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New Rides and Attractions at New Jersey Amusement Parks

1. The Flash: Vertical Velocity at Six Flags Great Adventure – Jackson

Strap in and get ready for speed! The Flash: Vertical Velocity is a first-of-its-kind, triple-launch, super boomerang coaster that races forward and backward at 59 miles per hour through a 180-degree twisted drop and zero-G roll. After a brief pause, you'll race backward in the opposite direction, as you go upside down nearly 100 feet in the air.

2. Splash Island at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor – Jackson

Little ones aren't left out of the action here. They can prepare to get fabulously wet at Splash Island, a family-friendly, tree-house play structure set to open in May at Six Flags' water park, which brings with it 14 new slides geared toward little splash-seekers.

3. Savannah Sunset Resort and Spa at Six Flags Wild Safari – Jackson

If you need more than one day to fit in the new attractions at New Jersey's Six Flags theme parks, consider this the answer! This unique glamping resort promises an overnight stay within the Wild Safari park. Enjoy premium views of the landscape and animals, on-site breakfast, daily giraffe feedings, and park tickets. Guests must be at least 5 years old to stay.

4. Spinning Coaster at the Steel Pier – Atlantic City

Park-goers may have said goodbye to Crazy Mouse, but this summer they can say hello to a brand-new spinning coaster at AC's Steel Pier positioned right next to the water. Specific details are forthcoming, but we know it'll be a wild and dizzy ride!

5. Kiddie Rides at Diggerland USA – West Berlin

Diggerland USA spent its offseason adding some new options for children under 36 inches who can walk and sit unassisted. The Elevation Station is a diamond plate deck that raises nearly 60 feet in the air. Kids can also climb aboard the Excavator Express, a train pulled by a Kubota Tractor, and the Crazy Cranes allow little ones to pick up and move shapes with joystick controls.

6. New Slides at Breakwater Beach – Seaside Heights

Prepare to get wet at this Breakwater Beach attraction, which includes a set of twisting, turning, tube water slides that dump guests into a pool for a cool finish.

Pennsylvania Amusement Parks with New Rides and Attractions

7. 123 Playground at Sesame Place – Langhorne

This spring, Sesame Place debuts its 123 Playground where little ones can climb, jump, and run in this colorful play zone. Expect shady spots to relax, slides, interactive panels, and soft play mounds. Additionally, the park is renovating its beloved Sunny Day Carousel and relocating it to Sesame Plaza.

8. Iron Menace at Dorney Park – Allentown

Love big drops? Then climb aboard the Iron Menace at Dorney Park, where riders climb to a height of 160 feet before dangling face down and then dropping at a 95-degree angle—which is basically straight down. And if that weren't enough, you'll swing through four inversions and the world's first tilted loop on a dive coaster.

New Rides and Attractions at New York Amusement Parks

9. The Minifigure Skyflyer at Legoland – Goshen

Legoland is making it more fun to travel between themed lands of the park aboard its Minifigure Skyflyer, which is slated for a summer opening. The gondola-style ride gives guests a bird's eye view of the park while they enjoy in-flight interactive features. Make a visit a vacation with an overnight at the on-site Legoland New York Hotel.

10. Jack the Puppeteer at Playland Park – Rye

If your family loves spinning rides, you'll definitely want to meet Jack the Puppeteer at Playland Park. Go on a whimsical adventure as Jack spins you round-and-round, while you ride in windup toy-themed gondolas.

11. Jr. Pirate Ship and Moon Chaser at Adventureland – Farmingdale

Long Island's Adventureland is a local favorite and the best news of all is, it's growing. The park just broke ground on a five-year expansion plan that adds 10 percent to its footprint and promises a new water ride in 2025, the Wave Twister. If you can't wait that long to visit, take note: There are two new additions for this summer's season. It debuts a brand-new Junior Pirate Ship, so little ones can experience the classic swinging pendulum ride on a ship that's just their size. Big kids and thrill-seekers can climb aboard the topsy-turvy Moon Chaser, an inversion ride soaring up to 45 feet into the air and featuring a water element. 

12. The Bobcat at Six Flags Great Escape – Queensbury

Six Flags Great Escape is keeping it old-school with a classic wooden coaster dubbed The Bobcat. The ride does embrace modern innovations like comfortable trains, tighter turns, and big thrills. Riders reach 40 miles per hour and must be just 42 inches to ride, so even younger children can enjoy this exhilarating ride.

13. Rip Van Racer at Zoom Flume – East Durham

On your mark, get set, slide at this brand-new attraction at Zoom Flume Water Park in Upstate New York. You'll need a buddy to race down the 316-foot-long twin mat slides with a total drop of 35.6 feet and plenty of twists and turns.

Photos courtesy of the theme parks