Missouri full of parks that offer ride of your life

The Lazy River at Big Surf Water Park allows visitors to relax in between thrills.
The Lazy River at Big Surf Water Park allows visitors to relax in between thrills.

Summer is amusement park season, and Missourians who seek a thrill have plenty of options.

From metropolitan areas like St. Louis and Kansas City to smaller towns like Linn Creek and Rolla, there are theme park attractions in Missouri to fit nearly every age range and interest.

"Missouri has a great collection of theme and amusement parks that offer everything from drenching water rides to live music and cultural happenings," said Katie Steele Danner, director of the Missouri Division of Tourism. "A visit to these attractions is a great part of the vacation experience."

Within an hour of Jefferson City, there are two waterparks that attract visitors looking for a good time and some relief from the summer heat.

Major theme parks are also available within state lines. And Branson is a Missouri vacation destination that draws people from all over the country each summer.

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