Ask a child about the wonder he feels when he gets off the roller coaster. Ask him about the magical world that he sees when he is sitting on the giant wheel. Or the thrill that courses through his veins many times over when he travels down the water slides. But it is not just kids that revel in the joy the amusement parks bring. We have seen many adults basking in the fun during a fun trip to a theme park.

Kishkinta Theme Park is one of the oldest theme parks in the country. Located just 30 kms outside Chennai and spread over more than 120 acres, it is equally popular with tourists and people from Chennai. Carousels, tora-tora, bumper car, flume rides, wave pool, a waterfall, lakes, 3-D theatre or GoKart, the park has it all. The rides that are most favoured are the water ones and the roller coaster rides. Kishkinita provides wholesome family entertainment, as is their motto. The park provides special offers every now and then to keep the crowd trickling in.

Dash-n-Splash is an exclusive water amusement park in Chennai. The water slides, the wave slides, the free-fall slides and the spiral slide are a hit with the crowds here. For kids, slides with lesser height are provided. Besides this, they also have swimming pools, artificial rain shower and a make-believe waterfall. A cafeteria serving only vegetarian food keeps the hunger pangs at bay.

VGP Universal Kingdom is considered as one of the most innovative theme parks. Luxuriant gardens, pebbled pathways and food courts make this the ultimate place to hang out. There are rides specially for kids and adults - Baby Train, Revolving Cups, Twister & many others. The youth can enjoy Super Trooper, Chair -o-Plane, Dashing Cars amongst others. Families prefer to take a ride on Aero ship, Giant Wheel, Roller Coaster and Orbiter. Other sought-after attractions are Jurrassic Park, the Doll Kingdom and the Paneer Fort.

Queensland Amusement Park was established in 2003. The park meets the global standards and therefore is totally worth the time and money that is spent there. The popular rides are the cable car, the free fall tower, Centrox and Alpen Blitz. A map that gives directions to all the rides is handed out on entering the park. The swimming pool with its artificial waves is the rage with the children.

The trick to enjoying any amusement park experience is to reach the park early, drink lots of water to avoid dehydration and lots of sunscreen lotion. Then one is all set to head out for all the fun and frolic.