For decades, the theme park experience was considered an outdoor adventure, where people could soak up the sunshine while enjoying endless entertainment and thrilling rides. In recent years, however, the demand for indoor amusement parks has increased significantly, particularly in areas that have seasonal weather fluctuations.
Distinctly different from outdoor amusement parks, indoor theme parks provide interactive attractions and thrilling rides, giving guests a one-of-a-kind experience in a climate-controlled environment. Below, we detail the six best indoor theme parks in the U.S.
1. Nickelodeon Universe in Mall of America
- Located in: Bloomington, Minnesota
- Best for: Families with young children
Mimicking the size and grandeur of the best outdoor amusement parks, Nickelodeon Universe in Mall of America is a one-of-a-kind attraction. Located in Bloomington, Minnesota, it is considered to be one of the top indoor theme parks in the U.S., due to its size and scope alone.
There are more than two dozen attractions inside this bright and colorful theme park, which is situated in the heart of the massive Mall of America. Each ride is based on iconic Nickelodeon characters that young children are familiar with, making this particularly popular among visitors between the ages 2 to 12. However, there are some more thrilling attractions that are perfect for all ages, such as the SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge rollercoaster, a surprisingly large indoor coaster that takes you on twists, turns and loops throughout the mall.
While the mall itself may take a couple of days to conquer, a visit to this indoor theme park can usually be done in a day. While other theme parks offer flat-rate admission tickets, it's worth noting that there is staggered pricing for this park based on the number of attractions you plan to ride. There are attraction bundles, point passes and unlimited wristbands available, allowing you to purchase the ticket that is best for your visit.
2. Nickelodeon Universe in the American Dream Mall
- Located in: East Rutherford, New Jersey
- Best for: Families and thrillseekers
Famously known as the largest indoor theme park in the Western Hemisphere, Nickelodeon Universe in the American Dream Mall is always on the list of the top indoor theme parks in the U.S. While other indoor theme parks tend to cater to younger children and school-aged kids, Nickelodeon Universe in the American Dream Mall is appealing to guests of all ages, thanks to its wide range of rides, attractions and entertainment.
Similar to its counterpart in Minnesota, this theme park features rides that are based on the classic Nickelodeon characters that have defined a generation. One of the most thrilling rides at the park is Sandy's Blasting Bronco, a rocket-powered indoor coaster that goes forward, backward and even upside down. Of course, there's a variety of family-friendly attractions and rides designed just for kids, ensuring that everyone can have a fun day.
In addition to the classic theme park rides, this indoor theme park features character greetings, themed play areas and more, making it an amazing day trip during your time in New Jersey.
3. Planet Obstacle
- Located in: Lake Mary, Florida
- Best for: Families seeking action and movement
Florida may be considered the theme park capital of the world, but most of its most iconic theme parks are outdoor amusement parks. While the likes of Walt Disney World and Universal Studios are magical in their own right, they also require guests to survive the heat, humidity and volatile thunderstorms that Florida is known for.
For an air-conditioned, completely dry theme park experience in Florida, consider a visit to Planet Obstacle, which is between Orlando and Daytona Beach, two must-do destinations. Located in Lake Mary, Planet Obstacle has become known as the largest indoor obstacle course in the world, and it's the perfect indoor space for kids, teens and adults alike. It's worth noting that this park is reserved for guests ages 3 and up.
This mammoth indoor amusement park spans more than 50,000 square feet and includes both an obstacle course as well as a trampoline park. Some of the top attractions at this park include the aerial ropes course, extreme zip line, rock climbing and a ninja warrior course. The youngest visitors will find that the bumper cars, bungee ropes and ball pits are perfectly sized for them.
Open year-round, this indoor amusement park typically has evening hours during the week and longer hours on the weekend, making it a favorite among locals. It is open to individual guests, but also invites groups to take part in field trips, birthday parties or team-building experiences.
4. The Adventuredome at Circus Circus Las Vegas
- Located in: Las Vegas, Nevada
- Best for: Families and thrillseekers
Las Vegas may have earned the nickname Sin City decades ago, but today, this glittering city is a family-friendly destination that attracts visitors from around the world. Whether you are enjoying an adults-only vacation to Las Vegas or you are bringing your kids along for the adventure, you will find that the Adventuredome at Circus Circus Las Vegas is one of the best indoor amusement parks in the U.S. for people of all ages.
This massive, 5-acre indoor amusement park located inside the Circus Circus Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip boasts more than 25 different rides and attractions, ranging from kid-friendly experiences to thrilling excursions designed for daredevils. The park itself appears to be a vintage circus, with each attraction making you feel as if you have stepped into an exciting afternoon around the turn of the 20th century. Most notably, this indoor theme park is home to Canyon Blaster, the only indoor double-loop, double-corkscrew coaster in the world. Other featured attractions include the classic arcade area, the Bank Heist Laser Challenge, the Sand Pirates pirate ship and the NebulaZ, which is the newest thrill ride in the park.
Many families who come to Las Vegas find that this is one of the best options for their itinerary, because it's easy to spend an entire day enjoying the rides, shows and featured attractions that are located inside this larger-than-life indoor theme park.
5. Great Wolf Lodge
- Locations in: Arizona, California, Michigan, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia and more
- Best for: Families seeking pools, games and more
Over the course of the past several decades, Great Wolf Lodge has become the largest group of indoor water parks in the country. No matter which of the 20 different locations you visit, such as AAA Diamond-designated Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, Va, you will find that these sprawling indoor water parks are some of the best indoor amusement parks in the U.S.
While each location may have their own distinct features and attractions, for the most part, you can expect a wet and wild experience at these magical indoor water parks. Each park offers indoor temperatures of at least 84 degrees, making them a favorite year-round attraction, particularly for families who are looking to escape the chill of winter or the blistering heat of summer.
One of the reasons that Great Wolf Lodge is so appealing is that each resort is designed to include attractions for all ages. Families with young children will find that the shallow pools and splash pads are perfect for their little ones, while families with teens and groups of adults love the thrilling water slides and exciting attractions.
In addition, these indoor water parks provide travelers with an all-inclusive experience. There is plenty of on-site dining, giving visitors the opportunity to truly escape the doldrums of their daily lives and soak up the fun that can be found around every corner of the park.
6. iPlay America
- Located in: Freehold, New Jersey
- Best for: People seeking indoor games and action
Often described as New Jersey's premier indoor amusement park, iPlay America is quickly becoming known as one of the best indoor theme parks in the U.S. Occupying a four-acre indoor space in the heart of Freehold, iPlay America is truly a family-friendly destination. There are attractions and rides for people of all ages, making this a favorite day trip destination for people traveling to the East Coast.
In the park, you will find nearly a dozen rides, four premier attractions and plenty of arcade games to enjoy. Some of the most well-known attractions at this indoor theme park include the two-level laser tag arena, the multi-sensory XD Dark Ride VR attraction and the thrilling indoor drop ride, Skyscraper.
Whether you are looking for someplace to stay dry on a rainy day in New Jersey or you need the perfect place to celebrate a birthday, you will find iPlay America to be an exceptional indoor theme park. With a tiered pricing structure, you can purchase the passes that best meet your needs as a family.
Plan Your Indoor Amusement Park Trip with AAA
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