10 Superlative Family Vacation Destination Ideas

You’ve tried the rest, now try the best (or biggest, largest, longest).

Scariest Roller Coaster: Kingda Ka, Six Flags Great Adventure & Wild Safari

Located in: Jackson, New Jersey

Why you should go: Currently the record-holder as the country’s fastest coaster (about 120 mph) with the most precipitous drop (456 feet, or roughly 45 stories high, at a 90-degree angle), Kingda Ka has inspired two fan groups on Facebook, plus a third for folks too scared to board it. No question the coaster offers serious thrills. But most who have survived it have only one complaint: The 59-second ride just isn’t long enough. (Daily general admission tickets are $37 when bought online; sixflags.com.)

Where to stay: Laurel Pond Affordable Luxury Wilderness Lodges, in Cream Ridge, New Jersey (from $135 per night for a lodge that sleeps up to four; laurelpond.com).