Ask a kid to imagine his next vacation and chances are that visions of superheroes and roller coasters and sea creatures will dance in his head. That's why classic theme parks are constantly reinventing themselves, luring families back to their favorites again and again. We've checked in with the nation's top amusement venues to fill you in on what's new and where the bargains are. You don't need to wish upon that star to make your next family trip a dream come true—just select from the destinations below. 

Staying out of Harm's WayFor the most part, U.S. theme parks are extremely safe. Still, that's no reason to throw caution to the wind, asserts Alan Korn, director of public policy for Safe Kids Worldwide, who reports that more than 7,500 children ages 2 to 14 are treated in ERs every year for thrill-ride injuries like broken bones and lacerations. His smart park-safety advice:Follow posted guidelines for height, weight and medical issues. But remember they're just minimum guidelines, and not all children who meet these requirements should go on a ride. Both physical and cognitive maturity are important factors in ride readiness. If your child seems apprehensive or tired or can't sit still for a sustained period of time, find a ride suited to her temperament. Obey all ride rules and use all safety devices. Make sure your child understands that she must stay seated, use provided restraints and keep her limbs in the car or cart—without roughhousing. The ride is thrilling in itself.Supervise your child at all times, but especially when she's getting on and off rides. There may be gaps between the platform and the car, and children have been known to get their feet caught or to trip when disembarking. Predetermine a meeting spot in case of separation. It might help to put an ID badge on younger children with their name and your cell phone number. Consider walkie-talkies or cell phones for older kids.Accommodate the long day, as walking the grounds can take its toll. Make sure you all wear sunscreen, and keep bottled water and healthy snacks on hand to stave off dehydration and fatigue.