amusement park

Meaning

An amusement park is a large outdoor area with fairground rides, roller coasters, games, and other entertainment attractions. It is a neutral term used when planning trips, talking about family holidays, or discussing tourism. It is sometimes used interchangeably with 'theme park,' though theme parks usually have a central unifying concept.

Examples

• The kids were incredibly excited to spend the whole day at the amusement park.

  The kids were incredibly excited to spend the whole day at the amusement park.

• Disneyland is one of the most famous amusement parks in the world.

  Disneyland is one of the most famous amusement parks in the world.

• I love going to the amusement park, but I am terrified of the roller coasters.

  I love going to the amusement park, but I am terrified of the roller coasters.

• We bought our tickets to the amusement park online to avoid the long queues.

  We bought our tickets to the amusement park online to avoid the long queues.

• There is a historic amusement park near the beach that still has a wooden coaster.

  There is a historic amusement park near the beach that still has a wooden coaster.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We went to the fun park last weekend.

  ✓ We went to the amusement park last weekend.

  While 'fun park' might be understood, 'amusement park' or 'theme park' are the standard, natural terms used by native English speakers.

• ✗ I love the roller coasters at the distraction park.

  ✓ I love the roller coasters at the amusement park.

  Learners sometimes translate literally from languages where words like 'distraction' mean entertainment. In English, the correct term is 'amusement'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• We are taking the children to an ___ to ride the roller coasters.

  💡 a place with rides, games, and attractions

  Show answer

  amusement park

• Is there a good ___ near London with scary rides?

  💡 a park featuring entertainment and rides

  Show answer

  amusement park