Best Family-Owned Amusement Park

Family-owned amusement parks offer a unique charm and personal touch you probably won't find at the big corporate parks. In addition to all the thrills, laughter and tasty treats you expect from a theme park, visitors experience a sense of community. Most of these parks prioritize a family-friendly environment, ensuring that guests of all ages feel welcome and making them a prime place to build family memories year after year.

These 10 amusement parks were selected by our expert panelists and contributors and voted on by readers as the best of the best.

1. Enchanted Forest—Salem, OR

Opened by the Tofte family in 1971 as the Storybook Trail, the Enchanted Forest theme park has evolved over the years to include various districts, each with a unique theme. From Western towns to European villages, each region of the park offers a unique whimsy. Comedy shows, live music and a Fantasy Fountian light show make the experience even more enchanting.

2. Knoebels Amusement Resort—Elysburg, PA

Exciting guests since 1926, Knoebels is one of the nation's oldest amusement parks. It also remains America's largest free-admission park. In addition to more than 60 attractions, including the world's top-rated wooden roller coaster, guests can take advantage of free parking, entertainment and picnic facilities. Their award-winning comfort food includes all-you-can-eat options at affordable prices.

3. Waldameer & Water World—Erie, PA

Guests at Waldameer & Water World can explore more than 100 attractions, including five roller coasters and 32 waterslides. Top thrills include the pendulum Chaos ride and the Ravine Flyer II, the tallest and fastest wooden coaster in the state. Nearly a dozen kiddie rides give the smallest members of the family a variety of fun.

4. Santa's Village—Jefferson, NH

With alpine-esque buildings and a host of cleverly named rides, gift stores and food outlets, Santa's Village leans into its concept with a wink and a nod. The park offers plenty of themed thrills--the Yule Log Flume, Reindeer Carousel, Skyway Sleigh, Chimney Drop and Peppermint Twist to name a few--and continues to evolve with a new coaster, The Midnight Flyer, due to open this year. Both kids and adults recommend it.

5. Adventure Park USA—New Market, MD

Billed as Maryland's largest family entertainment center, Adventure Park USA offers a ton of fun for you and your kids. Outside, you can get your thrills on one of two roller coasters, play a relaxing game of mini golf, try out the ropes course and ride go karts. A rainy day? No problem! Indoor games include laser tag, arcades and bowling. For delicious eats, head to the Whistle Stop Smokehouse.

6. StoryBook Land—Egg Harbor Township, NJ

Since 1955, StoryBook Land has charmed young and old alike with classic references to children's literature from Mother Goose to the Brothers Grimm. You can climb aboard the Beanstalk Bounce, get dizzy on Alice's Teatime and enjoy a round on the Whirly Bug. Rides are especially aimed at younger kids, who love the park's blend of thrills and whimsical fancy.

7. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park—Glenwood Springs, CO

Set on a Colorado mountaintop, Glenwood Caverns brings you an unusual combination of thrilling rides and natural wonders. Enjoy a scenic gondola ride up the mountain before whizzing back down on Colorado's longest alpine coaster. Indoor entertainments include laser tag, a 4D movie theater, live shows and the park's original attractions—several beautiful caves. If you come during winter, you'll enjoy the festive decorations that light up the park.

8. Hersheypark—Hershey, PA

Founded in 1906 as a leisure park for Hershey employees, Hersheypark is now the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania. Filled with carnival rides, thrilling roller coasters and refreshing waterslides, Hersheypark offers families a sweet experience. It's sweetest in Chocolatetown, where patrons can enjoy delicious dining as well as the park's tallest and fastest coaster. The admission also includes ZooAmerica.

9. Holiday World and Splashin Safari—Santa Claus, IN

It's Christmas year-round at Holiday World & Splashin' Safari in Santa Claus! This park exudes down-home charm and a family-friendly ambiance. While there are plenty of thrills to keep you high and dry, visitors especially love the award-winning water coasters. Special shows and events rotate through the season, including a nightly fireworks and drone show during the peak of summer.

10. Cliffs Amusement Park—Albuquerque, NM

After 50 years in service, Cliffs is now the largest amusement park and water park in New Mexico. Push your cool to the limit with stomach churners like the Cliff Hanger, Sidewinder, Fireball, Sea Dragon and New Mexico Rattler. Bringing your littlest ones? They'll love the park's Kiddyland, which includes rides like bumper cars and the Doggie-Go-Round. During summer, the Watermania section keeps you cool when the heat index blazes.

About Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards

Our nominees are editorially driven with contributions from a panel of travel experts. The final list is determined by Newsweek editors. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For more details, read our terms and conditions. For any questions, please see our FAQs or email us at readerschoice@newsweek.com.

Panel of Experts

Karee Blunt is a nationally syndicated travel journalist focused on discovering experiences that captivate and inspire others through her writing. She is also the founder of Our Woven Journey, a travel site created to encourage others to create memory-making adventures with their loved ones. She is the mother of six kids, including four through adoption, and lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest. Her travel articles have been published on the Associated Press newswire, MSN, Euronews, and hundreds of news sites across the US. Connect with Karee on Instagram @ourwovenjourney.

Nicky Omohundro is the founder of LittleFamilyAdventure.com, a lifestyle and family travel website that champions the cause of "No Child Left Inside." The site's core focus is nudging families with teens to venture outdoors more often and explore the world around them. What sets it apart is its emphasis on healthy living choices and inspiring readers to discover their own adventures. Nicky is recognized as a family travel expert and her work at LittleFamilyAdventure.com is syndicated to MSN.com. You can also find her on IG @lilfamadventure.

Susan Lanier-Graham is founder and publisher of Wander With Wonder, an award-winning online travel journalism magazine. She has authored more than 75 books and hundreds of magazine articles while traveling the world over the past three decades. Susan's work has appeared in a variety of publications, including various AAA publications, TravelandLeisure.com, Hotels.com, Modern Luxury, WHERE publications, Fairmont.com, Marriott.com and more. Susan is a member of Society of American Travel Writers, International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association, and North American Travel Journalists Association. She is also a Certified California Wine Appellation Specialist.

Newsweek contributors speak from a variety of backgrounds and offer expertise in a wide range of subject areas.