You want thrills, fun, and excitement? Whether you’re planning a family vacation or just want a terrific day trip, there’s a theme park that’s right for you.

Do those theme park ads and billboards have your kids begging to go and see all the fun for themselves? Theme parks offer unforgettable trips for today’s families— but how on earth do you choose which one to visit? There is an incredible array of attractions, including everything from getting super-close to wildlife to building towering Lego buildings to zooming around on hair-raising rides. Here are our picks for the top 10 theme parks for families.

Tips

Lineups are usually an inevitable part of the park experience, especially if you’re there in peak season. Your strategies: ask if your park has a special system (for example, at Disney World you can buy a Fast Pass that reserves you a place in line), buy admission tickets online if possible, and aim for off-hours—between 5 and 7pm (eat early!), weekdays and the park’s shoulder season, which varies according to climate.