There’s nothing quite as thrilling as the adrenaline rush of a roller coaster speeding downward while the wind blows through your hair, which is just one reason theme parks are so much fun. We have a lot to choose from across the country, but which ones are worth checking out and which don’t deserve your time or money? The 2026 Readers Choice Awards from “USA Today: 10Best are here to help.
- Their winners for the Best Theme Parks in the U.S. have just come out.
- Theme park experts and travel writers worked with “USA Today” editors to select the nominees, and the winners were then chosen by readers.
The results of the "USA Today" 10Best Theme Parks for 2026:
- Best Roller Coaster: Phoenix at Knoebels in Elysburg, Pennsylvania
It’s tough to beat a classic wooden roller coaster and this one reminds us that newer, taller and faster isn’t always better. Phoenix offers riders panoramic views of the surrounding hills as they enjoy a double-out-and-back layout while going 45 miles per hour. Phantom’s Revenge at Kennywood in Pennsylvania comes in second, followed by Time Traveler at Silver Dollar City.
- Best Theme Park Entertainment: Celtic Fyre At Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia
Visitors love this high-energy show that celebrates a love for all things Irish with festive music and the Celtic tradition of storytelling through dance.
- Best Theme Park Hotel: The Hotel Hershey in Hershey, Pennsylvania
Whether you’re checking out the Hershey’s Chocolate factory tour or enjoying a day of fun at Hersheypark, this four-star hotel is a sweet place to stay. It offers a wide range of sports and recreation facilities, including golf, hiking trails and a pool with waterslides.
- Best Theme Park Restaurant: The Alamo at Knoebels in Elysburg, Pennsylvania
Theme park food is notoriously expensive, but The Alamo is known for being delicious and budget-friendly. The menu features deep-friend crab cakes, chicken and waffles, hot dogs and burgers and it’s the fifth time they’ve won for best theme park restaurant.
- Best Theme Park: Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri
It’s the fourth consecutive year this one has been number one, so fans really love it. Silver Dollar City has an 1880s mining town theme and it’s home to Time Traveler, the world’s fastest, steepest and tallest spinning coaster.
The Top 10 Theme Parks for 2026
- Silver Dollar City - Branson, Missouri
- Knoebels - Elysburg, Pennsylvania,
- Lost Island Themepark - Waterloo, Iowa.
- Kennywood - West Mifflin, Pennsylvania
- SeaWorld - Orlando, Florida
- Kings Island - Mason, Ohio
- Busch Gardens Williamsburg - Williamsburg, Virginia
- Holiday World - Santa Claus, Indiana
- Cedar Point - Sandusky, Ohio
- Hersheypark - Hershey, Pennsylvania
Source: USA Today