Planning a Theme Park Themed Trip to Southern California

While roller coasters and other high-intensity thrill rides aren’t for everyone, most families will find themselves planning a trip to a theme park at one point or another. The rides, characters, parades, and food are just too much of a temptation to pass up.

However, why stop at just one theme park? If the schedule and budget allow, families may want to consider planning a theme park themed trip for their next vacation where they visit several parks over the course of a week or so. If this sounds like a good idea, look no further than Southern California as your destination, where there is no shortage of theme parks scattered across the map:

Legoland

Located in the seaside town of Carlsbad between Los Angeles and San Diego, Legoland is pretty much what you would imagine. In addition to miniatures of cityscapes built with the signature plastic mini bricks and other interesting creations consisting of Legos, Legoland has several roller coasters and other thrill rides. Affordable hotels in Carlsbad are easy enough to find, enabling families to spend more than one day exploring all that Legoland has to offer, as well as the nearby beaches and shopping areas.

Disneyland

Even though a more elaborate and better-planned version exists in Florida, the gold standard of theme parks will always be Disneyland. Located in Anaheim, “The Magic Kingdom” sees about 18 million visitors every year. Iconic rides include the Matterhorn and Space Mountain, among many others. Characters from Disney movies walk around the park and happily interact with guests, including signing autographs for children. It’s safe to say a trip to Disneyland is an experience your kids will never forget.

Disney California Adventure

Across the street from Disneyland is its slightly more grown-up sister park known as California Adventure. If you’re visiting Disneyland it’s almost a guarantee you’re going to go to California Adventure as well. It’s here where guests will see more references to newer Disney movies, particularly the Pixar films like Toy Story and Cars.

Knott’s Berry Farm

Believe it or not, but Anaheim has a third theme park. Knott’s Berry Farm is less expensive than the Disney parks and typically less crowded, despite being the 10th most visited park in the country. It has several roller coasters in addition to an array of milder rides, giving everyone in the family something to enjoy.

Pacific Park

Positioned on the Santa Monica Pier, Pacific Park overlooks the ocean. Parents may do a double take when they learn admission is free, but this is because the rides and other amusements require individual payment to enjoy. It’s definitely one of the most iconic places in the Greater Los Angeles County, recognizable as the backdrop for countless movies, TV shows, music videos, etc.

Ruby with Bart Simpson in Universal Studios Florida

Universal Studios Hollywood

Marketed as “The Entertainment Capital of LA”, Universal Studios Hollywood is a theme park situated on the grounds of the old Universal Studios backlot. Movie buff moms and dads might be interested in the studio tours they still do on a regular basis. Any Simpsons fans in the family? If so, make sure to stop by Springfield. Was Harry Potter a household name before your kids could walk? If so, you’ll want to definitely check out The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Six Flags Magic Mountain

Located about 35 miles north of Los Angeles, Magic Mountain currently holds the record for most roller coasters in a single amusement park. This includes Goliath, a hypercoaster with a reputation for causing some passengers to blackout halfway through the ride then regain consciousness before the ride ends. Intense enough? Fortunately for those who prefer to not pass out on thrill rides, the park has countless other options.

Most families end up visiting a theme park at some point. If your family really loves theme parks, why not plan a trip which includes multiple stops? Southern California is the perfect place to get started.

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