Think it's lonely at the top? Not when it comes to America's theme parks. The Magic Kingdom in Orlando was the most-visited theme park in the United States in 2008, with a whopping 17 million visitors in the house of mouse. The smaller and original Disneyland wasn't far behind its Florida counterpart, with more than 14 million visitors last year. (Source: Themed Entertainment Association)

With an estimated 341 million people visiting America's 400-plus theme parks and attractions annually, one might think a trip to the local theme park is just too crowded. But we've unearthed the less visited but no-less-fabulous theme parks where a crowd and long lines are the exception instead of the rule.

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Location: Hershey, PA
Annual visitors: 2.8 million
Best time to visit: Springtime, when the park opens for its annual spring celebration but the crowds are minimal.

There's way more than chocolate to explore in this candy-themed park, where guests can choose from 11 roller coasters, an all-American zoo, a water park (including the 52-foot Waverider where guests can test their surfing skills). Of course plenty of spots to buy and enjoy the trademark silver-wrapped kiss. Guests at one of the park's official hotels enjoy free admission for kids 17 and under on special "hot dates", as well as exclusive early-bird access to the park (the perfect way to explore without the crowds). To cool off, pop into the free HERSHEY'S Chocolate World, less than 2 miles away, for a chocolate making tour and samples.

For more information: HersheyPark.com

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Location: Tampa Bay, FL
Annual visitors: 4.4 million
Best time to visit: Fall through spring break, avoiding holidays

A high-octane combination of animal park and theme park, Busch Gardens offers an African savannah for wildlife viewing and African-themed rides for thrills. Roaring roller coasters—both wooden and steel—scream past at up to 100 miles an hour; more tame amusements can be found in the log fumes, raft rides and the train ride through the Serengeti Plain. Plan your day with the age-based itineraries and deals found online; Florida residents get special discounts and combo pricing to include the nearby Sea World is a real money-saver.

For more information: BuschGardens.com

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Location: San Diego, CA
Annual visitors: 4.1 million
Best time to visit: Fall through spring break

The thrills at Sea World happen in the water and out, from the trained marine animal shows to the plunging flume ride, and the park is so expansive that even when there's a crowd there's still room to explore. A variety of private, behind-the-scenes tours are a sure way to get as close to the animals as possible and learn all about them, and range from an hour to a day-long experience. Fireworks during the summer months cap off a day of fun, while holidays—including Halloween and Christmas—bring out festive décor and special events.

For more information: SeaWorld.com

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Location: Buena Park, CA
Annual visitors: 3.5 million
Best time to visit: Fall through spring break

Visit the farm where boysenberries got their start, thanks to Farmer Knott and his tender dedication to his plants. Today, Knott's is a mega-theme park with a homey attitude; all-you-can-eat chicken dinners are still served much the way they were back in the 1930s when Mrs. Knott did the cooking and charged 65 cents per meal, and diners were entertained by a ghost town built by the family as they waited in line for a meal. That ghost town is still around with a huge wooden roller coaster called Ghostrider, mine and log rides, and even a stagecoach ride.

For more information: Knotts.com

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Location: Sandusky, OH
Annual visitors: 3.2 million
Best time to visit: Weekdays during the summer, and mid-August.

This American classic dates back to the late 1800s and is situated on a peninsula surrounded by Lake Erie. The rides and fun, however, are anything but old-fashioned, with 75 rides including 17 roller coasters. The world's first 30-story roller coaster, the Millenium Force, was built here; there's also an 18-acre water park and a challenge park that includes go-kart tracks, mini-golf and thrill rides. At night, a new light and music display along the Frontier Trail gives the park a festive atmosphere. Admission to the park does not include admission to the water park, so a two-day pass good for admission to both parks is the best bet for savings.

For more information: CedarPoint.com

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Location: Cincinnati, OH
Annual visitors: 3.1 million
Best time to visit: Weekdays during the summer, and mid-August.

This regional favorite for Midwesterners packs a punch with its high attendance in a short season, but don't be put off by the numbers. With over 360 acres, 80 attractions and a water park that's included in the price of admission, there's plenty of room to roam. Kings Island is home to the world's longest wooden roller coaster, the Beast, as well as the snake-y new Diamondback, featuring 10 vertical drops at incredible angles. Online deals include a free second day for some tickets and an all-you-can-eat afternoon barbeque.

For more information: VisitKingsIsland.com

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Location: Williamsburg, VA
Annual visitors: 3.1 million
Best time to visit: Upon opening during the summer months, before the high heat and humidity kick in for the day.

This European-themed park just a short drive from Colonial Williamsburg is easy to navigate and full of screams any time of day with huge steel coasters including the Griffon, the body-suspending Alpengeist and the swinging, suspended Big Bad Wolf. A variety of animal exhibits, from a wolf reserve to the famous Busch Clydesdales, entertain younger guests. Special online pricing includes discounts of up to $10 per ticket, with some tickets good for repeat visits within a seven-day visit.

For more information: BuschGardens.com

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Location: Orlando, FL
Annual visitors: 950,000
Best time to visit: Immediately after Labor Day and spring break weeks

When it opened in March 2008, Sea World Florida's water park was an instant hit, with just under a million visitors its first season. Colorful animal icons lead guests to the perfect rides based on age and ability, and the fun is everywhere, from side-by-side wave pools in which to swim or surf to the slide-through dolphin habitat, where clear tube slides allow an up close and personal view of a pod of Commerson's dolphins.

For more information: AquaticaBySeaWorld.com

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Location: New Braunfels, TX
Annual visitors: 882,000
Best time to visit: late summer, spring break weeks

The German-themed water park set in Texas Hill Country is a dream for kids of all ages, with 65 acres of rides ranging from gentle floats to scary tunnel slides. A multi-story tower filled with water cannons, dumping buckets and body slides provides hours of playtime, while the new Dragon's Revenge is a dark but fun-for-the-family thrill ride with a fire-breathing beastie and a two-story free-fall. The country's original thrill surf ride, the Boogie Bahn, was introduced at Schlitterbahn—the fast-moving water, which is only inches deep, creates a continuous wave of water for surfing or boogie boarding. Not all the fun is in the water, however; a combo hang-glider / skydiving ride has guests flying over the beach area.

For more information: Schlitterbahn.com

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Location: Coeur d'Alene, ID
Annual visitors: 500,000
Best time to visit: early June, before regional schools are out for the summer

The largest amusement park in the Northwest, Silverwood's vintage coasters and old-timey charm are a mix of tradition and fun; add in an excellent water park and more than 65 rides, and you've got a classic theme park experience with plenty of elbow room and short lines. Admission to Boulder Beach—the water park—is included in ticket prices, and both sides of the park are continually adding attractions, some of which are coasters and rides from other parks. Rent a cabana at Boulder Beach for a bit of privacy and serenity—and to use as a meeting spot. Tickets are half-price for adults after 5 p.m.

For more information: SilverwoodThemePark.com

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