Note from 10Best: Someday, we’ll all be ready to pack our suitcases again and head out on our next adventures. In the meantime, we’ll keep supporting the places that inspire us.
Summer is here, and to help you plan that perfect family vacation (whether for this summer or in the future), we’ve enlisted the help of our readers to find the country’s best amusement parks and water parks, as well as theme park hotels, restaurants and entertainment.
Click on each category below to vote:
Best Amusement Park
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North America is home to more than 400 amusement parks and attractions, drawing in some 375 million visitors annually, according to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. That’s an overwhelming number of options when faced with planning that perfect family vacation.
Best Amusement Park Entertainment
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America’s amusement parks offer a whole lot more than thrills. Some of the best parks also provide plentiful entertainment opportunities ideal for taking a break between rides or celebrating the end of a great day at the park. From parades to fireworks shows, these 20 entertainment options were chosen by a panel of theme park experts as the best in the U.S.
Vote: Best Amusement Park Entertainment »
Best Amusement Park Hotel
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A day at a theme park is undeniably fun, but it can be exhausting as well. Staying on property means all your favorite park offerings lie practically right outside your front door, and getting back for an afternoon swim in the pool or to crash in the evening is easier than ever.
Vote: Best Amusement Park Hotel »
Best Amusement Park Restaurant
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Gone are the days when amusement park food consisted of overpriced hot dogs and cotton candy. These 20 amusement park restaurants were chosen as the best in North America by a panel of industry experts for their food, atmosphere and service.
Vote: Best Amusement Park Restaurant »
Best Non-Roller Coaster Ride
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Amusement park thrills and chills don’t always come in the form of a roller coaster. Sometimes the most memorable and immersive ride experiences take the form of dark rides, 3D simulators, log flumes or drop towers.
Vote: Best Non-Roller Coaster Ride »
Best Outdoor Water Park
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When the heat of summer descends, millions of visitors head to America’s water parks to cool off. We asked a panel of experts to nominate their favorite outdoor water parks in the country for the ultimate day of sun and fun.
Vote: Best Outdoor Water Park »
Best Roller Coaster
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While thrill rides come in all shapes and sizes these days, nothing beats the adrenaline rush of a well-designed roller coaster. A panel of theme park experts chose these 20 coasters as the best in the U.S., and we need you to crown our winner.
Remember, you can vote once per day in each category. The 10 nominees with the most votes in each category will be announced on 10Best.com on Friday, July 31.
10Best is a part of the USA TODAY Network, providing an authentically local point of view on destinations around the world, in addition to travel and lifestyle advice.