Exciting New Attractions for Kids in 2019

Each year, the world seems to provide more and more amazing experiences for the younger generation. Here are just some of the new attractions that children will love to explore in 2019.

Lego House, Billund, Denmark

What’s not to love about the ‘Home of the Brick’? Firstly, it’s an entirely Lego-themed museum and experiential space located where the Lego story all began. Secondly, it’s visually appealing since it’s in the home of innovative design. Thirdly, it’s specifically constructed to focus on learning through play, featuring different zones for creativity, cognitive ability, emotion, and social play. Moreover, for those who want to be inspired in their building, there’s a Masterpiece Gallery and History Collection to explain how it all began. Lastly, there’s plenty to explore both within and outside the ticketed zones, making it budget-friendly for families. A must for all fans of the humble brick, regardless of age or gender.

Everything you need to know (including updates on new events), plus fascinating insights on the whole project, can be found at legohouse.com.

Live Wire Park, Victoria, Australia

If you and your kids love nature (and adrenaline rushes) then family-owned, environmentally-friendly Live Wire Park should be on your collective bucket list. Billing itself as the ‘ultimate elevated adventure’, the park allows children aged between seven and 15 to participate in the Short Circuit, where they must complete 26 activities involving obstacle courses and suspended trails through the stunning Otway treetops. Once everyone’s heart rates have returned to normal, you can relax on the beautiful beaches in the coastal town of Lorne along the Great Ocean Road.

Sports Legends Experience, Indianapolis, USA

Based at the Children’s Museum, this immersive experience encompasses health education, physical fitness, and sports history for an active day out. Families can shoot hoops, be inspired by the stories of famous sports legends, or work together on a pit-stop challenge, among other activities. For children over seven, there’s also the chance to climb up inside the 25ft ‘Tree of Sports’. When everyone needs a break from sports, five floors of the Children’s Museum await exploration, all on the same ticket.

Kidzania, Doha, Qatar

There’s no denying that children relish the opportunity to play at being adults, and they can indulge this fantasy in the interactive city of KidZania. Its outpost in Doha is part of an expansion of 12 new sites, soon totaling 36 venues globally, where your children can explore more than 100 different careers and navigate a safe city tailored just for them. Children under eight must be accompanied by an adult, making it a great spot to find some career advice.

Dippy on Tour, around the UK

The former centerpiece of London’s Natural History Museum needs no introduction. Although his days of welcoming visitors to the Hintze Hall may be over, the world-famous cast of a diplodocus, affectionately known as Dippy, is now embarking on a leisurely tour around the UK. His route includes various towns and cities, such as the Ulster Museum in Belfast, Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, Newcastle, and Cardiff, with several months allocated in each town, providing ample opportunity to view this extraordinary specimen of natural history and learn about his time on Earth.

Monopoly Mansion, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

For most children (and many adults), staying somewhere unique is half the excitement of traveling. Include a hotel themed around a world-famous board game that graces the shelves of most homes in the Western world, and the thrill reaches new heights. Boasting a 1920s Great Gatsby feel, this five-star, 255-room hotel—and the world’s first Monopoly hotel—might be better suited for older kids (try playing Monopoly with a five-year-old?), but all ages should come prepared to build their property empire and get rich quickly.

The Monopoly Mansion is set to open its doors in spring 2019.

Sloth Preserve, Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica

The humble sloth is a captivating creature, both for its appearance and survival techniques. If you’re planning to take your kids to Costa Rica, wildlife observation is likely high on your itinerary. Take it to the next level with a visit to this luxurious resort in the Arenal Volcano National Park. The Nayara Hotel has planted 300 cecropia trees, creating a preserve where the canopy now hosts 15 sloths and counting. Observing these animals at work is easy, but if you desire to increase the family’s activity levels, the resort also provides bird watching, canopy tours, and a lava field walk.

Driving School, Tayto Park, Ireland

If life in the fast (or even slow) lane appeals to your children, they will love the chance to be real drivers at Tayto Park’s new driving school, which opens in April 2019. Not surprisingly, it’s sponsored by a car manufacturer, but kids can expect to walk away with their own ‘driving license’ at the end of the day. Participants will receive driving lessons, followed by driving on the road with 20 other young drivers. When it’s time for a pit stop, the rest of the theme park and zoo are waiting to be explored.

Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, USA

When Disney and Star Wars unite, magical experiences unfold for fans of a galaxy far, far away. Initially opening in California’s Disneyland Resort and subsequently in Walt Disney World, Florida, this attraction continues to develop. It will be themed around Batuu, a remote outpost on the ‘Galaxy’s Edge’, and visitors will have the opportunity to fly the Millennium Falcon. Feeling part of the Star Wars narrative is a thrilling allure for fans of all ages, making Galaxy’s Edge a must-visit for those eager to embark on intergalactic adventures.

Keep an eye on the official Disney site for updates: disneyparks.disney.go.com.

The Bear Grylls Adventure, Birmingham, UK

If you have teens, this new £20-million (US$27-million) indoor adventure centre could be the perfect way for the entire family to bond over a series of heart-pounding experiences. In the spirit of survival expert Bear Grylls, you will have the chance to navigate climbing routes inspired by famous terrains such as Mt. Everest and Yosemite’s El Capitan, along with high ropes and diving challenges, both from the sky and water. Additionally, there’s a Basecamp area where you’ll learn core skills needed for survival, including a secret ‘face your own fear’ challenge. Feeling anxious yet?

Open in autumn 2018 for those aged 13 and over only.