Theme parks are popular not only in the United States, but all over the world, including Europe and Latin and South America.
The United States is home to more theme parks than any other country in the world. Despite rising gas prices and a teetering economy, theme parks remain popular weekend getaways for families, especially in the summer months. Yet you need not limit your experience to U.S. parks; in the past several years, the industry has gone global in a big way.
Favorite European Theme Parks
Perhaps your next theme park adventure will not involve driving, but flying, to a European country for family fun. It will be much easier to interest the family in castles, art museums and Roman ruins if there’s a day of thrill rides planned in your itinerary.
In the United Kingdom or on the Continent, check out the following parks; be sure to research their operating schedules in advance of your trip, as many operate seasonally and are only open for brief periods over major school holidays.
And since Nickelodeon brought their popular children’s animated characters and TV programs to Movie Park Germany in mid-2007, you’re sure to see the region’s competitors upgrade their own attractions with international name brands. The kids can see Nickelodeon’s imaginative world come to life in a 50,000-square-feet interactive adventure zone called “Nickland.”
Alton Towers, N. Staffordishire, UK
Disneyland Paris, France
Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen
De Efteling, The Netherlands
Port Aventura, Salou, Spain
Gardaland, Italy
Europa Park, Rust, Germany
Warner Bros. Movie Park, Bottrop-Kirchhellen, Germany
Liseberg, Goteborg, Sweden
Parks in Latin & South America
Head south for the winter with even more theme park fun in multiple Latin and South American countries. Mexico and Brazil dominate in their variety of thrills. Here are some suggestions:
Chapultepec, Mexico City
Six Flags Mexico, Mexico City
Selva Magica, Gaudalajara, Mexico
Play Center, Sao Paolo, Brazil
Fantasy Aqua Club, Sao Paolo, Brazil
Beto Carrero, Sta. Catarina, Brazil
Parque de la Costa, Argentina
Fantasilandia, Santiago, Chile
To read or contribute up-to-date descriptions of your favorite theme parks around the world, visit www.themeparkinsider.com.
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