Patch Parents: Must-See New Theme Park Attractions, Events In 2025 In California

CALIFORNIA — There are endless options for family fun in California, from aquariums to zoos to plenty of amusement parks. After all, the Golden State is home to Disneyland, "The Happiest Place On Earth."

There's even more in store for 2025. Some of the state's most iconic places have announced anniversary celebrations and new attractions and exhibits set to open this year, including a new jellyfish exhibit at SeaWorld San Diego.

"Jewels of the Sea: A Jellyfish Experience" is described as "the first of its kind" for SeaWorld parks. The theme park's newest immersive and interactive aquarium, which was originally slated to open last year, will feature a variety of jellyfish species in three separate galleries.

"Guests will walk through striking habitats and view vivid displays to learn more about these wonderful creatures," Eric Otjen, vice president of zoological at SeaWorld San Diego, told Patch. "This new exhibit aligns with our mission of educating and inspiring guests to learn more about our oceans and the world around us."

Read more about the coming exhibit and other must-see major attractions scheduled to open this year in California.

Belmont Park

Historic Belmont Park is celebrating 100 years in 2025. The San Diego beachfront amusement park's Centennial Celebration kicks off July 4, 2025, with rides, limited-edition merchandise and special events, including a park-wide scavenger hunt.

Birch Aquarium

Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego has replaced its Hall of Fishes with a new exhibition.

Living Seas, the largest capital improvement since the La Jolla-based aquarium was built in 1992, will invite visitors to "journey through the Pacific Ocean." The reimagined exhibition was designed to inspire a love of nature, a sense of place and ocean optimism, according to Birch Aquarium.

Living Seas will be in the same footprint as the former Hall of Fishes and brings extensive improvements and upgrades to a large portion of the aquarium, including new or refreshed habitats for Birch Aquarium's more than 4,000 animals. The new exhibit is set to open in the summer.

Children's Fairyland

Children's Fairyland is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. Located on the shores of Lake Merritt in Oakland, the 10-acre theme park features nearly 60 storybook sets, 10 acres of gardens, animals and rides. In celebration of the anniversary, the park has planned festive surprises, special events and new collectible treasures.

The park is also holding a 75th anniversary gala fundraiser to raise funds to support broad access and diverse representation for all families while investing in diverse musicians and local vendors.

Disneyland Resort

Disneyland Resort is celebrating seven decades of making magic and special memories. Disneyland Resort's 70th anniversary celebration kicks off May 16 and will run through the summer of 2026, featuring limited-time entertainment, colorful décor, themed food and beverages, collectible merchandise, and more.

The fan-favorite "Paint the Night" parade will make its return to Disneyland for the 70th celebration. The "Wondrous Journeys" nighttime spectacular will also return, celebrating the legacy of Walt Disney Animation Studios. In addition, the daytime parade, "Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration," will return to Disney California Adventure Park.

Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park

California's only horticultural-themed amusement park is celebrating the start of its 25th season this spring. Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park has special events planned throughout the year, including all-new experiences like the 25th Anniversary Celebration in the spring and Cherry Jubilee in the summer.

The anniversary celebration, described as a "big block party," is slated March 22 through May 26. The theme park will have special anniversary flourishes and photo spots throughout the park, including live entertainment at the 25th Anniversary Clubhouse, celebration banners on Sycamore Bridge, colorful flower beds at Illions Supreme Carousel, and historical exhibits and memorabilia.

Legoland California

Legoland California's driving school attractions have been completely reimagined and are set to open in a brand-new location this summer. For 25 years, kids have enjoyed the thrill of driving and earning their very own driver's licenses at both the driving school and junior driving school attractions at the Carlsbad-based theme park. The reimagined attractions will feature new courses with new interactive elements for young drivers to explore.

Additionally, Legoland Hotel just opened the world's first Lego Duplo hotel rooms. The jungle-themed rooms are designed especially for children ages 18 months to 5 years old. The Duplo rooms are some of the 65 newly-themed hotel rooms that will be unveiled this year at Legoland Hotel. The hotel, which is located just steps away from the park's entrance, is also slated to open new Lego Ninjago rooms and reimagined Lego Friends rooms.

SeaWorld San Diego

SeaWorld San Diego new jellyfish exhibit is slated to open this spring. "Jewels of the Sea: A Jellyfish Experience" will feature a variety of jellyfish species in three separate galleries.

The exhibit will feature jellyfish on display in multiple aquariums, including an 18-foot-tall cylinder slated to be one of the country's tallest, a 10-foot-tall acrylic archway, and a "touchable globe of cascading water and jellyfish."

The exhibit will also include an immersive, virtual gallery covering the ceiling and walls with LED digital video panels displaying "captivating oceanic scenes."

In addition, Journey to Atlantis, the theme park's first coaster, will be reimagined this year. The long-running roller coaster will emerge with a refreshed storyline, as well as new water elements, special visual effects and new show elements that pay tribute to the original attraction.

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens has announced new enhancements coming this spring. The family-friendly zoo and garden in Palm Desert is opening a new eco-friendly splash pad. Additionally, a new café/marketplace is opening that will feature a view of the zoo's Bighorn Mountain.

Patch Parents is written by Patch Editor Kristina Houck, a mom of three boys. Have a story idea? Email kristina.houck@patch.com.