Whether you have kids or you’re a kid at heart, theme parks are thrilling. Some parks specialize in roller coasters or bring your favorite movies and characters to life, while others let you sample different beers or stuff your face with unique park fare. If you’re an amusement park enthusiast, you’re in luck, because some of the best places to live are near the most popular parks.

Disney in Florida and California

Here’s a two-for, because there’s simply no way to choose a Disney. If you’re on the East Coast, Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., is a no-brainer. You get all the magic of Disney, along with Epcot, Magic Kingdom, and the knowledge that your park is just a little better than its California counterpart, simply because the rides and attractions are so diverse. This area is close enough to Orlando, Tampa, and other Florida destinations that you can visit a wealth of other parks, as well as beaches and shopping districts.

Disneyland, located in Anaheim, Calif., is awesome too. Perfect for anyone who prefers the West Coast, you’ll get to enjoy the original resort, as well as all that California sunshine. You’re also close to the state’s choice spots — LA, San Francisco, Napa Valley, and even Knott’s Berry Farm.

Universal’s Islands of Adventure in Orlando

Something about Florida just invites amusement parks. Universal Studios definitely gives Disney a run for its money, and Islands of Adventure is the biggest competition with Harry Potter World. Visiting Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, and the Weasley twins’ joke shop is a huge draw for adults and children. Orlando is a wonderful place to live anyway, thanks to all the shopping, water parks, food, and nightlife.

Cedar Point in Sandusky, OH

Most people never think of Ohio when they think of theme parks. Those people have never visited Cedar Point. The surroundings are gorgeous, and it’s largely considered one of the best parks in America. In addition to all those roller coasters — 16 in all — you’re right on Lake Erie. You’re also not terribly far from the wilds of Michigan, and you can easily visit nearby Kings Island.

Hersheypark in Hershey, Penn.

If it involves chocolate, you know it’s incredible. Hersheypark is heaven for both chocoholics and thrill-seekers. You can tour the Hershey Chocolate Factory and get tons of free samples — just make sure you do that after you have your fill of the rides. You’ll also get to enjoy the water park and admission to ZOOAMERICA, plus you’re close to the beauty of Amish Country and Lancaster County. You haven’t lived until you visit Intercourse, Penn.

Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Va.

There’s a Busch Gardens in Tampa, Fla., but the park in Williamsburg is exciting beyond belief. It has several classic, much-loved rides and ever-changing coasters, so every trip offers a new experience. Animal lovers will also enjoy Busch Gardens Williamsburg, which has tours and keeper experiences that bring you closer to the animals than ever. Another benefit is that you can visit Colonial Williamsburg, which is both charming and educational.

Amusement park enthusiasts are definitely spoiled for choice. Where’s your favorite park?

Disneyland sleeping beauty castle by bubble_gum on Flickr.

Go and enjoy the view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This Bridge is a gorgeous thing to look at, especially at night. With all the beautiful lights, it’s a sight you won’t want to miss.

Sydney Harbour Bridge by Jimmy Harris on Flickr

Take a stroll along the Darling Harbor. This is a place to have some fun. Not only do you get to look at the beautiful ocean, but the Darling Harbour has a ton to do. Consisting of exotic arts, culture and cuisine. Seeing the Luminous at night is gorgeous. It is the largest interactive light installation in the world.

Enjoy The Taronga Zoo. The Taronga Zoo is a great zoo that consists of a ton of awesome, exotic animals and a great way to spend the day with the family.

Spend a fun day at Luna Park Sydney. This is a good old fashioned Amusement Park. Filled with a ton of games, roller coasters, and just pure fun.

Luna Park Sydney by Eva Rinaldi on Flickr

Visit the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium. If you didn’t get enough of the awesome Australian animals at the Zoo, the aquarium should be your next stop. You get a whole new world of animals from the under waters of Sydney Australia.

Go to the Wonderland Sydney. Another amusement park. Who can’t have enough fun?. Why not explore all the Amusement Parks.

Spend a day laying out, surfing, or just having fun at the Bondi Beach. You won’t regret it, it’s not only gorgeous but you’ll have a ton of fun while just hanging out with friends or family.

Waves at Bondi Beach by Rob Chandler on Flickr

See a football game at the Allianz Stadium. Who doesn’t love to watch a football game. You can get a feel of the culture at a football game.

Spend a fun day the Manly Waterworks. A water park that is awesome and will be a great way to spend a hot day in Sydney Australia.

See a play at the State Theatre. This theatre is awesome and is sure to put on a GREAT show. If you’re interested in seeing some of the actors in their home country in the USA, make sure you look into an  ESTA (the Electronic System for Travel Authorization), which is now a requirement for all travelers from Visa Waiver Countries, including Australia.

These things are all part of a fun-filled agenda to spend in Sydney. With these fun family ideas, there is no doubt you will have the time of your life.

Attend a sporting event at the Suncorp Stadium. This stadium holds many different types of sporting events and you’re bound to find one you’ll love and enjoy yourself while doing it.

Spend a day at Australian Sea World Gold Coast. This is a marine mammal park, oceanarium, and theme park. It is a great way to spend the day because there is SO much for you to do. Definitely worth the time spent.

Penguins at Sea World Australia by Phalinn Ooi on Flickr

Take a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane. The Wheel of Brisbane is a large Ferris Wheel, and so fun and extremely romantic if it is just you and your loved one taking a ride.

Spend a day exploring at the Alma Park Zoo. This is an awesome Zoo full of awesome animals and a great time. They are so interesting to explore and you will have so much fun.

Red Panda at Alma Park Zoo by Andrew Napier on Flickr

Take a ride on the Giant Drop. If you haven’t ridden something like this, you’ll want to. It is so exhilarating and a great rush of adventure. This ride is very similar to the Tower of Terror. You’re bound to have fun riding this.

Spend a fun filled day at the Dreamworld theme Park. Not only do they have an awesome park for adults, but they also have a GREAT children’s area within the park, making this a great place for the whole family.

Dreamworld theme Park by Andi Ryan on Flickr

Go shopping at the Queen Street Mall. Who doesn’t love to shop? You can pick up some new fashion trends that may be different from where you are originally from.

Visit the Museum of Brisbane. This is an awesome way to get in touch with the city of Brisbane. You can learn about the culture and the history of the city and a definite must when visiting.

Have fun at the Castaway Bay. This is located at the Sea world Amusement Park. It has three fun filled attractions. Battle Boats, Sky Climb, and Sky Fortress.

Go visit the Koala Bears at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Koala Bears are so cute. So who wouldn’t want to spend a day visiting them?

Koala by chem7 on Flickr

Here are a few of our favorites.

The Teleférico cable car

Madrid’s Teleférico cable car runs from the Paseo del Pintor Rosales (near the Metro Argüelles) to the Casa de Campo park. It’s a lovely 15 minute ride that gives you some stellar views of the downtown.

CosmoCaxia Science Museum

CosmoCaxia’s science museum is a great spot for kids of all ages. Favorites include the tornado machine and . There’s a special Kids Zone and a highly regarded planetarium (both are only open limited hours, so check before going).

The Reina Sofia Museum

Based in Madrid’s lovely and pedestrian friendly center, the Reina Sofia museum is probably one of your best choices in terms of art museums for little kids. The museum has surreal paintings and statues by artists like Picasso and Dali that should definitely capture the little one’s interest.

Interestingly, the Renia Sofia allows visitors to walk right up to the art, without barricades or ropes in the way, so you may want to make sure you have a firm grip on your little one’s hand.

Churros Con Chocolate

Hands down, one of the things your kids will love the most about Madrid is the tradition of churros con chocolate.

Churros con chocolate are simply melted chocolate is served in small cups, served with long pieces of fried dough called churros. You then dip the churros in the thick chocolate (more a chocolate sauce than a hot chocolate drink).

The most famous place to grab your churros con chocolate is the iconic San Ginés (in business since 1894), but their are plenty of other places to get your chocolate on, including the Maestro Churrero Chocolateria.

Walk around Madrid’s Centro

Most of Madrid’s center (the centro) is pedestrian only. The lack of cars, charming cobblestone streets, and cafes and bakeries on every corner make it a great place to walk with the kids. Just be aware that many stores (even cafes and restaurants) keep traditional hours, meaning that they close for the siesta hour from 2-5 pm (though they are open until later at night.

Plaza de Oriente (and the nearby playground), the Royal Palace (Palacio Real de Madrid), Plaza Mayor and Plaza de España are especially good walks with the kids.

A Tapas Bar

Children are often seen at Tapas bars in Spain accompanying their parents for a glass of wine or a beer.

In Madrid (and Spain in general), you’ll get a small tapa (appetizer, in North American terms) with every wine or beer you buy. Tapas can be as simple as a dish of olives, or as elaborate as paella, depending on the tapas bar.

Check out some of these great places to see with kids in Madrid in the map below: