Epic Universe and More Exciting Attractions Coming to Universal Orlando

Race aboard Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge located within Super Mario Land at the upcoming Universal Epic Universe.

Universal Orlando is expanding its universe with Epic Universe —the new theme park scheduled to open in 2025. Orlando residents and visitors alike are anxiously awaiting the opening of this fantastic attraction, Universal's first entirely new theme park since Islands of Adventure opened in 2001. Steve Tatham, Executive Creative Director of Universal Epic Universe, indicated recently on a podcast that construction will end soon, and the new theme park is set to open at the beginning of next year.

Keep reading for a sneak peek into Epic Universe, as well as new attractions coming to Universal Orlando Resort!

19 Best Swimming Pools in Atlanta: From Public Pools to Hotels with Day Passes

Dive into cooling relief at Roswell Area Park pool. Photo by the author

Atlanta has great public swimming pools, in addition to Swimming Lakes and Beaches Near Atlanta, fun for families and perfect for summer temps. Many of these local swimming pools feature diving boards, water slides, and splash pads for little ones, making them more engaging than typical swim/tennis neighborhood pools. And did you know certain Atlanta hotel pools offer swimtime without requiring an overnight stay?! Several Atlanta hotels offer day passes to enjoy the posh amenities. 

Many of the public swimming pools near Atlanta listed here have set times for open swim sessions, so be sure to check the schedule and pool rules. For more ways to cool off this summer, check out 40 Ways to Beat the Heat in Atlanta and 16 Great Spraygrounds and Splash Pads in Atlanta for Kids. 

Best Outdoor Swimming Pools on Long Island Summer 2024

The complex at Centereach Pool offers lane swimming and a splash pad area for younger kids. Photo courtesy of Centereach Pool

The best Long Island swimming pools include spots in Nassau, Suffolk, and East End where everyone in the family can cool off and splash around.

We've rounded up this list of swimming pools across Long Island that are ready to welcome swimmers this summer 2024. Looking for more things to do this summer? Don't forget to bookmark our Ultimate Long Island Kids Summer Vacation Guide, which is packed with fun that's sure to keep you cool all season long.

12 Themed Restaurants and Family-Friendly Dinner Shows in Los Angeles

Pirate Dinner Adventure photo by Aaron Anderer via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Looking for some fun along with your food? From knights and horses to pirates to magicians, there are plenty of themed restaurants in Los Angeles that offer interactive dinner shows for the entire family—after all, this is the entertainment capital of the world! You might land in the middle of a recreated land or find yourself with dinner shows served on the side—every single one of these spots will make your next family meal a bit more magical.

Check out our restaurant guide for more kid-friendly eating experiences in Los Angeles, including restaurants where kids can play while parents eat, gorgeous restaurants with outdoor dining, and even mouth-watering treats that dazzle kids of all ages.

Heat Wave Hot List: Ways to Keep Cool in Chicago With Kids

Paradise Bay Water Park will cool you down all day. Photo courtesy of the Lombard Park District

It can get hard to beat the heat during Chicago's summer months, and this weekend is looking to be a scorcher. We know little ones still need to get out of the house, so keep this list handy and you'll keep cool. We’ve rounded up the ultimate list of beaches, pools, splash pads, and indoor air-conditioned things to do to beat the heat in Chicago. From swimming to splashing and all the great local indoor play spaces and museums, this guide has our favorite ways to take a break, cool off, and have fun.

Check out our Summer Fun Guide for Chicago Kids for more summer activities in Chicago,

11 Places to Watch Fireworks this 4th of July at the Jersey Shore

Have a blast on the Wildwoods Boardwalk and enjoy an awesome fireworks show. Photo courtesy of Wildwoods

Looking for the perfect spot to watch fireworks at the Jersey Shore with your family? From Cape May to Point Pleasant, the shore offers stunning displays that light up the night sky. Whether you’re relaxing on the beach or enjoying a seaside boardwalk, these fireworks shows provide a magical experience for all ages. Here are some of our top picks for watching fireworks this 4th of July down the shore.

Looking for more fun down the shore? Check out our roundup of 70 Awesome Things To Do With Kids at the Shore and don't miss our guide to the Best Jersey Shore Boardwalks and Amusement Parks.

Visiting Quassy Amusement Park in Connecticut with Kids

With rides for all ages, visiting Quassy Amusement Park in Connecticut is fun for the whole family!

Quassy Amusement & Waterpark is one of the oldest and best destinations for kids for some summertime fun. Much loved by everyone, Quassy Park has something for every member of the family from carnival rides, to water play to just playing on the beach. Set on the beautiful shores of Lake Quassapaug, this Connecticut Amusement Park is the perfect spot for a day of family fun! 

For other great places to play, check out our picks for the Best New England Theme Parks for Kids and Families!

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