Pint-sized amusement parks your kids will love

Plenty of amusement parks have a designated area with a few kiddie rides for the little ones. But at a handful of theme parks across the U.S., little kids reign supreme. Check out these attractions that are small on height requirements but big on fun.

This park is brought to you by the letter A, for adorable. | Photo credit: Sesame Place.

Sesame Place: Langhorne, PA

Can you tell us how to get to this amusement park where the motto is “Go before they grow”? Just head 25 miles northeast of Philadelphia to experience this Sesame Street-themed attraction. Kids can enjoy gentle rides like the Flying Cookie Jars, cool off in Ernie’s Waterworks, catch the Neighborhood Party Street Parade and even dine with their favorite characters.

Start spreadin’ the news: New York’s Central Park offers plenty of kid-friendly fun. | Flickr photo: Martin Lewison

Victorian Gardens: New York, NY

Kids can take a bite out of the Big Apple when they visit this charming amusement park tucked away in Manhattan’s Central Park. Each year, from Memorial Day weekend through mid-September, the park’s iconic Wollman ice rink transforms into a fair-like setting full of gentle rides, circus-style entertainment, kid-centered concerts and more.

The Rocket’s Red Stare ride at Memphis Kiddie Park is perfect for tiny thrill seekers. | Flick photo: Marco

Memphis Kiddie Park: Brooklyn, OH

Honey, we shrunk the rides. At this amusement park in suburban Cleveland, kids enjoy pint-sized thrills like the miniature Ferris wheel, Kiddie Boats, the Little Dipper roller coaster and, for tiny thrill seekers, the Rocket’s Red Stare ride. The concession stand sells old-fashioned goodies like funnel cake, cotton candy and popcorn. Rounding out the fun are an arcade and, fittingly, miniature golf.

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All aboard! | Photo credit: Edaville Family Theme Park

Edaville Family Theme Park: Carver, MA

Drive about 90 minutes south of Boston to this charming attraction that’s like several theme parks in one. Thomas Land replicates the fictional Island of Sodor with all things train related; the temporary Dino Land exhibition is like a mini Jurassic Park; and Cran Central is Edaville’s hub for kid-friendly rides, arcade games and occasional meet-and-greets with characters like Curious George, Pete the Cat and the Very Hungry Caterpillar.

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Fairy tales come to life at Story Land. | Photo credit: Story Land

Story Land: Glen, NH

Your kids’ favorite stories come to life at this New England theme park. Join Mother Goose for story time; observe real animals like the Three Little Pigs and Baa Baa Black Sheep; and enjoy an interactive play area inspired by nursery rhymes. Rides like the Swan Boats, Cinderella’s Pumpkin Coach and the Roar-o-Saurus add to the fun. And each day, the park closes with a performance of Cinderella’s Royal Celebration for a storybook ending.

There was an old lady who lived in a shoe…and so can you at Children’s Fairyland. | Photo credit: Maria Rodriguez/Children’s Fairyland

Children’s Fairyland: Oakland, CA

Storybook adventures await at this delightfully low-tech theme park across the bay from San Francisco. Catch a production on the Aesop’s Playhouse stage, enjoy arts and crafts, watch a puppet show and get up close with the animal of the day. On select summer nights, families can participate in a sleepover at Fairyland. Talk about sweet dreams.

Santa’s Village debuted the Super Cyclone Roller Coaster in May 2017. | Photo credit: Santa’s Village Azoosment Park.

Santa’s Village Azoosment Park: East Dundee, IL

For kids, Christmas can’t come soon enough. Appease them with a trip to this recently re-opened, vintage theme park 40 miles northwest of Chicago that pays homage to its original Christmas-themed roots. Kids can zip down Santa’s Tree House Slide, twirl inside the Snowball ride and observe real reindeer while they ride the park’s Alaskan Railway train. The park has expanded to include more family-friendly rides, animal and magic shows, story time and occasionally appearances by tween celebrities.