Tripadvisor Names Knoebels Amusement Resort as America's Top Park for 2026
Disneyland, the Magic Kingdom, and Universal Studios may get all the fanfare, but when it comes to Tripadvisor’s top amusement park in the United States for 2026, the winner won’t be found in Florida or California.
Instead, thrillseekers have to head to Pennsylvania to visit the No. 1 destination on the travel platform’s list.
Last week, Tripadvisor announced the winners of the 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things to Do, recognizing the “world’s most loved travel experiences and attractions.”
The winning experiences and attractions all received “a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period.” Per the company, “Out of our 8 million listings, fewer than 1% achieve this milestone.”
One of the categories ranked the top amusement and water parks globally, with only one U.S. destination making the worldwide list.
Knoebels Amusement Resort
Coming in at No. 18 on the global amusement and water park list is Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania.
Family-owned and operated since 1926, Tripadvisor calls Knoebels “America’s largest free-admission amusement park.” According to the resort’s own website, parking, admission, and park entertainment are, in fact, all free, though visitors do have to pay to go on the rides they want via $5, $20, and $50 ticket books.
While a $20 book will get you on 4 roller coasters or a number of family and/or kiddie rides, a $50 book more than doubles the options. For $45.00 - $60.00, visitors can also get an unlimited, “ride all day” pass. Discounts on combos are available online.
As for why it made the list, Tripadvisor says Knoebels has “got it all.”
“Roller coasters, kid-friendly rides (bumper cars, a haunted mansion), swimming, camping, a mining museum, and even a championship 18-hole golf course,” reads the ranking. “The accommodating staff, clean facilities, and fun attractions make for a memorable family-friendly visit.”
Other Parks In the Worldwide Top 20
Futuroscope in Chasseneuil-du-Poitou, France was named the top amusement or water park in the world by Tripadvisor.
“Wander through futuristic rides, inventive workshops, and water activities that keep things fresh for kids and adults,” says Tripadvisor. “You’ll find sensory adventures and interactive shows, plus plenty of air-conditioned spots to cool off. Gardens are well-kept, the food’s actually good, and the evening light show is genuinely worth staying for.”
Also in the Top 10, in order, are Beto Carrero World in Brazil, Waterbom Bali in Indonseia, Disneyland Paris, Beach Park in Brazil, Garden City Water Park in Cambodia, Puy du Fou in France, Siam Park in Spain, Ramayana Water Park in Thailand, and Blackpool Pleasure Beach in the UK.
From there, Tripadvisor highlights attractions in Spain, Mexico, and Sweden, as well as a horror-themed park in the Czech Republic.
Just missing the Top 20 is another U.S. destination: Dolly Parton’s Dollywood, in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Other Top U.S. Parks
Tripadvisor has another list specifically breaking down the top amusement and water parks in the United States.
Just below both Knoebels and Dollywood are a number of Florida parks, including the Magic Kingdom at #3, followed by Disney’s Hollywood Studios at #4, Universal Islands of Adventure at #5, and Epcot at #6.
LEGLOLAND California sits in the seventh position, with Universal Studios Florida at #8, Disneyland Park in California at #9, and Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri rounding out the Top 10.
Other parks making the list include Whale’s Tale Waterpark in New Hampshire, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon in Florida, Noah’s Ark Water Park in Wisconsin, LEGOLAND in Florida, Ohio’s Kings Island and Cedar Point, Knott’s Berry Farm in California, Hersheypark in Pennsylvania, and Carowinds in North Carolina.