Top Theme Parks in Florida for Year-Round Excitement

Whether you’re a fan of sun, surf, or theme parks, Florida has no shortage of exhilarating activities. From vibrant cities teeming with culinary delights and nightlife to serene beaches and breathtaking national parks, the Sunshine State is packed with thrills, and its impressive array of theme parks elevates it to a premier destination for fun.

Beyond the wonders of Walt Disney World (which continues to expand its magical offerings), Florida boasts an array of attractions, including mega-parks with thrilling roller coasters, refreshing water parks, and unique indoor experiences. There’s plenty for everyone, not just the little ones.

Whether you live in Florida, are a theme park veteran, or visiting for the first time, there’s an adventure waiting for you. Here’s a roundup of the top theme parks in Florida to include in your travel plans.

1. Universal Studios Florida

The ultimate theme park for a dazzling experience

Run by the entertainment giant NBCUniversal, Universal Orlando Resort offers attractions inspired by beloved movie characters. Encounter iconic figures like Harry Potter, the Hulk, The Simpsons, and Woody Woodpecker, all amidst beautifully themed outdoor spaces reminiscent of New York City's Central Park, Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, and Hollywood.

Universal encompasses three parks, and a two-park pass is essential for accessing both Universal Studios Florida and the movie-themed Islands of Adventure. For the full experience, consider adding Volcano Bay, Universal’s exciting water park.

The top attractions here are located within the towering 200ft Krakatau volcano, featuring the beloved Krakatau Aqua Coaster—where you and three friends will twist and turn through the volcano before splashing out through a lava-like waterfall for an exhilarating finish.

2. Walt Disney World

Best theme park for crafting your own adventure

Spanning over 25,000 acres, Walt Disney World features four theme parks and two water parks, all infused with Disney magic. The real challenge is deciding where to start. Be sure to get the Park Hopper ticket, allowing you to explore multiple parks in one day instead of being limited to just one.

There are countless thrilling rides for kids, while adults can enjoy the popular 'drinking around the world' experience at Epcot. Each themed area within the park offers unique alcoholic beverages, like a Grey Goose orange slush in France or apple ice wine in Canada, paired perfectly with potstickers from China or a funnel cake from the North American section.

For families with little ones, the nightly fireworks at Magic Kingdom create unforgettable memories. Another family-friendly attraction is the open-air Kilimanjaro Safari in Animal Kingdom, offering a delightful opportunity to get up close with friendly giraffes.

3. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Best theme park for animal enthusiasts

Florida's theme park offerings extend far beyond Orlando. Tampa's Busch Gardens sprawls over 330 acres and features 16 thrilling rides, including the Iron Gwazi, touted as the fastest and steepest hybrid coaster worldwide. With an African theme, the park includes sections like Congo, Morocco, and Sesame Street Safari of Fun, while a steam train meanders through the grounds.

Busch Gardens also functions as Tampa's largest zoo, housing over 200 species, including sloths and Florida's famed flamingos. The park provides unique animal interactions—visit the Animal Care Center to observe rehabilitating animals receiving X-rays and treatments, or take a train ride through the giraffe-populated Serengeti Plain for a glimpse of the African savanna.

Additionally, the park is among the select few in the United States to receive the Humane Certified seal from American Humane, recognizing its commitment to the ethical treatment of its animals.

4. Dezerland Park

Best theme park for cooling off

Florida's summer heat can be oppressive, making it essential to pack ample drinking water and sunblock for any theme park visit. Alternatively, you can enjoy 800,000 square feet of indoor entertainment at Dezerland Park in Orlando.

Dezerland Park offers an engaging experience with an axe-throwing area, trampoline park, neon-lit mini-golf, an indoor karting track, and bowling alleys. If you're frustrated by long waits at other parks, vent your feelings at Dezerland Park's rage room, where you can smash old electronics to your heart's content.

5. Legoland & Peppa Pig

Top theme parks for children

Florida boasts a theme park entirely dedicated to what could be the ultimate childhood toy: Lego! With ten Legolands around the world, from Japan to Dubai, the Florida location in Winter Haven stands out. True to its name, Legoland features rides and interactive attractions inspired by building blocks, sure to delight both kids and nostalgic adults.

A highlight for young visitors is the 4D Ninjago Ride, themed around the brand's martial arts characters, while the thrilling Dragon roller coaster takes riders on a journey through a Lego castle. No visit to Legoland is complete without exploring MiniLand USA, an outdoor exhibit filled with Lego replicas of iconic American landmarks and cities. Adjacent to this is the new Peppa Pig Theme Park, perfect for younger guests (a separate ticket is needed for entry).

6. Fun Spot

Best theme park deal in Florida

With tickets priced at nearly half that of the larger parks in the Orlando area, Fun Spot still offers plenty of excitement. There are two locations in Central Florida—one in Orlando and another in Kissimmee—and there's even one in Atlanta if you're traveling out of state.

The Orlando location of Fun Spot has a vibrant carnival atmosphere, featuring fairground games, a funhouse, amusement arcades, bumper cars, a Ferris wheel, and some solid roller coasters. Notably, Fun Spot has a unique offering: an old-fashioned wooden coaster called White Lightning, which you won't find at other Orlando parks.

Thanks to free parking, you can indulge in treats at the Fun Food area, where you’ll find funnel cakes, deep-fried candy bars, and more.

7. WonderWorks Upside Down Museum

Best quirky yet educational theme park

Just the sight of WonderWorks is an attraction in itself. This upside-down structure in Panama City Beach stands out sharply against the pharmacy and buffet restaurant nestled beside it. According to the lore, WonderWorks was once a secret laboratory, but a mishap sent the building soaring through the air from the Bermuda Triangle to its current location.

The real excitement awaits inside. WonderWorks boasts over 100 interactive exhibits divided into themed zones, including an Extreme Weather section where you can experience the force of a Category 1 hurricane and a 5.3-magnitude earthquake. There's also a companion museum located in Orlando.

Continue planning your Florida adventure:

When to visit for the best weather while steering clear of hurricane season Essential tips to know before your trip With the introduction of a new high-speed rail, accessing Florida's theme parks is more convenient than ever And if you're on a budget, keep this guide handy for money-saving tips in Florida