GREENSBORO, N.C. — Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe made waves this Father’s Day by hosting its annual Father’s Day Belly Flop Contest, drawing families from across North Carolina for an unforgettable celebration.

Fourteen daring dads headed to Shipwreck Cove to compete for the title of Ultimate Belly Flop Champion, all cheered on by their families and a lively crowd. A panel of local moms served as judges, scoring each spectacular splash based on creativity, commitment, and crowd reaction.

Jordan Reed claimed the grand prize, impressing judges with his epic flop and heartfelt answer about what he loves most about being a dad: “spending time with my kids.” He took home a cooler packed with logoed merchandise from Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe, BUD LIGHT, and iHeart Media — plus a few red marks to remember the moment!

Top Finishers:

• 1st Place: Jordan Reed
• 2nd Place: Justin Dalton
• Tied for 3rd: Michael Kellum (2022 Runner-Up) & Tristan Primm

Families enjoyed quality time together, soaking up the sun and splashing through the park, making Father’s Day at North Carolina’s Favorite Water Park one to remember.

Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe continues to be a hub for family fun, friendly competition, and summertime memories. This year’s Father’s Day celebration proved once again that when it comes to making a splash — dads deliver!

BOTTROP-KIRCHHELLEN, Germany — Prehistoric times are knocking on the Hollywood gates! Movie Park Germany is adding an interactive experience to its portfolio this summer. The “World of Dinos” exhibition brings a popular movie theme to life. From June 18 to August 24, a variety of 25 lifelike dinosaurs will be making their way into Germany’s largest movie and amusement park for guests to discover.

“The exhibition offers many informative elements about the species of Tyrannosaurus rex, Stegosaurus and other prehistoric contemporaries, making it a suitable destination not only for the whole family and all dinosaur fans, but also for school group excursions,” says Managing Director Thorsten Backhaus.

Interest in dinosaurs remains unbroken among young and old to this day. At Movie Park Germany, guests can experience the exhibition on an area of 1500 m² in the “The Lost Temple” attraction, which already has extensive theming. This can now be further enhanced to bring the dinosaurs to life in special settings.

Not only are the dinosaur models realistic in size, the dinosaurs also move and make noises. From the roaring T-Rex to the lightning-fast Velociraptor, a wide variety of species are included. The story and interactive elements invite visitors to learn about dinosaurs in an entertaining way. Information panels next to each dinosaur provide scientifically based facts about the different species, while timelines provide a more comprehensive picture of the evolution and different eras in which dinosaurs lived. All the information provided at the “World of Dinos” has been scientifically verified.

GURNEE, Ill. — More than 650 members of the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) — the world’s largest amusement park fan organization — are gathering this week for the adrenaline-charged 47th annual Coaster Con. This high-energy celebration immerses attendees in the heart-pounding world of roller coasters, offering nonstop rides, behind-the-scenes tours and exclusive events at some of the most iconic amusement parks in the region. Coaster Con is the highlight of World Roller Coaster Appreciation Month for many attendees, who have traveled from 35 states, the District of Columbia and multiple countries, including Chile and Canada, to visit Six Flags Great America in Illinois, Little Amerricka in Wisconsin and Indiana Beach in Indiana. A unifying theme among the three host parks is their commitment to preserving roller coaster history by relocating and restoring vulnerable coasters, ensuring future generations can experience these classic rides.

“There’s no week like Coaster Con! It’s not just about the endless thrills on world-class roller coasters — it’s about the people. Sharing these rides with fellow enthusiasts who live and breathe coasters takes the experience to a whole new level. This is where unforgettable memories are made and lifelong friendships are forged,” shared ACE Communications Director Derek Perry.

On Monday, June 16, Coaster Con attendees will gather at Six Flags Great America for a special plaque ceremony honoring American Eagle as an official ACE Roller Coaster Landmark — a tribute to its historical significance and enduring legacy in the world of thrill rides. Throughout the week, attendees will also enjoy exclusive presentations from leaders in the amusement industry, including Preston Perkes of S&S Worldwide and Linda Freeman of International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. These expert-led seminars will focus on safety in amusement parks and strategies for promoting the joy and importance of coasters to broader audiences.

“Beyond the incredible coasters, Coaster Con is packed with exclusive opportunities, great food, guest speakers and fun contests — plus it’s a chance to celebrate community, reconnect with old friends and make new ones during special meetups for Father’s Day, Pride Month and Juneteenth,” commented ACE Social Media Manager Doug Perry.

From loops to laughs, Coaster Con delivers the ultimate thrill-seekers’ reunion. The thrills don’t stop when Coaster Con ends — and neither does the fun. Anyone with a passion for roller coasters and theme parks is welcome to join the adventure year-round by becoming a member of ACE at RideWithACE.com. Whether you’re a casual fan or a die-hard coaster enthusiast, there’s a seat waiting for you. Buckle up and ride with us!

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas — Coaster enthusiasts across North America will take a ride at 2 p.m. EDT on June 16 on 16 roller coasters at  amusement and theme parks to celebrate the anniversary of the opening of the first modern roller coaster. The ride celebrates the engineering, architecture, history and thrills of these marvels that were first introduced on June 16, 1884, with the opening of LaMarcus Thompson’s Switchback Railway at Coney Island. Members of American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE), the world’s largest club of amusement ride enthusiasts, will fill the trains along with park guests to further the importance of preserving and enjoying these treasures.

“Lake Compounce is bringing award winning thrills and wooden coaster upgrades to this year’s World’s Largest Coaster Ride. This off-season, we continued to make track upgrades to the nearly 100-year-old Wildcat Roller Coaster and the award-winning Boulder Dash Roller Coaster. These classic wooden coasters are the perfect addition to our park, and we’re thrilled to partner with the American Coaster Enthusiasts to highlight these thrilling attractions!” shares Doug Hemphill General Manager Lake Compounce.

LaMarcus Thompson’s Switchback Railway at Coney Island, a gravity-powered out-and-back ride that took its inspiration from a mining railway, is considered to be America’s first roller coaster. Thompson’s Switchback Railway stood where the present-day Cyclone still operates. 

“The Steel Curtain has roared back to life in 2025 and being a part of the World’s Largest Coaster Ride is the perfect way to celebrate this record setting ride. We are thrilled to partner with the American Coaster Enthusiasts to help us build even more excitement around this one-of-a-kind coaster,” Ricky Spicuzza, Kennywood General Manager, said. 

Mike Lusky, Adventureland Resort General Manager, stated, “We are celebrating our newest roller coaster, Flying Viking, during this year’s World’s Largest Ride. The family coaster made its debut at Adventureland in 2023 and offers the perfect family sized thrills for generations of riders, since opening our gates in 1974, Adventureland has offered a full line up of thrill rides from wild to mild, providing escape for guests of all ages.”

Enthusiasts can find opportunities to join the world’s largest ride at Adventureland Resort, Belmont Park, Castle Park, DelGrosso’s Park, Dutch Wonderland, Grady’s Family Fun Park, Lake Compounce, Kennywood, Kentucky Kingdom, Knoebels Amusement Resort, Lake Compounce, Nickelodeon Universe, Silver Dollar City, and Valleyfair.

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Fort Wayne Zoo is proud to host Military Appreciation Day this Saturday, June 14, offering free admission to all active duty and retired military personnel in honor of their service and sacrifice. Guests accompanying military members will receive a special admission rate of $10. All visitors to the Zoo will be given the opportunity to plant a provided small flag outside of the Zoo’s Wild Things Gift Shop in our “Field of Honor” to help commemorate our service men and women.

The Zoo will open early at 8:45 a.m. with a Military Appreciation Ceremony taking place at 8:55 a.m. just outside the main entrance. The event will begin with a warm welcome from Zoo Director and CEO Rick Schuiteman, followed by a flag presentation by the Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD) and a heartfelt rendition of the National Anthem performed by Emilee Walker.

“This day is our opportunity to recognize and show deep appreciation for the dedication and bravery of our military service members,” said Rick Schuiteman. “We’re honored to welcome them and their families for a day of connection, celebration, and fun at the Zoo.” Rick Schuiteman will be available for interview and further comments after the conclusion of the welcome ceremony. The Fort Wayne Zoo invites the community and members of the media to join in celebrating our service members for this special day.

PortAventura World celebrated its 30th anniversary with an institutional event that brought together prominent representatives from both the public and private sectors for an evening full of emotion, tributes, and future vision. The gathering honoured a project that, since 1995, has transformed the tourism and leisure landscape in Spain and Europe, with over 100 million visits and a steadfast commitment to innovation, sustainability, and positive impact.

The celebration provided an opportunity to highlight PortAventura World’s trajectory and its influence on the leisure and tourism sectors. During the event, its role as an economic driver in the region was underscored, with an estimated contribution of 12% to Tarragona’s GDP and 0.5% to Catalonia’s GDP. Its impact on employment was also highlighted, generating more than 24,000 direct and indirect jobs annually.

Among the attending dignitaries were the Hon. Mr. Salvador Illa i Roca, President of the Government of Catalonia; the Hon. Ms. Rosario Sánchez Grau, Secretary of State for Tourism; the Hon. Mr. Miquel Sàmper Rodríguez, Minister for Business and Labour; Mr. Pol Gibert, Secretary General for Business and Labour; the Hon. Mr. Pere Granados, Mayor of Salou; and the Hon. Mr. Pere Segura, Mayor of Vila-seca.

In his speech, the President of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa, stated, “I would like to congratulate the entire PortAventura World family on its 30 years of history, a trajectory marked by ambition and perseverance that has driven a project that generates prosperity, not only in the Camp de Tarragona and Catalonia, but also in Spain. Today we commemorate a success story that can only continue to improve so that it continues for at least another 30 years”.

Mr. Arturo Mas-Sardà, Chairman of the Board of PortAventura World, remarked: “PortAventura World is today much more than a resort: it is a tourism engine, an international benchmark and a collective success story built over 30 years through effort, enthusiasm and commitment. We renew our purpose with the same passion as on day one: to create unforgettable experiences while caring for people and the environment.”

The event concluded with the long-awaited premiere of FiestAventura 2.0, the new and updated version of the resort’s iconic nighttime show. The performance captivated the audience with a unique staging that brought together water, fire, music, pyrotechnics, and drones for the first time to light up the skies of PortAventura World. This show, which pays tribute to world cultures, stands out as one of the most spectacular and innovative in the park’s history.

The excitement continued with musical performances by Miki Núñez and Elena Gadel, who provided the soundtrack for an unforgettable evening. Guests also enjoyed exclusive access to the iconic Furius Baco attraction and tasted a special cake from Pastisseria Escribà.

Since its opening in 1995, PortAventura World has established itself as one of Europe’s most comprehensive leisure destinations, with three theme parks, ten hotels, and PortAventura Business & Events, its division specialised in corporate events and tourism, featuring one of the most prestigious convention centres in Europe. Recognised as a B Corp company, the resort combines growth and innovation with a strong social commitment.

The iconic Dragon Khan roller coaster, groundbreaking at its debut, marked the beginning of a legacy that continues with attractions such as Red Force, the tallest in Europe. Additionally, the PortAventura Foundation, active since 2011, promotes inclusion and child well-being projects. Its flagship project, PortAventura Dreams Village, welcomes 400 children each year in the final phase of their illness recovery, along with their families.

With this legacy, PortAventura World reaffirms its leadership as a sustainable tourist destination and a benchmark for delivering unforgettable experiences with a real impact on people and the region.

SANTA CLAUS, IND. — One of the most daring and legendary stunt families in the world has arrived at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari. The Nerveless Nocks, an internationally renowned stunt team, is now performing daily at the Aqua Action Arena in the Halloween section of the park — delivering heart-stopping excitement and entertainment.

Featured acts include:

• Wheel of Steel – A jaw-dropping balance and acrobatic act high above the ground
• Jetpack Flyboard – Watch as stunt performers take flight over water
• Globe of Thunder – High-speed motorcycle action inside a steel globe
• Aerial Trapeze – Classic circus artistry with a thrilling twist
• And more!

“This is a high-thrill show! The Nerveless Nocks are bringing so much excitement and fun to Santa Claus,” said Lauren Crosby, Director of Entertainment & Events and Fourth-Generation Owner. “They’re a multi-generational circus family, which makes a perfect match for our own multi-generational business.”

With a legacy dating back to 1840 as Switzerland’s original circus, the Nerveless Nocks are true pioneers of extreme stunts and aerial thrill shows. This high-energy stunt show combines powerful jet skis, precision motorcycles, and gravity-defying human feats in a one-of-a-kind experience perfect for the whole family.

Don’t miss the Nerveless Nocks Stunt Show, now appearing daily through September 1. Find the Aqua Action Arena on the Holiday World map and prepare for an unforgettable spectacle.

Holidays in the Sky drone show returns June 21 and runs through August 3. Friday Night Live! will return August 22 and run through October 24, and Happy Halloween Weekends will run September 20 – October 26. Full calendar online at HolidayWorld.com/Hours. 

Sacoa, the global leader in cashless management solutions for the entertainment and leisure industries, is proud to announce its participation in two major upcoming events: INTERAZAR 2025, taking place from June 16 to 18 at IFEMA Madrid, Spain (Booth #E21), and the International Bowl Expo 2025, happening from June 29 to July 3 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Washington D.C. (Booth #817).

At both shows, visitors are invited to meet with Sacoa’s expert team and experience live demonstrations of the latest advancements in redemption technology. Highlights include the new Redemption Kiosk and the upgraded Redemption 2 software. These innovations are designed to streamline prize redemption, reduce counter queues, and enhance the customer experience, allowing players to redeem prizes and return to the game floor faster than ever before.

In addition to these innovations in redemption, Sacoa will present its range of self-service solutions, including the K4 and K5 kiosks and KwikPay, a mobile payment tool ideal for operators with smaller or route-based locations. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the future of cashless systems with Sacoa!

CALRSBAD, Calif., WINTER HAVEN, Fla. and GOSHEN, N.Y. — The LEGO Group and LEGOLAND Resorts are teaming up with Merlin’s Magic Wand to gift thousands of LEGOLAND tickets to children and their families facing serious illness, disability, or adversity.

This donation follows the huge success of the first-ever global LEGO Festival, the world’s biggest celebration of play, where thousands of families have united across seven LEGOLAND Resorts over six epic weekends to make a Play Pact – a promise to build more, laugh louder, explore endlessly and play always. This global effort has resulted in a commitment of 72,928 Play Pacts which are being turned into 100,000 hours of play for children who need it most.

The LEGO Group and Merlin Entertainments’ LEGOLAND Resorts joined forces to launch the LEGO Festival, the first ever celebration of its kind! It was created to encourage families to play more as research shows 76% of parents¹ believe that children have less time and space to play, which is crucial for creativity and learning, developing social skills and building confidence.

Senior VP LEGOLAND Brand Rebecca Snell said: “Thanks to the thousands of families worldwide making a Play Pact at the LEGO Festival, we are able to create magical moments for children in need, providing precious family time, inspiring creativity, and fuelling fun for everyone.”

“The Play Pact has shown us the incredible power of families coming together through play,” said Head of Merlin’s Magic Wand Alyson Barber. “As a result of the Play Pacts made by families globally during the LEGO Festival, together with the LEGO Group, we’ll gift 100,000 hours of creative play, joy, and unforgettable memories to thousands of children facing serious illness, disability, or adversity through our Magical Days Out program. It’s more than just fun, it’s hours of connection for families who need it most. Together with our partners, we’re turning play into a powerful force for good.”

Children’s organizations will now be able to apply for complimentary tickets to seven LEGOLAND Resorts, as well as food and travel grants through Merlin’s Magic Wand on behalf of individual families, classes, schools, or groups.

While the mic has dropped on LEGO Festival 2025, the celebration doesn’t stop there. Guests can now head to their nearest LEGOLAND Discovery Center where play will continue to take center stage at the Summer of Play event, plus, LEGOLAND Resorts continue to be the ultimate place to play all year round as families keep building, imagining, and laughing together with an unmissable line-up of seasonal events.

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — PEPPA PIG fans have a new reason to celebrate as Baby Evie makes her official debut at PEPPA PIG Theme Park Florida, PEPPA PIG Theme Park Dallas-Fort Worth, and PEPPA PIG World of Play locations in Michigan, Chicago and Dallas.

Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig, George, Evie and Peppa posed for a new family photo to mark the special moment and welcome the newest arrival. Baby Evie will accompany her family during meet-and-greets throughout the day inviting young fans to wave, giggle, and capture a sweet photo together.

PEPPA PIG Theme Parks are immersive destinations designed especially for kids six and under. Families can step into the playful world of PEPPA PIG and spend the entire day exploring gentle rides, themed play areas, live shows and character meet-and-greets. Each Park is a Certified Autism Center, offering inclusive and accessible experiences for all guests. PEPPA PIG World of Play features themed play zones, hands-on activities and character interactions, perfect for a few hours of indoor fun.

Merlin Entertainments, a global leader in location-based entertainment, and Hasbro, a leading games, IP and toy company, continue to grow the PEPPA PIG brand around the world. The arrival of Baby Evie follows the recent opening of the LEGO® DUPLO® Peppa Pig Playground at LEGOLAND® New York Resort. The new playground merges the popular world of PEPPA PIG with the LEGO DUPLO universe in a play area spanning more than 13,000 square feet. Fans can also find PEPPA PIG branded experiences at PEPPA PIG Lands in Gardaland and Heide Park, PEPPA PIG Theme Park in Gunzberg, Germany and PEPPA PIG World of Play in Shanghai and Leidschendam.