California theme parks are launching new attractions, events, and special offers for visitors this summer. Parks across the state are extending their hours and adding new entertainment options.
At SeaWorld San Diego, the Jewels of the Sea: Jellyfish Experience opened earlier this spring. The exhibit features jellyfish displays in three galleries, including an 18-foot-tall jelly cylinder and a “touchable globe.” The Journey to Atlantis log ride is scheduled to reopen with updated scenery and a new storyline later this summer. Weekend events through June 22 include appearances by Baby Shark and Pinkfong. The 2025 Summer Spectacular Concert Series will take place every Saturday night from June 21 through August 23 at the Bayside Amphitheater.
Sesame Place San Diego in Chula Vista opens its water park section on May 10, followed by themed weekends such as Sesame Summer Splash and character meet-and-greets. Events run through September 1.
Disneyland Resort in Anaheim marks its 70th anniversary with celebrations starting May 16. Special decorations, limited-edition merchandise, themed food offerings, and a new song performed by the Jonas Brothers are part of the festivities. Updated attractions include It’s a Small World and Toy Story Midway Mania. The Paint the Night Parade returns along with other shows. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure debuts as a reimagined log ride. On July 17, Disneyland introduces Walt Disney—A Magical Life at the Main Street Opera House. Admission deals are available throughout spring and summer.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk offers free admission year-round, drone shows over the beach beginning May 17, free movies every Friday from June 13 to August 8, luaus on July 11 and July 25, live entertainment during Evenings on the Colonnade (June 16–August 7), half-price wristbands after 5 p.m., and discounted arcade games in the mornings.
LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad starts its summer season on May 3 with LEGO Festival activities included with regular admission until June 8. The LEGOLAND Driving School reopens May 21 with a redesigned track. Seasonal events include the LEGO World Parade starting June 21 and Red, White & Boom! over July Fourth weekend. A Summer Play Pass provides unlimited access to both LEGOLAND California and SEA LIFE Aquarium through September for $129—the cost of one regular ticket.
California’s Great America in Santa Clara will feature fireworks during holiday weekends, Peanuts-themed dance parties throughout summer, car shows over Labor Day Weekend, and free entry to South Bay Shores water park with theme park admission starting May 24. Online tickets begin at $42; season passes start at $85; military personnel can get free or discounted tickets over Memorial Day weekend.
San Diego’s Belmont Park celebrates its centennial this year; its Giant Dipper roller coaster has been refreshed for the occasion. Centennial merchandise is available all summer alongside chances to win lifetime passes.
Gilroy Gardens celebrates its own milestone—its twenty-fifth anniversary—with historical exhibits this spring featuring mascots like Gilbert “Gil” Garlic. From June through early July it hosts Cherry Jubilee focused on entertainment themed around cherries.
Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park brings back Knott’s Summer Nights festival (June–September) alongside Ghost Town Alive! Camp Snoopy has been revamped recently; hotel packages offer added value for guests wishing to stay overnight.
Universal Studios Hollywood holds Universal Fan Fest Nights until May 18 focusing on sci-fi/gaming attractions such as Star Trek or SUPER NINTENDO WORLD after hours plus exclusive merchandise opportunities. Universal Mega Movie Summer begins June 13 celebrating anniversaries of Jaws (1975) & Back to the Future (1985). Character appearances from Wicked accompany enhanced effects for Jurassic World–The Ride—a nod toward Jurassic World Rebirth out this summer—and special ticket packages offer discounts when purchased before mid-August for use before December 17.
Six Flags Magic Mountain expands DC Heroes & Villains Fest Fridays/Saturdays through late July while debuting upgrades next door at Hurricane Harbor water park opening May 24—including refreshed slides/dining areas/cabanas/volcano effects—as well as Pride event Out on the Mountain August 22.
Pacific Park on Santa Monica Pier hosts Pier 360 Beach Festival end of June plus ocean sports competitions/music/food during that weekend; Pacific Wheel lights up red-white-blue for Independence Day festivities afterward.
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo replaces fireworks with a drone show for Star-Spangled Nights out of consideration for resident wildlife while continuing animal encounter tours—all animals housed there have been deemed unable to survive in nature—and military discounts apply Memorial Day weekend at Six Flags-affiliated parks statewide.
