Location: Round Rock, Texas Years Active: 2007 – Active Round Rock, Texas, hides a gem Rock ‘N River Water Park. This place isn’t your average water park – it’s loud, a little bit wild, and totally Texan. Think rock music blasting while you float the lazy river! It’s the perfect escape from that Texas heat….
Location: Nagasaki, Japan Years Active: 1992 – Active Huis Ten Bosch in Nagasaki isn’t your average theme park. It’s a full-blown Dutch town plopped into the middle of Japan. Windmills, canals – they nailed the look. Ever wanted to stroll cobblestone streets without booking a flight to Europe? This is your place. They’ve got all…
Location: Grapevine, Texas Years Active: 2007 – Active Great Wolf Lodge Grapevine – it’s an experience. A loud, chaotic, slightly surreal experience. Think giant indoor water park meets over-the-top Northwoods lodge… with a sprinkle of howling wolf animatronics for good measure. Look, this isn’t your quiet weekend getaway. It’s a place where kids run wild,…
Location: Hiji, Japan Years Active: 1991 – Active Harmonyland is like stepping into a fever dream designed by a committee of toddlers high on sugar. It’s a relentless assault of Hello Kitty, My Melody, and all their Sanrio friends plastered on everything in sight. If you find that adorable, Harmonyland is your paradise. If it…
Location: Tokyo, Japan Years Active: 1964 – Active Yomiuri Land is a popular amusement park in Inagi, Tokyo, Japan. It features roller coasters, water attractions, and seasonal events like winter illuminations. The park is accessible via the Keio Line and is known for rides like Bandit, a high-speed roller coaster. It also offers a spa…
Location: Yokohama, Japan Years Active: 1990 – Active Yokohama Cosmo World is an acquired taste. It’s bright, noisy, and the space theme is beyond corny. But if you’re down for a little kitschy fun, it delivers. The Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel is a Yokohama classic – get your touristy photos and move on. The…
Location: Kyoto, Japan Years Active: 1975 – Active Toei Kyoto Studio Park isn’t your picture-perfect historical village. It’s a working film set, a bit rough around the edges, where the magic of Japanese cinema comes alive. Since 1975, it’s been the backdrop for countless samurai battles and period dramas. Step inside, and you’re suddenly in…
Location: New Caney, Texas Years Active: 2019 – Active Big Rivers Waterpark & Adventures… it’s not Disneyland, but that’s the point. This Texas-themed park is all about having a blast in the summer heat. It’s younger, a bit rougher around the edges, but that translates to shorter lines and more laid-back vibes. Come for the…
Location: Tama, Japan Years Active: 1990 – Active Sanrio Puroland isn’t just for kids. This Tokyo theme park is an explosion of cuteness – think pink overload, mascots galore, and enough Hello Kitty merch to fill a mansion. Want to see Hello Kitty’s actual house? It’s here, and it’s totally bonkers. Puroland is all about…
Location: Tokyo, Japan Years Active: 1996 – Active Tokyo Joypolis promises a futuristic blast, but the reality is a bit more retro-arcade-with-a-twist. It’s a riot of neon and noise, filled with rides that’ll either thrill your socks off or make you question your life choices. Definitely the place to go if you miss the SEGA…
