SoCal Theme Park Abruptly Closes For The Year

CHULA VISTA, CA — Sesame Place San Diego ticket and pass holders were surprised this week after the theme park announced it would close for the rest of the year.

The Chula Vista-based theme park said on social media that it will switch to a seasonal schedule after Sunday. The park will reopen in spring 2026.

"Sesame Place will transition to a seasonal schedule, making every visit filled with more excitement, attractions, and activities to enjoy," the park said in a statement. "By focusing on our most popular times of year, we can deliver the best possible experience from the moment guests arrive until the moment they leave."

The San Diego park is the only theme park on the West Coast based entirely on the award-winning children's show, "Sesame Street." Sesame Place Philadelphia, the original park, opened in 1980.

The 17-acre park features 18 themed rides and water attractions, an interactive "Sesame Street" neighborhood, a parade, shows and the opportunity for children to meet beloved characters like Big Bird, Cookie Monster and Elmo.

The park's announcement came as a surprise to many families and annual pass holders. Prior to the announcement, however, some fans noticed that future events had been removed from the calendar on the park's website.

Sesame Place has operated year-round since the park opened in 2022.

Although water attractions close after the summer season, in previous years, the rest of the park remained open. The park hosted events for holidays, including The Count's Halloween Spooktacular and A Very Furry Christmas.

"I am extremely disappointed," Afra Romero wrote on Facebook. "We were looking forward to going for Halloween and Christmas time."

The park has offered season pass holders a complimentary SeaWorld Fun Card, valid for unlimited admission to the San Diego park through the remainder of the year. The pass includes access to seasonal events, including Halloween Spooktacular and Christmas Celebration.

Still, some pass holders said they were blindsided by the announcement, with some having recently purchased passes.

"I bought my family passes two weeks ago because of the 'get the rest of 2025 free' deal," Nikki Lincoln Williams wrote. "I am not getting what was advertised when I purchased."

Others who already have SeaWorld passes asked about refunds.

"What about those of us who already have SeaWorld passes? And Platinum Passes?" Mari Low wrote. "Will we receive a partial refund?"

Sesame Place will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The park is located at 2052 Entertainment Circle in Chula Vista.