Amusement parks are designed to thrill us, offering a rush of excitement that can make your stomach drop. But sometimes, these thrills come with risks that just aren’t part of the fun.

Across the U.S., several theme parks have gained a reputation for their wild rides—and the dangers that come with them.

If you’re a thrill-seeker, you might want to think twice before hopping on the next roller coaster or water slide.

Let’s look at some of the most dangerous amusement parks in the country and explore their infamous rides.

1. Action Park (New Jersey)

No list of dangerous parks is complete without mentioning Action Park. Known as “Accident Park” by many, this New Jersey hotspot earned a reputation for being one of the most perilous amusement parks in the U.S.

The park, founded by Gene Mulvihill, was famous for its extreme rides that pushed the boundaries of common sense.

Its most notorious attraction was the Cannonball Loop – a fully enclosed water slide with a complete loop. Riders had to blast through the slide at high speeds. The design was so risky that it was closed shortly after opening.

Another standout was the Alpine Slide, a concrete track that sent riders down a steep hill on sleds without brakes. This infamous slide was responsible for the death of George Larsson Jr. in 1980.

Because of all the accidents, it’s no surprise that Action Park received numerous lawsuits. Yet, despite the danger, some were fascinated by the park’s wild reputation.

Thrill-seekers continued to flock to Action Park before it finally closed down.

2. Mountain Creek Waterpark (New Jersey)

After Action Park closed its doors, it rebranded as Mountain Creek Waterpark. Andy Mulvihill, the son of Action Park’s founder, Gene Mulvihill, reopened the park with new safety features.

Still, the old rides remain, and parkgoers say Mountain Creek felt just as dangerous.

The reopened park has a Zero G water slide with a trapdoor leading to a hazardous 100-ft-long drop. If you flop out of its Cliff Jump the wrong way, you can also get bruises.

On top of this, recent visitors complain about the lack of security and lifeguards within the park. Many have reported accidents, but staff are unavailable to help.

3. Kings Island (Ohio)

Located in Ohio, Kings Island has long been a favorite for roller coaster enthusiasts. However, this park has seen its fair share of serious accidents.

The park’s iconic Beast, the world’s longest wooden roller coaster, led to multiple injuries due to its rough design. Its successor, the Son of Beast, was even more dangerous, causing 27 hospitalizations in 2006.

On June 19, 2024, another freak accident caused the death of Arntanaro Nelson. He was hit by the park’s Banshee roller coaster at 68 mph.

Several parkgoers have experienced broken bones and other injuries on these coasters. They remind us that even popular parks can have a darker side.

4. Six Flags Darien Lake (New York)

Six Flags Darien Lake advertises itself as the thrill capital of New York. Despite this, no one could have imagined it would be a site for tragic accidents.

In 2011, a 55-year-old man lost his life after being ejected from the Superman roller coaster. This devastating event wasn’t the first in Darien Lake’s history.

The most deadly accident at Six Flags happened in 1984 when its Haunted Castle caught fire. Eight teenagers got trapped within the maze, and onlookers say the fire spread quickly.

Unfortunately, the attraction had no smoke alarms or sprinkler systems.

5. Discovery Cove (Florida)

Discovery Cove in Florida is known for its serene atmosphere. It’s a place where visitors can swim with dolphins and snorkel in calm lagoons. Yet, beneath the calm surface lies a series of accidents.

Water-based attractions, like the Rock Pool, have led to head injuries from slips and falls. In fact, three people have died at Discovery Cove since May 2024.

Meanwhile, Discovery Cove’s sister park, Aquatica, was recently locked down due to a fight involving at least 100 guests.

So, although Discovery Cove is a more relaxed amusement park, visitors should remember they aren’t free from danger!

6. Disney Parks (Florida and California)

While Disney Parks are the gold standard for theme parks, its sheer number of visitors results in countless accidents.

Popular rides like Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad have led to serious injuries.

One tragic incident on Mission: Space involved a guest suffering a brain aneurysm after riding. Eleven park attendees became hospitalized between April and June 2024 alone.

Disney’s reputation for following safety standards hasn’t saved it from lawsuits over personal injuries. These incidents raise concerns about how extreme some rides might be.

7. Universal Orlando Resort (Florida)

Extreme rides are a big part of the appeal at Universal Orlando Resort. Sadly, with extreme thrills come extreme risks.

The Incredible Hulk coaster, for example, launches riders at 67 mph into a series of intense twists and turns. Several riders have reported getting injured after experiencing the ride’s forceful speed.

Universal’s water parks also feature slides and attractions that have led to injuries. In 2020, more than 100 people have gotten injured at the Universal Volcano Bay water slide.

Even with all of the park’s safety precautions, accidents are a daily occurrence.

Conclusion

We go to amusement parks for fun, but sometimes, the thrill comes at a price.

Accidents happen in places like Action Park, Kings Island, and Six Flags. Even Disney Parks and Universal Studios have daily incidents.

Remember that while safety measures continue to improve, dangerous rides can sometimes take a scary turn. It’s up to you to research the theme park and to always know your limits.

37 Most Dangerous Cities in the World You Need to Know About

While traveling is one of the greatest joys humans have, certain places need you to take extra precautions. With frequent news stories of violence, kidnappings and gang warfare, it’s hard to ignore the reality that there are dangerous places to travel to.

If you have no idea what the most dangerous cities in the world are, don’t worry — this guide’s got you covered. It’s been compiled using data from the Mexican Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice (MCPSCJ) and sources like The Economist Intelligence Unit.

Whether you’re looking at places to avoid when traveling or just want to stroke your curiosity, you’ll find some of the world’s most dangerous cities below.

37 Most Dangerous Cities in the World

31 Most Dangerous Cities in Europe You Might Want to Avoid

Europe is an incredibly diverse continent and has many beautiful cities. Many of those cities are perfectly set up for tourists, but some are considered more dangerous than others.

What makes a city dangerous? Is it the number of criminal reports? Natural disasters? Scams? Terrorist attacks? Generally, it’s a combination of all of those. Europe is quite lucky to be a continent full of safe and bucket list-worthy destinations. But there will always be some level of risk wherever you go.

31 Most Dangerous Cities in Europe

Like this article from Upscale Adventuring? Be sure to follow us

Amanda OBrien

Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.

7 Most Dangerous Amusement Parks in the U.S.