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Author: amusementtoday

Lake Compounce receives official Connecticut General Assembly citation for 180th Anniversary

Lake Compounce was recently presented with an Official Citation from the Connecticut General Assembly in recognition of its 180th Anniversary as America’s First Amusement Park and the oldest continuously operating amusement park in the United States. The citation, presented by Senator Henry Martin and members of the Connecticut General Assembly, recognizes Lake Compounce’s enduring role […]

Storm topples historic Eli wheel in Ohio

GENEVA-ON-THE-LAKE, Ohio — The historic Eli Bridge Co. Ferris wheel at Old Firehouse Winery was toppled Sunday afternoon (June 14) when a violent storm swept in from Lake Erie. No injuries were reported at the lakefront property. Located on the winery’s Sunset Patio, the #5 Big Eli wheel was originally purchased in 1956 as a […]

Fort Wayne Zoo to welcome Bald Eagle in patriotic summer debut

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Fort Wayne Zoo is proud to announce the upcoming arrival of two North American bald eagles, offering guests a rare opportunity to see one of the nation’s most iconic species up close. In the coming weeks, the Zoo plans to unveil “a living example of one the nation’s most majestic […]

Six Flags parks in 12 states from coast-to-coast celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary with spectacular fireworks, festive eats, historic thrills and patriotic summer fun

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, North America’s largest regional amusement park operator, today announced a summertime celebration honoring 250 years of American history, culture and community with stunning fireworks, immersive décor, limited-time food and beverages, guest participation experiences, a vast collection of historic thrill rides, and exclusive perks in 17 U.S. amusement parks. Stretching from the Atlantic […]

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! World Entertainment expands Branson footprint with Adventure Seekers acquisition

ORLANDO — Ripley’s Believe It or Not! World Entertainment is excited to announce the acquisition of the Adventure Seekers and FlyRide® attraction in Branson, Missouri. The popular local attraction is now officially part of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! World Entertainment, bringing even more family-centered fun to the entertainment capital oftheOzarks. Adventure Seekers is a favorite […]

Six Flags Great America’s 50th Anniversary celebration kicks off June 20

GURNEE, Ill. — Six Flags Great America is set to launch its highly anticipated 50th Anniversary Celebration beginning June 20 through Aug. 9, bringing guests a summer filled with new entertainment, limited‑time flavors, and immersive experiences honoring five decades of thrills. “Celebrating 50 years is an incredible milestone for Six Flags Great America,” said John Krajnak, Park President of […]

Mammoth-sized summer kicks off at Fun-Plex!

OMAHA, Neb. — Summer is in full swing as Nebraska’s largest waterpark and rides swoops into Mid-June 2026! This year, Fun-Plex is invites guests to rediscover everything the park has become with a simple challenge: Fun-Plex & Find Out! Whether you were here last summer or haven’t visited in years, 2026 brings fresh reasons to […]

Northern Lights Recreation FEC schedules grand opening of Adventure Golf & Sports-designed Mini Golf Course July 5 – 12

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — During July 5 – 12, the Northern Lights Recreation Family Entertainment Center (FEC) in Harbor Springs, Michigan, will conduct the grand opening of their first mini golf course which was designed and built by Adventure Golf & Sports (AGS). It will be the feature outdoor attraction at “Rocky’s Beer Garden,” which is among several other attractions […]

Universal Orlando Resort to debut new nighttime spectacular, “Universal Celestial Goodnight” at Universal Epic Universe Starting July 7

ORLANDO — This summer, Universal Orlando Resort will invite guests to cap off their day of world-class thrills at the groundbreaking Universal Epic Universe theme park with a new nighttime spectacular,Universal Celestial Goodnight. Running nightly beginning Tuesday, July 7, the must-see show will envelop all of Celestial Park into a captivating display of dancing fountains, breathtaking lighting […]

Dollywood extends public employee appreciation days offer to celebrate America’s Veterans, first responders and teachers

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — One of Dollywood’s long-standing promotions has been extended into the summer to thank those who work tirelessly each day to serve our country and communities. Dollywood’s Public Employee Appreciation Days has been a popular promotion this season, with qualifying guests from across the country taking advantage of this special offer. In honor of […]

Family Entertainment Group, LLC appoints industry veteran Nick DiMatteo, ICAE as senior vice president, equipment operations & strategy

ITASCA, Ill. — Family Entertainment Group, LLC FEG, one of the nation’s premier operators of family entertainment centers, today announced the appointment of Nick DiMatteo, ICAE as Senior Vice President, Equipment Operations & Strategy. DiMatteo brings more than 25 years of amusement and entertainment industry experience and will join the company on June 8, 2026. […]

Family Entertainment Group, LLC welcomes Jason Clark as Chief Financial Officer

ITASCA, Ill. — Family Entertainment Group, LLC FEG, one of the nation’s premier operators of family entertainment centers, today announced the appointment of Jason Clark as Chief Financial Officer, effective May 26, 2026. Clark brings deep financial leadership experience across the restaurant, hospitality, and entertainment industries, and joins FEG at a moment of significant organizational […]

Legendary Wisconsin-grown Chef Sandra Lee to visit Wisconsin State Fair

WEST ALLIS, Wis. — In conjunction with the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America and the 261st Anniversary of the First American Fair in Pennsylvania in 1765, Sandra Lee and the International Association of Fairs & Expositions (IAFE) will embark on a “Best in Fair” Tour of America’s beloved Fairs, highlighting the economic influence and cultural relevance […]

A star-spangled summer awaits during Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration presented by Food City (June 15- Aug. 2) returns this summer with high-energy entertainment, family fun and a patriotic flair as America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday. From a dazzling drone and fireworks spectacular to mouthwatering culinary items and festive Americana-themed décor and merchandise, Dollywood once […]

Brogent unveils ‘R-Ride’ at IAAPA Asia, announcing powerful Japanese IP alliances and 5 Southeast Asian projects

Brogent Technologies Inc. presented its latest portfolio of innovations at IAAPA Expo Asia 2026, showcasing next-generation ride systems, expanded content experiences, and a strategic collaboration with one of Japan’s most iconic intellectual properties. At the forefront of the presentation, Brogent debuted its latest innovation, R-Ride, a motion theater equipped with a 360-degree panoramic screen, advanced […]

Gardaland Resort kicks off the summer with the opening of Legoland Water Park Gardaland

LEGOLAND Water Park Gardaland reopens until 13 September, launching the summer season at Gardaland Resort. The LEGO-themed water park has no parallel in Italy, a place where LEGO bricks take centre stage in an immersive experience for all generations. Covering an area of 15,000 m2, LEGOLAND Water Park is an unforgettable day out for everyone, […]

Fort Wayne Zoo honors service members with Military Appreciation Weekend

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — In honor of Flag Day, the Fort Wayne Zoo is proud to host Military Appreciation Weekend this Saturday, June 13, through Sunday, June 14, offering free admission to all active duty and retired military personnel in honor of their service and sacrifice. Military personnel can also bring up to three guests […]

World’s Largest Rubber Duck lands at Holiday World

SANTA CLAUS, Ind. — Mama Duck, a 60-foot-tall Rubber Duck, has landed at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari and is already making waves. Flanked by her smaller rubber duck friends, the World’s Largest Rubber Duck will be nested on the beach of Bahari Wave Pool daily through June 21, weather permitting. “She’s a sight to behold,” […]

FACE Amusement Group opens “Guy Fieri’s Downtown Flavortown” in Myrtle Beach, SC

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — FACE Amusement Group today announced the official opening of Guy Fieri’s Downtown Flavortown at the Myrtle Beach Mall, bringing a 50,000-square-foot dining and entertainment destination to the country’s most popular coastal markets. Developed in partnership with Emmy Award-winning chef and television personality Guy Fieri, the Myrtle Beach location expands on the success of the brand’s flagship in Pigeon Forge. The venue transforms […]

Play Playground Nashville unveils new patriotic sips, beverage specials for June, July in “Playmaker’s Pour” cocktail program

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Play Playground Nashville, the most playful social game experience and bar located just off downtown’s Broadway, announces new patriotic cocktails and beverage specials available in June and July. As part of its brand-new “Playmaker’s Pour” monthly cocktail program, players are invited to find their flavor, raise a glass and play their way. Designed to complement […]

Six Flags Great Adventure celebrates Wild Safari baby boom, offers more time for summer fun

JACKSON, N.J. — This summer, guests visiting Six Flags Great Adventure will discover plenty of new reasons to explore, from adorable animal arrivals in Wild Safari to additional opportunities to enjoy rides and attractions after dark. Wild Safari is celebrating a season of new life with the arrival of several animal babies, including Mina, a female giraffe calf born May […]

Universal Studios Hollywood commemorates America’s 250th anniversary with a 4th of July celebration featuring a dazzling new fireworks display, live performances and festive decor, all included with theme park admission

Universal Studios Hollywood celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary with an elaborate fireworks display, live performances, themed décor and more. All festivities are included with Theme Park Admission. Guests are welcome to join Universal Studios Hollywood in this star-spangled celebration of Independence Day on July 3rd and 4th. Indulge in limited time treats at participating CityWalk locations and experience […]

Brogent’s new facility powers theme park innovation and production capacity

Brogent Technologies has officially inaugurated the new Ciaotou Science Park Branch in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, marking a major milestone in the company’s global expansion strategy for immersive entertainment and amusement ride systems. The facility serves as an advanced hub for research, development, manufacturing, system integration, and testing, strengthening Brogent’s end-to-end capabilities for the global attractions industry.  “The Ciaotou Science Park facility is far more than a conventional manufacturing plant,” said Chih-Hung Ouyang, Chairman of Brogent Technologies. “It is […]

Amusement Today welcomes industry veteran Eric Fluet to publication

ARLINGTON, Texas — Amusement Today is pleased to welcome Eric Fluet to its team. A respected marketing and business development professional with more than 30 years of experience in the amusement and attractions industry, Fluet brings a unique combination of operational expertise, strategic marketing insight, and relationship-building skills to the organization. With two decades of […]

Attraktion! celebrates the sold-out opening of Querion Hypermedia Entertainment Park in Piechowice, Poland

VIENNA, Austria — Attraktion! celebrates the sold-out opening weekend of Querion Hypermedia Entertainment Park in Piechowice, Poland. Located between Szklarska Poręba and Jelenia Góra in the heart of the Karkonosze region, Querion introduces a year-round, all-weather entertainment destination for families, tourists, groups and event audiences. Developed by hotel operator Górskie Resorty together with Attraktion!, Querion […]

A summer full of new blockbuster action and cinematic magic — Movie Park Germany kicks off the high season of its 30th anniversary

BOTTROP-KIRCHHELLEN — Movie Park Germany is kicking off production for a cinematic anniversary summer! As the peak season begins on the Hollywood set and vacation time approaches, Germany’s largest film and theme park is elevating its entertainment experience and event lineup. New highlights—including the “Movie Park’s Summer Nights” events, the new magic show “100 Years Houdini” […]

Europa-Park is the fastest growing independent theme park in the Western hemisphere, according to Forbes Magazine

A study by the Themed Entertainment Association, highlighted in a recent article in Forbes Magazine, names Europa-Park as “the fastest-growing non-Disney/non-Universal park in the Western hemisphere.” The study aanalysedvisitor growth between 2005 and 2024 in the world’s 25 most visited theme parks.   A surprising name on that list is Europa-Park Resort in Germany. In fact, […]

Looney Tunes Land now open at Six Flags Magic Mountain 

LOS ANGELES — Six Flags Magic Mountain is excited to announce that  Looney Tunes™ Land, a uniquely themed area with loveable characters, is now open. The refreshed family-friendly area has been reimagined where the timeless fun of Looney Tunes comes to life. Developed in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences and designed for young adventurers and families alike, Looney Tunes Land brings together colorful environments, playful attractions, and beloved characters for an […]

Dorney Park welcomes more than 4,600 local children and family members for Annual Day Of Giving

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom welcomed more than 4,600 children and family members to the park today as part of its annual Day of Giving, a community initiative that provides complimentary admission and special experiences for families served by local nonprofit organizations. Through the program, Dorney Park donated more than 4,600 tickets to families participating […]

FractaVisual appoints Phil Wilson as director of global partnerships and marketing

ORLANDO — FractaVisual  has announced the hiring of Phil Wilson as Director of Global Partnerships and Marketing. In this role, Wilson will lead the firm’s partnership development and growth as well as the creation and execution of its global marketing strategy. Wilson comes to FractaVisual with more than 30 years of experience in marketing, development and sales […]

Enchanted Forest Water Safari opens for 70th anniversary season on Wednesday June 10

OLD FORGE, N.Y. — Enchanted Forest Water Safari, New York’s largest water theme park, will open for its 70th anniversary season on Wednesday, June 10. Water Safari Resort is best known as a vacation tradition for families and this summer, guests of all ages are invited to come discover what’s new and enjoy the classic rides and attractions that have delighted millions for generations.   New this year, the fun-filled Paul Bunyan’s Log Haul […]

Six Flags Great Adventure announces new parade, summer events and experiences

JACKSON, N.J. — From the debut of Shoreline Pier at The Boardwalk and a new twice-daily parade to seasonal festivals, wildlife encounters and major construction milestones, Six Flags Great Adventure is introducing even more experiences for guests to enjoy throughout Summer 2026. Highlights include:   “Many guests know us for our rides, but this summer there’s even more to experience […]

Legoland California Resort kicks off the global soccer celebration with a Lego SoFi Stadium transformation

CARLSBAD, Calif. — With global soccer fever in full swing, LEGOLAND® California Resort is bringing the excitement to MINILAND USA with a special soccer takeover of its iconic LEGO® SoFi Stadium, the largest LEGO stadium in the world.  The brick-built replica has been transformed with thousands of additional LEGO elements, including soccer players and match-day details that capture […]

Six Flags introduces Flexible Membership Program at six additional parks, redefining how guests experience multi-park fun year round

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: FUN), North America’s largest regional amusement park operator, today announced the expansion of its Membership program at six additional parks beginning June 8, offering guests a more flexible, value-driven way to enjoy their favorite destinations throughout the year. Additionally, all Gold Memberships include access to a designated group of parks […]

Slick City Action Park names Josh Cole chief marketing officer

CHESTERFIELD, Mo. — Slick City Action Park, the world’s first indoor slide and action park featuring proprietary dry-slide technology, today announced the appointment of Josh Cole as its first Chief Marketing Officer. Cole joins the company’s executive leadership team as Slick City continues its rapid expansion across North America and internationally, with 40 parks now open and […]

Fort Wayne Zoo welcomes California Sea Lion, Quinty

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Fort Wayne Zoo is excited to announce the arrival of a female California sea lion named Quinty. Quinty arrived at the Zoo on June 2, 2026, at 9:10 a.m., as guests were able to see the exclusive transport process when she arrived from an institution accredited by the Association of Zoos […]

More water, more jungle and more thrills: this is what the new experiences at PortAventura World will be like

PortAventura World will expand its family leisure offering in 2026 with the addition of “Coral Bay, La Leyenda Perdida”, a new family zone at Caribe Aquatic Park, and “Makamanu Jungle, The Adventure Trek”, an open-air adventure experience among walkways, tunnels and greenery in the Polynesia area of PortAventura Park. Both additions will strengthen the resort’s offering with new […]

Idlewild & SoakZone launches all new event: Spookley’s Summer Celebration

LIGONIER, Pa. — Idlewild & SoakZone invites families to celebrate what makes everyone unique during the first-ever Spookley’s Summer Celebration, taking place Fridays through Sundays from June 5 through June 21.  Featuring Spookley the Square Pumpkin, the all-new family event brings Spookley’s story to life in a whole new way through interactive activities, dance parties, bubble-filled fun, and special character experiences designed especially for […]

Splish Splash celebrates Kids Fest every weekend in June

It’s a great time to be a kid at Splish Splash Water Park on Long Island! Every single weekend in June, New York’s Largest Water Park will welcome families to its pint-sized party, Kids Fest. The family-filled event begins Saturday, June 6 and will run every Saturday and Sunday through June 28. Families will be delighted by meet […]

Lake Compounce introduces largest Kids Fest lineup ever

BRISTOL, Conn. — Lake Compounce, The Official Park of Family Fun, is making June bigger, brighter, and more memorable for families with its largest Kids Fest celebration ever. Taking over the park every Saturday and Sunday in June, this month-long event transforms weekends into a full-on pint-sized party, complete with beloved character meet and greets, themed treats, […]

H. Betti Industries, Inc. announces appointment of Michael Arnone as senior marketing director

CARLSTADT, N.J. — H. Betti Industries, Inc. today announced the appointment of Michael Arnone as Senior Director of Marketing. Arnone brings more than 20 years of experience building brands, strengthening customer engagement, and aligning marketing to business performance across global and multi-division organizations. His background spans brand strategy, digital transformation, lead generation, and sales enablement, […]

Six Flags Fiesta Texas unleashes Werewolf Gorge, the world’s longest family launch roller coaster

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Six Flags Fiesta Texas today announced Werewolf Gorge, a first-of-its-kind family launch roller coaster that delivers record-breaking thrills, immersive storytelling and a dynamic multi-generational experience unlike anything else in the world. Combining a unique mix of ride elements not found together on a single attraction — including four launches, a mid-course rollback and a 39-inch height requirement — […]