If you're looking for thrills and adventure for your next family vacation, consider a trip to one of the best amusement parks in the US. There are so many theme parks across the country to plan a vacation around. Some theme parks are located near gorgeous beaches or fun cities to explore. Others are destinations in and of themselves: With so many rides and attractions, you can spend a weekend or more in the parks and not run out of things to do.

We've scoured the country to find the best amusement parks in the US to visit on your next family vacation. Whether you're a thrill-seeking family eager to check out the highest roller coasters or you're just there for the funnel cake (that's me), we have just the amusement park for you. Our list includes popular theme parks in California, fun Orlando theme parks, and plenty in between.

Ready to book your next family vacation? Check out our handy Family Travel Guide and our guide to Family-Friendly Resorts and Hotels to help you plan your journey.

Whether you consider it the "Hub of the Universe" or just good old Beantown, Boston has some of the best things to see and do with kids in New England. Boston's attractions run the gamut from world-class museums with hands-on activities for kids to magnificent outdoor spaces that showcase nature right in the heart of the city. America's Cradle of Liberty offers families a unique combination of history and walkability, and Boston's attractions provide kids with both education and fun.

We’ve compiled a list of 30 things to see and do with kids in Boston. These family attractions make for an afternoon adventure, a full-day's worth of exploration, or even a staycation packed with warm memories. For some excursion ideas outside of Boston, check out or guides to 12 Family-Friendly Hikes in New England and the Best Indoor Waterparks in New England for Easy Family Getaways. And explore our guide to 10+ Boston Area Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free for dining destination ideas.

Families in Westchester and the Hudson Valley who enjoy a little suspense mixed in with their fun might try escaping to an escape room. 

Within the past decade, these cleverly designed rooms have grown exponentially in popularity, even withstanding a pandemic. Nowadays, escape rooms can even be found at the local mall. 

Originally targeted to adults, many Westchester escape rooms are now perfect for tweens and teens, or even birthday parties. The sites usually contain multiple themed rooms, so you can choose an adventure that suits your or your family’s tastes. 

For parents, living in a tiny New York City apartment can feel like a constant escape game. The clutter is closing in on you and you've got to locate two toddler shoes, a missing must-have accessory for your tween, and your own MIA cell phone before you can unlock the door to take on the mean city streets. If your clever kids don't see the game in that routine, they might be up for a different kind of challenge. Consider splurging on an afternoon in one of these kid-friendly escape rooms, where their puzzle skills (and yours!) will be put to the test.

These escape rooms are all great for birthday parties or even just "I'm bored" days. For more outings that are perfect for birthdays or family fun days, check out our Guide to the Best Indoor Play Spaces and Fun Zones in NYC.

If you’re looking to keep your kids entertained for an hour or two in a way that doesn’t involve electronics, we have two words for you: Escape rooms.

Despite the pandemic, escape rooms remain among the hottest crazes to hit Long Island in recent years, popping up throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties. Originally targeted to adults, many LI escape rooms are now perfect for tweens and teens, whether it’s for a birthday party, a school or camp field trip, Saturday afternoon play date, or a family night out.

We’ve put together a list of some of Long Island's most popular escape room venues for kids. Check individual websites for details since prices vary, as do the number of rooms available, how many people each holds, difficulty levels, and age restrictions. Themes occasionally change also. Try one or more. Each offers a unique way for kids to use their imaginations, develop team-building and problem-solving skills, and most of all, have a blast.

Want your kids to put down the video games? Bring them to one of these cool Los Angeles escape rooms where they can jump into a real-life, puzzle-solving experience. Escape rooms immerse teams of kids or families into all kinds of crazy situations, from solving a murder on the Orient Express to a journey through the city of Atlantis. Each escape room tests kids' ingenuity and ability to explore spaces, find clues, and solve mysteries as a team—all while the clock is ticking.

We've rounded up our favorite escape rooms for kids of all ages that you'll find from the Valley to the South Bay and at all points in between. They're great for birthday parties or even just "I'm bored" days. For more outings that are perfect for birthdays or family fun days, check out our Guide to the Best Sports Centers and Fun Zones in Los Angeles.

Little sleuths and code-breakers can show off their detective skills at one of these family-friendly escape rooms in New Jersey. Getting locked inside a room with your kiddos to solve a murder mystery or foil a cyber-attack adds a fun twist to family time and can be a cool alternative to other indoor fun zones, like these family-friendly arcades and trampoline parks.