San Antonio, December 21, 2025
San Antonio is preparing for a surge of new theme parks and attractions, which are set to enhance tourism and entertainment options for both residents and visitors. Major developments include the Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, the world’s tallest dive coaster at Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington, and various family-friendly rides at SeaWorld San Antonio. These attractions aim to boost the local economy through job creation and tourist engagement, showcasing Texas’ innovative spirit and commitment to family entertainment.
Exciting New Theme Parks Set to Open in Texas in 2026
San Antonio is gearing up for an exciting influx of theme parks and attractions in 2026, bringing new entertainment options to residents and visitors alike. These developments symbolize Texas’ commitment to enhancing its tourism sector and showcasing the innovative spirit of local entrepreneurs.
The introduction of these notable attractions is anticipated to have a significant positive impact on the local economy, reinforcing the idea that entrepreneurship and investment are key to community growth. As these parks and rides come to life, the potential for job creation and increased tourism in Texas continues to flourish.
Universal Kids Resort in Frisco
The much-anticipated Universal Kids Resort is currently under construction in Frisco, Texas. Expected to open in May 2026, this 32-acre children’s theme park and entertainment resort will be the sixth Universal Studios Resort globally, with Frisco marking its third location in the United States. The park promises to delight young visitors with themed areas dedicated to popular franchises such as Gabby’s Dollhouse, Trolls, Shrek, Puss in Boots, Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Despicable Me.
Six Flags Over Texas’ Tormenta Rampaging Run
In Arlington, Six Flags Over Texas is poised to unveil the Tormenta Rampaging Run, an exhilarating new dive coaster set to break records upon its launch in 2026. This ride will hold the titles for the tallest, fastest, and longest dive coaster in the world, featuring a staggering height of 309 feet, a thrilling 285-foot drop, and speeds reaching 87 mph. Additionally, it will anchor a new themed area called Rancho de la Tormenta, recreating an immersive Spanish village experience within the park.
SeaWorld San Antonio’s Barracuda Strike
SeaWorld San Antonio is also making headlines with the upcoming Barracuda Strike, Texas’ first inverted family coaster, scheduled for spring 2026. This ride will deliver high-speed thrills suitable for guests of all ages, complete with sharp turns, dramatic drops, and the unique sensation of gliding above the park’s iconic water ski lake. This addition will mark the eighth coaster in SeaWorld San Antonio’s lineup, emphasizing the park’s focus on family-friendly experiences in recent years.
Dig World Adventure Park in Grapevine
Another exciting attraction on the horizon is Dig World, a construction-themed adventure park set to open its second location at Grapevine Mills mall in early 2026. The park aims to offer a hands-on experience through trick-shot stations and interactive challenges designed in collaboration with Dude Perfect, appealing to visitors of all ages and encouraging creative engagement.
Morgan’s Wonderland’s WingZ Ride
Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio will introduce the WingZ ride in the 2026 season, a first-of-its-kind accessible tower ride. Discerningly designed at 39 feet tall, it will allow guests to control their ascent by flapping their arms in front of a motion-sensor camera. This innovative approach ensures an inclusive experience for all visitors, aligning with the park’s commitment to accessibility and engagement.
Background Context
The emergence of these attractions underscores a noteworthy trend of investment in Texas’ entertainment and tourism sectors. As theme parks and amusement attractions spring up, they not only provide diverse experiences for families but also contribute to the local economy’s vitality and growth.
Key Features of Upcoming Texas Theme Parks and Attractions in 2026
| Attraction | Location | Opening Date | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universal Kids Resort | Frisco, Texas | May 2026 | 32-acre children’s theme park with themed areas based on popular franchises such as Gabby’s Dollhouse, Trolls, Shrek, Puss in Boots, Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Despicable Me. |
| Tormenta Rampaging Run | Arlington, Texas | 2026 | Record-breaking dive coaster at Six Flags Over Texas, featuring a 309-foot height, a 285-foot drop, and speeds up to 87 mph. Anchors a new themed area called Rancho de la Tormenta. |
| Barracuda Strike | San Antonio, Texas | Spring 2026 | Texas’ first inverted family coaster at SeaWorld San Antonio, offering high-speed thrills for guests of all ages, featuring sharp turns, dramatic drops, and the sensation of gliding above the park’s iconic water ski lake. |
| Dig World Adventure Park | Grapevine, Texas | Early 2026 | Construction-themed adventure park at Grapevine Mills mall, featuring trick-shot stations and interactive challenges designed with Dude Perfect, offering a hands-on experience for visitors of all ages. |
| WingZ Ride | San Antonio, Texas | 2026 Season | First-of-its-kind accessible tower ride at Morgan’s Wonderland, allowing guests to control their ascent by flapping their arms in front of a motion-sensor camera, providing an inclusive experience for all visitors. |
Conclusion
The upcoming theme parks and attractions set to open in 2026 showcase Texas’ commitment to innovation and family-friendly entertainment. They illustrate a thriving entrepreneurial spirit that contributes significantly to the local economy and community engagement. As San Antonio continues to bolster its standing as a prime destination for tourism, residents are encouraged to support local businesses and stay invested in the region’s growth trajectory.
FAQ
What is Universal Kids Resort?
Universal Kids Resort is a 32-acre children’s theme park and entertainment resort under construction in Frisco, Texas, scheduled to open in May 2026. It will feature themed areas based on popular franchises such as Gabby’s Dollhouse, Trolls, Shrek, Puss in Boots, Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Despicable Me.
What is Tormenta Rampaging Run?
Tormenta Rampaging Run is a record-breaking dive coaster under construction at Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington, set to open in 2026. It will be the tallest, fastest, and longest dive coaster globally, featuring a 309-foot height, a 285-foot drop, and speeds up to 87 mph. The ride will anchor a new themed area called Rancho de la Tormenta, an immersive Spanish village within the park’s existing Spain section.
What is Barracuda Strike?
Barracuda Strike is Texas’ first inverted family coaster planned for SeaWorld San Antonio, set to open in spring 2026. The ride will offer high-speed thrills for guests of all ages, featuring sharp turns, dramatic drops, and the sensation of gliding above the park’s iconic water ski lake. It will be the eighth coaster in SeaWorld San Antonio’s lineup and the third family-friendly ride in as many years.
What is Dig World Adventure Park?
Dig World is a construction-themed adventure park set to open its second location at Grapevine Mills mall in early 2026. The park will feature trick-shot stations and interactive challenges designed with Dude Perfect, offering a hands-on experience for visitors of all ages.
What is WingZ Ride?
WingZ is a first-of-its-kind accessible tower ride that Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio will debut in the 2026 season. The 39-foot tower will allow guests to control their ascent by flapping their arms in front of a motion-sensor camera, providing an inclusive experience for all visitors.
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
