10 Must-Visit Water & Amusement Parks For This Summer

Summer arrives, and that means it's time to start thinking about those epic family days out. There's nothing quite like spending a day at an amusement park to create memories that'll last a lifetime.

Or, if you're looking for a way to cool off, a water park is the perfect solution. Whether you're looking for a quick trip nearby or you're already dreaming of your next big vacation, amusement and water parks are always a hit with the whole family during the summer months.

From the thrilling rides in the USA to the Middle East's wonderlands of entertainment, here's a roundup of 10 of the world's best theme parks that are perfect for a summer getaway.

1.PortAventura World, Salou, Spain

Looking to inject some excitement into your visit to Barcelona or your seaside retreat on the Costa Dorada? Look no further than PortAventura World, situated a stone's throw from Salou and a brief 90-minute journey from Barcelona.

This haven of thrills comprises three distinct parks, ensuring endless entertainment. The flagship PortAventura has been a crowd favorite since its inception in 1995 and boasts six captivating zones, ranging from Mediterranean charm to Wild West adventure. You'll find heart-stopping coasters like Shambala and Dragon Khan, as well as Angkor and Silver River. With a plethora of over 40 rides and daily performances, the options are endless.

For those with a need for speed, Ferrari Land is a must-visit. This park is a tribute to the iconic car brand and features the continent's fastest and tallest roller coaster, Red Force, which climbs to a dizzying 367 feet at speeds up to 112mph. Formula 1 enthusiasts can also live out their dreams in an F1 simulator, immersing themselves in the Italian essence that is Ferrari.

When the Spanish heat is at its peak, from late May through early September, the Caribe Aquatic Park offers a refreshing escape. This 12-acre, Caribbean-inspired water park boasts swimming spots, sandy beaches, lush lawns, and towering palm trees. It's also home to thrilling water attractions like Barrucadas and King Khajuna, Europe's tallest waterslide.

2.Splash Jungle Water Park, Phuket, Thailand

If you're visiting Phuket, a day at Splash Jungle Water Park is a must-do for some serious water-based fun or just a laid-back day by the slides. You can zoom through the Super Bowl solo or as a duo, or get your heart racing on the Boomerango, which sends you speeding through a dark tunnel before launching you from a 30-foot platform. When you're ready to chill, the Lazy River is the spot, where you can leisurely float for 1099ft through the lush jungle scenery.

And don't forget the wave pool, where little ones can splash around safely with life jackets and constant supervision. With bars and cafes sprinkled throughout the park, you'll never go hungry.

3.Universal Studios Hollywood, USA

For those who adore the movies, Universal Studios Hollywood is a must-visit destination in Los Angeles. Situated within the walls of Hollywood's most historic and significant film studio, this park is where legendary movies like Jaws, Back to the Future, and Jurassic Park came to life. Jump on the world-famous Studio Tour train for a one-hour trip through the sets and scenes that shaped Hollywood.

Don't miss The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where you can embark on a magical flight on a Hippogriff and soar over Hogwarts on a broomstick. And if you're up for some high-octane action, the stunt shows, particularly Water World, are packed with daring stunts, explosions, and enough special effects to make you feel like you're part of the movie.

4.Walt Disney World Resort®, Orlando, USA

With six enchanting Disney parks to explore, Walt Disney World Resort® is definitely a fantasyland for families. It's the ultimate vacation destination, offering theme parks, golf, water sports, shopping, dining, and endless entertainment. The iconic Magic Kingdom, established in 1971, is a highlight, where you can marvel at Cinderella's Castle, greet beloved Disney characters on Main Street, and enjoy a variety of rides catering to all ages, from hair-raising coasters to gentle carousels for the young ones.

When the Florida sun gets too hot to handle, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon and Disney's Blizzard Beach provide a welcome respite. These water parks feature the world's largest open-air wave pool and a host of thrilling slides. For a truly immersive experience, plan a multi-day visit to take advantage of the 33 Disney resorts and make the most of your time in this magical place.

5.Yas Waterworld, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Yas Waterworld is a refreshing haven on Yas Island, the emirate's renowned entertainment hub. With temperatures soaring in the UAE, Yas Waterworld offers the perfect escape, boasting over 40 water slides and attractions to keep you cool. The park is vast, ensuring that every visit is exciting and unique.

There's something for everyone, whether you're seeking heart-pounding slides or a tranquil spot to unwind. Dawwama, the world's largest tornado slide, and the Liwa Loop with its free-fall sensation are perfect for thrill-seekers, while Cinesplash offers a 5D-cinema experience that the whole family can enjoy together.

6.Six Flags Magic Mountain, Los Angeles, USA

Six Flags Magic Mountain boasts an impressive lineup as the world's amusement park with the most roller coasters — a whopping 20 of them! It's a thrill-seeker's paradise. One of its stars is the Full Throttle, a world record holder for being the tallest and fastest looping coaster around. It'll rocket you from zero to 70 mph in the blink of an eye (and it does this three times), soaring through a loop that peaks at an awe-inspiring 160 feet.

The park's 20th coaster, Wonder Woman, is a heart-pounding ride that's not to be missed. When it's time to chill out from all the excitement, Six Flags Hurricane Harbour is the place to be. This water park, open from late May through September, offers a refreshing escape with exciting water slides, wave pools, and mini-pools perfect for the little ones.

7.Acqua Plus, Crete, Greece

If you're on the Greek island of Crete, Acqua Plus is a must-visit for a day of family-friendly fun. It's the largest water park in Crete, and it's split into two zones: one for the adventurous, with tons of thrilling rides, and another just for the kiddos, where they can chill and have a blast. And if the rides aren't enough, the park's set on a hill, so you get a stunning panoramic view, and in a well-tended garden with plants and flowers typical of the area.

The Giants of Terror is the ultimate adrenaline rush, as it's the tallest water slide in the country, with a drop from 75ft at speeds up to 75mph. The children's area has relaxing pools, a hot tub, and a main pool, and there are themed slides and a water playground just for the little ones. It's a water park that's hard to beat.

8.Xel-Há, Riviera Maya, Mexico

If you're in the mood for some outdoor adventure on the Riviera Maya, look no further than Xel-Há. Just a quick 20-minute drive from Tulum, this nature-lover's paradise is packed with activities for all ages. Snorkel among a dazzling array of colorful fish, explore the underwater caves, and take in the scenery from the 98-foot-high lighthouse.

When you're ready to cool off, float down the Río Xel-Há, jump off the 16-foot-high rock, or take a thrilling zipline ride. After a day of fun, you can relax in the forest and learn about Maya culture, and when hunger strikes, there are restaurants on site to refuel.

9.Acquafan, Riccione, Italy

For a day of water-filled excitement in Italy, Acquafan is the place to be. This water park boasts over 2 miles of slides and attractions for every age. The Extreme River is a legendary slide that was Europe's first to use gravity's force with a 52ft drop.

The StrizzaCool offers a thrilling ride with friends in boats. The Wave Pool is perfect for everyone, while the Elephant Pool ensures safety and fun for the little ones. And since you're in party-loving Riccione, Acquafan also has a vibrant atmosphere with DJ events and concerts, making it the ideal spot for a summer evening.

10.Land of Legends, Antalya, Turkey

If you're in the mood for some Turkish-style Disney magic, head to The Land of Legends in Antalya. It's like the 'Disneyland of Antalya', with a wide array of attractions that cater to every age group. The Adventure Land section is packed with over 20 rides and rollercoasters, including the Hyper Coaster, which is a rollercoaster that reaches speeds of 71mph and soars up to 203ft in the air, higher than a 30-story building. There are also rides like the colorful Flying Carpet and a 5D cinema for the kids.

And then there's the massive water park, with over 50 attractions, making it the perfect spot for cooling off on a hot summer day. The Aqua Land area has family-friendly slides, a dolphin-swimming area, an infinity pool with seawater, and loads of other experiences. If you're looking for a rush, Secret Lagoon is the place to be. It's got slides designed for the more adventurous, and they're sure to get your heart racing.