Theme & Water Parks

Relate to Directory Listing Type:

Zip Lines, Ropes Courses, and Outdoor Adventure Parks Near NYC

Submitted by Fiona Taylor on Thu, 04/19/2018 - 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 the new 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.

This Theme Park Is Now the World's First Certified Autism Center

Submitted by Christine Mooney on Sat, 04/07/2018 - 9:23am

Over a million visitors flock to Sesame Place each year, giving young children a chance to spend the day with some of their favorite Sesame Street characters. Now, the 14-acre park offers something else for kids – and their parents – to love. Sesame Place has recently become the world’s first theme park to be named a Certified Autism Center.

10 Best Beaches near Disneyland, for a Break from Mouse Madness

Submitted by Dana Zepeda on Sun, 03/25/2018 - 1:04pm

Disneyland may be the happiest place on earth, but eventually even the most enthusiastic Disney fans need a break from crowded shows, long lines, and sugary treats. When your little princess or prince melts down for the third day in a row because the line to meet Cinderella is longer than your trip home, it may be time to take a breather on the beach.

Hello Kitty Goes to Hollywood, in Her Own Studio Store

Submitted by Arianna Menon on Tue, 03/20/2018 - 3:14pm

Harry Potter isn't the only reason to head to Universal Studios Hollywood these days. A trip to the theme park in the Hollywood Hills also gives Hello Kitty fans a chance to indulge their cravings, as the iconic pop culture feline is the big star of the brand new Universal Studios' Animation Studio Store.

Can You Visit Legoland on a Disney World Orlando Vacation?

Submitted by Mandy Carter on Sat, 03/17/2018 - 6:24pm

Planning a theme park vacation in Orlando, Florida? Disney World and Universal are the common highlights of an Orlando trip, but there are several other tempting theme parks in the area. If your family has Lego lovers—especially if they're between the ages of 2 and 12—Legoland Florida is a great add-on to an Orlando vacation. But with only so much time and a limited budget, the big question is, "Is it possible to go to Legoland and Disney World on one trip to Orlando?"

Top New Amusement Parks and Rides Opening This Summer

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Thu, 03/15/2018 - 2:24pm

The summer family vacation season is right around the corner, so it's never too early to start dreaming of your escape. Amusement parks, of course, are always top of mind for the kids come summer, so we've trekked up and down the eastern seaboard (virtually, anyway) to find the coolest new theme park attractions set to open this spring and summer.

There's a brand-new thrill ride at Six Flags New England, a pint-sized coaster at Sesame Place, a whole new Toy Story Land in Orlando, and Thomas Town opens near Pittsburgh with plenty of locomotive fun. Read on for more than a dozen new top attractions we're looking forward to checking out at amusement parks spanning from Massachusetts to Florida this summer.

Get Almost Free Admission to Luna Park on Opening Day

Submitted by Maureen Dempsey on Wed, 03/14/2018 - 10:05am

It's no secret that all of us here like "FREE." We're always on the lookout for free activities around NYC, play spaces, and even summer camps. But Luna Park's March 24 opening day event at Coney Island, Brooklyn, makes the four-letter word all the better, as almost all proceeds from donations will serve the Girls Scouts' 6000 troop.

Read on to find out what's included in this almost-FREE day and who you'll be helping with your small donation.

New Mystery Mansion Ride to Open at Long Island's Adventureland

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Tue, 03/06/2018 - 1:00pm

Soon there will be one more reason to visit Adventureland, the popular Long Island amusement park that’s been thrilling families for more than 50 years: Mystery Mansion, a brand-new, two-story dark ride, will be up and running early this spring.

“We felt our guests were looking for a change so we thought we would go out and find something that is very different for Adventureland and for Long Island,” Adventureland’s general manager Steve Gentile said. “We’re bringing to Long Island the first two-story, suspended dark ride. We’re calling it the Mystery Mansion because each time you come to the park you many find something new inside.”

Adventureland opens for the 2018 season on March 24. In the meantime, for more entertainment inspiration see our guide to family fun on Long Island.