The United States theme park scene is gearing up for an exciting 2026, with three very different but highly anticipated parks poised to arrive. From kid-centric whimsy to racing-inspired thrills and brand-driven fun, these upcoming attractions promise to expand the market and offer new reasons to visit major travel destinations.

Here's our guide to everything you need to know about Universal Kids Resort, COTALAND and Mattel Adventure Park.

Universal Kids Resort — Frisco, Texas

Opening: TBC 2026
Theme: Immersive family and kids experiences based on Universal, DreamWorks, Illumination and Nickelodeon brands

Universal Destinations & Experiences is entering a new chapter with Universal Kids Resort, its first-ever theme park built exclusively for children and families. Located in the thriving suburb of Frisco, Texas, this park places imagination, play, and beloved characters at its heart.

What to Expect

Universal Kids Resort will be made up of seven immersive lands, each themed to a popular franchise that resonates with younger audiences:

• Shrek’s Swamp from DreamWorks

• Puss in Boots Del Mar

• Bikini Bottom inspired by SpongeBob SquarePants

• Minions Bello Bay Club

• TrollsFest

• Jurassic World Adventure Camp

• Isle of Curiosity, serving as the central hub and interactive play garden

Each land will feature interactive play zones, character meet and greets, themed rides, dining, and retail — all scaled and designed with families in mind. A 300-room themed hotel adjacent to the park will encourage multi-day stays and position the resort as a complete vacation destination.

Why It Matters

Universal Kids Resort represents a strategic expansion of the Universal portfolio into an underserved demographic in the U.S. theme park market — families with younger children. It’s less about extreme thrill rides and more about storytelling, character interaction, tactile exploration, and imaginative play.

COTALAND — Austin, Texas

Opening: TBC 2026
Theme: Racing culture blended with thrill rides and family attractions at Circuit of The Americas

Set on the grounds of the iconic Circuit of The Americas racetrack, COTALAND aims to blend high-octane thrills with amusement park fun across roughly thirty acres within the COTA entertainment complex.

Park Highlights

COTALAND is planning 30+ attractions, including a balanced mix of roller coasters, family rides, and marquee thrill experiences.

Standout rides include:

• Circuit Breaker — a dramatic tilt coaster designed as the park’s signature attraction

• Palindrome — a Gerstlauer Infinity shuttle coaster weaving across the landscape

• A selection of classic rides and modern family favorites integrated throughout the park

Rather than isolating kid-specific areas, COTALAND blends family-friendly and high-thrill rides across the park so multiple age groups can enjoy an attraction day together.

Connection to COTA

This new theme park complements COTA’s existing identity as a motorsports destination. By building an amusement park alongside a major racetrack, COTA aims to broaden its appeal beyond race weekends into a true year-round entertainment destination.

Mattel Adventure Park — Glendale, Arizona

Opening: TBC 2026
Theme: Experiences inspired by Mattel brands — Hot Wheels, Barbie, Thomas & Friends and more

Mattel Adventure Park brings beloved toy brands to life through immersive attractions inspired by the company’s iconic intellectual properties. The Glendale, Arizona park will be integrated into the wider VAI Resort entertainment district and will mark one of the first major parks in the Phoenix area built around a globally recognized toy brand.

What’s Inside the Park

The park will showcase experiences across multiple Mattel franchises:

• Hot Wheels Bone Shaker — a family coaster from Chance Rides

• Hot Wheels Twin Mill Racer — a thrilling Hyper GT-X Coaster

• Barbie Beach House — interactive themed family zone

• Thomas & Friends attractions — gentle rides and train experiences for younger guests

Mattel Adventure Park is being developed by Epic Resort Destinations LLC as part of a broader dining, shopping, and resort complex in Glendale, helping to diversify Arizona’s visitor offerings.

Industry Context

The project has drawn attention as a sign of themed IP parks moving into more diverse U.S. markets outside California and Florida. Fans are watching closely to see how brand licensing, nostalgia and modern ride design come together.

What This Growth Means for 2026

2026 marks a milestone year for American theme parks:

• Immersive storytelling and character experiences: Universal Kids Resort embraces world-class franchises with a focus on play and discovery.

• Integration of sport and theme park culture: COTALAND weaves high-thrill rides into a motorsport epicenter.

• Brand licensing and toy culture: Mattel Adventure Park brings classic brands to life beyond retail aisles.

Whether families are seeking interactive play, adrenaline-packed roller coasters, or nostalgia-driven brand worlds, 2026 will deliver new reasons to explore the evolving US theme park landscape.