How to Choose the Right Theme Park for Your Kids

Make a splash at these Southern California theme parks. Photo courtesy of Knott's Berry Farm

As you scroll through Instagram, you probably see dozens of advertisements for family theme parks in Southern California. There's an ad for the heart-stopping roller coasters at Six Flags Magic Mountain, followed by a video of toddlers splashing and laughing at Sesame Place in Chula Vista.

There are parks for brick heads, parks for animal enthusiasts, parks for film junkies, and parks for the smaller set. Some parks focus on rides, some focus more on shows and entertainment. All offer a unique experience and timeless family memories. So, how do you choose which one is right for your family? 

When selecting a theme park, keep your kids' ages in mind. It's wise to peruse the theme park website and get a good gauge of the height requirements. Theme parks that are focused on coasters may be best for later years. It's no fun to wait in line for a ride, only to find that your kiddo is a couple inches shy of the measuring stick.

Also, take a look at the parent-child accompaniment requirements. Some parks require that kids under a certain height or age ride with an adult. If you are outnumbered by your kids, sometimes it can restrict your ability to ride. 

Other things to consider: are your kids patient in long lines? Some of SoCal's most popular theme parks can be crowded, and the waits can be long. Do your kids withstand heat well, or should you choose a spot with water features for them to cool off?

Do your kids like to be scared, or would they prefer a place that is catered towards younger ages? Knott's, Universal Studios: Hollywood, and Six Flags Magic Mountain can all get a bit spooky during the fall, when they roll out their various scare mazes and attractions. 

You know your kids best! Make an informed decision based on what they love most (Legos, princesses, Mario, etc.) and you'll create a core memory for the whole family. 

The Best Theme Parks for Kids of All Ages

1. Legoland California — Carlsbad 

Let's be honest, we're all brick heads at heart. Legoland is "officially" recommended for kids between the ages of 2-12... but off the record, we think that anyone with a heart and a penchant for fun will love it here. Legoland is unique in that it blends amusement park rides with interactive LEGO-building stations and activities.

Whether you are a two-year-old just learning about Duplo blocks or a teen who has accomplished the Millennium Falcon Lego, everyone loves creating and building with these colorful little bricks. Older kids won't want to miss Emmett's Flying Adventure Ride (especially if they love the LEGO movies), and the LEGO Technic Coaster.

Little kiddos will love the slow-moving rides peppered throughout the park, such as Explorer River Quest in Dino Valley, or the classic Royal Joust. Enhance the experience by staying on-property, or book a hotel nearby.

TIPS:

If you're headed to Legoland for the day, bring a change of clothes. There are lots of fun water features, and the kids will get wet. There isn't a ton of shade at Legoland, so I suggest avoiding the hot midday hours. If you do find yourself getting overheated, duck into one of the interactive LEGO attractions, such as the LEGO Ferrari Build and Race, to wait out the heat.

If you exhaust your options in the park, Legoland has more to do. There are two water parks on the property, as well as an amazing littler aquarium! All additional admissions can be added to your ticket. 

2. Disneyland Resort — Anaheim 

Disneyland? Say less. It's the "Happiest Place on Earth", whether you're 9 months or 90. I took my son to Disneyland for the first time at two weeks old, and I've also visited with my 100-year-old-great-grandmother, who was worried her dentures would fall out on Space Mountain. So, when we say Disneyland is for everybody, it's for everybody. There are kiddie rides in Fantasyland, the "mountains" for those who want a thrill, characters, parades, good food, and everything in between. Plus, Disney just has a magic factor that other theme parks can't replicate. 

TIPS: 

If you're bringing a baby along, we have a whole article on how to make your visit to Disneyland with a baby a success. Make sure to check out the new Tiana's Palace restaurant, and grab park hoppers if you're also planning to go into Disney's California Adventure. 

Want to stay overnight in the area? We have an article with a list of the best hotels near Disneyland for families that you need to check out, and a guide for other fun things to do in Anaheim. If you're hoping to maximize your day, I strongly suggest springing for the Lightning Lane Multi Pass ticket upgrade, which allows you to pop into Lightning Lanes and shorten your wait times throughout the park.

Start early in the day (known as "rope drop") to beat the biggest crowds, and plan to take some breaks midday at less-crowded attractions or shows (we love taking a rest by watching one of the interactive performances at the Royal Theater near Fantasyland). 

Best Theme Park for Toddlers or Preschoolers (Ages 0-5)

RELATED: San Diego with Kids: Family-Friendly Things To Do in San Diego, CA

Sesame Place is half amusement park, half water park. Photo courtesy of Sesame Place

3. Sesame Place — Chula Vista 

This one is a bit of a drive. Sesame Place is in Chula Vista, not far from the Mexico border. However, once you make it to the park, you'll be glad you took the trip, especially if you have kiddos between the ages of 0-5. Sesame Place is a park made for littles, with age-appropriate kiddie rides, and plenty of splashy waterpark fun. The campus itself is half-water park, half-theme park, with water features on seasonally (the splash areas are often closed in the chillier months). My daughter rode her first-ever coaster here. The Super Grover's Box-Car Derby was a perfect introduction to thrill rides. 

TIPS: 

You'll definitely want a swimsuit, towel, and some goggles at this "amphibious" park, as well as a change of clothes! The "dry" rides require kiddos to be dry- so that extra outfit is essential if you hope to toggle back and forth. Make sure to save some time to watch the shows and parades, plus meet some furry friends if they love Sesame Street! Make a weekend of it and explore the rest of San Diego using our San Diego family guide. 

Best Theme Park for Younger Kids (Ages 5-9)

4. Knott's Berry Farm — Buena Park 

It's time to go to camp- Camp Snoopy, that is! If you have an elementary-aged kiddo, we think Knott's Berry Farm is the ultimate theme park for your family. Knott's has everything from thrill rides to mellow rides, plus some really great activities. It has a classic amusement park feel, not to mention delicious meal options. It's also a notch down from Disneyland in price, without sacrificing quality. Knott's can give your kids everything they want in a theme park, often with shorter wait times than Disney. 

TIPS: 

When you arrive at Knott's, head to Guest Services to get the kids measured once and for all. Once they have been, staff can give them a wristband that they can show to ride operators to reduce the amount of measuring before attractions. Try hitting the bigger rides before crowds accumulate- Ghostrider, HangTime, and Silver Bullet are all very popular and wait times get long later in the day. The Wild West Stunt Show is the perfect way to get off your feet and sit for a minute, while still being very entertained! 

Best Theme Parks for Older Kids (Ages 10-14) 

RELATED: Hollywood with Kids: Things To Do in Hollywood

Don't miss the Studio Tour! Photo courtesy of Universal Studios

5. Universal Studios Hollywood — Universal City 

Gamers, Ravenclaws, movie fans, Hufflepuffs, Jurassic World fans, coaster junkies, and more will love Universal Studios Hollywood, where movie magic meets thrill rides. The newest addition, Super Nintendo World, brings guests into a real-life game of Mario Party, complete with a Mario Kart race through Bowser's Castle. Most of the rides at Universal Studios Hollywood are geared toward the older set, with height requirements or age limits.

TIPS:

Make sure not to skip the Studio Tour, and grab a Butterbeer in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. If you want to make it a full-on vacation, check out these great hotels in LA to stay at during your visit. Your kids are going to want to purchase either a wand for Harry Potter World or a Power-Up band for Super Nintendo World. Bot retails around $50 each. I would suggest allowing the kids to choose one, or buy just one of each, and let them share. Both accessories really do enhance your park experience. 

6. Six Flags Magic Mountain — Valencia

Six Flags Magic Mountain is the ultimate destination for anyone who loves heart-stopping thrill rides. Your kids will be whirling, twirling, spinning, and dropping at jaw-dropping speeds on the many coasters in the park.

There is also a strong DC Comics presence in the park- so Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman fans will love the superhero nods. Of course, the Looney Tunes gang makes appearances, as well, and Bugs Bunny Land is the prime target for the younger set. There are a lot of height requirements on rides at Six Flags- kids taller than 48" will have the most fun.

TIPS:

Go on weekdays to avoid long lines, and consider purchasing a Flash Pass if you want to skip the lines and pack in the thrills. Little kids will enjoy the small collection of rides in Bugs Bunny World, as well as the carousel at the park entrance. 

Best Times of Year to Visit Socal Theme Parks 

LA can get warm, so if you can visit during the off-season, you'll not only avoid crowds, but also avoid bad weather, too. If at all possible, schedule your visits when school is in session. This will minimize the crowds. September, January, and early May are all great times to book a trip.

Try for mid-week days (for those parks that are open every day of the week). Getting to parks early can help you pack in the fun before the mid-day season pass holders start to arrive. Keep in mind that the inland parks are going to be hotter than coastal spots. Legoland weather is often mild, as is Sesame Place. Locations like Six Flags Magic Mountain, Universal Studios, and even Disneyland can get very toasty in the late summer and early fall. 

Insider Tips for Visiting SoCal Theme Parks with Kids 

No matter which park you choose, make sure you bring a fully charged cell phone and download the appropriate app. Apps are the new maps at a theme park, complete with detailed wait time information and mobile ordering for many of the counter-service restaurants around campus. Reservations, experience bookings, and sometimes even admission, can all be done in the app! 

If you want to save money, bring your own snacks and water along. We often stock a backpack with bars, goldfish, and Uncrustables for the midday hunger. 

When purchasing tickets, look at bundle deals or multi-day passes that reduce the price and give more park time. Some theme parks also do flash sales, especially around Black Friday (Six Flags Magic Mountain always has a fantastic sale on passes during this time of the year).

Costco sells theme park tickets at discounted prices, and certain theme parks partner with brands for price reductions. If you are on a vacation or hoping to hit up multiple parks in one foul swoop, consider purchasing a CityPass, which bundles discount admission at several popular attractions around SoCal. 

Most theme parks offer stroller rentals, in case you don't want to haul yours from home, or have bigger kids who don't typically need a stroller but get tired feet at the end of the day. If you are bringing little babies, ask park staff to direct you to nursing rooms or baby care centers- most theme parks have them! Parks geared for littler kids like Legoland, Disneyland, and Sesame Place all have great playgrounds when your kiddos just need to get the wiggles out. 

Frequently Asked Questions about LA Theme Parks with Kids 

What is the best theme park in Southern California for toddlers? 

If you have a toddler between the ages of 1-5, I would recommend Sesame Place in Chula Vista. Other great options include Disneyland and Adventure City. 

Is Disneyland worth it with young kids? 

Yes! Disneyland is so much fun for all ages. From babies who giggle when they meet Mickey to grandparents in wheelchairs, Disney will appeal to every age group. Young kids will love the rides in Fantasyland, the parade, meeting the characters, and several dark rides throughout the park. 

Which theme parks are best for older kids or thrill seekers? 

If you want to hit up some of the best coasters in the USA, head to Six Flags Magic Mountain. This is the ultimate playground for an adrenaline junkie. Knott's Berry Farm also has some fun coasters, if you are looking for an alternative. 

What is the best time to visit theme parks in Southern California? 

Try to check out theme parks when school is in session, and during the week, to minimize crowds. Southern California weather is lovely 95% of the time, so booking a trip in the wintertime can help avoid crowds while still enjoying our Golden State sunshine.

Weekdays are always lighter than weekends at these theme parks, and arriving early is key to getting a good head start on the day and making the most of your admission. 

Are there combo tickets for multiple theme parks? 

Yes! CityPass is an awesome tool for bundling theme park visits together for the ultimate SoCal vacation! You can purchase a CityPass with Disneyland and Universal Studios admission, or add SeaWorld, Legoland, and the San Diego Zoo if you're planning to head further south.

Discount tickets are also available at Costco, and through AAA to several theme parks. The theme parks themselves often offer multi-day ticket deals or combo passes for multiple parks in the same area (such as a park hopper for Disneyland Resort and Disneyland California Adventure).