Experience the best theme parks in Los Angeles with Picnic Makers, where thrilling rides meet the glamour of the city. Locals chasing excitement and visitors seeking California’s top attractions will find these parks unforgettable.
Enhance your day of adventure with a Californian boho picnic, styled by Picnic Makers to turn any of your favorite outdoor activities in Los Angeles into a lasting memory.
Los Angeles Theme Parks: 7 Best Spots 🎢🌴
Sunshine, rides, and adventure await at the 7 top theme parks in Los Angeles, where families and thrill-seekers alike can enjoy fun-packed days.
1. Disneyland 🏰
- Address: 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802
- Open Hours: 8 AM – 11 PM
- Admission prices: 1-day ticket price ranges from $103 – $206 based on the date selected
Disneyland in Anaheim lives up to its title as the “Happiest Place on Earth.” It stands as the crown jewel of Los Angeles amusement parks, where Disney stories leap straight off the screen and into everyday life.
⭐ Key Attractions
- It’s a Small World – A colorful, musical boat ride beloved by kids
- Space Mountain – A high-speed, in-the-dark roller coaster through outer space
- Haunted Mansion – A spooky yet playful ghost tour inside a haunted estate
- Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Pilot the Millennium Falcon and walk through life-size Star Wars settings
🌟 What Makes It Special
Disneyland is a living fairytale. Every corner holds a story, every season adds new wonder, and the atmosphere is pure enchantment. Visitors can find more information about tickets, upcoming events, and plan their visit by checking Disneyland’s official website.
2. Universal Studios Hollywood 🎬
- Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
- Open Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Admission prices: 1-day ticket price ranges from $109 – $359
Universal Studios Hollywood works double duty as a theme park and an active movie studio, so you can scream on rides and brag about touring real film sets on the same day. It is Hollywood’s playground, loaded with thrills, camera tricks, and plenty of star power.
⭐ Key Attractions
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- Explore Hogsmeade and Hogwarts Castle
- Sip Butterbeer and shop for wands
- Jurassic World – The Ride
- Face off with the Indominus rex in a soaked, high-stakes river adventure
- Fast & Furious – Supercharged
- Buckle up for a high-speed chase packed with special effects
- Studio Tour
- Go behind the scenes of working sets and famous backlots
🌟 What Makes It Special
Universal Studios Hollywood captures the spirit of film and transforms it into an unforgettable day of Hollywood sparkle where every turn feels like a movie scene. Plan your visit and explore more by checking out Universal Studios Hollywood’s official website.
3. Six Flags Magic Mountain 🎢
- Address: 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia, CA 91355
- Open Hours: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Admission prices: 1-day ticket price ranges from $25 – $49
Just outside of Los Angeles, Six Flags Magic Mountain is a haven for thrill-seekers with the most roller coasters in any theme park worldwide.
⭐ Key Attractions
- Goliath: A towering 255-foot drop with speeds hitting 85 mph
- Twisted Colossus: A wild wood-steel hybrid coaster with inversions, flips, and airtime galore
- West Coast Racers: A dual-track racing coaster that mimics high-speed street races
- X2: A 4D coaster that spins riders head-over-heels with unexpected twists
🌟 What Makes It Special
Of course, it has the nonstop thrills in a park where fear is fun and speed rules the day. Additionally, Six Flags Magic Mountain caters to families and children with a variety of gentler rides and attractions. The park includes a dedicated family area, Bugs Bunny World, which features milder options suitable for younger visitors.
4. Knott’s Berry Farm 🍓
- Address: 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620
- Open Hours: 10 AM – 6:00 PM
- Admission prices: ticket price ranges from $49 – $62
Knott’s Berry Farm began as a small berry patch and grew into one of Southern California’s most-loved amusement parks. You will find it at Beach Blvd in Buena Park, where history and thrill rides share the spotlight.
⭐ Key Attractions
- GhostRider: One of the tallest and longest wooden coasters on the West Coast
- Silver Bullet: A high-speed, looping inverted coaster with smooth inversions
- Calico River Rapids: A splashy whitewater adventure through rugged frontier terrain
- Timber Mountain Log Ride: Classic log flume through mountain scenery with surprise drops
🌟 What Makes It Special
Knott’s is a slice of California history that delivers frontier storytelling in equal measure. For more information about attractions, seasonal events, and planning your visit, check out Knott’s Berry Farm’s official website.
5. Pacific Park 🎡
- Address: 380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
- Open Hours: 11 AM – 10 PM
- Admission prices: ticket prices range from $8 – $40 for a single ride
Pacific Park sits right on the Santa Monica Pier and gives you a classic Los Angeles amusement park experience with the Pacific Ocean in full view. The address is 380 Santa Monica Pier, where carnival energy meets coastal scenery.
⭐ Key Attractions
- Pacific Wheel: The world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel with panoramic ocean views
- West Coaster: A classic steel coaster that races along the edge of the pier
- Pacific Plunge: A sudden-drop ride with sea spray in the background
- Carnival Midway Games: Try your luck at classic booths and win playful prizes
🌟 What Makes It Special
Pacific Park has the perfect mix of nostalgic amusement and coastal California spirit, which is all packed into one colorful, sunlit stretch over the sea. For more information about park attractions, hours, and special events, you can visit Pacific Park’s official website.
6. SeaWorld San Diego 🐬
- Address: 500 SeaWorld Dr, San Diego, CA 92109
- Open Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Admission prices: ticket prices start from $49.99
SeaWorld San Diego sits a drive south of Los Angeles at SeaWorld Drive and rewards visitors with a mix of ocean education and high-energy fun. It is part aquarium, part thrill park, and all about getting closer to marine life.
⭐ Key Attractions
- Orca Encounter: A breathtaking live show spotlighting killer whales and ocean conservation
- Electric Eel: The park’s tallest and fastest coaster with high-speed loops and inversions
- Journey to Atlantis: Part water ride, part coaster with a splashy plunge finale
- Wild Arctic Exhibit: Get up close with walruses, beluga whales, and icy marine habitats
🌟 What Makes It Special
SeaWorld San Diego is committed to both entertaining its guests and fostering a deeper appreciation for marine life and conservation efforts. For more details on its exhibits, conservation initiatives, or to plan your visit, check out SeaWorld San Diego’s official website.
7. Legoland California Resort 🚀
- Address: 1 Legoland Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008
- Open Hours: 10:30 am – 4:30 pm
- Admission prices: 1-day ticket prices start from $78
Legoland California in Carlsbad is a dream stop for kids and for anyone who never outgrew LEGO bricks. Instead of giant roller coasters, the park leans into hands-on attractions that spark creativity at every turn.
⭐ Key Attractions
- LEGO Driving School: Young visitors cruise mini cars on scaled-down city streets
- LEGO Ninjago World: Use hand gestures to battle virtual enemies in an interactive 4D game
- Miniland USA: Explore detailed LEGO recreations of cities like New York and Las Vegas
- The Dragon Coaster: A kid-friendly ride through a medieval LEGO castle with just the right thrill
🌟 What Makes It Special
Legoland offers a unique day where imagination leads the way. This makes Legoland a valuable educational experience that enhances children’s spatial awareness and creative thinking.
When to Visit LA Theme Parks: Tips ✨
LA theme parks never truly close, but timing your trip can mean the difference between hopping on rides with ease or waiting in line long enough to memorize every snack stand.
1. Weather and Comfort ☀️🌸❄️
Los Angeles sunshine makes most months fair game. Summer is the hottest stretch, so pack sunscreen and patience. Spring and fall bring milder days that keep families comfortable, which is also good for exploring some of the best hikes in LA nearby. Winter cools things down without shutting the fun down, and ride closures are rare. If comfort tops your list, plan your trip for spring or fall.
2. Crowd Levels Throughout the Year 👫🎟️
Crowds pack in during summer, school holidays, and weekends. Disneyland and Universal are especially busy from June through August and again at Christmas. For shorter lines, look at weekdays in January, February, or September. Those months give you more rides and less waiting.
3. Seasonal Events Worth Planning Around 🎃🎄🍇👻
Visiting during seasonal events adds a new layer of fun. Disneyland transforms during Halloween and Christmas with themed parades and decorations. Universal ups the scare factor with Halloween Horror Nights.
Knott’s celebrates the Boysenberry Festival in spring and turns into Knott’s Scary Farm every October. If you want rides with an extra twist, these events are worth planning around.
4. Matching the Best Time to Your Travel Style 👨👩👧👦🎢🎄
Every visitor has a different goal. Families with young kids find spring break and early summer manageable before peak crowds arrive. Thrill-seekers aiming for maximum rides should hit the parks on fall weekdays.
Holiday lovers will get their fix in December with parades, snow on Main Street, and lights across the parks.
Pro Tip 💡 For the lightest crowds, target weekdays in January, February, or September. For the holiday glow, December is unmatched when the parks sparkle brighter than the Christmas tree at City Hall.
Bohemian Picnics to End Your LA Theme Park Day 🌸
After a day of nonstop fun at LA’s top theme parks, a Bohemian picnic is the perfect way to slow it all down. At Picnic Makers, we set up personalized picnic spots in LA that bring together a breezy, relaxed vibe.
You can settle in under palm trees at a local park or catch the sunset by the ocean. We handle every detail from table styling to cleanup, so you show up and enjoy the moment.
Let your family unwind, or as a couple, chase something extraordinary through our picnics, which provide a cozy space to relax in the beauty of LA. It’s a peaceful finish to an action-packed day. Book your picnic now!
FAQs
What are the best theme parks in Los Angeles for thrill-seekers?
For thrill-seekers, Six Flags Magic Mountain is unbeatable with its world-class roller coasters like Goliath and Twisted Colossus. Universal Studios Hollywood also offers exciting rides like the Fast & Furious – Supercharged, providing high-speed thrills.
What makes Disneyland the “Happiest Place on Earth”?
Disneyland earns its title by delivering an enchanting experience with timeless attractions like “It’s a Small World” and thrilling rides such as “Space Mountain,” all wrapped in meticulous Disney magic and attention to detail.
What unique features does Pacific Park offer?
Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier features the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel, combining eco-friendly innovations with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.
What are the options for dining in Los Angeles theme parks?
Los Angeles theme parks offer a wide range of dining options, from themed restaurants in Disneyland to gourmet eateries at Universal Studios Hollywood. Guests can enjoy everything from quick snacks to full-service dining experiences that enhance the thematic enjoyment of their visit.
Can you find water-based rides in Los Angeles amusement parks?
Yes, many Los Angeles amusement parks feature water-based rides. For instance, Six Flags Magic Mountain has the Tidal Wave, while Knott’s Berry Farm offers the Timber Mountain Log Ride, providing refreshing fun on hot California days.
Are there any theme parks near Los Angeles that offer nighttime entertainment?
Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland often extend their hours into the evening, offering special nighttime parades, shows, and fireworks. These events are designed to captivate visitors with spectacular light displays and themed performances that light up the night.
