9 Best US Theme Parks for Seniors

Winter is winding down, and soon, it’ll be time for fun in the sun. Spring and summer are perfect times to take a trip and get away somewhere. Of course, a natural vacation destination for many people is a good, old-fashioned theme park. great place to go is a theme park. Full of fun, food, and rides, they draw thrill-seekers of all ages. However, not everyone is into wild attractions. If you’re on the hunt for theme parks that will appeal to the whole family, you’re in the right place. Keep reading to find out more about these great destinations!

What Makes a Theme Park Family-Friendly?

First, let’s talk about some things to look for in a theme park. Some are perfect for those in search of a nonstop thrill while others appeal to a broader variety of guests. If you’re looking for a senior-friendly theme park, consider the following points.

1. Parking Options

What options are there for parking? Do they have a pickup/drop-off location at the entrance? Is there a tram or shuttle that runs in the parking lot? Do you have to pay to park? Is it a long walk to the park? Make sure you consider this before you buy your tickets!

2. Accessibility

Is the park wheelchair accessible? Are there places to sit and rest if needed? Does the park offer ECVs (Electric Conveyance Vehicles) or wheelchairs if needed?

3. Dining Options

What kinds of dining options are there? Do they cater to specific diets? How do they handle food allergies? If you have dietary restrictions, can you still find food you enjoy and can eat?

4. Rides/Entertainment Options

Is there a balanced mix of thrill rides and low-key rides? What kinds of entertainment do they offer? Can you sit down and enjoy a nice show in a cool, air-conditioned room if you don’t feel like walking around the park?

5. Discounts/Special Rates

Is there a special senior rate? Do they have a senior citizens’ day? Are prices cheaper in the “off” season? 

The Best Theme Parks for Seniors

Now that we’ve discussed logistics, let’s go into the part of the discussion I know you’ve all been waiting for! Here are the best senior-friendly theme parks around. Keep reading to discover more about these great parks and why they might be the perfect destination for your next family trip.

1. Six Flags Over Georgia

Located in Atlanta Georiga, this park boasts many attractions suitable for all ages, including thrill rides and children’s rides. Annual passes start at $50 and grant you exclusive parks and access to all Six Flags parks. They also offer special events and days, like Veterans’ weekend, a holiday experience, and a spring break event. In addition to all the fun rides, they also have dining and shopping. You can even take in a live show or two!

2. Fun Spot America Theme Park

With three locations (in Orlando and Kissimmee, Florida, and Fayetteville, Georgia), Fun Spot has a little something for everyone! This fantastic park features go-karts, roller coasters, and over two dozen family attractions. In addition to thrill rides, Fun Spot America features a variety of family-friendly attractions and activities. These may include classic amusement park rides like Ferris wheels, carousels, and teacup rides, as well as interactive games, arcades, and playgrounds. The Orlando Fun Spot even has a waterpark!

3. SkyView Atlanta

While not a full-fledged theme park in the traditional sense, SkyView Atlanta is perfect for someone who wants the theme park experience without battling crowds and limited parking. This massive, 42-gondola Ferris wheel provides an amazing view of Atlanta and all it has to offer. They hold fun events that the whole family can enjoy. Follow SkyView Atlanta on Instagram for more news and views.

4. Skyline Park

This Atlanta-based, rooftop park offers an unforgettable experience for the whole family! From rides to mini golf to stunning city views, they boast a little of everything. If you like to take leisurely walks and enjoy people-watching, this is the place to be. If you’re nostalgic for the fairs of your childhood, then don’t miss the opportunity to play skeeball or participate in a good, old-fashioned goblet toss!

5. Walt Disney World

No theme park list would be complete without a mention of Walt Disney World! Located near Orlando, Florida, Disney World spans over 25,000 acres and consists of four major theme parks, two water parks, several resort hotels, shopping, dining, entertainment districts, and recreational facilities. Magic Kingdom features six themed lands: Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland. Meanwhile, Epcot showcases exhibits full of technology and cultural experiences, perfect for seniors looking for a more leisurely experience. Many attractions are slower-paced and provide cultural immersion and accessibility. This is great for seniors looking for a more leisurely experience.

If you love animals, Animal Kingdom is the place to be. This park offers tranquility and adventure in an array of various attractions. It blends exciting wildlife exploration with natural beauty and accessibility, allowing seniors to enjoy nature, culture, and adventure at their own pace. This park, also at the Walt Disney Resort, mixes thrilling rides and live entertainment. Seniors can have a plethora of experiences via Hollywood Boulevard, Sunset Boulevard, and Echo Lake. You can also enjoy live shows and interactive exhibits for a more relaxed atmosphere. 

6. Universal Studios

This park in Orlando mixes exciting movie-themed and thrilling attractions for an older crowd. The division of Universal Studios into Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure is a notable feature. Whatever you are looking for, it offers diverse attractions, shaded areas to rest, and easy accessibility which makes it a senior-friendly park.

Universal Studios Florida features attractions based on blockbuster movies and television shows, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Transformers: The Ride 3D, Revenge of the Mummy, and The Simpsons Ride. Islands of Adventure offers immersive themed lands and thrilling rides based on iconic characters and stories, such as Marvel Superhero Island, Jurassic Park, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter–Hogsmeade. Both the young and the young at heart can enjoy the wide variety of rides and attractions!

7. Dollywood

Located in the Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood is a fantastic park for seniors to visit. From parking to food to attractions, it is a senior citizen’s dream. There are several options for parking, including tram stops and designated disability parking spots. If you don’t want to walk much or can’t walk much, there is a drop-off and pick-up area at the Preferred Parking entrance. This means seniors can be picked up or dropped off at the park entrance so they don’t have to walk long distances across the parking lot. If you have mobility issues, they offer ECVs (Electronic Convenience Vehicles) and wheelchairs.

Additionally, rest areas are scattered throughout the park, so you can take breaks as often as you need. You can also follow a map of the park to make the most of your visit. The park also has a variety of attractions and rides to cater to seniors, including the Dollywood Express train ride, which is a top pick for seniors. This train ride will allow you to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the park. As for entertainment, there are lots of shows that are great for older adults!

8. Hersheypark

As if being surrounded by chocolate isn’t pleasing enough, Hersheypark has an impressive array of attractions perfect for seniors. First, the Hershey’s Chocolate World tour takes you on the journey from the cocoa bean to the finished chocolate bar. The best part? You’ll leave at the end with an array of Hershey candy bars and other treats. This is a must-do! Meanwhile, the Hershey Trolley Works Tour gives visitors a glimpse of downtown Hershey, Pennsylvania, and the founder, Milton Hershey. The beautiful Hershey Gardens is a perfect place to relax and escape among beautiful blooms and plush greenery. My advice? Schedule your visit around June so you can spend several hours communing with nature and admiring its beauty!

9. Knoebels Amusement Park

Tucked into the Pennsylvania woods, Knoebels Amusement Park is a magnificent park for seniors and their families to go to. This park is where I spent my summers as a kid, so I might be a little biased. But I happen to think it’s the best of the best! First, you can enjoy free parking and free admission. As if that’s not appealing enough, you can also rent ECVs, strollers, double strollers, and wagons for convenience getting around the park.  Knoebels offers a mix of thrill rides and casual rides like the carousel, antique cars, and Ferris Wheel. Of course, you won’t go hungry here! You can get either a quick bite to eat or a family-style meal at the Alamo or Nickle Plate restaurants.

The park’s layout in the woods offers plenty of shade and places to rest. It offers entertainment and plenty of free attractions, including the Americana (a display of steam-powered tools from days gone by), a Bald Eagle Habitat, the Knoebels Carousel Museum, the Knoebels History Museum, and the Mining Museum. Additionally, visitors can enjoy paid attractions such as Lazer Command (Lazer Tag or Lazer Maze), Mini Golf, Old Time Photo, Playland Arcade, and Roaring Creek Arcade. Oh, and did we mention there’s swimming, lodging, and golfing, too?

Looking for more?

Before you visit an amusement park, make sure you do your research and consider your limitations. Don’t push yourself! If you have health issues or mobility problems, find a park that can accommodate your needs. But most importantly, have fun! After all, that’s what a good theme park is all about.