The Traveller's Magazine
Summer is for theme parks, wild rides and lazy days at the water parks, floating around in inner tubes. Theme parks are for being a kid again, riding the thrilling coasters and getting a sore tummy after eating too many cracker jacks and too much cotton candy. These theme parks are the best of the best.
Europa Park – Germany
Germany is home to one of the, if not the, best theme parks in Europe. A great alternative if you’re tired of the German Riviera. Water slides fit for kings, roller coasters, theatres, hotels and attractions like the Enchanted Forest and Adventure land. Europa Park is located in the south-west of Germany, between Strasbourg and Freiburg.
Walt Disney World – Florida
Would any theme park round-up be complete without at least one Disney location. We’re going classic here, with Walt Disney World in Florida where you can meet Mickey and Minnie for yourself in their magical kingdom. Disney is the world’s most popular resort, outfitted with four theme parks, two water parks, 23 hotels, two spas and fitness centres, five golf courses plus themed shopping arcades, restaurants and more.
Parc Astérix – France
Albert Uderzo and René Goscinny’s characters come to life at France’s Parc Astérix, just 35km north of Paris. It has been attracting Astérix fans since it opened in the late 1980s. What can you expect? Roller coasters, mad houses, log rides and ghost trains… themed after the Romans, Egyptians and the Greeks.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach – UK
While Blackpool didn’t make it on our list of the top 7 UK beaches for summer escapes, it does rank highly on our list of top places in the UK for summer fun! You’ll find Pleasure Beach along the Fylde Coast and is a top-rated choice for family fun. Are you brave enough to ride the Big One? The tallest roller coaster in the UK, reaching a height of 213 feet. How about Infusion, the only coaster built entirely over water?
Coney Island – New York
Retro and vintage have never been so cool as they are in Coney Island. This is America’s oldest theme park and is still up and running today in the same way that it always has, a great side-trip to any holiday in New York. Kitsch rides and games for all to play, hipsters skate on blades and boards down the boardwalk and the city folk finally get some rays out on the beach.
