Top 10 Theme Parks in Europe

Europe is a very popular family summer holiday destination and unsurprisingly it is also home to some of the best family theme parks in the world.

Keeping the children entertained on holiday can sometimes be difficult and a visit to a theme park can provide the perfect day out if you are stuck. There are so many theme parks to choose from in Europe and they are not just for the children, which is why I Love meet and greet has selected its top 10 European theme parks to visit:

Zoomarine Algarve, Guia, Portugal

This is the Algarve’s best family theme park, inspired by marine life and is located in Guia, just a few kilometres from Albufeira. Here you can watch presentations with dolphins, seals and sea lions, tropical birds and birds of prey. It includes an amazing aquarium with sharks, attractions, swimming pools and the new Zoomarine Beach.

PortAventura World, Salou, Spain

PortaAventura Park, just south of Barcelona, in Salou on the Costa Daurada is one of the most visited theme parks in Spain where you can explore six civilisations and their many tasteful attractions. From mild rides to the biggest and fastest roller coaster in Europe; Red Force with a maximum height of 112 metres and an acceleration speed from 180km/h in just five seconds, this ride is sure to provide the family with a day of unforgettable fun! The Park now also features a second theme park, Ferrari Land which opened in 2017.

Gardaland Park, Castelnuovo del Garda, Italy

This popular Merlin Italian theme park is set in front on the idyllic backdrop of Lake Garda and is a huge attraction for every age. Visitors can enjoy 32 rides, which includes seven roller coasters and three water rides and for those adrenaline seekers the Blue Tornado and Oblivion are perfect! The Park also features aquatic creatures from around the world at Gardaland Sea Life Aquarium.

Europa Park, Rust, Germany

Known as the most popular European Park without the Disney name in front it, this park is located in Rust, south western Germany between Freiburg and Strasbourg, France. The Park houses 13 roller coasters, 14 European themed areas and 100 attractions and shows. It offers lots of rides for every age and taste including one of Europe’s biggest and tallest attraction, the Silver Star with a height of up to 73 metres and a maximum speed of 130km/h.

Le Puy du Fou, Les Epesses, France

Puy du Fou is a historical theme park in Les Epesses in the heart of the Vendee region of Western France. It the second most popular theme park in France after Disneyland Paris. Le Puy du Fou features multiple specular shows for all the family. The extravaganzas see hundreds of performers and animals recreating shows from Roman gladiators to King Arthur with amazing special effects. You will also find reconstructed historic villages, water features, knights, castles and Viking ships.

Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, Denmark

Tivoli Gardens is the second oldest amusement park in the world with rollercoasters up to 100 years old. The park is set in Copenhagen’s inner city and is full of beautiful shops and restaurants nestled among flowerbeds and little waterways. Tivoli was a major inspiration for the Disney parks as Walt Disney loved its relaxed charm. Tivoli Gardens offers something for the whole family; the scenery is beautiful with exotic architecture, historic buildings and lush gardens and all the rides are designed to match the surroundings. The rides are both nostalgic and suitable for the keenest of thrill seekers; the Vertigo turns you upside down at 100km/h.

Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, Marne-la-Vallee, France

You are never too old for a little bit of Disney magic and the resort encompasses two theme parks, Disneyland and Walt Disney Studios Park and is one of the most visited theme parks in Europe. 40 minutes from Paris Disneyland Park is packed with attractions, entertainment and colourful parades. Don’t miss the unforgettable award-winning firework and light display over Sleeping Beauty’s castle. The Walt Disney Studios Park is dedicated to show business and gives you a look behind the most magical scenes of the Disney films and TV. Divided into several zones you will experience stunning shows, Disney’s animated characters coming to life and high-speed roller coasters.

Leolandia, Capriate San Gervasio, Italy

Leolandia Park is an amusement park located in Capriate San Gervasio, just 30 minutes from Milan and offers attractions and activities for all ages. Recently upgraded, this children’s theme park now features Peppa Pig World. Along with various rides including travelling on Thomas the Tank Engine, the park has a petting zoo and a range of shows featuring fairies, pirates and parrots.

Efteling, Kaatsheuvel, The Netherlands

Efteling is a huge fantasy theme park with a large number of fairy-tale rides and attractions. It is located in Kaatsheuvel, opened in 1952 and is one of the oldest theme parks in the world. Its flagship rides are the grand double track wooden rollercoaster Joris de Draak and the Joris the Dragon, in which two trains race each other around the track and the attractions are based on elements from ancient myths and legends, fairy tales, fables and folklore.


By Sarah Anglim at 23 May 2018

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