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The Travel Mom

A Traveling Mom's Tips for Trips

Summer Is Here and Theme Parks Are Hoping

Summer is here and theme parks are hopping. My 17 year-old son is a true adrenaline junkie and a lover of thrill rides. I also have twin five-year-old nieces who are looking for fun that doesn’t involve a coaster. This summer there is something for all of them at theme parks across the country, and Southwest Airlines can get your family there with an affordable airfare and lots of flights to pick from. Here is a sampling of what to expect:

Southern California is known for the sun and surf but it is also home to a wide variety of theme parks. Remember the Shamu plane from Southwest? Now there is even more than killer whales at Sea World. Sea World San Diego has teamed up with Sesame Street to create the “Bay of Play” with a massive kid-friendly environment that incorporates that classic television characters with marine life making the park even more inviting for little ones. Young kids also love Legoland in Carlsbad (fly into either San Diego or Orange County on Southwest for this one). The entire park is themed from Legos and this summer they will open the “SeaLife Aquarium” where kids can get up close and learn all about California’s water world.

Down the road in Anaheim, Disneyland is celebrating the opening of “Toy Story Mania.” Indiana Jones fans can enjoy an immersive experience at the park and “Playhouse Disney” comes to life at Disney’s California Adventure. Thrill seekers can visit Knott’s Berry Farm and tackle the “Pony Express Coaster” or dare to ride the newly re-launched “X2” at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia. Universal Studios Hollywood presents “The Simpson’s Ride” for virtual reality lovers. Southwest makes it easy to visit all of the Southern California theme parks with flights into Burbank, LAX, Orange County, and San Diego.

Williamsburg, Virginia is also a huge family favorite with lots to choose from. A short drive from Southwest-served Norfolk, animal lovers and adrenaline junkies will have plenty to choose from. Jack Hannah and other animal ambassadors will participate in “Go Wild” at Busch Gardens Europe and music fans can rock to a nighttime concert series. Water Country USA will debut “Rock N Roll Island” with three slides, a lazy river, and children’s attraction all themed with rock and roll culture from the 1950s and 1960s. Great Wolf Lodge allows people to stay where they play with indoor/outdoor waterparks attached to the hotel. The “Howlin’ Tornado” sends guests on a six story slide into the mouth of a swirling tornado. There is an arcade and kids’ spa once everyone becomes water logged.

Rock and Roll seems to be a trend this summer with theme parks, and the Hard Rock has opened the world’s first Rock-n-Roll amusement park. Fly Southwest into Raleigh/Durham, drive to Myrtle Beach, and experience a 140-acre, music inspired extravaganza. There are thrilling rides and attractions as well as live performances featuring music, stunts, and an ice show.

Cedar Point in Ohio is consistently ranked one of the top theme parks in the world. This summer there will be even more to choose from with four new shows, a children’s play area called “Planet Snoopy,” and seventeen different coasters. When folks are ready to cool off, head down from Cleveland to Geaugua Lake’s Wildwater Kingdom where there are 17 acres of family-friendly water fun to explore.

Another popular destination for theme park fun is Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. A 30 minute drive from Spokane, this Silverwood Theme Park is adding another rollercoaster to their existing 65 rides and attractions. “Aftershock” will open in July, and the 191-foot tall ride soars through loops and inverts at speeds of up to 65 miles per hour. This is the Northwest’s largest park and has been in operation for 21 seasons. Just outside Boise, Idaho, is Roaring Springs Water Park where families can get wet with a new tube slide or stay dry in luxury cabanas by the pool.

Orlando continues to be an amazing family-friendly city and this summer there is even more fun to be had. Sea World has opened a massive water park called Aquatica that adds to their already amazing Discovery Cove and Sea World Park. Universal Studios Orlando debuted “The Simpson’s Ride” that is a trip through Springfield on a virtual reality experience. Walt Disney World will present “Toy Story Mania” where the famous characters come to life. There is something new for everyone to experience in Orlando, and Southwest teams up with many of the theme parks to make it even easier to create a vacation experience for your family.

As you can see, there are parks across the country that offer something for everyone. There are animal encounters, water rides, thrill attractions, and a host of shows to choose from. Happy travels this summer!