Theme & Water Parks

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Orlando with Teens: Top 15 Things to Do at the Theme Parks and Beyond

Submitted by Anna Fader on Sat, 04/20/2019 - 1:32pm

I used to think of Orlando as a destination for little kids, but I discovered Orlando is even better with teens. Amusement parks are so much more fun when you can go on all the rides and don’t have to worry about the dreaded “theme park meltdowns.” My big kids were also able to pack in lots of other adventures and hipster shopping areas as we explored all the fun there is in Orlando beyond the theme parks.

We spent our recent spring break in Orlando with two teens and had a blast.

Outdoor Adventure Parks Near NYC With Kid-Friendly Zip Lines & Ropes Courses

Submitted by Fiona Taylor on Mon, 04/15/2019 - 4:05pm

We all need a little excitement in our lives. For some, any of these 13 carousels around New York City will deliver all the excitement in the world. For others, the idea of zip-lining through the air ranks high on their to-do list. Of course, adventure parks aren't for everyone, but there's proof they help children learn problem-solving and collaboration skills. Plus, it's just plain fun to play together as a family and create unforgettable memories.

New York City may not be the epicenter of adventure parks, but it's making strides, especially with Adventures on Governors Island, the Bronx Zoo's Treetop Adventure, and a seriously high-flying outdoor zip line in Queens. Meanwhile, just outside the city limits, there are dozens of rope and zip line courses.

We've rounded up a handful of our favorite outdoor adventure parks either in the city or reachable within a quick day trip. Also make sure to see our brand new guide to 25 outdoor adventures in the city for NYC kids.

Why Legoland Is My Favorite SoCal Theme Park

Submitted by Roberta B on Sat, 04/13/2019 - 3:41pm

Southern California is blessed with some of the world's most famous theme parks; families travel from all over to experience Disneyland and the original Universal Studios Hollywood (including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter)—but just 90 miles to the south, in the San Diego suburb of Carlsbad, is a park that has at least as much to offer as the mouse and the wizard. There is a whole lot more to Legoland California than bricks, and truth be told I prefer a day there to any other major theme park.

Millions in Upgrades Planned for LI State Parks in 2019

Submitted by Rebekah Yahoves on Tue, 04/09/2019 - 12:30pm

If you have especially adventurous or nature-loving kiddos, it's time to grab your sunscreen and sturdy shoes because state parks on Long Island will be millions of dollars more exciting beginning this Memorial Day.

Jones Beach, Robert Moses, Sunken Meadow, Heckscher, and Wildwood state parks are welcoming upgrades this season that include cottages, marina access, an outdoor adventure area, and more sure to leave your family eager for outdoor excitement.

What's New for 2019 at Luna Park, Six Flags, Sesame Place, Hershey, and Theme Parks Near NYC

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Fri, 04/05/2019 - 9:38am

Spring may have just begun, but a summer of fun is right around the corner, and NYC's favorite nearby theme parks are starting the 2019 season with thrilling new rides, stunning expansions, and stellar upgrades. Luna Park at Coney Island opens this weekend on Saturday, April 6 with new attractions, and New York State's biggest indoor water park at brand-new Catskills resort The Kartrite is set to open on Friday, April 19.

Keep this post close when planning your next theme park destination getaway. Whether you're planning a day trip or an extended stay, these theme parks are all under 2 hours from NYC. Read on for a sneak peek at what's new and exciting this year at amusement parks close to NYC, from Coney to Hershey.

Jenkinson’s Boardwalk Adds Three New Rides for Summer 2019

Submitted by Elaine Paoloni ... on Mon, 04/01/2019 - 12:50pm

It’s difficult to take kids to the Jersey Shore without them hounding you to go to the boardwalk. Now they have three new reasons to twist your arm: Jenkinson’s is adding a trio of rides to its amusement area in summer 2019, including a new roller coaster, a giant slide, and a kiddie ride.

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Adds Huge New Activity Pool

Submitted by Liz Alterman on Wed, 03/20/2019 - 12:30pm

If you're looking for new ways to beat the heat this summer, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is offering a bigger, better, and much wetter place to cool down. The 45-acre water park in Jackson, NJ, welcomes Calypso Springs, a 100,000-gallon, beach-entry-style activity pool, where parents and kids of all ages can swim and play together. The new addition, Hurricane Harbor's largest expansion since 2000, will be open in time for summer 2019.

10 Best Kid-Friendly Weekend Getaways Near NYC

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Sun, 03/10/2019 - 1:05pm

New York City is unlike any other place in the world, and that’s just the way we like it. Still, it’s fun to get away from New York for a weekend to show our families what lies beyond the city limits (nature! culture! art! fun! food!), and the best part is, you don’t have to travel far to feel like you're a world away from New York.

We’ve rounded up ten of our favorite kid-friendly destinations for stir-crazy city families, all 2.5 hours or less from NYC.