At Theme Park Tourist, we cover many incredible and entertaining theme parks. From Walt Disney World to Cedar Point, there are so many options for great theme parks to visit. However, if you’re looking to get away from the crowds of some of the more popular parks, or even just looking for a unique experience, there are many other wild or unusual parks you can visit instead.  

Here are four of the top reasons you do not want to miss a visit to some of the most unique theme parks in the world.

1. Unusual Rides and Attractions

Most theme parks you visit these days will have many of the same types of attractions. If you are looking to experience something a little different you might want to check out a lesser-known theme park like Diggerland in both the United Kingdom and in New Jersey.

This theme park is all about construction equipment. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to operate your own excavator or drives a tractor around? This park has you covered. Not only that, but they also have unique rides made from these massive machines. You can get spun around on Spin Dizzy, their massive excavator that holds riders in the bucket, or get lifted over 30 feet in the air in a dump truck on The Greased Beast. There are dozens of attractions at this park that are just as wacky, and they even have a water park.

If construction work doesn’t seem like a theme you are interested in, head to Enchanted Forest in Salem, Oregon. This park is themed to, well, an enchanted forest with storybook characters and attractions throughout. However, you won’t want to miss a ride on the park’s only roller coaster, Ice Mountain Bobsled Roller Coaster. This coaster is one of the weirdest-looking coasters as it has cars that are completely enclosed. These three-car trains run through 1,600 feet of track woven throughout the forest and ice mountain. It is one to check if you’re a fan of unusual coaster credits.

2. Unforgettable Animal Encounters

There are several unique theme parks that are themed around wildlife and education. Places like Discovery Cove in Florida or Xcaret in Mexico offer guests the opportunity to swim with dolphins, sting rays, sea turtles, and even sharks. Although pricey, these experiences can be extraordinary and special.   These parks also focus on conservation and rehabilitation efforts. If getting in the water isn’t your thing, you can also have encounters with other animals such as flamingos and other birds.

If you want to get close to a dangerous predator but don’t feel like getting your feet wet, you can check out a park such as Gatorland in Florida. This park has many different experiences and attractions, but if you join the “trainer for a day” tour, they may allow you to feed the gators! Of course, you can view them from afar during a wild off-road adventure. They also have several other animals at the park that you can visit in between encounters with the alligators.

3. Enriching Experiences

In addition to amazing animal encounters and lessons in conservation, there are several parks that have other educational and cultural experiences.  Xcaret in Mexico offers an incredible show that explores Mexican culture, traditions, and history. It is truly a breathtaking show. You can visit the Circus Trees at Gilroy Gardens in California that twist, bend, and curve in unusual ways. At Bollywood Parks in Dubai, you can experience not only Bollywood shows and attractions but also Indian cuisine. These parks offer a bit of enrichment that many other theme parks lack.

4. Price Tag

Many, though not all, of these theme parks, come with a price tag that is much less than their more popular counterparts. In fact, a visit to a park such as Ferrari Land in Spain, which is currently home to one of the tallest and fastest roller coasters in the world (Red Force) will only cost you about 20 US dollars for a one-day ticket.

A visit to Diggerland USA runs you less than 50 dollars a person. Additionally, because many of these lesser-known parks are smaller than somewhere like Disneyland, they only require one day to visit. You can be much more flexible about your visit when you don’t have to worry about large crowds or even park pass reservations.

What do you think? Will you be paying for one of these unique theme parks a visit? Let us know in a comment below or on our Facebook page and be sure to let us know what your favorite unusual theme park is!