By Sinaiyouth 
Regional theme parks like Dollywood, Silver Dollar City, and Kentucky Kingdom are having their moment in the sun. Not only are these parks often more affordable for families, but they also offer a range of attractions, from thrilling rides to gentle kid-friendly rides, ensuring that everyone in the family can have fun. In 2026, regional theme parks across the United States will open new attractions and shows, hoping to attract new visitors and regulars. Better yet, a brand new regional theme park is open in Texas, dedicated to younger theme park enthusiasts.
If you’re already planning your 2026 vacation, you should keep a regional theme park at the top of your list, along with things like beach getaways and all-inclusive resorts. Keep reading to learn about new experiences coming to regional theme parks across the country and which ones you can’t miss.
Dollywood
Dollywood will have one of the most exciting openings of 2026 with its newest attraction, NightFlight Expedition. The ride will be located in the Wildwood Grove area of Dollywood. It will be the world’s first hybrid indoor family roller coaster and whitewater raft ride. The total duration of the experience is approximately five and a half minutes. NightFlight Expedition is scheduled to open when Dollywood opens for the season on March 13, 2026.
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Additionally, Dollywood is hosting its first race weekend, called Run Dollywood. The event takes place April 25-26, 2026. Runners can enjoy a 5K, 10K, and half marathon, and kids can participate in a one-mile fun run. The race will run through the park and surrounding areas, and runners-up will receive a Dollywood-themed medal.
Silver Dollar City
Silver Dollar City is my favorite regional theme park. It offers a good mix of high-speed thrills and family attractions (my must-see is Fire in the Hole). The park is expected to have another big year with the opening of its first-ever resort hotel in late 2026. The Silver Dollar City Resort will have 262 guest rooms, door-to-door transportation to and from the park, indoor and outdoor pools, a full-service restaurant and the option to have cinnamon rolls delivered right to your room.
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And if you love vacations, Silver Dollar City is the place to be. Next year, the park will launch an all-new parade called the Stars, Lights & Christmas Nights Parade, featuring the beloved characters of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and even a visit from Santa Claus. Add to that the park’s millions of lights, incredible Christmas displays, a huge Christmas tree and much more.
Six flags over Texas
For the ultimate thrill in 2026, you’ll need to head to Six Flags Over Texas, where the Tormenta Rampaging Run is set to open. It is the tallest, fastest, longest and only diving roller coaster in the world. The biggest thrill comes from a 95-degree vertical drop dropping 285 feet, plus numerous loops and inversions. The roller coaster can reach speeds of 87 miles per hour and the tallest vertical loop is 179 feet. For those who are too intimidated by this roller coaster, there are plenty of other things to do in the park.
LEGOLAND Florida Resort and LEGOLAND California Resort
If your kids love LEGO, you’ll want to head to LEGOLAND Florida Resort or LEGOLAND California Resort for their new attraction, Galacticoaster. The space-themed indoor roller coaster has nearly 1,500 feet of track. The ride is expected to open in early 2026, but no official dates for either park have been announced at the time of publication. I love the ride’s vehicles, which look like spaceships built from LEGO, and I’m sure there will be lots more LEGO fun when the ride opens, like LEGO astronauts and even aliens.
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Island of Kings
Families who love dark and scary rides look no further than Kings Island, which will debut at Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare in April 2026. The new ride is a nod to the original Phantom Theater attraction that was in the park from 1992 to 2002. The zany attraction will feature two beloved characters, No Legs Larry and Maestro, who are ready to welcome guests back to the Phantom Theater for a pipe organ performance. Things go wrong when the musical notes from the show disappear throughout the opera. Guests will navigate 26 interactive scenes searching for musical notes before the show.
Kingdom of Kentucky
There’s a new family-friendly inverted roller coaster, Flying Fox, coming to Kentucky Kingdom. This will be the park’s sixth coaster and its first new coaster since 2019. The ride lasts just over a minute with 1,380 feet of track. It will reach top speeds of 37 miles per hour and a maximum height of 65 feet. As you walk the adorable Red Barn line and admire the hand-painted murals, you’ll be reminded of Kentucky’s agricultural heritage.
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Universal children’s resort
One of the biggest openings of 2026 will be Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas. This new regional theme park is designed for the smallest theme park fans, from toddlers to preschoolers. The complex will include an entire park with seven themed lands based on Trolls, Jurassic Park, Shrek, Minionsand more. And there will be a hotel on site, making it easier to come and go for naps. What I love most about this new park are the sensory gardens and dedicated green spaces, which allow children to explore and interact with other children while adults relax and enjoy the warmth.