Theme parks and amusement parks promise the same thing, a day of rides, games and junk food, at very different scales. Big destination parks are built around themed lands, shows, characters and parades, and can take more than a day to see. Regional amusement parks focus on roller coasters and thrill rides, while smaller family parks, piers and boardwalks offer a few hours of classic fun at a gentler price.

Most parks have something for every nerve level. There are coasters and drop towers for thrill seekers, dark rides and carousels for everyone else, and live shows, arcades and midway games to fill the gaps. Many parks run seasonal events, such as Halloween nights and holiday lights, that change the whole feel of the place.

The Date Activity

A theme park is a great date for two people who like to play. Screaming down a coaster together breaks the ice fast, and the lines leave plenty of time to talk. If one of you isn't a thrill seeker, don't push. There are always tamer rides, and the non-rider can hold the bags and take the photo at the exit.

Stay into the evening if you can. Parks feel different after dark, the lines often thin out in the last hours, and many end the night with fireworks or a light show. Win your date a prize on the midway, then plan a sequel at the water park or a few laps on the go-karts.

On Your Own / With Friends

Friends make the lines fly by. Go in an even number so everyone has a seat partner on two-person rides, and agree on a meeting spot in case phones die or the group splits up. Groups can usually get discounted tickets, and some parks offer reserved picnic areas for company and school outings.

Going alone has real perks. Many big rides have a single-rider line that can cut your wait a lot, and nobody minds if you ride your favorite coaster five times in a row.

Good to Know

Buy tickets online, where they're usually cheaper than at the gate, and check whether the park needs a reservation for the day you want. Arrive before opening and head straight for the most popular rides, or save them for the last hour. Look up height and health requirements ahead of time, and don't ride the big coasters right after lunch. Wear comfortable shoes and sunscreen and bring a refillable water bottle. Loose items like phones, hats and sunglasses often aren't allowed on major rides, so use a locker or a zippered pocket. A season pass can pay for itself in a few visits if the park is close, and paid line-skip passes can be worth it on a crowded summer weekend.