Six Flags Magic Mountain

Magic Mountain's positioned itself as the theme park for roller coaster fans, offering 16 coasters -- including the innovative, yet rarely open, X. In 2003, Magic Mountain debuted Scream, an enjoyable floorless coaster that offers the additional benefit of operating most of the time. Other favorites include the mega-coaster Goliath, The Riddler's Revenge, Superman: The Escape and Viper.

Other than coasters, though, the pickings are slim. Visitors will find none of the immersive dark rides or richly detailed shows that families can enjoy together at parks like Disneyland or Universal Studios. Magic Mounatin's non-coaster rides tend more toward the classic flat rides one used to find on fair midways. Preschoolers might enjoy "Bugs Bunny World," a collection a miniature flat rides adorned with Looney Tunes characters.

The park routinely offers discounts, either from local fast food chains or specially marked soda cans. Hard-core coaster freaks will want to invest in a seasonal pass, which usually sells for only slightly more than a single day's ticket.