9 best roller coasters

Roller coasters are a thrilling and popular form of amusement park entertainment. They are designed to provide riders with an exhilarating experience by incorporating various elements such as steep drops, sharp turns, loops, and inversions. Roller coasters are a significant attraction within the realm of specialty travel and are frequently featured in travel guides and books.

Here are some key aspects of roller coasters:

  1. History: Roller coasters have a long history dating back to the 17th century in Russia, where they were initially constructed as ice slides. They evolved into wooden structures in the 19th century, and the first modern steel roller coaster, the Matterhorn Bobsleds, opened at Disneyland in 1959.

  2. Types of Roller Coasters: Roller coasters come in various types, including wooden coasters, steel coasters, inverted coasters, and launched coasters.Each type offers a unique riding experience, catering to different preferences of thrill-seekers.

  3. Elements: Roller coasters incorporate a range of elements to create excitement. Drops provide a sudden rush of adrenaline, while loops and corkscrews add dynamic and often disorienting maneuvers. High-speed turns and inversions are designed to challenge gravity and deliver a sense of weightlessness.

  4. Safety Measures: Roller coasters are designed with strict safety standards in mind. They undergo rigorous testing and maintenance to ensure the safety of riders. Riders are typically required to follow safety guidelines, including height restrictions and secure restraints.

  5. World Records: Roller coasters often compete for records in various categories, such as height, speed, and inversions. Some well-known roller coasters that have held records include Kingda Ka at Six Flags Great Adventure, which was once the tallest and fastest coaster in the world.

  6. Theme Parks: Roller coasters are major attractions at theme parks around the world. Famous theme parks like Disneyland, Universal Studios, Cedar Point, and Six Flags feature a wide variety of roller coasters to cater to visitors of all ages.

  7. Roller Coaster Enthusiasts: Some individuals are passionate about roller coasters and even consider themselves enthusiasts. They travel the world to ride new coasters, join online forums and communities, and collect memorabilia related to their favorite rides.

  8. Pop Culture: Roller coasters have left their mark on pop culture, appearing in movies, books, and even music. They are often depicted as symbols of excitement and adventure.

Overall, roller coasters are an integral part of the travel and entertainment industry, attracting visitors from all over the world to experience the thrill of these gravity-defying rides. They continue to evolve with advancements in technology, providing new and exciting experiences for thrill-seekers of all ages.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best roller coasters on the market
  

Step2 Up & Down Roller Coaster Rapid Ride & Hide Edition

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

As the first to bring the excitement of a roller coaster to your child’s play space, Step2 roller coaster toys are an exciting addition to any child’s indoor or outdoor play area. Experience the thrills of an amusement park roller coaster anytime with our Up & Down Roller Coaster Rapid Ride & Hide Edition ! Your toddler or preschooler can’t wait to cruise down the included 9 ft. of roller coaster track on the vibrant red ATV-style coaster car! They’ll practice gross motor skills by pushing the coaster car back up onto the platform, as well as balance and hand-eye coordination while rapidly riding down the track. The ATV-style coaster toy car features a high back, handrail, and foot rests for a safe, secure ride down the track; or for use off the coaster track as a riding toy! Kids will ride and then parents can “hide” this roller coaster toy when playtime fun is done– the coaster pieces easily come apart for convenient and compact storage if necessary. Made in USA of US and imported parts.

  • Cruise along the track of this kids’ roller coaster toy, designed for fun rides and rapid “hides” – this roller coaster toy easily comes apart for convenient and compact storage.
  • The coaster toy’s colorful design is an ideal addition to an outdoor play space for little ones to practice balance, hand-eye coordination, and sharing.
  • 2 sets of non-slip steps let your little one climb up to the platform from either side and access the coaster car.
  • Coaster car features a high back, handrail, and foot rests for a secure ride. Climb up the stairs, push the car off of the platform, and cruise.
  • NOT COMPATIBLE with the Step2 Up & Down Coaster Track Expansion Pack
  • In the box: 4-Piece riding track, coaster car, platform steps.

User questions & answers

Question: If using outdoors, any tips
Answer: Length-29” Width-21” Height-14-18”, as car steering wheel adds a few inches above the top of box.
Question: Weight of kids
Answer: My grandson is 2. Due to its size I would say thru a big 5 year old or small 6 year old
Question: What age group is recommended for
Answer: Mine is yellow DOT yellow
Question: Wheel on the car broke.... is there replacement just for the car
Answer: It's really small. If you buy it for him, he probably won't be able to use it for very long. It reminds me of the little cars that children just learning to walk can either push from behind or ride on. I think an appropriate age for this toy would be more like ages 1-2. Sorry, I wish Ihad read the reviews before I purchased. I think the clue should have been how the description reads: "Help to build baby's physical skills and learn movement".

Product features

Single-Rider Design

Coaster toys are a great way to teach sharing along with the concept of patience. Remind kids to stay clear of the track as others ride down!

4-Piece Track

Over 9 ft. of up and down riding track is included! The back-and-forth play (like slides), encourages physical activity as kids reset the coaster car to ride again.

Safety Built-In

Wide, non-slip stairs allow easy platform access, where the coaster car sits in recessed wells for stability. The coaster car includes molded-in foot rests, handrail, and high back for a secure ride.

Easy Storage

Kids will ride, and parents will “hide” this roller coaster toy! Simply take apart the pieces and they neatly tuck away for compact storage when playtime fun is done.

Physical + Motor Skills

Climbing on and off the coaster car requires physical dexterity and helps develop gross motor skills during playtime. And similar to a slide, kids learn to balance on a coaster toy, using their core strength as they cruise down the track. Plus, the “back and forth” nature of coasters (like slides) encourages physical activity.

Esteem + Self-Expression

The easy return style of the coaster car allows kids to reset the coaster all on their own to keep playtime going – and builds confidence the more they do it! At first, they might need help from Mom and Dad to climb onto the car. The more they play, the more comfortable they’ll be with balancing and using the toy all on their own.

Sensory Exploration

Coaster toys are typically used in outdoor play areas, so they open kids up to new sights and sounds not found in their usual daily routine. The quick movement down the track introduces new sensory concepts like feeling the wind on their face and the sound of the wheels on the track.

Language + Social Skills

Coasters are designed as single-rider toys, making them a great option to teach sharing along with taking turns and the concept of patience. Kids will also expand their vocabulary as they play with words like “coaster”, “climb”, and “car”.

Roller Coaster

HMH Books for Young Readers

Based on 423 reviews Check latest price

Step2 Unicorn Up & Down Roller Coaster

Step2

Based on 789 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Coast into the magical world of unicorns on the Step2 Unicorn Up & Down Roller Coaster™! Full of fun and whimsy, this unicorn-themed coaster is ready for kids to ride into fantasy land aboard an adorable unicorn car. Lock the steps into the platform, where the unicorn awaits the journey through 9 feet of rainbow riding track. Two easy-grip handles, foot rests, and a high back ensure a secure ride on the unicorn car. A motion activated light and sounds add to the magic as little ones ride! Made in the USA of US and imported parts.

  • Whimsical unicorn coaster car features motion activated light and sounds (requires 2 “AA” batteries, not included).
  • Coaster car has high back, easy-grip handles, and foot rests for a secure ride.
  • Recessed retainer wells hold the unicorn coaster car until little ones are ready to roll.
  • Over 9 feet (2.74 meters) of up and down riding track.
  • Made with durable EverTough resin construction, this roller coaster toy is built to last for years of fun!
  • Easy to clean! Use disinfectant wipes or household cleaners whenever you want!
  • In the box: Unicorn coaster car, 4-piece riding track, 2 steps.

User questions & answers

Question: What is the exact package dimension? I need the numbers for overseas shipping
Answer: Not sure of the exact dimensions but the box is quite large and heavy.
Question: is this price
Answer: No
Question: How big is the shipping packaging
Answer: Quite large, about 4 foot tall.
Question: My kids are 7, 5 and 4. the 4 year old really wants this. are they too big/old? they are on the "smaller" side but want to get at least 1 year out of
Answer: Thank you for contacting Step2. The age grade starts at age 3... the upper age grade is about 8 so the 7 year maybe to old.. Regards, Step2 Consumer Service

Product features

Unicorn Theme

From the rainbow track to the unicorn coaster car with its light, sounds, and sparkle, little ones will have a blast coasting into a magical unicorn world full of fun and whimsy.

Sturdy Design

Cute, yet reliable! This unicorn coaster car features a high back, a handle on both sides, and foot rests for a secure ride.

Outdoor Play

With over 9 feet of rainbow track to cruise, this coaster is great for getting kids outside for more backyard play!

Physical + Motor Skills

Climbing on and off the coaster car requires physical dexterity and helps develop gross motor skills during playtime. And similar to a slide, kids learn to balance on a coaster toy, using their core strength as they cruise down the track. Plus, the “back and forth” nature of coasters (like slides) encourages physical activity.

Esteem + Self-Expression

The easy return style of the coaster car allows kids to reset the coaster all on their own to keep playtime going – and builds confidence the more they do it! At first, they might need help from Mom and Dad to climb onto the car. The more they play, the more comfortable they’ll be with balancing and using the toy all on their own.

Sensory Exploration

Coaster toys are typically used in outdoor play areas, so they open kids up to new sights and sounds not found in their usual daily routine. The quick movement down the track introduces new sensory concepts like feeling the wind on their face and the sound of the wheels on the track.

Language + Social Skills

Coasters are designed as single-rider toys, making them a great option to teach sharing along with taking turns and the concept of patience. Kids will also expand their vocabulary as they play with words like “coaster”, “climb”, and “car”.

ThinkFun Roller Coaster Challenge STEM Toy and Building Game for Boys and Girls Age 6 and Up – TOTY Game of the Year Finalist

Think Fun

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Roller Coaster Challenge is one of ThinkFun's most popular stem toys for boys and girls, and was a Toy of the Year Award Finalist in 2018. It's a logic game and roller coaster building set that comes with 60 challenges of increasing difficulty, from beginner to expert, and makes a great birthday or holiday present for kids who like smart games and challenging activities. Roller Coaster Challenge is a fun brain teaser puzzle made with high quality components, and comes with a very clear and easy to understand instruction manual - you'll be able to play within minutes of opening the box. Like all of ThinkFun's games, Roller Coaster Challenge is built to develop critical thinking skills and ties into STEM subjects like science and engineering. Playing through the increasingly difficult challenges will improve logical reasoning, spatial reasoning and planning skills, all through fun gameplay.

  • Trusted by Families Worldwide - With over 50 million sold, ThinkFun is the world's leading manufacturer of brain games and mind challenging puzzles
  • Develops critical skills – Playing through the challenges builds engineering, reasoning and planning skills and provides a great stealth learning experience for young players
  • What you get – Roller Coaster Challenge is 50% logic game, 50% roller coaster building set, and 100% awesome and educational It's one of the best gifts you can buy for boys and girls age 6 and up, and includes a game board, 36 posts, 39 tracks, one roller coaster car and forty mind challenging cards with solutions
  • Clear instructions – Easy to learn with a clear, high quality instruction manual You can start playing and solving right away
  • Comes with multi-level challenges - Roller Coaster Challenge comes with 40 beginner to expert challenges that become increasingly difficult as you play through them
  • Age Mfg Minimum: 72 Months

User questions & answers

Question: I need a replacement car
Answer: They can be ordered from the ThinkFun website. https://www.thinkfun.com/replacement-pieces/
Question: Any way to buy a replacement car without buying the entire game again
Answer: I don't know? Wondered some thing.
Question: Can 2 sets connect together
Answer: that is a great question! there is no scaffolding to connect the black bottoms but there is nothing preventing you from putting them side by side and attaching the pieces from one set into the next
Question: Would it work with marbles if the little coaster car gets lost
Answer: Sort of works for some track configurations. Marbles are faster than the car and jump the track easily.

The Amusement Park: 900 Years of Thrills and Spills, and the Dreamers and Schemers Who Built Them

Black Dog & Leventhal

Based on 114 reviews Check latest price

I'm Thinking About Roller Coasters Funny Shirt

Funny Hobby Shirts

Based on 47 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Be sure to check out our store Funny Hobby Shirts for more roller coasters, amusement parks, birthday and christmas gifts, and I may look like I'm listening themed gift ideas. We offer a wide variety of gifts for coaster fan.

  • Solid colors: 100% Cotton; Heather Grey: 90% Cotton, 10% Polyester; All Other Heathers: 50% Cotton, 50% Polyester
  • Imported
  • Machine wash cold with like colors, dry low heat
  • Our I'm Thinking About Roller Coasters Funny T-shirt is the perfect t-shirt for roller coasters, amusement parks fans. It's a great gift idea for a birthday or Christmas.
  • Whether you love roller coasters, amusement parks, coasters, rides, carnivals or I may look like I'm listening this I'm Thinking About Roller Coasters Funny themed shirt is what you are looking for. Great gift idea for your favorite coaster fan.
  • Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem

LEGO Creator Expert Roller Coaster 10261 Building Kit (4124 Pieces)

LEGO

Based on 197 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Capture the speed, thrills and excitement of the ultimate fairground attraction with this incredible LEGO Creator Expert 10261 Roller Coaster. This fully functional chain-lift model comes with 2 trains, a station and an array of authentic features and functions, including a ticket booth, cotton candy cart, concession stand, height marker, and a covered boarding station complete with opening barriers and a control panel. Lower the lap bars to secure the riders into the train cars and release the brake to set the wheels in motion and send the train to the foot of the first climb. Then activate the chain lift and enjoy the ride as the gravity-driven cars hurtle through the Roller Coaster’s twists and turns. Upgrade the Roller Coaster with LEGO Power functions for a motorized chain lift or LEGO BOOST for an added movement sensor and realistic sound effects! This cool, creative toy has been designed to provide a challenging and rewarding building experience with a touch of nostalgia and charm. Includes 11 minifigures, including a child figure, grandparent and ride attendants.

  • Build a fully functioning fairground Roller Coaster with 2 trains, lots of big dips and even a cotton candy machine with this advanced building set!
  • This roller coaster playset comes with 11 minifigures, including rider figures, ride attendants, spectators, smoothie stand and a cotton candy cart and can be upgraded with LEGO BOOST and LEGO Power Functions for an even more immersive experience
  • Enjoy assembling train rails, cars and lots of fun props for The fairground Roller Coaster, which measures over 20-inch (53cm) high, 34-inch (88cm) wide and 16-inch (41cm) deep
  • 4124 pieces – Fun, creative construction toy for boys and girls aged 16+ and for fans and big kids of all ages
  • The LEGO Creator Expert Roller Coaster 10261 fairground toy can be built together with all other original LEGO construction toys and LEGO building blocks for creative play

User questions & answers

Question: When the motor is installed, is it supposed to make noise when connected to the chains
Answer: Hi there! The motor will make some sound as it runs, as will the chain as it moves. If something doesn't sound right, though, please get in touch at LEGO.build/Service. - Emily, LEGO® Customer Service
Question: What does overbox mean? If gives two options: overbox and standard. Same price and seems to be same set. Thanks
Answer: Hi there! Overbox is a type of Amazon's Frustration-Free packaging. Either way, you'll receive the LEGO® set as show, with its original LEGO box. The only difference will be the shipping packaging. For more info, visit Amazon.com/frustrationfree. - Emily, LEGO® Customer Service
Question: Do the cars move on the tracks
Answer: They certainly do. Just as a real coaster once the chain drive gets the cars to the top then gravity takes the cars all the way around. Done really really well.
Question: what is the difference between overbook and standard besides the price? overbook is $380 and standard is
Answer: I think the more expensive option includes flashing lights or something but I am not positive, because I bought the $380 kit

Product features

Twice the fun!

Features two trains with three cars each.

Send the coaster through twists and turns!

Activate the chain lift to start the action.

Upgrade your coaster!

Add LEGO Power functions or LEGO BOOST for more adventure.

Roller Coasters 2021 Wall Calendar

Willow Creek Press Calendars

Based on 32 reviews Check latest price

K'NEX Thrill Rides - Tabletop Thrills Shark Attack Roller Coaster Building Set - Ages 7+

K'NEX

Based on 489 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Chomp! Don't get caught by the sharks! The K'NEX Shark attack roller coaster Building Set lets your creative Builder make a real working roller coaster with cool shark-themed graphics in a Brand new miniaturized scale! The set includes 170 parts, including micro K'NEX rods and connectors that snap together with a satisfying “click”, plus a coaster car and track. A brand new battery-powered high-speed blaster motor sends the coaster car screaming through twists and turns, past ferocious sharks and back to safety. Perfect for builders ages 7 and up, K'NEX supports key areas of a child's developmental growth, like fine motor skills, manual dexterity, and spatial awareness, putting them on a path towards greater understanding of STEM subjects. But they won't know that they're learning; they'll be having too much fun building their own mini working roller coaster! Easy-to-follow instructions are included for a frustration-free building experience.

  • Build it: build a working roller coaster in a new miniaturized scale and awesome shark-themed graphics! Perfect for builders ages 7 and up
  • Blast it: the new battery-powered, high-speed blaster motor shoots the coaster car screaming through twists and turns, past the sharks and back to safety!
  • Stem learning fun: building with K'NEX helps strengthen fine motor skills, manual dexterity, and spatial awareness; putting them on a path towards a greater understanding of STEM subjects.
  • K'NEX rods and connectors are responsibly made in America at a landfill-free, zero-waste green manufacturing facility in Hatfield, Pennsylvania.
  • Age Mfg Minimum: 84 Months

Product features

CHOMP! Don’t get caught by the sharks!

The K’NEX Shark Attack Roller Coaster Building Set lets your creative builder make a real working roller coaster with cool shark-themed graphics in a brand new miniaturized scale! The set includes 170 parts, including micro K’NEX rods and connectors that snap together with a satisfying “click”, plus a coaster car and track.

STEM Learning Fun!

A brand new battery-powered high-speed blaster motor sends the coaster car screaming through twists and turns, past ferocious sharks and back to safety. Perfect for builders ages 7 and up, K’NEX supports key areas of a child’s developmental growth, like fine motor skills, manual dexterity, and spatial awareness, putting them on a path towards greater understanding of STEM subjects. But they won’t know that they’re learning; they’ll be having too much fun building their own mini working roller coaster! Easy-to-follow instructions are included for a frustration-free building experience.

New Mini Scale Car & Track!

The track and coaster car in this set may look a little bit different than what you're used to - they've been miniaturized! The brand new mini scale lets you build awesome K'NEX thrill rides and keep them on display anywhere.

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