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You’ll Be More Than Amused by These 15 Photos of Theme Parks. Their Electrifying Attractions Will Have Your Heart Racing Before You Even Set Foot on a Ride

These images from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest remind us that amusement parks have entertained generations of thrill-seekers

A neon ferris wheel at night
A neon ferris wheel at night
Neon lights illuminate an oddly empty Santa Monica Pier at night. Jose Lopez Galdamez, California, 2023

You’ll Be More Than Amused by These 15 Photos of Theme Parks. Their Electrifying Attractions Will Have Your Heart Racing Before You Even Set Foot on a Ride

These images from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest remind us that amusement parks have entertained generations of thrill-seekers

Photographs selected by Allison Scates

A neon ferris wheel at night
Neon lights illuminate an oddly empty Santa Monica Pier at night. Jose Lopez Galdamez, California, 2023

They’re called amusement parks, but that name may not accurately capture the fun and fabulousness of these entertainment venues. Their rides, festival fare, arcade-style games and high-altitude attractions are not just amusing; they’re what some might describe as magical, sustaining these sites for centuries. The United States has more than 1,000 amusement parks—meaning one is likely within a few hours’ drive of your home—and equally awesome counterparts across the world draw millions of adventurers. Carousels, Ferris wheels, roller coasters, giant swings and racing games are just some of the more common features at many big parks internationally. Their appeal is undeniable, and our Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest entrants are fans. Take a look.

Patrons sit outside at a table at a carnival at night
Amusement park fare, like funnel cakes, cotton candy and sliced hotdogs with fries (salchipapa), are part of the parks’ allure. Frank Mobilio, Spain, 2022
People on a swig ride
Once a U.S. Navy installation, Navy Pier—a must-see location, with views of downtown Chicago—is now home to an amusement park, retail shops and restaurants. Martin Lobel, Illinois, 2023
A neon ferris wheel at night
The horse racing game is just one attraction at Global Village Dubai, which boasts more than 190 rides and upwards of 120 arcade games. Mitja Koetter, United Arab Emirates, 2019
A slow motion night picture of a spin wheel
Captured using a slow shutter-speed option, this ride resembles a gigantic spin wheel. Paulo Cesar Berton Custodio, Brazil, 2022
A night shot of a swig ride
Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens, which opened in August 1843, is believed to be world’s the second-oldest amusement park. This particular ride was added sometime later. Andre Boto, Denmark, 2022
A child sits with a mask on a swig ride in a black and white photo
Less than a year after the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, a young boy enjoys a ride while wearing a face mask. Lam Hoang, Illinois, 2021
A family walks near a ferris wheel at sunset
The sun centers itself in the eye of a Ferris wheel as a silhouetted family walks nearby. Mihail Damyanov, Bulgaria, 2021
mural at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park
This mural at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park punctuates a pirate-themed ride. Glen Beebe, California, 2016
A neon carnival at night
Colorful, whirling lights offer an enchanting backdrop after dark. Mimi Ditchie, California, 2011
A man sells tickets to a horror-themed amusement park
A man sells tickets to a horror-themed amusement park in Gross-Enzersdorf. Patti McCracken, Austria, 2015
A roller coaster at sunset
This Coney Island roller coaster is just one of more than 1,000 in the United States. Tiffany Cudjoe, New York, 2015
A carousel at night
A classic carousel in Tivoli Gardens, even more magical at night, serves as a nostalgic centerpiece that captures the charm and whimsy of the historic amusement park. Ellen Hui, Denmark, 2022
Children play in water fountains at night
Splash pads, like this one in Dubai, offer children the joy of water play without requiring parents to head to the nearest beach. Mark Frederick Jereos, United Arab Emirates, 2021
Black and white photo of people riding a swig ride
Chair swing rides draw fans of all ages at amusement parks across the world. Gilliard Bressan, Austria, 2024

Tracy Scott Forson is a senior editor at Smithsonian magazine.

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