Amusement parks are a spring break and family vacation staple. From coast to coast, amusement and water parks abound, offering fun and thrills to parents and children ranging from toddlers to teens alike.

While there's never any shortage of excitement, having an opportunity to check out new attractions only adds to the kids' enjoyment. Take a look at which popular destinations are introducing everything from state-of-the-art roller coasters to gentle kiddie rides, and which are celebrating the opening of entirely new sections of their already-enticing parks in 2019. We've rounded up new rides (including water park fun) from California's Disneyland to Orlando, Florida and even along the New Jersey Shore boardwalks and in Pittsburgh, Chicago, and Texas.

Just three years after making waves with the debut of Titanosaur, one of our favorite family-friendly museums is upping the ante. The American Museum of Natural History is kicking off its 150th anniversary with a fantastic new exhibit dedicated to the ferocious king of all dinos. The interactive exhibit T. rex: The Ultimate Predator opens to the public on Monday, March 11—read on for more details on this not-to-be missed exhibition that will impress dinosaur-obsessed kids and adults alike.

*Note: This establishment is closed.*

SMASH, a new ping-pong house, kitchen, and bar, is serving up a unique indoor activity for Long Island families or couples seeking some out-of-the-box date-night fun. Head over to the Levittown hot spot for a smashing good time.

For more active fun, check out our guide to kids sports centers and fun zones on Long Island. 

A famous actor once said, "Spring is nature's way of saying 'Let's party!'" Well, from the list below of happenings in Houston this spring, that certainly seems to be true. I know my toddler thinks that any day with a trip to Noah's Ark at the Quillan Center is cause for celebration. But splash pads aside, whether you are looking for a theatrical experience, an outdoor festival, or new playground space, this list will put a spring in your step - your kiddo is already 10 steps ahead.

Remember running to the corner candy store for a treat after school or on the weekend when visiting grandma or grandpa? There was nothing like selecting penny candy from the counter or searching the shelves for candy cigarettes that puffed out a cloud of sugar, oversized bright-red wax lips, and sugar ball–filled Satellite Saucers that doubled as mini maracas.

Many of the old-fashioned candy items parents and grandparents enjoyed as kids are still available today at specialty stores. The throwback treats are a great way to relive your childhood with your own children— and bond over sugar. So, if your sweets supply has dwindled in the weeks between Valentine’s Day and Easter, here are some shops offering a variety of nostalgic fun and flavors.

Living in or visiting the borough of Queens is a nonstop international learning experience for little kids, filled with diverse sights, sounds and tastes—and it's super family-friendly.

It's famous for being the most ethnically diverse county in the United States where hundreds of languages are spoken daily. From eating dumplings in Flushing to feeding a goat on a farm, Queens can inspire, teach and feed the spirits of your little ones.

Children of all ages can enjoy Queens, but traveling around the city with a kid 4 or younger can be a challenge. We’ve compiled a list of the best things to do in seasonal order, so you can enjoy Queens like a king, including parks and playgrounds, museums and play spaces, the beach, and even amusement parks perfect for toddlers and preschool-age kids.

It's not breaking news that Brooklyn is filled to the brim with babies, so it should come as no surprise that the borough is also home to dozens of destinations to hit up with a baby in tow—from play cafes to drop-in play spaces—where you can play and engage with your baby while meeting other local parents.

Although just hanging out with other caregivers and their babies is awesome, you may be looking to try something a bit more structured and enriching, and Brooklyn certainly delivers on that front too. We've rounded up what we think are the best baby classes, where you can introduce your little one to DJing, swimming, and working out—all before she's even spoken her first word.

Find more NYC classes in our Classes Guide and Directory Listings.

Just an hour train ride from Manhattan, Huntington Village is a quaint, four-seasons family destination on the north shore of Suffolk. From St. Patrick's Day to the Christmas season, Huntington Village is full of parades and festivals, not to mention other year-round staples. Museums, parks, restaurants, shops and play spaces make Huntington Village a picture perfect family day trip. 

For more family-friendly neighborhood fun, check out our guides to Port Washington, Glen Cove, Sayville and Port Jefferson.