There is something timeless about a great theme park. The smell of funnel cake, the sound of a coaster cresting a hill, the pure joy of a summer day with nowhere you have to be. If it has been a while since you visited one of America’s big parks, this summer gives you plenty of reasons to go back.
Parks across the country are marking America’s 250th birthday with new attractions, fresh experiences, and a few bittersweet farewells to beloved classics. Here is what is new and worth knowing about.
Hersheypark Adds a Water Play Zone at The Boardwalk
Hersheypark in Pennsylvania has always offered something a little different, a full water park sitting right inside a theme park. This summer, The Boardwalk water park adds two new areas: The Island at Bayside Pier and The Inlet at Bayside Pier. Together, they feature 45 water elements for splashing and playing.
The Island at Bayside Pier is lined with 10-foot-tall palm trees that double as dump buckets. The Inlet at Bayside Pier is fully shaded, with water sprayers and spouts throughout. Best of all, The Boardwalk is included in your regular Hersheypark admission, no extra ticket needed.
A Record-Breaking Coaster Is Coming to Six Flags Over Texas
Six Flags Over Texas near Dallas is opening Tormenta Rampaging Run later this year. The coaster is described as the tallest, fastest, longest, and first-ever giga dive coaster in the world. Riders will climb 309 feet in the air overlooking the Dallas-Fort Worth area, then hit speeds of up to 87 miles per hour on the way down.
Alongside the new coaster, the park is also opening a Spanish village-themed area called Rancho de la Tormenta, which will include a new restaurant called Covina Abuela. An official opening date for both had not been announced at the time of writing.
Two Disneyland Favorites Are Getting Summer Upgrades
If Anaheim is in your summer plans, two classic Disneyland attractions are getting fresh stories this year. Starting May 22, the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run ride at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will feature a new mission centered on The Mandalorian and Grogu, timed to the theatrical release of The Mandalorian and Grogu on that same date.
Across the way at Disney California Adventure, the Soarin’ ride is getting a patriotic makeover. The new version, called Soarin’ Across America, highlights the natural beauty of the United States and takes flight starting July 2.
Dollywood Opens a One-of-a-Kind Ride in the Smoky Mountains
Dollywood is opening NightFlight Expedition in 2026, and there is truly nothing else like it. Located in the park’s Wildwood Grove area, it is the world’s first indoor family-hybrid roller coaster and whitewater raft ride combined. The experience runs about five and a half minutes, taking guests on a hunt for bioluminescence deep in the Smoky Mountains. The ride represents the park’s largest single investment to date at $50 million, more than the cost of Dollywood’s own DreamMore Resort. An official opening date had not been announced at the time of writing.
Last Chance to Ride a Classic at Silver Dollar City
If you have ever ridden Thunderation at Silver Dollar City in the Ozark Mountains, you know why people love it. The mine train coaster runs 3,022 feet of track at speeds up to 48 miles per hour, with a 910-degree double helix that is one of the most memorable stretches of any coaster in the region.
But after more than 30 years, Thunderation will close at the end of the 2026 season. This summer is one of your last chances to ride the wood-steel hybrid coaster before it makes way for whatever comes next. If it holds any nostalgia for you, now is the time to go.
Walt Disney World Welcomes Bluey and The Muppets
Families heading to Walt Disney World in Orlando this summer have two fun new reasons to visit. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Bluey’s Wild World at Conservation Station lets guests meet characters from the popular TV show, play Bluey-inspired games, and see native Australian animals. You get there by riding the Wildlife Express train.
Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the beloved Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster has been refreshed and now stars The Muppets. The ride still launches from zero to 60 miles per hour, just with a lot more Muppet chaos along the way. Both experiences opened on May 26, 2026.
Universal Hollywood Debuts a Fast and Furious Coaster
Universal Studios Hollywood is adding its first-ever high-speed outdoor roller coaster this summer: Fast and Furious: Hollywood Drift. Each ride vehicle is themed after a real car from the franchise, including the Mazda RX-7, Nissan Skyline GT-R, Toyota Supra, and Dodge Charger. The vehicles can spin and move 360 degrees independently while hitting speeds of up to 72 miles per hour. An official opening date within summer 2026 had not been confirmed at the time of writing.
Halloween Horror Nights Returns to Universal Orlando on August 28
Universal Orlando Resort’s beloved Halloween Horror Nights kicks off on August 28, 2026, capping off the summer with a fright. This year marks the event’s 35th anniversary, with the theme “Infernal Carnival of Nightmares.” The official ringmasters are Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow.
The first announced haunted house is called Jack and Oddfellow, Chaos and Control, which takes guests into the origin story of both characters and their eventual rivalry-turned-partnership. The full lineup of houses and events had not yet been revealed at the time of writing.