No Cages, Just Coasters: Animal-Free Amusement Parks

It shouldn’t even be up for debate: Animals do not belong in the middle of amusement parks. Yet from Cedar Point to SeaWorld, animals are forced to endure completely inappropriate environments. Being surrounded by thundering roller coasters and in forced close contact with massive crowds is stressful and frightening for animals. Many parks operate from morning to late night, nearly year-round, giving the animals little relief.

At some amusement parks, animals are forced to perform tricks, put on shows, or “give” rides. Orcas and dolphins may be denied food to coerce them to obey commands. Ponies are not protected by the federal Animal Welfare Act, so they can plod in endless circles until they can’t take another step. Birds used as photo props are handed from one person to the next and can become so stressed that they pluck out their own feathers until they are bleeding and raw.  

But from coast to coast, there are loads of fun outings where no animals languish in dismal cages or tanks waiting for relief that never comes. Here are our favorites:

• Southern California’s Six Flags Magic Mountain has 20 world-class coasters, including many designed specifically for young kids.
• The wee ones will enjoy the rides and water park at Sesame Place San Diego and can even dine with Elmo!
• Easily accessible by public transit across NYC and New Jersey, Nickelodeon Universe has rides ranging from mild to wild.
• The Adventuredome is America’s largest indoor theme park. It features thrill rides, traditional carnival rides, laser tag, miniature golf, bumper cars, midway booths, an arcade, circus shows, and more—all located under a huge glass dome. Only in Las Vegas!
• Magic Springs Theme and Water Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas, has top concert acts and tons of rides in addition to its water park.
• For years, Utah’s Lagoon amusement park had lions and other animals smack in the middle of the rides. After years of public pushback, the owners decided to do the right thing and are phasing out all the animal displays and sending the animals to reputable sanctuaries.
• Some of Florida’s more well-known parks are crowded and expensive. A great alternative is Orlando’s Fun Spot America. There are thrilling rides and go-kart racing for the older kids, as well as a Kiddie Coaster and mini fun house for the younger ones.
• With parks across the U.S. and Canada, Urban Air indoor adventure parks provide a safe place for the whole family to jump, soar, race, climb, and play—rain or shine.
• Make sure Calgary’s Calaway Park’s Riptide Racers are on your itinerary, and you’ll wave ride in your own boat. If that’s too much action, there are bumper boats and loads of other rides. There are also Augmented Reality spots throughout the park where animated images—from growing mushrooms to flying fairies—will be shown on your phone and included in your photos.
• From coasters to climbing walls, Vancouver’s Playland Amusement Park has something for all ages.

If you’re planning your summer road trip, please avoid spending time anywhere where animals are trapped in small, sad cages or tanks. Drive past theme parks and roadside zoos that put animals at risk, and check out one of the fun destinations above. And urge SeaWorld to begin transferring the orcas, dolphins, and other animals to seaside sanctuaries.