Family vacations will never be the same again. Across the country, dazzling new theme parks are rewriting the rules of fun, daring families to dream bigger, play harder, and get a little messy along the way. From coast to coast, new gates are opening—some massive, some pocket-sized, all built with families at the heart of the story.
Each park is a different kind of escape, whether it’s a multiday mega-resort or a one-day burst of color and laughter. Grab your map, pack your patience, and get ready—the family vacation has just leveled up.
Universal Epic Universe
Gfgbeach/ Wikimedia Commons – Wikimedia.orgUniversal Epic Universe is set to redefine theme park experiences with its opening in Orlando, FL on May 22, 2025. As the first major new U.S. theme park in decades, it integrates five themed lands: Celestial Park, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, Dark Universe, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—Ministry of Magic.
This park brings together immersive storytelling, kid-friendly rides, and interactive elements like Power-Up Bands and AR experiences, making it a must-visit for families. Its new on-site hotels and early-entry options further enhance the experience.
Mattel Adventure Park
Opening late 2025 in Glendale, AZ, Mattel Adventure Park is a family-first destination built around beloved toy franchises like Barbie and Hot Wheels. Part of the new VAI Resort, it offers compact and highly themed experiences, ideal for families seeking variety without extensive travel. Attractions include Hot Wheels coasters, hands-on play areas for toddlers, and go-karting.
Positioned adjacent to hotels and resort amenities, it aims to transform short weekend getaways into full family resort escapes in the Phoenix area.
Lost Island Themepark & Waterpark
Located in Waterloo, Iowa, Lost Island Themepark & Waterpark opened in the early 2020s as a major family-focused destination. This park merges exotic theming with thrilling roller coasters and a comprehensive waterpark, providing entertainment for all ages.
Its unique design allows multi-generational groups to explore high-energy rides or enjoy family attractions and shows together. For those in the central US, Lost Island offers an accessible theme-park vacation without the need for lengthy travel to coastal resorts.
Sesame Place San Diego
Unveiled as Sesame Place in March 2022, Sesame Place San Diego is the West Coast’s dedicated Sesame Street-themed park and waterpark. Designed for preschool and elementary-age families, it offers accessible pathways, meet-and-greets with beloved characters, and sensory-friendly tools for an inclusive experience.
Families can enjoy gentle rides, splash zones, and daily parades. Formerly Aquatica, this park now serves as a local, year-round destination for West Coast families who previously traveled east to enjoy Sesame Place Philadelphia.
PEPPA PIG Theme Park Florida
Opening its doors near LEGOLAND® Florida in February 2022, Peppa Pig Theme Park targets the youngest of families. Its compact, immersive layout includes gentle rides, various playscapes, water play areas, and live shows, designed to make a toddler’s first theme park experience enjoyable and stress-free.
Its proximity to LEGOLAND facilitates multi-park planning, allowing parents to mix larger park days with the more relaxed environment Peppa Pig offers, suitable for short attention spans and ensuring a delightful day for children.
PEPPA PIG Theme Park Dallas–Fort Worth
Opening on March 1, 2025, in North Richland Hills, TX, Merlin Entertainments’ second U.S. Peppa Pig Theme Park caters to preschoolers. It offers small coasters, balloon rides, a pirate boat, play areas, and a Muddy Puddles splash zone, plus daily character shows.
Located in the Texas/Oklahoma corridor, it provides a convenient short-stay destination for regional families, offering a quick weekend getaway without extensive travel. It complements nearby attractions and provides a stress-free environment for families with young children.
LEGOLAND® New York Resort
LEGOLAND® New York Resort completed its phased opening in 2021 in Goshen, NY, bringing a full-sized LEGO resort close to NYC families. With seven LEGO-themed lands, family coaster options, and an on-site LEGOLAND Hotel, it turns a city weekend into a resort trip filled with kid-friendly adventures.
Children gain hours of creative engagement and mild thrills, while parents enjoy manageable crowds and predictable ride options. The resort model, combining hotels, parks, and themed dining, ensures a comfortable and memorable experience for all ages.
COTALAND
Located next to Austin’s motorsports campus, COTALAND is set to become a major family destination, blending motorsports-inspired thrill rides with family-friendly attractions. While still under construction with a planned opening in 2026, it promises to combine the excitement of major sporting events like F1 and MotoGP with theme park fun.
This dual offering allows parents to enjoy races while children explore theme park adventures, making Austin an appealing destination for family breaks that cater to diverse interests.
Peppa Pig World of Play
Peppa Pig World of Play, located in Grapevine Mills near Dallas–Fort Worth, TX, is a toddler-centric indoor attraction. Offering 14 themed play areas, toddler-safe rides, and birthday party packages, it’s ideal for families with young children seeking a shorter, weatherproof outing.
The venue provides combo tickets with nearby LEGOLAND and SEA LIFE, enhancing family weekend plans. As a reliable option for short visits, it becomes a central part of a child-first holiday where convenience and fun meet.