6 Top Dog-Friendly Amusement Parks in the United States

Amusement Park? Check. Family or friends? Check. Dog? Check! Yes, you read that right. There are not one but SIX awesome amusement parks in the United States that will also welcome your pup. If you’re not chasing the thrill of America’s biggest roller coasters and want to avoid the heavily populated largest theme parks in the country, then check out one of the below fabulous and dog-friendly amusement parks instead!

Before You Go: Planning Your Dog-Friendly Amusement Park Trip

The excitement may be killing you and your pooch, but there are a couple of items to remember before loading up the car. First, it’s important to keep a copy of your pup’s veterinary records and current vaccination history with you whenever you travel. A quick and easy tip is to keep copies in a water-protectant sleeve or snack bag. Always store these documents in your car or gear bag to ensure you’re prepared for anything. Second, keep first aid supplies in the car for any sort of medical situations or emergencies that could arise. Finally, don’t forget to pack the essentials: dog treats, water, poop bags, dog food (for longer trips), and collapsible dog bowls are must-haves for every dog-friendly excursion.

Top Dog-Friendly Amusement Parks in the United States

Your destination is pulled up in Google Maps, the family is buckled in, and the car is fully loaded. With greasy food, costumed mascots, and thrilling rides on the brain, everyone is enthusiastic to get the adventure started. Let’s check out the country’s top dog-friendly amusement parks!

1. Knoebels Amusement Resort

Location: Elysburg, PA

Opened: 1926

Rides/Attractions: 60+

Free Parking and Admission!

Knoebels Amusement Resort is America’s largest free-admission park and is well known for being a top destination for affordable family fun. If that’s not enough to get you excited, it’s also one of the most dog-friendly amusement parks on this list. With more than 60 attractions, Knoebels also offers your pooch the opportunity to give a few rides a go! Your pup will enjoy the lights and excitement of the grand carousel, command the high seas from the motorboats, take in a great behind-the-scenes view of the park from the Pioneer Train, and even navigate a winding path through the renowned Phoenix wooden roller coaster while riding in the antique cars. Even better – tickets are not required for your furry friend to ride. Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted in any covered dining areas or the pool area except for their annual Doggie Dive event.

3. Tweetsie Railroad

Location: Blowing Rock, NC

Opened: 1957

Rides/Attractions: 16

Next on the list, your family and Fido are going straight to the wiki-wild, Wild West! (James West not included.) Tweetsie Railroad welcomes our furry friends to venture throughout the park, including various paths exploring a vast collection of classic steam trains. Additionally, the park also promises a tail-wagging good time at two shows daily at their Miner’s Mountain Theatre. Unfortunately, the Deer Park Zoo, rides, park transportation, and any areas where food is served do not allow our canine companions.

3. Lagoon Park

Location: Farmington, UT

Opened: 1886

Rides/Attractions: 57

In addition to Tweetsie Railroad, Lagoon Park also offers visitors a taste of the Old West. Stroll with your dog down charming wooden sidewalks and through the reconstructed 1800s Pioneer Village. Lagoon Park also offers 42 19th-century stores for your retail therapy pleasure.

4. Dinosaur World

Three Locations: Plant City, FL, Cave City, KY, Glen Rose, TX

Opened: 1998

With three awesome locations, Dinosaur World allows you to live out your Jurassic Bark fantasies – no need to leave your faithful furry companion at home. Step into an immersive, ancient-world experience when you enter the gates at Dinosaur World, including life-sized dinosaurs, numerous shows and exhibits, and even fossil dig areas! Dinosaur World offers water stations throughout the park but does not sell food on-site, so pack a lunch for a fun picnic! Unfortunately, dogs cannot enter the indoor museum with the animatronic dinosaurs.

5. Fun Spot Theme Park

Three Locations: Orlando, FL, Kissimmee, FL, Atlanta, GA

Opened: 1997

Rides/Attractions: Orlando: 27, Kissimmee: 23, Atlanta: 14

Pups visiting Florida may not be able to visit Walt Disney World Resort, but there are still a couple of amusement parks that are dog-friendly! Fun Spot Theme Park has locations in both Orlando and Kissimmee, as well as Atlanta, GA. Grab a bite to eat at the outdoor picnic tables, explore tons of awesome locations for photo ops, and enjoy the fun carnival games with your furry friend. While dogs, unfortunately, cannot go on any of the rides, the park still tries to make our canine companions feel at home by offering dog-friendly events every year, such as Paws and Pints and the Florida Weiner Dog Derby.

6. Canobie Lake Park

Location: Salem, NH

Opened: 1902

Rides/Attractions: 85+

Last on the list is Canobie Lake Park, located in New England. Like many others on the list, dogs unfortunately cannot enjoy the rides. However, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing for Fido to do! Enjoy waterfront views, play games, walk the Heritage Trail, and learn about the history of this charming park.

Fun, Food, and Fido – Enjoy Your Trip!

Amusement parks aren’t just for people — not anymore. Whether you’re just looking to enjoy the delicious park food and infectious happy atmosphere with your pup, or you’d like to take your dog on a ride, these six amusement parks have something for everyone. So, next time you’re making travel plans with friends or family, don’t forget to check out one of these great destinations!

Summary: 6 Top Dog-Friendly Amusement Parks in the United States

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Sarah Feaster – License / Original