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One of the more beloved ways for thrill-seekers to spend a day off is to visit an amusement park. Amusement parks take many shapes. Some may be small, traveling carnivals, while others are large parks that draw visitors from all over the country.

Amusement parks typically feature hair-raising rides, games of skill, tasty food, and gift shops. That means there's something for everyone.

Although they may seem like a relatively modern concept, amusement parks, fairs and carnivals actually have storied histories. In fact, historians say that carnivals and local fairs have been around since the Middle Ages. According to History.com, amusement parks, once dubbed "pleasure gardens" and "trolly parks," sprung up across the United States and Europe in the 19th century.

Roller coasters are a staple of amusement parks, and even though the first patent for a roller coaster was issued to LaMarcus Thompson in 1885, it's believed modern roller coasters descended from winter sled rides made popular in the 17th century in St. Petersburg, Russia. Called "Russian Mountains," these thrill rides took place on icy hills that may have reached as high as 200 feet in the air.

Bumper cars, also called dogems in other English-speaking countries, were the brainchild of inventor Victor Levand, who worked for General Electric.

Carousels are favorites for children and adults alike. Riders ride wooden horses and other animals as the carousel moves in a circle. According to the trivia provider Mental Floss, carousels were first used to give horseback riding lessons to Turkish and Arabian cavalry members. Crusaders brought the idea to Europe, and the attraction became a fun ride.

One attraction that is synonymous with fairs and amusement parks is the Ferris wheel. The original Ferris wheel was designed and constructed for the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago by George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr. Since then, Ferris wheels have become the most common type of amusement rides at state fairs and other attractions. However "pleasure wheels" and "great wheels" have appeared throughout history in areas of Persia, India and Bulgaria.

Log flume rides allow thrillseekers to extend their fun into the water. The modern log flume may be traced back to old mill rides that used tracks to guide boats through tunnels and hills. Modern log flumes are much more splash-intensive.

Amusement parks and fairs owe their success to rides and attractions that keep visitors busy for hours.