America's 20 Best Family-Friendly Coasters
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- Опубліковано 13 чер 2021
- These are the 20 best family coasters in America! I disqualified anything with a height requirement 48 inches and above, and anything with an inversion, and used my own judgment to throw out coasters that would otherwise qualify but seem to extreme for this list.
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I'm glad you included this category as one worthy of consideration. I'll only note that "families" include grandparents, and it's great to have coasters that both kids, parents, and grandparents can enjoy.
Cedar Point is going to get the wackiest worm ever in 2021, just trust me bro I got sources
I love the term “the wackiest worm” lmfao
lol haha
Well, they lost their wiggle worm
700 foot wacky worm that's a 20 minute ride. Going 10 mph in the most shallow helix of all time that has trim breaks all the way down. Gonna be epic bro
Link?
Happy to see Cobra's Curse from my home park so high on the list! It is a great family coaster.
Same
Road it 4 times yesterday what a fun ride
I've never rode it but I heard it's fun
@@will3057 made me blow chunks on my way back to the station last Feb lol
I'm really glad that Six Flags Great America kept Whizzer. It's a really good family coaster in my opinion
I was, and still am, disappointed that California's Great America got rid of their Whizzer and replaced it with a big dumb splashy boat. I'll never ride that stupid boat, but I would have been riding the Whizzer all the time.
Also glad that Great America was the new home of the Little Dipper (my first ever coaster) after Kiddieland closed.
I’m just here praising the fact you included and mentioned Whizzer and Cobras Curse
Honestly Cobras Curse is Florida’s most underrated coaster imo
I agree. Cobra’s Curse is at my home park and I always ride it when I go to Busch Gardens.
Family coaster it may definitely be, and as such it always has a long line, but I will always make time to ride it whenever I visit my home park of BGT. It’s such a fun ride
Universal raised the bar so high with Hagrid's. I'm surprised it wasn't on here.
Edit: the ride is a 48” height requirement. My bad.
Yeah same
Maybe he thinks that’s not a famly coster? Or maybe he haven’t been on it?
@@34tadams he rode it last week
@@34tadams I'm fairly certain he rode it, so I assume something about the ride makes it ineligible. However, I'm not sure what.
@@ThemeParkAvenue I believe it actually has a 48 inch height requirement oddly enough and he said he included ones below that, so I assume that's why it wasn't on the list
I can't resist riding any wild mouse coaster I see.
I think Expedition Everest is more thrilling. The backwards spiral is super forceful and you haul butt down the main drop
From what I remember same!
I was expecting to see Space Mountain at the top of the list as soon as I started the video. It's an incredible ride even for hardcore coaster enthusiasts
It really is a fantastic ride honestly. Even after having visited a lot of more intense parks I still rank it as my number 3 all time coaster. Always a fun time riding it.
I had to watch this video immediately to make sure FireChaser Express was #1
I can’t really argue that space mountain isn’t a better coaster, or that it isn’t a family coaster, which would make it seem like I’d agree with the pick, but FireChaser Express just feels like the PERFECT family coaster. The two launches, drop, and general layout felt like a perfect level that anyone could enjoy, and then the theming added another layer to it. It just gives off a feeling and fun factor that seems unbeatable
the theming is there, but it isn’t immersive on any level. it is definitely the newer, cleaner coaster, but i feel like a child would prefer space mountain
The first Vekoma Suspended Family coaster was Silver Streak at Canada's Wonderland, which opened in 2001, so not exactly late 90's
I guess i assumed flying acr aerial chase was from 98 but thats also 01
@@AirtimeThrills why wasn't Trailblazer in the list Trailblazer at Hersheypark is a family coaster it should have been on the list
we call those hang n bangs because they are a lot more different than the modern SFC and they bang your head everywhere. The SFC 293m and 345m should be in a different category of Family SUspended Coaster just like how Hals uber kopf is in a different category than all of those SLC's
@@coasterhockygamingboy9549 They are the same model still, I agree they are worse than the newer ones, but they are the same model. Compare this to Hals Uber Kopf which has inversions and a slightly modified train design.
Chris: ninja isn't intense
Me getting surprised how ninja was forceful in tge front row.
I love this idea. This is a great way to get kids ready for coasters
Firechaser express makes me want to see more Gerstlauer family coasters out there
Fun fact: family coasters are for families. Good for the kids, and fun for the adults. Once again, family coasters are aimed towards families
I know it’s a weird ride, but Bobsleds at sea breeze is a solid contender. It’s only 35ish feet tall and it’s mildly thrilling yet totally unique.
Not gonna lie I was surprised Thunderation wasn't on the list. If you're 42 inches you can ride it with an adult
i thought that was going to be #2 but all i have to say is disney
It hurt me last time I rode it
"It's hard for anyone to not have fun on Space Mountain"
Woo!
Jack rabbit at kennywood was my favorite coaster before I hit 48 inches… that double down airtime is insane for just a 42 inch height requirement and really helped get me into coasters.
Actually, Jack Rabbit's height requirement is only 36 inches... unless they changed it?
Edit: They changed the height requirement, I was not aware of that
Space Mountain was my daughter's first coaster when she was 6. It was our first ride that day, and she loved it!
Family coasters: the cooldown after a B&M Hyper
NGL my favorite family coaster is the OG Mine train at SFOT. As an kid u loved it and got me excited for thrill rides
So happy to see SFFT'S Road Runner Express on this list! It's mild without being boring and thrilling without being intense. A true fun-for-the-whole-family coaster and a crucial part of SFFT's already great coaster lineup
True. I just wish they'd refurbish it sometime. I could do without the heavy rattle.
Another great top ten, it’s always nice to see some of the more mild rides get some love. As much as I love the big rides it’s always a nice change of pace.
Also space mountain was definetly my favorite as a kid, it’s what got me into roller coasters! I loved the bright colorful tunnels and cool theme..
Been waiting for this video
I’ve been waiting for something like this!!
My first thought was Kennywood and the Jack Rabbit and Racer. Those are wonderful rides to get kids started on.
Another amazing video!!! Appreciate the content and something to enjoy with my kids
Fantastic list and phenomenal video - Air Time Thrills rocks!
Totally agree with #1, it's my kid's favorite (7 & 9) great video!
Kudos to you for looking beyond the eyes of the enthusiasts. Great vid.
I think the Incredicoaster is a great introductory coaster with inversions since there is only 1 to be honest it was my 1st inverting coaster that really set the stage for me being a roller coaster enthusiast!!! Even though it has a 48” inch height requirement I still consider it a family coaster since the airtime is weak and the launch not being to powerful it’s just a fun ride and nothing more!!! Great video love your style content I agreed with most of your picks!!!
Your voice and words are so direct and concise. I want to say relax but that may just be how u talk. Lol. I do agree with your list though and I saw another video where you are talking about Silver Dollar City and I agree that place is awesome!! Especially on light crowd days!!
Ive definitely hesrd my voice is relaxing! I'll take it
Manta at Sea World San Diego- I feel that would have been a good choice.
Its a good family coaster for sure but with that 48" limit i had to throw it out
yeah i think he forgot that one
@@AirtimeThrills I can’t imagine how different this list would be if the requirement was 48 or below rather than below 48.
@@AirtimeThrills I was thinking more along the speed being only 43 mph, and the height only being 30 ft. I didn't think about the height requirement being 48 inches. It is really a great coaster for what it is.
We love Space Mountain. I am so happy you put that at number #1🙌
I was told that Space Mountain has an underrated back row ride which I had to experience it for myself, which I agree to that. It definitely feels more intense and you get a lot more ejector than you may expect.
Great list! I love big thrills but I also love Disney parks so I’m glad to see them on this list. Something of note is that slinky dog dash is super super smooth and because of the toy theming, it’s a little more thrilling than it looks.
Also with space mountain, while both Disneyland and Disney world’s have the same theming, Disneyland’s sits two people in each row and has a much smoother track, where Disney world’s vehicles and track are comparable to the Matterhorn at Disneyland. Speaking of which I’m a little surprised that one didn’t make it for being a classic and well themed.
Seven Dwarves Mine Train I love but I could understand why it may not have made this list. I love the Snow White and the seven dwarves theming, the dark ride portion, and the swigging vehicle seats are fun, but the ride is pretty short.
The back row on Slinky Dog Dash is oddly super enjoyable 😂 not a TON of airtime, but just a little bit!
You did good!!
Whizzer was my first coaster
I really like to force my younger brother to ride it every time I come
I recommend it to kids getting into their first coasters
Twisted cyclone is a family coaster to me because I’m weird!! Anyway great video and family coasters really make a park!
Rode Dragonflier this year (didn’t get to it last time at park) and I was pleasantly surprised by Dragonfliers smoothness and speed and thrill factor - the perfect coaster to start your day Dollywood !
Woodstock express at Carowinds was one of my favorite rides as a kid, and then top gun/afterburn was my first inverted coaster. Was a big jump for sure
The first time I went to magic mountain I was very young so I was too scared to ride Goliath or deja Vu etc. Ended up riding Ninja and I can say that ride made me love rollercoasters. So glad it made the list.
i rode big thunder in the front row and i got some amazing airtime
Road Runner is honestly one of the better arrow mine trains out there. i greatly enjoyed it
Rode FireChaser today, had a great time. Love my home park :)
I went to Dollywood back in March and Dragonflyer definitely has some intense moments for a possible family friendly coaster. Me and my family were very surprised by it, especially how steep the first drop was and how fast it was going overall.
6:48 recently went to storyland, and it makes yankee cannonball at canobie look very tame.
It had more twist and turns than, and it's one of my favorite ride there.
This was a great list
I have fond memories of Orlando’s Space Mountain. My husband and I rode it on our honeymoon last year. It needs some serious retracking, in our opinion.
Tada! Time for a rewatch!
Hot take: In my opinion I think Expedition Everest is a family coaster..
It is... until you get to the backwards helix with surprisingly high Gs. That was an odd inclusion in an otherwise pretty tame ride. Even the drop is nothing.
@@xviper2k hahahaha wow you have issues. So Everest going backwards somehow means it is not a family coaster but Hagrids 48" requirement means nothing.
The ejector air on Roar-O-Saurus is more intense (in an admittedly subjective sense) than the backwards helix in Expedition Everest, so if Roar-O-Saurus counts, EE does.
Great list! I haven't been on it but thought Verbolten would be on here. Is that more of an intense ride?
I would not considered space mountain at Disney World a family coaster. I can't speak on the Disneyland but the one in Florida rides like an old arrow and it has ejector airtime.
Big smile when Space Mountain came in at number one
First coaster I really loved on the first big trip my family ever took
Memories all over
dragonfliers first over bank is actually amazing and very unexpected. one of the most fun family coasters i've been on
I know it has a 48" minimum, but Gold Rusher is an excellent family coaster, and was my first coaster as a kid.
I love Kentucky Flyer, everyone enjoys it, it has some good pops if airtime and good pacing but still a good family coaster.
Chris: Rewind Racers might be your first time going backwards
Me: Hold my Full Throttle
The second Gerstlaurer family shuttle coaster is opening as part of the Luna Park Sydney expansion and it will be named Boomerang. It will be 1 of 3 coasters in the expansion (The others are Big Dipper the intamin hot racer and some kiddie coaster by an Italian Knockoff manufacturer)
Nice to see Lagoon get so many mentions.
Great list. I would have said Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at #1. It's the epitome of WDW themeing on a family coaster. My gripe with Space Mountain is it's super old and rough, so it's not for everyone in the family.
I was wondering why Seven Dwarfs wasn't on the list. It's a fun little ride and the wait times will tell you how the GP (aka families) compare it to both Big Thunder and Space Mountain
Of the ones I’ve ridden I agree. As for Everest I would have included it. Not sure number 1 but my kids loves this coaster when they were younger.
I do think you'll bump Slinky Dog higher in this ranking once you ride it. I rode in the middle and found the bunny hills to each deliver a small pop of floater airtime. The helices also have very mild, but very noticeable, positive Gs. I was actually shocked at how much I enjoyed the ride.
Slinky Dog is extremely underrated
This would not make it
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland was my favorite coaster as a kid, and it’s definitely still top 5 now!
Disney's theming makes BTMR a king among mine trains. The sheer length of it, too--you get a lot of ride out of it.
i first rode space mountain at disneyland when I was six with my mom. it was too much for me, purely because it was indoors. i rode matterhorn earlier that day and loved it, so didn't like the dark, so I didnt ride it for 5 years. i rode it again, and really enjoyed it, now its a must ride for me. amazing coaster from Disney for the late 70's
Whizzer at Great America was my gateway at 7 years old in 1980. Still rolling|
Firechaser Express is such a damn fun ride. No wonder it's up so high
West Coaster was also my first coaster. The second one was Scream from Magic Mountain
Road Runner Express is insane! Probably my 3rd fav ride after the two RMCs
I can confirm the first two of my list (Atlantis and wild mouse) were some of my favorite rides, and still are.
Great list. Though I would include Scorpion at Busch Gardens Tampa for a first time looping coaster for younger. It was my first coaster ride ever actually.
XXL Wild Mouse on the german fair is my number 1 creazy ride!! The que area is a funhouse, so that is a big plus. But this mack wild mouse DOES NOT BRAKE!!! The trim brakes do nothing. You just fly! It was so out of controll. We where not expecting this. It was realy awesome!
Nice list!
My list will be (coaster that I rode)
#1 - Revenge of the Mummy (Florida)
#2- Cobra's Curse
#3- Big Thunder Railroad/ Space Mountain
I have a video suggestion, something I'd love to see is more of a fantasy or hypothetical video where you design your own theme park! Design what you think would be the best well-rounded park for GP and enthusiasts, or just a dream park for yourself. Maybe limit yourself based on land, or X of Y type rides, maybe a limit of X rides from one manufacturer etc..
You could go balls to the walls or be more realistic. But I think it'd be a fun video to make!
Space Mountain is not only my favorite family coaster, but it’s my favorite roller coaster in general.
Thunderation at Silver Dollar City would've been a great addition for this list. It was my first coaster.
Kingdom coaster and all the other rides at Dutch Wonderland do a great job at this. They were my first 3 credits.
When I was young, the last Vekomouse was my favorite roller coaster.
I would give some love to the classic out and back woodies of the Midwest Screaming Eagle at SF STL and a Tornado at Adventureland in Des Moines.
I would probably say Blazing Fury/Fire in the Hole/The Underground if you consider them coasters
If Not I would say Cornball Express
Cornball may be like phoenix...qualifies but common sense suggests its not a family coaster
Harley Quinn Crazy Train at SFGA is really fun & super smooth and worthy of a top 20 ranking. And yes, Dragonflier at Dollywood is sneaky intense.
I’ve been on both vekoma family suspended coasters and I have to agree that dragonflier is more intense than the one at fun spot both of them are good introductions to suspended coasters and in the future inverted coasters too for the kids
You left off seven dwarfs mine train, but a pretty solid list!
Expedition Everest is the only coaster I reliably grey out on (in the middle of the curve on the backwards section). I think that would've freaked me the heck out as a kid tbh
I'd say all of these are family coasters, but I'd also add that I absolutely could not get my family to ride on the majority of them. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is at the absolute top of their comfort zone--Hersheypark's Trailblazer (my first coaster) is more their speed. They noped *hard* out of Story Land's GG junior woodie Roar-O-Saurus, an amazing ride that I'd recommend to serious coaster enthusiasts--it has some insane ejector. When I rode it, though, I saw lots of young kids enjoying it, so I'd say it is a family coaster. My folks are also not getting anywhere near Expedition Everest or Space Mountain, which are certainly among my favorite rides. I'm always on the lookout for family rides that I can share with them, but it's a tough proposition.
Expedition Everest's big drop looks intimidating from the ground but is not a super-forceful element. The backwards helix in the dark is pretty forceful, though, and many riders come off convinced it was an inversion! Hurtling backwards in pitch blackness might be a deal-breaker to many timid people. I imagine the yeti was pretty scary during the brief period when it was working. I tried to convince my folks that in thrill level this ride is really only a small step above Big Thunder, but they weren't having it. But if Roar-O-Saurus is a family coaster, Expedition Everest is, because Roar-O-Saurus is the more hardcore ride of the two.
The Space Mountains in Orlando and Anaheim are different enough that I'd probably class them as completely different rides. I've not ridden the Anaheim one but Disneyland fans always describe it as far smoother than the Orlando original, which has a Wild Mouse sort of jerkiness to it and which I suspect is generally the more intense ride of the two. And, of course, the one in Paris is in no way a family coaster. The Tokyo and Hong Kong ones are clones of the Anaheim layout with somewhat different theming.
If the Big Bad Wolf at BGW were still running, that would deserve to be very high on this list.
Great vid, you plan of riding Jersey Devil anytime soon?
Likely july
Expedition Everest scared my kids the first time so I agree with your list. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is a good one too!
The helix on Sierra Sidewinder caught me off guard the other day when I was test riding it. 😅
I have been on both of versions of Space Mountain (Disney World's version once, Disneyland's version multiple times). Both are pretty intense. Disneyland's version is probably the more family friendly version of the two.
If you do a list of intense family friendly coasters, you can easily throw the Matterhorn Bobsleds in with the Disney World version of Space Mountain. Both offer intense speeds, ejector airtime, great theming, and both were built by Arrow Dynamics.
We really enjoyed Slinky Dog Dash!
Whizzer is especially good because at 9pm it hauls like it took the low turn with such a high velocity and had hit the breaks with a big of fury
As someone who lives near Disney World, slinky dog dash isn't very forceful, and the bunny hills give practically no airtime. Despite that, it's still a good time, and I think it deserves the spot.
Slinky Dog Dash is one of the only coasters I can wait over an hour for and have it deliver every single time. I have no idea what makes it great, it just is somehow. It’s such a weird little ride.
I agree that Expedition Everest is not a family coaster. As you said the drop is quite tall and fast. But I absolutely love that ride, the theming is great (even the queue) and I loved the backwards part. When I first rode it, I was scared of going upside down and my dad said the backwards part felt similar to going upside down, so that helped me conquer my fear. Also, I did not expect to see playland’s bug whirl as footage in this video! I have a friend who works there and I found out he operates that ride the other day
the backwards section is a heavily banked helix that feels like it will never end, I agree that takes it out of the family coaster category
Expedition Everest is definitely a family coaster imo
If you go full speed on an alpine coaster (at least the only one I’ve done, which is in Western Maryland) it’s probably one of the most thrilling coasters out there with some of those laterals haha
My first overall rollercoaster was Scooby Doo’s Ghoster coaster ( Now Woodstock express ) at kings dominion, but my first bigger one was avalanche bobsled