The 10 Best New Theme Park Attractions to Put on Your 2026 Family Bucket List

As winter break wraps up and families begin dreaming about warmer days, many parents start mapping out the year’s adventures. For thrill-loving kids—and parents who enjoy a good scream—theme parks often top the list. And while Disney will always have its place, there are exciting new attractions popping up all across the country that are well worth a look.

A recent nationwide reader vote highlighted the best new theme park attractions to debut over the past year and a half. From record-breaking roller coasters to immersive water rides, these experiences are already shaping travel plans for spring and summer 2026.

Here’s a family-friendly look at the top ten new attractions making waves—and where to find them.

The Top New Theme Park Attractions for 2026

10. Conservation Tower — Zoombezi Bay (Ohio)

Part thrill ride, part nature experience, this water attraction sends riders swirling through giant spiral slides and halfpipes inspired by wildlife habitats. It’s a standout for families looking to cool off while still getting a rush.

9. Twizzlers Twisted Gravity — Hersheypark (Pennsylvania)

This towering pendulum ride swings guests high above the park, offering sweeping views—if riders can bring themselves to open their eyes. It’s bold, fast, and not for the faint of heart.

8. Georgia Gold Rusher — Six Flags Over Georgia

This high-speed roller coaster mixes sharp twists, drops, and water features, making it a favorite for families visiting during hot Southern summers.

7. Dawn Breaker — Kalahari Resort Sandusky (Ohio)

Designed for two riders at a time, this boomerang-style water slide creates moments of weightlessness as it launches guests through dramatic curves and plunges.

6. Top Thrill 2 — Cedar Point (Ohio)

A reimagined thrill ride, this coaster features a powerful triple launch and holds the title for the fastest backward launch in the world. It’s a must for serious coaster fans.

5. Wrath of Rakshasa — Six Flags Great America (Illinois)

This record-setting coaster boasts the steepest drop and the most inversions of any ride currently operating, making it a standout for adrenaline seekers.

4. Siren’s Curse — Cedar Point (Ohio)

This dramatic tilt coaster slowly tips riders forward before plunging into a series of twists and inversions, delivering suspense before the thrill even begins.

3. Rapterra — Kings Dominion (Virginia)

Stretching over 3,000 feet, this launched wing coaster gives riders the sensation of flying, earning its reputation as one of the tallest and longest of its kind.

2. The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge — Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Virginia)

This family-friendly coaster blends storytelling with thrills and features a lower height requirement, making it accessible for younger riders. Night rides add an extra layer of magic.

1. Fire Runner — Lost Island Themepark (Iowa)

Taking the top spot, Fire Runner is the Midwest’s first single-rail roller coaster. With lava-themed obstacles, multiple inversions, and a smooth, fast ride, it proves you don’t have to visit a mega-park to experience world-class thrills.

A Big Win for Smaller Parks

While many of the top attractions are found at well-known destinations like Six Flags and Busch Gardens, this year’s top honor went to a regional park. Lost Island Themepark’s Fire Runner shows that innovation and excitement aren’t limited to the biggest names in the industry.

For families looking to try something new without the crowds of larger parks, smaller destinations can deliver unforgettable experiences.

Ohio Takes Center Stage

One surprising takeaway from this year’s rankings: Ohio is home to four of the top ten attractions. Cedar Point alone landed two major entries, reinforcing its reputation as a must-visit destination for thrill seekers. With additional standout rides in Sandusky and at Zoombezi Bay, Ohio is shaping up to be a major theme park hub for 2026.

Planning Your Next Playcation

Whether your family loves high-speed coasters, immersive storytelling, or water rides that beat the heat, this year’s top new attractions offer something for every kind of adventurer.

As you plan trips for the year ahead, consider branching out beyond your usual destinations—you may discover your family’s new favorite theme park along the way.