1. Kings Island, Ohio
Kings Island may seem like a wholesome family spot, but it’s had some chilling incidents, including a tragic 1976 accident where a malfunctioning ride killed two riders. The same year, an electrical issue in a pond led to the deaths of three people. The park’s fun attractions can sometimes overshadow its troubled past.
2. Lagoon Amusement Park, Utah
Lagoon’s classic wooden roller coaster may have nostalgic charm, but it’s also been involved in several accidents over the decades. Mechanical issues and a tragic drowning in its water park area make this one of the riskier parks out west.
3. Cedar Point, Ohio
Known as the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World,” Cedar Point’s intense rides have led to some scary situations. In 2021, a woman was struck in the head by a piece of metal that flew off the Top Thrill Dragster. The ride has since been closed indefinitely, but the park’s reputation for pushing boundaries has come under fire.
4. Lake Compounce, Connecticut
While Lake Compounce boasts the title of the oldest continuously operating amusement park in the U.S., it’s also known for several tragic accidents. These include fatal drownings and an incident where a rider was thrown from a roller coaster. Despite its charm, the park’s safety record is a somber reminder to always heed warnings.
5. Six Flags Great Adventure, New Jersey
Six Flags parks are known for their extreme coasters, but Great Adventure has had its fair share of dark moments. A 1984 haunted house fire killed eight teenagers, exposing serious lapses in safety protocols. While the park has improved over the years, the tragedy is still fresh in local memory.
6. Action Park, New Jersey
The infamous Action Park was so dangerous that it earned the nickname “Accident Park.” Known for attractions like the Cannonball Loop—a waterslide with a full vertical loop—it was a hotspot for injuries. Broken bones and concussions were so common that the park became a legend for all the wrong reasons. While it shut down in the 1990s, its legacy remains a cautionary tale in theme park history.
7. DreamWorks Water Park, New Jersey
One of the newer parks on this list, DreamWorks Water Park made headlines in 2022 when a decorative helicopter fell from the ceiling into a pool, injuring multiple people. It was a startling reminder that even modern parks with high-tech attractions can have serious safety issues.
8. Action Park Mountain Creek, New Jersey
Yes, Action Park is making the list twice—sort of. After its infamous first run, it reopened as Mountain Creek Waterpark but retained much of its reckless DNA. A series of injuries and accidents in recent years prove that even a rebranded Action Park is still, well, Action Park.
9. Schlitterbahn, Kansas City, Kansas
Schlitterbahn’s water rides are famous, but the park gained notoriety for its Verrückt waterslide, once the tallest in the world. Tragically, a 10-year-old boy lost his life on this ride in 2016 due to a fatal design flaw. The slide has since been dismantled, but the incident raised serious questions about ride testing and oversight.
10. Universal Studios Hollywood, California
While Universal Studios is known for movie magic, accidents have happened here too. A stunt performer died during a show rehearsal in the 1980s, and several guests have been injured on high-speed rides like the former E.T. Adventure. Big thrills often come with big risks.
11. Adventureland, Iowa
Adventureland’s mix of classic and modern rides doesn’t always guarantee safety. A 2021 accident on the Raging River ride tragically killed an 11-year-old boy, drawing scrutiny to the park’s maintenance practices. The incident was especially heartbreaking for what’s typically seen as a family-friendly destination.
12. Rye Playland, New York
Rye Playland has a long history—and not all of it is good. Several fatal accidents have occurred here over the years, including a deadly roller coaster derailment and multiple drowning incidents in its swimming pool area. It’s a place where nostalgia meets chilling reminders of the past.
Every theme park on this list offers excitement and adrenaline, but at what cost? When visiting, it’s always wise to stay aware of safety warnings and trust your instincts. Thrills are fun, but no ride is worth risking your well-being.
