4. Universal Studios Japan
The thrill of visiting a Universal Studios multiplies in Osaka, Japan, where the destination magnifies the magic. One of the most visited Universal Studios, the Japanese edition takes the wizardry of theme parks up a notch with its exclusive Harry Potter themed rides and immersive shows that draw Potterheads from around the globe. The award winning ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey has recently been upgraded to an extraordinary 360o sensory experience. Opt for Wand Study to brush up those magic skills you have been hiding under your Muggle mask. Sip on specially brewed draft beer at Hog’s Head tavern as the kids get a taste of the non alcoholic Butterbeer, or enjoy a filling meal at Three Broomsticks. If you’re not a Potterhead, there’s a Minion Park, a Hollywood area, and a deadly Jaws ride, among other experiences. Entrance from `4,300 usj.co.jp
5. Wynn Las Vegas
Located on the famous Las Vegas Strip, Wynn is a luxury resort and casino featuring daily theatrical shows, a boutique shopping complex, a 20 acre lagoon, a gorgeous golf course, and of course, a world class casino. The holder of the most Forbes five star awards on the planet, the property boasts Asia’s finest features from spas to restaurants. On any given day, you could go shopping for fashion accessories at the plaza, take a customised spa treatment at the award winning facility, follow it up with a delightful Cantonese dinner at the Michelin star Wing Lei, get entertained through shows like La Reve or a Robbie Williams live show, and take the night deep in one of its three signature nightclubs. Check into the Deluxe Panoramic View Room that looks over the strip from the 28th floor. For those who wish to linger longer, there’s a wide menu of experiences ranging from winemaking sessions to sushi masterclasses. Panoramic View Room from `30,000 wynnlasvegas.com
6. LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, United Kingdom
Eat, sleep, and drink LEGO at one of the largest and coolest LEGO themed parks in the world. Built for children aged two to 12 and for any adult with the heart of a two to 12 year old, this amusement park located in Berkshire has been meticulously designed piece by piece. Choose one of the 55 rides like the Dragon, that goes all the way up and down through a castle, or earn your first driving license at the Lego Driving School. Attend the spookiest of parties at the Monster House Haunted Party, where Lord Vampyre awaits, or buy a ticket for a 4D LEGO movie the two latest additions to the park. There are 12 themed areas, each with a unique plot, like The Land of the Vikings, Miniland, etc. At the Imagination Centre, children can build their very own digital fish as they gobble up fresh donuts. If you’re visiting in the sweltering summer, cool off at the Drench Towers. An all inclusive ticket is `3,800 online legoland.co.uk
7. SeaWorld Orlando,USA
On one hand, you could go dancing with dolphins or feed sea lions, and on the other, test your mettle by strapping yourself into giant rollercoasters. The US headquartered chain of marine parks is a combination of animal encounters and adrenaline pumping rides, with its Orlando branch being among the original ones. The signature show, featuring the park’s resident orcas, brings you up close with one of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures while educating you about its life and conservation. The Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are another highlight, with opportunities for personal up close encounters as well as a theatrical show. Away from the animals, Mako is a family rollercoaster ride widely believed to be the tallest and fastest in the Florida area. The park is best experienced on a full hotel package that comes with top seats at shows. A two night all inclusive package at Holiday Inn Express begins at `18,000 seaworld.com orlando
8. Dubai Parks and Resorts, UAE
Bhuvan from Lagaan awaits at The Thrill of Victory, where you can play a game of cricket against a team of British Raj. If Krrish is your kids’ favourite superhero, choose Hero’s Flight, a 4D flying theatre. This is the first ever Bollywood themed amusement park, one of five parks at the stunning Dubai Parks and Resorts. Stroll through the dazzling Mumbai Chowk, snack at Bollywood Boulevard, or make your own version of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. You can also immerse yourself in the full fledged Legoland and LEGO themed Waterpark there are 40 LEGO themed rides and 20 water rides. To make the best of your time, stay at the Polynesian themed resort Lapita. Doubles at Lapita from `12,000 dubaiparksandreorts.com.
9. Tivoli Gardens, Denmark
Georg Carstensen’s love for amusement parks gave birth to Tivoli Gardens in 1843 and is believed to be the inspiration for Walt Disney. This 176 year old amusement park retains its vintage tint with unique features like the renowned music school called Tivoli Garden, which accepts only the best. Tivoli is not just about thrilling rides the love for amusement is served by world class ballet, drama, dance, and enchanting concerts. Every day is marked by a different genre of live music there’s Friday Rock and Wednesday Jazz. Unlike other parks, Tivoli does something different in each season summer is marked by outdoor activities, though there’s fun in store for rainy days as well. Classic rides like Animal Carousel and thrilling ones like The Demon make sure there’s something for every set of nerves. Sip on the 175th year special Nordic style beer called Cuvée Carstensen, relish an array of cuisines, or just picnic in the architectural wonder that Tivoli is. Summer season begins mid April entrance for kids above eight years of age is `1,400 tivoli.dk.
10. Efteling Hotel & Theme Park, Netherlands
At the Efteling theme park, you walk into a life size setting of your favourite fairy tale, be that Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, or Pinocchio. Known as the keeper of fairy tales, Efteling has a theme for all kinds of fables the old and the contemporary creating a mystical, romantic, and sometimes wild aura. Started in 1933 as a sports park, Efteling brings together well designed adventure activities within its themed sections, making it a fun place for all family members. Feed the paper eating Holle Bolle Gijs, who never seem to get full, experience miniature dioramas, watch the latest CARO theatre, or cool off in the Pirana river rapids. Eat fresh bread rolls at the underwater themed Octopus, order a stack of delicious pancakes at Polles Keuken, or enjoy Dutch specialities at the adorable Poffertje. When visiting the park, stay at Efteling fairytale themed hotel and choose your favourite story setting for a cosy night’s sleep. Entrance is `3,200, doubles from `20,000 per night efteling.com.
11. Europa Park, Germany
Ditch the classic Euro trip this summer for an extravagant experience of 15 ‘European lands’ built in a single theme park. Located in a small German town called Rust, Europa Park has only one drawback there are too many amazing options to choose from. One moment, you are in the Variety Theatre of Montmartre, and the next, you’re gobbling down Greek gyros in a taverna in Mykonos. For adrenaline junkies, there’s the Blue-Fire megacoaster that touches a speed of 100 kmph in about 2.5 seconds, one of the 13 spine chilling rollercoasters at the park. Move around the park in the EP Express train, feast on scrumptious cuisines in one of the 20 plus bars and restaurants, live in the themed resorts, cuddle up in rugged Teppes, or camp in your caravan. The little ones are known to enjoy the adorable gondola ride through Italy, guided by Enzo the parrot, but if spooky is what floats your boat, Ghost Castle is the haunt for you. A two day admission is priced at `7,760 europapark.de.
12. Grand Memories Splash Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
In the azure Caribbean, Grand Memories delightswith outdoor pools and a splash park on its all inclusive property. A short hop away from the tranquil Bavaro beach, amenities include unlimited gourmet dining, fully stocked mini bar, access to a highquality water park, and a supervised children and teens club, among others. At the water park, there are seven giant slides, including the lightning-fast Space Bowl. Play with your family at the wave pool, and enjoy non alcoholic drinks while the children go ballistic with splash pads and spraygrounds. Once you’ve had your fill of the on site park, you can go snorkelling in the surrounding lagoon or head out on a kayaking expedition. For a complete experience, book the Diamond Club Presidential one bedroom Suite that has a separate pullout couch for the kids, a Jacuzzi tub, two private balconies, and butler services. Presidential Suite from `70,000 in summer memoriesresorts.com
13. City Of Dreams Manila, Philippines
An integrated resort that houses three luxurious properties, an extraordinary nightclub, and a buzzing casino, along with a bunch of family friendly attractions, City Of Dreams Manila is a wholesome getaway in itself. Strategically located a stone’s throw from the international airport, the resort can keep you occupied for weeks at length. Here, you can experience golf like never before at the simulated golfing experience of K Golf, or ski down tricky slopes at the simulated Ski Rodeo. Play Crap, a superfast table game, Three Cards Poker, or the classic Roulette at the casino. For an entertaining evening, taste French food dished out by Chef Frederic Thevenet. Alternatively, relish Japanese Peruvian dishes at the classy Nobu Restaurant. Buy apparels at Porsche Design, and pick up some luscious fragrances at Art of Scent. Throw the kids a surprise bash with their favourite Dreamworks character. Prices vary based on experience hotel chosen cityofdreammanila.com.
14. Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore
Name it and you have it at ResortsWorld Sentosa.Afull array of activities focussed on water makes it a superb choice for summers watch over 1,000 species of marine animals swim around as you stroll through the tunnels at S.E.A. Aquarium; greet Vanda, the ‘miracle’ zebra shark born without a father or take a scuba diving lesson in the aquarium awash with 100,000 sea animals. For the adventurous, there’s cliff jumping at the Adventure Cove Waterpark. Bombard your Instagram followers with quirky pictures from the Trick Eye Museum, where augmented reality meets cool art, or feel the chills at Headrock Virtual Reality experience. The cherry on top is the in house Universal Studios Singapore that features 24 exclusive rides and a series of character themed shows Snack on local food at Sessions, or savour gourmet meals whipped up by Chef Benjamin Halat at Curate. Sleep at Ocean Suites, where lower floors come with a view of the underwater world. Prices vary based on the experiences rwsentosa.com.
15. Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa, Turkey
Located in the land of Rumi, the all inclusive, award winning 5 star Cornelia Diamond Resort and Spa calls for a unique vacation. The property is surrounded by premium golf clubs that sit on majestic Turkish landscape, the best of the lot being the 27 hole Cornelia Golf Club designed by Sir Nick Faldo. Sip on funky drinks at the Mermaid Bar, or listen to jazz at the Seabird Bar, one of the 11 classy bars at the resort. Meanwhile, toddlers enjoy the company of trained babysitters at Baby Cornelia, and the older ones get supervised free time at the Atlantis Children’s World. While the kids play, you can melt away in the inclusive Turkish Bath or Russian Sauna, or opt for a private spa experience. Families can bond over watersports, archery, boccia, dance courses, bowling, and more A Garden Family Suite begins at `70,000; corneliaresort.com