New Things Coming To Orlando Theme Parks for 2025

For the first time in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, guests enjoy a live, theatrical experience at Le Cirque Arcanus. Artist conceptual rendering courtesy of Universal

2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years for Orlando theme parks, with the first, all-new theme park opening in more than 20 years! And don't get us started on the awesome new attractions and experiences coming to our favorite existing parks. 

To help you better plan your next Orlando trip, here is a preview of cool things coming in 2025, as well as the current time frame for their opening. Just keep in mind that Orlando theme parks are notoriously vague about opening dates, and the time frames listed can change at a moment’s notice. Take a look and get ready for the ultimate Orlando adventure!

Amazing Indoor Water Parks Near DC for Families

Indoor water parks make water play possible in any weather!

When It's cold outside and the kids want to splash and swim, head to one of these top indoor water parks near DC.

Winter can be cold and dreary in the DC region. With outdoor water parks, swimming pools, and splash pads closed, many area families pack away their swim gear until summer returns. But you don’t need warm weather to enjoy a fun water adventure with your family. There are plenty of indoor water parks near DC that guarantee splashes and laughs for kids, whether you want a simple afternoon outing or an all-day excursion.

We've rounded up 14 great indoor water parks for families that are all less than a three-hour drive from DC. So dig out those goggles and swimsuits and get ready to make a splash!

For more indoor fun in DC, check out our Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces for DC Kids.

Kids Eat Free: 22 Los Angeles Restaurants for Every Day of the Week

Food is even better when it's free and near the beach! Photo courtesy of Mamas on 39

Kids eat free are three little words that make a restaurant dinner feel possible. I'm a mom of four and constantly searching for great food and good deals to feed my hungry little mouths as well as my own. 

This list of restaurants throughout the Los Angeles area offers free meals for kids at least one night a week. The restaurants vary from local joints to national chains, from the valleys to the beaches, from Italian to Mexican, and from seafood to steakhouses—enough to satisfy picky and non-picky eaters.

For more bargains, check out these birthday freebies for kids, discover where to take the kids for free museum days, and uncover more complimentary deals and ways to save with our Guide to Free Things To Do in Los Angeles with Kids

20 Great Winter Getaways and Day Trips from Philadelphia

Play a tune on the piano mat at FAO Schwarz. Photo by Janet Bloom

The cold, blustery days of winter present an ideal time for a family getaway. Whether you enjoy skiing, amusement parks, or seeing historic sites, there are plenty of options for day trips near Philadelphia. Within a few hours' drive, Philadelphians can explore the mountains of Pennsylvania, visit the Catskills, or cross the bridge to New Jersey's many attractions, hitting any number of memorable experiences along the way. For a quick adventure, consider one of these exciting winter day trips from Philly.

Additional ideas for seasonal fun can be found in our Winter Fun Guide for Philadelphia Families, and our Skiing, Snowboarding, & Snow Sports Guide.

Shedd Aquarium with Kids: Best Things to Do at Chicago's Biggest Aquarium

John G Shedd Aquarium photo by Ajay Suresh via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Shedd Aquarium in Chicago is one of the Top Attractions in Chicago and one of the 100 Best Things To Do in Chicago with Kids Before They Grow Up. But, it's so vast that the Shedd is more than most little kids can handle in a single day. At the Shedd Aquarium, we think it's best to do the most educational stuff first and play at the end—you'll have time for everything if you arrive close to the 9 a.m. opening time and move at a moderate pace throughout the day. We suggest bringing a snack for a mid-morning break and planning some slow-down time to see the bigger tanks, especially if you have smaller children.

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