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18 Best Theme Parks on East Coast - Cost & Hotels in 2025

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best theme parks east coast

As a parent who loves exploring with my kids, I’ve had the chance to visit some of the most exciting theme parks on the East Coast. From the magic of Disney to the high-energy rides at Six Flags and the sweet adventures at Hersheypark, each one offers something unforgettable. In this guide, I’ll share park hours, average ticket costs, unique features, top family activities, and three kid-friendly hotels near each park to help you plan your trip.

Theme Parks on East Coast Table of Contents:

  1. Northeast (4 in MA, NY, NJ)  
  2. Mid-Atlantic (7 in PA, VA and MD)
  3. Southeast (2 in SC and GA)
  4. Florida (5) 
  5. Toddler and Young Kids Best Theme Parks(7)
  6. Google Map of all Theme Parks 

And check my 18 East Coast Family Vacations, 10 Family Resorts, and 24 East Coast Beaches! This website uses affiliate links for Booking.com and Amazon which means that if you make a booking, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

Northeast Theme Parks on East Coast

Six Flags Darien Lake (New York Theme Park on East Coast)

darien amusement parks east

Photo by Michael Greiner OCC Motocoaster. Motocoaster is the only coaster that launches riders from zero to 40 mph in just three seconds!

  1. Opening Times: Typically open daily from 11 AM to 9 PM, varies seasonally.
  2. Average Cost per Ticket: $45 - $65 per day.
  3. Unique Features: Combines amusement park, water park, and resort facilities, known for its concerts and events.
  4. Most Popular Rides: Ride of Steel, Tantrum, Predator.
  5. Things to Do Nearby: Letchworth State Park, Genesee Country Village & Museum, Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel.
  6. 3 Family-Friendly Hotel Ideas:

**More New York Travel Blog posts here for families!**

Six Flags New England (Massachusetts)

Six flags New England amusement

Photo byMind Eraser (Six Flags New England)

  1. Opening Times: Typically open daily from 10:30 AM to 8 PM, varies seasonally.
  2. Average Cost per Ticket: $50 - $80 per day.
  3. Unique Features: Extensive collection of thrill rides and family attractions.
  4. Most Popular Rides: Superman The Ride, Wicked Cyclone, Batman The Dark Knight.
  5. Things to Do Nearby: Springfield Museums, Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, Basketball Hall of Fame.
  6. Family-Friendly Hotel Ideas:

LEGOLAND New York Resort

Legoland new York

  1. Opening Times: Typically open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM, varies seasonally.
  2. Average Cost per Ticket: $60 - $100 per day.
  3. Unique Features: LEGO-themed rides and attractions, interactive play areas.
  4. Most Popular Rides: The Dragon, LEGO Ninjago The Ride, Brick Party.
  5. Things to Do Nearby: Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, Bear Mountain State Park, Storm King Art Center.
  6. Read my full Family Trip Guide Review of LEGOLAND New York!
  7. 2 Family-Friendly Hotel Ideas:

Building Memories Building Bricks Blocks Family Matching T-Shirt
NY East Coast Theme Park Goshen

Six Flags Great Adventure (New Jersey)

six flags great adventure

Photo by Jim Capaldi Green Lantern (Six Flags Great Adventure)

  1. Opening Times: Typically open daily from 10:30 AM to 8 PM, varies seasonally.
  2. Average Cost per Ticket: $50 - $80 per day.
  3. Unique Features: Safari Off-Road Adventure, Hurricane Harbor water park.
  4. Most Popular Rides: Kingda Ka, El Toro, Nitro.
  5. Things to Do Nearby: Jackson Premium Outlets, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, iPlay America.
  6. Family-Friendly Hotel Idea:

Mid-Atlantic Theme Parks on the East Coast

Kings Dominion (Super Fun Virginia Theme Park on East Coast!)

va theme parks east coast

  1. Opening Times: Typically open daily from 10:30 AM to 8 PM, varies seasonally.
  2. Average Cost per Ticket: $40 - $70 per day.
  3. Unique Features: Planet Snoopy children’s area, Soak City water park.
  4. Most Popular Rides: Intimidator 305, Dominator, Twisted Timbers.
  5. Things to Do Nearby: Richmond, Virginia State Capitol, Ashland Historic District.
  6. 3 Family-Friendly Hotel Ideas:
    1. Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel - A Colonial Williamsburg Hotel - Breakfast Included
    2. Kingsmill Resort - along the water with a pool
    3. Marriott's Manor Club at Ford's Colony - Indoor and Outdoor Pool plus lots of activities!

Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Virginia)

Busch theme east coast parks

Photo by Piotrus Land of the Dragons (Busch Gardens Williamsburg)

  1. Opening Times: Varies seasonally, generally 10 AM - 6 PM.
  2. Average Cost per Ticket: $60 - $90 per day.
  3. Unique Features: European-themed villages, animal exhibits, seasonal events like Howl-O-Scream.
  4. Most Popular Rides: Griffon, Apollo’s Chariot, Verbolten.
  5. Things to Do Nearby: Read my full review of Colonial Williamsburg, Historic Jamestowne, Water Country USA.
  6. 3 Family-Friendly Hotel Ideas:
    1. Kingsmill Resort - along the water with a pool
    2. Marriott's Manor Club at Ford's Colony - Indoor and Outdoor Pool plus lots of activities!
    3. Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Gateway - with a pool

Hersheypark (Pennsylvania)

Hershey park theme east coast

Photo by Gusc554 https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hershey_park_gate

  1. Opening Times: Typically open daily from 10 AM to 8 PM, varies seasonally.
  2. Average Cost per Ticket: $45 - $75 per day.
  3. Unique Features: Chocolate-themed attractions, adjacent Hershey’s Chocolate World.
  4. Most Popular Rides: Skyrush, Candymonium, Fahrenheit.
  5. Things to Do Nearby: Hershey Gardens, The Hershey Story Museum, ZooAmerica.
  6. 3 Family-Friendly Hotel Ideas:

Hershey's S'mores Caddy Tray Organizer, FOOD ITEMS NOT INCLUDED, Store All Essentials for Making S'mores On The Go for Picnics, Tailgating with Removable Tray & Carrying Handle by Mr. Bar-B-Q 00262HSY
Hershey Park theme park east

Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom (Pennsylvania)

  1. Opening Times: Typically open daily from 10 AM to 8 PM, varies seasonally.
  2. Average Cost per Ticket: $35 - $65 per day.
  3. Unique Features: Combination of amusement park and water park.
  4. Most Popular Rides: Steel Force, Hydra, Talon.
  5. Things to Do Nearby: Allentown Art Museum, Da Vinci Science Center, Lehigh Valley Zoo.
  6. 3 Family-Friendly Hotel Ideas:

Six Flags America (Maryland)

Six Flags America parks

Photo by Coasterman1234 Superman - Ride of Steel (Six Flags America)

  1. Opening Times: Typically open daily from 10:30 AM to 9 PM, varies seasonally.
  2. Average Cost per Ticket: $40 - $70 per day.
  3. Unique Features: Features a variety of thrill rides, family rides, and a water park, with themed areas such as Gotham City and Looney Tunes Movie Town.
  4. Most Popular Rides: Superman: Ride of Steel, Batwing Coaster, Wonder Woman Lasso of Truth.
  5. Things to Do Nearby: National Harbor, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, U.S. Capitol.
  6. 3 Family-Friendly Hotel Ideas:

Dutch Wonderland (Pennsylvania Theme Park Great for Young Kids)

dutch theme park east coast baby

Photo by Smallbones Dutch Wonderland w spider LanCo

  1. Opening Times: Typically open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM, varies seasonally.
  2. Average Cost per Ticket: $40 - $60 per day.
  3. Unique Features: A family-friendly amusement park designed especially for young children, featuring themed areas like Duke’s Lagoon water play area.
  4. Most Popular Rides: Merlin’s Mayhem, Kingdom Coaster, Duke’s Dozers.
  5. Things to Do Nearby: Amish Farm and House, Lancaster Central Market, The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.
  6. Family-Friendly Hotel Idea:

Sesame Place Philadelphia (Pennsylvania)

sesame toddler theme park east coast

Photo by Lilypad.ua Chef Cookie show

  1. Opening Times: Typically open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM, varies seasonally.
  2. Average Cost per Ticket: $45 - $75 per day.
  3. Unique Features: Themed around the beloved children’s show Sesame Street, offering character meet-and-greets, themed rides, and interactive shows.
  4. Most Popular Rides: Oscar's Wacky Taxi, Cookie Monster's Land, Elmo's Cloud Chaser.
  5. Things to Do Nearby: Philadelphia Zoo, Please Touch Museum, Franklin Institute. (See my blog of my family's review of all our favorites in Philly!)
  6. Family-Friendly Hotel Idea:

Cute Family Outfits

  1. Sesame Street Squad Goals T-Shirt
  2. Elmo Tshirt, Shirt and Scrunchie
  3. Cookie Monster Shirt
  4. 2nd Birthday Shirt

Sesame Street Elmo Infant Baby Girls Graphic T-Shirt Mesh Skirt and Scrunchie 3 Piece Outfit Set Red/Rainbow 12 Months

Theme Parks on the Southeast East Coast

Carowinds (Amusement Park on the Border of North Carolina and South Carolina)

Carowinds amuseumtn park east

Photo by Pi.1415926535 Carowinds aerial view

  1. Opening Times: Typically open daily from 10 AM to 8 PM, varies seasonally.
  2. Average Cost per Ticket: $40 - $70 per day.
  3. Unique Features: Fury 325, Carolina Harbor water park.
  4. Most Popular Rides: Fury 325, Intimidator, Afterburn.
  5. Things to Do Nearby: Charlotte Motor Speedway, Discovery Place Science, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden.
  6. Family-Friendly Hotel Idea:
    1. Four Points by Sheraton Charlotte/Pineville

Six Flags Over Georgia

east coast six flags ga

Photo by Coasterman1234 Goliath (Six Flags Over Georgia)

  1. Opening Times: Typically open daily from 10:30 AM to 8 PM, varies seasonally.
  2. Average Cost per Ticket: $50 - $80 per day.
  3. Unique Features: Southern-themed amusement park, featuring both classic and modern thrill rides.
  4. Most Popular Rides: Goliath, Batman: The Ride, Twisted Cyclone.
  5. Things to Do Nearby: Atlanta Zoo, Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola.
  6. Family-Friendly Hotel Idea:
    1. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Austell Powder Springs, an IHG Hotel

Florida Theme Parks

Florida is the crown jewel of East Coast theme parks, and while Walt Disney World often steals the spotlight, there’s a lot more magic beyond Mickey. Families can soar on roller coasters at Universal Orlando, cool off at LEGOLAND Florida’s water park, or meet sea animals up close at SeaWorld Orlando. For something a little different, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay combines thrilling rides with incredible animal encounters, while smaller gems like Fun Spot America deliver old-school amusement park fun without the massive crowds. Whether you’re looking for blockbuster attractions or low-key thrills, Florida has a theme park for every type of family adventure.

Walt Disney World Resort (The Ultimate Theme Park East Coast)

Disney theme park east coast

Photo by Kaleeb18 Walt Disney World Cinderella Castle

  1. Opening Times: Typically open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM, but hours can vary by park and season.
  2. Average Cost per Ticket: $109 - $159 per day.
  3. Unique Features: Four distinct theme parks, Magic Kingdom’s Cinderella Castle, Epcot’s World Showcase, extensive dining and entertainment options.
  4. Most Popular Rides: Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Avatar Flight of Passage, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
  5. Things to Do Nearby: Disney Springs, Orlando Premium Outlets, International Drive attractions.
  6. Family-Friendly Hotels and Vacation Ideas:
    1. Hilton Vacation Club Aqua Sol Orlando West
    2. Hilton Garden Inn Winter Park, FL
    3. Marvelous 3Bd Close to Disney w GameRoom at The Hub 3409

Universal Orlando Resort

universal orlando theme park resort

Photo by Universal Benoît Prieur A view of Universal Orlando Resort

  1. Opening Times: Typically open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM, hours can vary by park and season.
  2. Average Cost per Ticket: $109 - $139 per day.
  3. Unique Features: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, immersive movie-themed attractions.
  4. Most Popular Rides: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, The Incredible Hulk Coaster, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.
  5. Things to Do Nearby: Universal CityWalk, International Drive attractions, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
  6. Family-Friendly Hotel Idea:
    1. Universal's Loews Royal Pacific Resort

LEGOLAND Florida Resort

  1. Opening Times: Typically open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM.
  2. Average Cost per Ticket: $70 - $100 per day.
  3. Unique Features: LEGO-themed rides, water park, botanical garden.
  4. Most Popular Rides: The Dragon, Flying School, Mia’s Riding Adventure.
  5. Things to Do Nearby: Bok Tower Gardens, Chain of Lakes, Lake Kissimmee State Park.
  6. Family-Friendly Hotel Idea:
    1. LEGOLAND® Florida Resort

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

  1. Opening Times: Typically open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM.
  2. Average Cost per Ticket: $85 - $105 per day.
  3. Unique Features: African-themed animal exhibits, thrill rides, live shows.
  4. Most Popular Rides: SheiKra, Cheetah Hunt, Montu.
  5. Things to Do Nearby: Adventure Island, Lowry Park Zoo, Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI).
  6. Family-Friendly Hotel Idea:
    1. Hilton Garden Inn Tampa North

Adventure Island Theme Park

adventure island east coast

Photo by Des Blenkinsopp

  1. Opening Times: Typically open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM.
  2. Average Cost per Ticket: $45 - $65 per day.
  3. Unique Features: Large water park with slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers.
  4. Most Popular Rides: Colossal Curl, Vanish Point, Wahoo Run.
  5. Things to Do Nearby: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Lettuce Lake Park, Tampa Riverwalk.
  6. Family-Friendly Hotel Idea:
    1. Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Tampa North

Toddler-Friendly Theme Parks on East Coast

If you're looking for the best East Coast theme parks for toddlers and young kids, these seven destinations stand out for their family-friendly attractions and magical experiences:

  1. Sesame Place in Pennsylvania is perfect for little ones who love Sesame Street, offering gentle rides and interactive shows featuring their favorite characters.
  2. LEGOLAND New York and LEGOLAND Florida are both ideal for young builders, with interactive play areas, themed rides, and colorful LEGO displays that captivate young imaginations.
  3. Walt Disney World in Florida is the ultimate family destination, where classic attractions like "It's a Small World" and character meet-and-greets provide endless joy for young children.
  4. King’s Dominion in Virginia has Planet Snoopy, a section dedicated to younger guests with age-appropriate rides and live entertainment.
  5. Dutch Wonderland in Pennsylvania is a park designed specifically for families with young children, offering over 35 rides tailored to their size and comfort. Lastly,
  6. Hershey Park in Pennsylvania combines sweet treats with thrilling rides, including kiddie rides and interactive experiences that make it a hit with toddlers and young kids alike. These parks offer a safe, exciting, and memorable experience for the youngest adventurers in your family.

Google Map and Full List of Theme Parks on East Coast

Full List of Theme Parks on the East Coast

  1. Six Flags Darien Lake (New York)
  2. Six Flags New England (Massachusetts)
  3. LEGOLAND New York Resort (New York)
  4. Six Flags Great Adventure (New Jersey)
  5. Hersheypark (Pennsylvania)
  6. Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom (Pennsylvania)
  7. Dutch Wonderland (Pennsylvania)
  8. Sesame Place (Pennsylvania) 
  9. Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Virginia)
  10. Kings Dominion (Virginia)
  11. Six Flags America (Maryland) 
  12. Carowinds (North Carolina/South Carolina)
  13. Six Flags Over Georgia (Georgia)
  14. Walt Disney World Resort (Florida)
  15. Universal Orlando Resort (Florida)
  16. LEGOLAND Florida Resort (Florida)
  17. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (Florida)
  18. Adventure Island (Florida)

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