Planning to take your family to the best LGBTQ+ friendly amusement parks in the United States this summer? With all due respect to Mickey, Disney isn’t the only game in town. While opinions on a Disney vacation vary, we’ve compiled a list of other top inclusive amusement parks with epic rides where love wins every time.
In assembling this list, we prioritized these factors: explicit mission statements with regards to inclusivity; diversity resources and programs for park staff as well as attendees; and robust history of LGBTQ+-friendly and/or Pride events. Excluded were parks (e.g., Dollywood) with troublesome and/or problematic records of phobic and/or non-inclusive incidents and policies.
Universal Studios
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Sometimes, the proof is in the product line. Such is the case at Universal Studios, whose “Love Is Universal” apparel communicates the cinematic-themed amusement park’s commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ kinship and creating an inclusive family vacation experience.
In addition to being a long-standing destination for thrill-seeking movie buffs, Universal Studios has also most recently made a name for itself for hosting an elaborate annual PRIDE night. This over-the-top event features a lavish parade and an “after-hours experience” in which the merrymaking extends beyond the park’s official closing with activities for all ages, including multiple DJs, light displays, a kids’ club, and (rumor has it) drag queens.
And while in West Hollywood or Orlando, with the fam, why not soak up some other LBGTQ+ glam? From drag bingo to rainbow arts festivals, there’s much fun to be had.
LEGOLAND
At LEGOLAND, love is built brick by brick in rainbow hues. Each year, the resorts host PRIDE celebrations for its life-size staff and guests, making it a top LGBTQ+ friendly amusement park. For the wee folk, there’s something arguably better: The world’s cutest, longest miniature PRIDE constructed entirely out of LEGOs on display at various locations across the country.
After vacation, you can even continue the LGBTQ+ LEGO shenanigans at home via the “Everyone Is Awesome”, a vibrant assortment of LEGO peoples and building materials that “celebrates positivity and kindness in our families, our communities, and our world.”
You can find LEGOLAND in Carlsbad, CA (between LA and San Diego), Winter Haven, Florida (between Tampa and Orlando), as well as Goshen, New York (outside of New York City).
Sesame Place
Everyone is welcome and celebrated on Sesame Street, which recently featured a same-sex couple with children on a “family day” episode. Elmo, the unofficial PRIDE mascot of this beloved boulevard also welcomes all families.
Both locations of Sesame Place, in Pennsylvania and California, embody this inclusive spirit, making it one of the best LGBTQ+ friendly amusement parks. The Philadelphia location boasts impressive diversity statistics among its team members: 49% are Black, Latinx, Asian, or American Indian and Alaskan Natives (compared to the amusement park national average of 33%).
And with regards to inclusion, that means religion, too. Alongside Sesame Place’s annual Christmas celebrations, in 2023 they also hosted Hanukkah festivities replete with a menorah candle-lighting ceremony led by a local rabbi, dreidel games with Elmo, and Glatt Kosher food.
The Sesame Street spirit stretches from coast to coast, with one Sesame Place in Pennsylvania and another in California Both the Philadelphia and San Diego parks are home to ample other LBGTQ+ attractions, so kids of all ages (wink, wink) can keep having a rollicking good time once even after they’ve had their fill of roller coasters.
Six Flags
Six Flags commitment to “creating an inclusive environment that fully embraces the diversity of [their] team members and guests, regardless of ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation” is not just lip service.
It delivers on this promise in part by hosting PRIDE celebrations with varying themes and activities throughout the summer. In the past, PRIDE at the New England branch, for example, focused on anti-queer violence and its effect on queer women, honoring Transgender Day of Remembrance, while the Texas location held a lip-synch battle and customized park-wide decorations.
With over 25 Six Flags in and around the United States, it’s likely that there’s a park near(ish) you; standout sites we recommend include Hartford and Dallas, both of which have the added bonus of robust arts, sports, and entertainment scenes to occupy you outside of park hours. Finally, special PRIDE merchandise is also usually debuted at PRIDE events, so you and your family and party loud and proud in the spirit of Six Flags long after you go home.
Kennywood Amusement Park
Although it’s one of the oldest parks in the country (in operation since 1898!), Kennywood is anything but old-fashioned when it comes to being a safe space for non-traditional families. Each year, the park sets aside a special “gay day” to honor the LGBTQ+ community and their supporters. Kennywood, one of the best LGBTQ+ friendly amusement parks, also offers a large proportion of rides for the kiddies, ensuring your little ones feel seen in a big way.
Ready for some fun with the fam?
Regardless of what your family looks like, remember to pack your patience and some potable water this summer because long lines and heat do not discriminate. But in terms of a third important “P”, these amusement parks have you covered by prioritizing that visitors feel PRIDE in who they are and who they love.
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