Cedar Point (Sandusky, OH)

Best for: age 12 and up

Based on the shores of Lake Erie, Cedar Point boasts the biggest, baddest concentration of roller coasters the world over. Top Thrill Dragster reaches 120 miles per hour in just four seconds on a 42-story vertical track. Wicked Twister rockets around two 360-degree looping towers. Millennium Force zooms down a 300-foot hill at a staggeringly steep 80 degrees to reach 93 mph. The latter whips through Soak City, a separate admission ($14-$28) water park featuring river rides, flumes and falls including a separate area for toddlers. Cedar Point’s reputation for frights makes it a longstanding favorite among teens. But the park has recently expanded its family attractions, including a beach, petting zoo and a branch of Camp Snoopy with rides based on Peanuts cartoon characters.

Details: http://www.cedarpoint.com/, 419/627-2350, day passes from $10-$40, two-day Cedar Point and Soak City pass $25-$65. Open May through early September daily; weekends only the balance of September and October.

Paramount’s King’s Island (Cincinnati, OH)

Best for: age 12 and up

Paramount spins out rides from popular films and television shows at five parks in the US and Canada. Paramount’s King’s Island near Cincinnati leads the pack with a pair of wooden coasters, aka “woodies,” including ¬ the Beast, the world’s longest wooden roller coaster, and Son of Beast, the world’s only looping woody. Paramount supplements the thrills with gentle laughs for kids under six via family rides featuring Sponge Bob, Scooby Doo and Yogi Bear. Boomerang Bay, an Australian-themed water park within the park, keeps crowds cool in the height of summer with a whopping 30 water slides.

Details: http://www.pki.com/, 513/754-5700, day passes from $27-$35, season passes $70-$90. Open daily mid-May through early September; weekends only in April, early May and October. Other Paramount parks are found in Toronto, Ont., Canada; Santa Clara, CA; Charlotte, NC; and Doswell, VA.

Hard Rock Park (Myrtle Beach, SC)

Best for: ages 5 and up (as younger children may not be able to experience as many rides or attractions)

Hard Rock Park is the world’s first Rock n’ Roll theme park. It has rides to thrill you, games to entertain you, goodies to entice you, and food to keep your bellies full. There are a total of six unique sections of the park, each celebrating the culture, legends, and lifestyle of Rock n’ Roll. They are: All Access Entry Plaza, Born in the USA, British Invasion, Cool Country, Lost in the 70’s, and Rock & Roll Heaven.

There are over 50 different rides and games, in addition to three live stage shows and a concert arena. There is a water play area called Reggae River Falls, in addition to a water ride called Slippery When Wet, an homage to Bon Jovi. The signature Hard Rock Park ride is Led Zepplin: The Ride, which is a musical experience, set to the tune "Whole Lotta Love" that starts in line and ends when the ride is complete. It is 15 stories high, goes 65 mph, and has six loops, so, although not the best ride for the kids, mom and dad will sure have a blast. The kids will get their thrill on The Eagles' Life in the Fast Lane rollercoaster, which is in Cool Country.

Bonus: Don’t worry if you are traveling with a little one, because both parents can wait in line and then do a child swap. This means that one parent can go on the ride, and when they return they can switch with the other parent who will then be allowed access to jump the line and ride immediately.

Details: Doors open at 10am but there are varying closing times, depending on the day and time of year. General admission is $50, annual passes are $150 (which include free parking and discounts of food and merchandise), and children under three can enter for free. Find out more at HardRockPark.com, or you can email info@hardrockpark.com or call 843 236 ROCK.