Over lockdown, we spent most of our time dreaming of the trips we’d take and the fun we’d have.
But now that the world is opening up to travellers, we’re struggling to decide where to go first. If you feel the same way, why not follow your inner thrill-seeker at one of these top 20 theme parks?
Spanning 20 countries, rides aren’t the only the only thing on offer, either – try local bites, grab unique souvenirs and explore destinations unknown.
Whether you’re an adrenaline fan looking to tackle the biggest and fastest rides, or just want to keep the kids entertained on the teacups, there’s something for absolutely everyone this summer.
1. Alton Towers, UK
One of the most popular theme parks in the UK, Alton Towers offers up head-spinning roller coasters such as the wicker man, nemesis, oblivion and the smiler, while tiny tots will love CBeebies land. Don’t want the fun to end? It doesn’t have to, as you can also stay inside the resort. Opt for the stargazing pods for a budget camping-style break with the chance to admire the cosmos from one the telescopes.
altontowers.com.
2. Beto Carrero World, Brazil
It’s always a party waiting to happen at Beto Carrero World. Home to the country’s first inverted roller coaster (for the uninitiated, that means the train runs under the track), the thrills are as innovative as they are fun. While adults enjoy this adrenaline-pumping ride, there’s also the dum dum kiddie coaster and more for the little ones. After catching a quick break, burn the rubber at kart racing or ride the water coaster for a refreshing dip in a water tank. Kids both big and small can have a laugh getting snaps with favourite characters from the movie Madagascar (yes, the comic King Julien included).
betocarrero.com.br.
3. De Efteling, Netherlands
De Efteling is celebrating its 70th birthday this year, so there’s plenty of celebrations to mark the occasion. From an Alice in Wonderland themed birthday tea party to daily celebrations at exactly 4pm, the parties at Efteling will make sure they don’t go unnoticed. But the anniversary celebrations aren’t all because a fairy tale forest, river rapids ride, steam carousel, cursed villa, boat rides, a miniature world, and more await at the largest theme park in the Netherlands.
efteling.com.
4. Disneyland, Hong Kong
Disneyland in California might be the most famous of the parks, but there’s lots of to love about Disneyland Hong Kong, like the unique Iron Man experience, a 3D motion-simulator attraction. Take a raft to Tarzan’s treehouse and explore it from the inside, or visit the karibuni marketplace. Toy Story land will offer barrels of fun, including the toy soldier parachute drop, slinky dog spin, and RC racer, and you can meet Ant Man at Tomorrowland or relish the beauty of mystic manor. The little ones will especially enjoy the jungle river cruise, Dumbo the flying elephant, and the Cinderella carousel.
hongkongdisneyland.com.
5 Disneyland Paris, France
Paris as a vacation spot is in itself bucket list-worthy, but a trip to the happiest place on Earth makes it that much better. The second Disneyland on the list deserves a trip because it’s this park’s 30th anniversary this year, which means the festivities will be bigger and better than usual (if that’s even possible). Your favourite Disney characters will have dazzling new outfits and there’s a spectacular new drone light show to watch every night. Plus, you can tuck into limited edition treats or shop for festive merchandise created just to mark the occasion.
disneylandparis.com.
6. Europa-Park, Germany
Say “hallo” to the largest theme park in Germany (we really are chasing the superlatives with this list). Have a go at the 100 kilometres per hour giant wooden roller coaster. Fancy being catapulted in the sky? The blue fire megacoaster is your best bet. For those travelling with the little ones, there’s plenty to do, including grandma’s dinosaur garden, a mysterious laser maze, a chance to explore the city of Atlantis, an enchanting elf boat ride, the old-time carnival favourite spinning tea cups ride, and so much more.
europapark.de.
7. Everland, South Korea
The first and largest theme park in South Korea, Everland knows how to host families looking to spend an exciting summer among not only electrifying rides, but also expanses of plants and animals. The zootopia zone is home to safari world (we’re talking about a proper safari experience in a tour vehicle with views of lions and other Serengeti friends), the lost valley (which also means feeding giraffes from the window of the vehicle), and the Amazon express for a rafting experience.
everland.com.
8. Gardaland Park, Italy
There’s a lot going on at Gardaland Park– as if the breathtakingly beautiful Italy wasn’t enough reason to plan a trip – but the newest additions to the park this summer just make it a whole lot better. You can be the one of the first guests at the world’s first Jumanji-themed ride and the LEGOLAND water park that opened in May. The 5,000 marvellous marine creatures at sea life aquarium would love to meet you, as would Peppa Pig and her friends at Peppa Pig land, plus the friendly cats from the theatrical 44 Cats circus show live. You don’t want to miss this one with the little ones in attendance.
gardaland.it.
9. Liseberg, Sweden
This one is a two-in-one delight with an exclusive resort concealed within an exciting theme park, meaning you can double the fun this summer. Plan your stay around the various concerts and events staggered throughout the year (and make sure you check the opening times on your dates, as Liseberg isn’t open daily over the summer months). As for the theme park classics on the menu, we have aerospin (think being spun around atop a tower), virtual reality experiences, and nostalgic attractions like the jukebox.
liseberg.com.
10. Magic Kingdom Theme Park at Walt Disney World Resort, USA
One of the oldest in the business, Disney knows how to ensure you have a good time. With delicious dining options (none of that usual theme park quality food here), enchanting boat rides, haunted mansions, exhilarating rides, musical performances, firework shows, and of course, chatting with everyone’s favourite Disney characters, Magic Kingdom is every child’s dream (yes, that includes our inner child). For those wanting to visit a tried, tested and thoroughly enjoyed theme park, look no further than this.
disneyworld.disney.go.com.
11. PortAventura, Spain
PortAventura blends avenues for adventure and relaxation in equal parts, which means fun for the whole family. This one’s a triple threat as it has a PortAventura Park, Ferrari Land, and Caribe Aquatic Park inside. PortAventura Park will take you on a journey through different places across the world, while Ferrari Land will have you burning rubber and experiencing a speed high. The Caribe Aquatic Park is not a hard one to guess, and makes for a great summer destination with water slides, swimming pools and all the frills needed for a truly splashtacular waterpark experience this summer.
portaventuraworld.com.
12. Prater, Vienna, Austria
With its inception as long ago as 1766, Prater knows well how to deliver on the promise of theme park entertainment. In complete sync with their motto to create something new and preserve the old, the park has an old-school charm that’s only matched by the trendiest rides. From raging roller coasters to spooky ghost trains, take your pick of adventure.
praterwien.com.
13. Six Flags, Mexico
One of the most visited parks in Latin America, Six Flags offers up epic rides like the super girl sky flight that takes you to a height of 24-storeys at a speed of 64 kilometres per hour, and the Wonder Woman coaster, which is the only 4D free fly coaster in Latin America. Wondering exactly what that means? Strapped safely in your seat, you’ll be rotated along a horizontal axis placed perpendicular to the track. It’s not one for the faint of heart. For those young ones in search of their comfort characters, Looney Tunes adventure camp is the place where they’ll meet Bugs Bunny and the others. From scary roller coasters to cute playful spots for the kids, Six Flags has got plenty on offer for all tastes and ages.
sixflags.com.mx.
14. Sunway Lagoon, Selangor, Malaysia
Older Gen Z and younger millennials will have a hoot of a time at Sunway lagoon with it being home to Asia’s first Nickelodeon themed park, so expect SpongeBob, Patrick and the rest of Bikini Bottom. Spread over 88 acres, the park has more than 90 attractions to keep visitors of all ages busy for the day. Sunway Lagoon has six different zones: the water park, the amusement park replete with rides of all sorts, the wildlife park, and the extreme park for the thrill-seekers, the scream park for the horror-obsessed, and the Nickelodeon lagoon. While you’re in Malaysia, don’t miss the Petronas Towers, authentic Malaysian food and Malacca City.
sunwaylagoon.com.
15. Tivoli Gardens, Denmark
Located in Denmark, this park’s dedicated summer season, running from April to late September, is what theme park dreams are made of. With family-friendly rides and restaurants catering specially to palates of the little ones, Tivoli is ideal to plan a trip with the kids. But for those travelling child-free, there’s plenty adrenaline-inducing rides and gardens that the theme park is named for. If nostalgic charm is what you live for, then don’t miss the alley, which is based on an old Danish market town that’s got all the frills including old fishing boat name boards, carousel horses and classic pretzels that make it ideal for chill strolls and impressive snaps.
tivoli.dk.
16. Universal Studios Beijing, China
To get behind-the-scenes scoop of how a film is made, this is the place to be. Like other Universal Studios theme parks, there are tours of films sets and plenty of visual effects, but what makes this spot unique is that it gives you the chance to learn about Chinese culture, with events like the parade with Heroes of Chang’ An. Food-wise, you can learn more via your stomach with Mr. Ping’s Noodle House, Neon Street Hawkers and Grandma Panda’s Kitchen’s authentic plates. After having enjoyed the theme park, head over to the nearby Han Meilin Art Museum (from the artist who created the fuwa dolls for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing) and tick two worthy things off of your checklist.
universalbeijingresort.com.
17. Universal Studios, Japan
18. Universal Studios, Singapore
Let Hollywood storytelling adventures and fabulous fairy-tale characters guide you at South East Asia’s first and only Universal studios theme park. There are six themed zones, including Hollywood, where you can take a stroll down mesmerising Hollywood boulevard, spot your favourite actor’s name on walk of fame, and explore the sets of your favourite Hollywood blockbusters. You’ll find a Transformers ride at sci-fi city, and roam among giant sphinx at the Egypt zone, too. For an edge-of-the-seat stunt show, the lost world is the place to be.
19. Valley of Waves, South Africa
The park is themed as a lost civilization, which gives it an eerie yet exciting vibe. To add to the ancient theme of the park, the grounds are covered in lush forest, which makes it a sight to behold. You have to tread hidden forest paths to look for some of the swimming pools and other waterpark attractions, which is an adventure on its own. There’s a massive wave pool for you to ride waves as high as 50 meters. There’s also water slides, waterfalls, rustic bridges, and caves to be explored all across the park, which means there’s a lot more to see other than getting your fix of adrenaline at the water slides.
20. Wet ‘n’ Wild Gold Coast, Australia
Billed as Australia’s biggest and best, this Gold Coast destination is #vacationgoals, with Australia’s tallest water slide, a giant wave pool, private cabanas for families, and heart pumping rides for the lionhearted. It lives up to its name as it makes for a splashtacular family destination for this summer. Choose different levels of thrill that go from mild to max, and splash your way to fun.
wetnwild.com.au.
5 upcoming theme parks
Columbia Pictures Aquaverse, Thailand
Set to be world’s first Columbia Pictures theme park and waterpark, this one has still kept the opening date under wraps. But expect to meet your favourite characters from Ghostbusters, Jumanji, Bad Boys, Hotel Transylvania and Men in Black.
TBA. Columbia Pictures Aquaverse, Bangsaray, Thailand.
LEGOLAND New York Resort’s Water Playground, USA
Be one of the first ones to cool off at this refreshing retreat. The water playground at LEGOLAND New York opens this summer. You can build and race your own LEGO watercraft at the build-a-boat attraction.
Opening summer 2022. Water Playground, Legoland New York, USA.
Studio Ghibli Theme Park, Japan
To say that Studio Ghibli has taken the world of animated cinema by storm would be an understatement, which is why this one will drive cinephiles absolutely bonkers with excitement. The park will have five areas based on classic Ghibli films like Howl’s Moving Castle, Spirited Away and My Neighbour Totoro.
Opening Tue Nov 1. Aichi Expo Commemorative Park in Nagakute City, Japan
Ubisoft Entertainment Center, France
Everyone’s favourite gaming company Unisoft is collaborating with Storyland Studios to bring a multi-brand adventure at Studios Occitanie Méditerranée. Based on Ubisoft’s games like Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry, the hub will offer fully interactive worlds, a professional
film studio, multiple entertainment hubs, retail, and dining. Full plans
are yet to be announced.
Opening 2025. Ubisoft Entertainment Center, Studios Occitanie Méditerranée, Montpellier, France.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Japan – The Making of Harry Potter
It’s time to accio the fun and unleash inner Harry Potter nerds because the tour takes you on an authentic behind-the-scenes of Hogwarts with original sets, costumes and memorabilia.
Opening 2023. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter, Tokyo, Japan.
