There's plenty of history behind this Copenhagen theme park. It's the second oldest in the world, in operation since 1843, with a unique combination of culture, rides, attractions and performances to enjoy. There are plenty of rides perfect for the youngest children, including the Flying Trunk — travel in a suitcase through the world of Hans Christian Anderson's fairy tales and watch the characters come alive.
For daredevils, the park also contains one of the oldest running wooden roller coasters in the world. Built in 1914, it's one of Tivoli's most popular rides and is suitable for all ages, although young kids must be accompanied by an adult. When you need a retreat from the excitement, relax in one of the park's beautiful landscaped gardens.
A classic loved by many, the original park was located in the Universal City county island near Hollywood and was initially created to offer tours of real Universal Studios movie sets. Since then, the park has grown and expanded to a second US park in Orlando, Florida, and to several other locations around the world.
Gru and his Minions at the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem 3D Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood. Photo / Universal Studios Hollywood
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — which opened in Hollywood last year and Orlando in 2010 — will be particularly popular with kids and adults alike. Explore Hogwarts Castle, visit the real shops of Hogsmeade and try a mug of the famous Butter Beer.
It's been on the bucket list of generations of kids for a good reason — Disneyland is the first place you think of when it comes to theme parks. Everything about it is iconic, from Cinderella's castle to the spinning teacups and the Matterhorn Mountain.
Mickey and Minnie standing in front of the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland. Photo / Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland
The Happiest Place on Earth has been captivating the imagination since 1955. While it's original Anaheim park is a must-see, families can also enjoy the full Disneyland experience in several other cities around the world — including Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong and most recently, Shanghai. You've got to visit the famous mouse at least once.
The Gold Coast is synonymous with theme parks and Movie World is one of the best, with attractions to captivate the smallest of children to teenagers.
WB Fun Zone, Gold Coast. Photo / Tourism and Events Queensland
Take the littlies to the WB Fun Zone, a colourful cartoon zone designed for young kids, with plenty of characters to interact with. Movie buffs — particularly superhero fans — will love taking on the more exciting rides, like the Superman and Green Latern themed coasters.
In October, the park's most extreme roller coaster will open — the DC Rivals HyperCoaster, set to be the tallest, longest, fastest and only HyperCoaster in the Southern Hemisphere. It will reach speeds of 115km per hour, so this one's only for the brave.
This indoor offering combines two of the things Malaysia does best - theme parks and shopping. Located inside the Berjaya Times Square Shopping Mall in the Golden Triangle (KL's shopping zone), this park is spread across three levels and is the country's largest indoor theme park.
The star attraction is the roller coaster that twists and turns throughout the mall, but there are plenty of tamer rides for little kids to enjoy. As well as the theme park, the complex also contains an IMAX theatre, a 48 lane bowling alley, karaoke bars and even an archery facility. This is a fantastic place to visit if you're on a short stopover in Kuala Lumpur, as many of the bigger theme parks are further out of the city.
The second most popular theme park in Europe after Disneyland Paris, Europa Park is spread across 12 "lands" themed around the countries of Europe. If your European vacation only has time for a few countries, this is a good way to pack in a few more iconic landmarks, albeit on a much smaller scale.
Europa Park, Germany.
There are more than 100 attractions, which includes several roller coasters — the Blue Fire and Silver Star being particularly epic — as well as a Swiss bobsled ride and a flight simulator. Little kids will love the fairy tale worlds, as well as the fountains they can splash around in and to keep them entertained throughout the day, there are plenty of shows to take in.
This is definitely one for the younger members of the family. Part of Paulton's Family Theme Park in Hampshire, UK, Peppa's world includes seven fun rides for young children, as well as an indoor play area and an outdoor water splash park in summer.
Peppa Pig World at Paultons Park. Photo / Paultons Park
Preschoolers will be thrilled to explore Peppa Pig's house, or meet Peppa and George outside the school house. In the wider Paulton's park, there's lots to do for the rest of the family, including a dinosaur-themed area with roller coasters, a 4D cinema, go karts and a log flume. The park is also home to a small zoo, with penguins, exotic birds, meerkats and giant tortoises.
Everything's awesome at Legoland — but especially the amazingly huge Lego sculptures found within. The original park can be found in Billund, Denmark, which opened in 1968 alongside the Lego factory. Since then, the franchise has spread all over the world — so if you're holidaying in the USA, Malaysia, Dubai or the UK, you'll be able to get the full Lego experience — and the latest park has just opened in Japan this year.
Miniland at Legoland Windsor. Photo / Legoland Windsor
Depending on where you go, you'll find water parks, Ninjago Worlds and all manner of rides and shows for everyone to enjoy. Most of the rides cater to kids between two and 12 years old.
