Making your kids happy on vacation can be tricky. Here is a list of the most kid-friendly attractions that are sure to keep them talking about it for a long time.

Alabama –  OWA – Brand new 14 acre amusement park in Foley with rides for the whole family.

Alaska –  Alaska Horse Adventures – From simple children’s parties to day long deep woods adventures where you can see bear, moose, coyote, lynx and eagles, there is fun for everyone.

Arizona –   Castles and Coasters –  Pheonix based 10 acre park with flume rides, mini golf, free-fall rides and roller coasters.

Arkansas – Holiday Springs Water Park – Open Seasonally in Texarkana with water slides, a wave pool & lazy river and private cabana rentals. Don’t miss the Ozark Cliff Hanger!

California –  Knott’s Berry Farm – 160 acre park with 35 rides including roller coasters, water rides, the new ride called Hangtime and Soak City.

Colorado –  North Pole: Santa’s Workshop – What’s more magical than Santa’s Workshop complete with rides, Santa’s workshop, train rides and gift shops.

Connecticut – Essex Steam Train & Riverboat – All aboard the only steam train and riverboat connection in the U.S!  What kid doesn’t love trains and boats?

Delaware –  Fort Delaware – Kids love forts and this one is pretty cool. Here the 8 inch cannon fire, help the blacksmith hammer out metal parts and bring your picnic lunch or grill out.

Florida – Walt Disney World – Doesn’t need an introduction – Keep an eye out for the new Star Wars Themed Resort that will be unlike anything ever created.

Georgia –  Wild Adventures – A zoological theme park with 59 rides including 7 roller coasters and 7 water rides animal exhibits, water park based in Valdosta.

Hawaii – Dolphin Quest – Get up close and personal with real life dolphin encounters in this state-of-the-art facility.

Idaho – Old Idaho Penitentiary – Explore this 146 year old prison’s cell blocks, solitary confinement cells, and the gallows.

Illinois –  Six Flags Great America – It has 10 themed areas and 3 children’s specialty themed areas. Admission includes Hurricane Harbor Water Park as well.

Indiana –Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari  – Great family park that offers free soft drinks, sunscreen and parking. Who does that? Fireworks shows nightly through July 27th.

Iowa – Arnolds Park – Built in 1889, a classic themed family park with tons of rides, shopping, dining, free live concerts.

Kansas – Kenwood Cove Aquatic Park – Family focused water park open seasonally on warm days. The largest aquatic park in the state.

Kentucky – Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay – Combines an amusement park and water park in one location. Formerly Six Flags so you know it’s good!

Louisiana – Global Wildlife Center – Located in Folsom. It is  the largest totally free-roaming wildlife preserve of its kind in the country!

Maine – Maine State Aquarium – An interactive Aquarium with many local species including giant lobsters weighing up to 23 lbs.

Maryland – Jolly Roger Amusement Park – Two locations at the pier and 30th st in Ocean City. Classic rides, coasters, tons of food and fun midway games.

Massachusetts – Battleship Cove – Explore the world’s largest collection of US Navy ships including the USS Massachusetts.

Michigan – Nelis’ Dutch Village – Take a step back in time with this Netherlands themed attraction. Watch them carve wooden shoes, make cheese and check out the petting zoo also.

Minnesota – Nickelodeon Universe –  It is the country’s largest indoor family theme park located in the Mall of America. It also has the world’s highest ropes course.

Mississippi – The Gator Ranch – Tour the ranch, cruise the 105 acres on an airboat and feed the alligators in person.

Missouri – Silver Dollar City – Great family friendly mid-western amusement and water park combined with one ticket.

 

Montana – Nevada City Ghost Town – SW Montana is home to several ghost towns that are sure to raise a few goose bumps, this one has been nicely renovated.

Nebraska – Fun Plex –  Go-carts, Ferris wheel, lots of rides for kids of all ages. Come get soaked on the new 5 story tall Rockin’ Rapids complete with a swim up bar for the adults.

Nevada – Circus Circus Adventuredome – Rides vary from kid friendly daredevil. Mini golf, bungee jumping, rock climbing, midway games, arcade, 4-D rides, bumper cars and much more.

New Hampshire – Santa’s Village – See Santa’s home, sign up for Elf University, feed live Reindeer, plus there is a water park, rides, family entertainment and dining on site.

New Jersey – Morey’s Piers and Water Parks –  Located on the boardwalk in Wildwood. This is your classic seaside amusement park with over 100 rides and taking up 6 blocks.

New Mexico –  ABQ BioPark – The Park consists of the ABQ BioPark Zoo, Botanic Garden, Aquarium and Tingley Beach. This is the largest tourist destination in the state.

New York – Luna Park, Coney Island – The mecca of amusement parks. This park was built in 2010 sits on the site of the former Astroland Park. Some of the original rides are still here. 

 

North Carolina – Carowinds – A 400 acre park straddling the border of the Carolina’s. The 27 acre water park is also includes in the admission.

North Dakota – Dickinson Museum Center – See a real T-Rex skeleton along with many other amazing dinosaurs and fossils found right in the area.

Ohio – Kings Island – The largest amusement park in the Midwest. Spend the day at Planet Snoopy, voted best kids area for 17 years.

Oklahoma – Frontier City –  It’s western-themed amusement park (operated by six flags) in Oklahoma City.

Oregon – Oaks Amusement Park – My childhood favorite. Built in 1905, it is one of the oldest parks in the country. Go roller skating in the world’s only location where visitors can skate to music provided by a live pipe organ. Very nostalgic!!

Pennsylvania – Hersheypark – After you’ve had your fill of chocolate head to the park. It has 13 roller coasters and don’t forget to get your picture taken with your favorite candy.

Rhode Island – Roger Williams Zoo – One of the oldest zoo’s in the country on 40 acres with over 130 different species of animals.

South Carolina – Ripley’s Aquarium – At over 87,000 square feet, it is S.C’s most visited attraction. Don’t miss the 750,000 gallon Dangerous Reef exhibit.

South Dakota – Rush Mountain Adventure Park – A cave, a mountain coaster, a zip line, gem mining and much more. What kid could say no?

Tennessee – Dollywood – Home of many roller coaster firsts including the worlds fastest wood coaster, world class southern food, award-winning shows and more.

Texas – Zero Gravity Thrill Park – These rides are for those who are very very brave, and for families who like things extreme!

Utah – Cowabunga Bay Water Park – This park has 11 rides, a lazy river and more. Voted one of the best water parks in the country by US News.

Vermont – Pump House Indoor Waterpark – Experience the new rage of Flowriding, a combination of skateboarding, snowboarding and surfing.

Virginia – Busch Gardens  – The animal exhibits are fantastic, rides and nail biting roller coasters are top class but don’t miss the shows and the amazing food.

Washington – Slide Waters – Voted one of the best water parks in the country by Trip Advisor two years in a row. Lazy river, fast and leisurely water slides, hot tubs and much more.

West Virginia – Camden Park – Built in 1902, it is one of the only 13 remaining trolley parks in existence.  Don’t miss the Big Dipper roller coaster, the most popular ride at the park.

Wisconsin – Mt. Olympus and The Bay – An all inclusive park with an indoor and outdoor water park as well as a theme park. One of the area’s most popular parks.

Wyoming – Old West Miniature Village and Museum – What kid doesn’t love cowboys, Indians and miniature villages. It took 50 years to build and reenacts the areas most famous historical events.