Best Theme Parks Around The World
By Marcus Webb · March 12, 2026 · Updated August 19, 2026 · 9 min read
The theme park conversation tends to start and end with Disney and Universal, and both deserve their reputation. But if a theme park is going to be the centerpiece of your next family trip, it’s worth knowing what else is out there — including a few parks that frequent visitors rate above the more famous names.
Quick facts
- Best for youngest kids
- Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen
- Best for thrill-seeking teens
- Tokyo DisneySea or Europa-Park
It's not just Disney and Universal
Disney and Universal parks dominate the conversation around family theme parks, and for good reason — they're consistently excellent. But several other parks around the world are genuinely worth building a trip around, and some do specific things better than the big two.
Top picks beyond the obvious
Tokyo DisneySea, Japan
Widely considered the best Disney park in the world by frequent visitors — themed around nautical exploration rather than fairy tales, with a level of detail that holds up for adults as much as kids.
Europa-Park, Germany
Europe's largest theme park, organized into country-themed zones, with a coaster lineup that rivals anything in the US. A strong pick for families with older kids and teens.
Tivoli Gardens, Denmark
One of the oldest amusement parks in the world, and still one of the best for young kids — compact, beautifully landscaped, and genuinely charming rather than overwhelming.
Efteling, Netherlands
A fairytale-themed park that's less internationally known than it deserves to be, with rides and attractions built around European folklore rather than licensed characters.
Matching parks to ages
- Toddlers and young kids: Tivoli Gardens or Efteling — smaller scale, less overwhelming, genuinely enjoyable rather than endured
- Elementary-age kids: Tokyo DisneySea, Disneyland (any location), or Universal Islands of Adventure
- Tweens and teens: Europa-Park or Universal Orlando for the coaster lineup and IP-driven lands
Planning tips
- Buy tickets online in advance wherever possible — walk-up prices are usually higher and lines longer
- Download the park's official app before you go; most now run virtual queue and ride-time systems through it
- Plan rope-drop (park opening) around the single most popular ride, then relax the pace for the rest of the day
- Check minimum height requirements before you go if a specific ride is the reason for the trip — nothing derails a day like a surprise 4-inch shortfall at the ride entrance
Frequently asked questions
What is the best theme park for young kids outside the US?
Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen is a strong pick — compact, beautifully designed, and scaled for younger kids without feeling like a scaled-down version of somewhere else.
Is Tokyo DisneySea good for kids, or mainly for adults?
Both — it's often described as an adult favorite because of its design and atmosphere, but it has a full range of family-friendly rides and is very manageable with kids of most ages.
How far ahead should you book theme park tickets?
For major parks during school holidays, book at least a month ahead; some parks and popular add-ons (like park-hopper tickets or specific ride reservations) sell out well before that during peak season.
