For families already dreaming about summer vacations, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari is making a compelling case for a trip to Santa Claus, Indiana, in 2027. With a new $22 million water coaster at Holiday World, expanded operating hours, returning seasonal events and free admission for qualifying young children, there will be plenty of reasons to put this popular Midwest destination on the travel calendar.

Holiday World will welcome the public back on Saturday, May 8, 2027, kicking off a season that promises more opportunities to enjoy everything from world-class roller coasters to one of the country’s most celebrated water parks.

And for visitors who enjoy staying until the final rides of the evening, there’s especially good news. The park is adding more late-night closing times and additional operating days, including expanded hours in July, in response to guest feedback.

For roller coaster enthusiasts, those extra evening hours are particularly appealing. There’s something special about riding The Voyage after dark, when the wooden coaster delivers an experience that feels entirely different from a daytime ride.

A Major New Attraction Makes Its Debut

One of the biggest reasons to visit Holiday World in 2027 will be Cannonball!, the park’s new $22 million water coaster.

Featuring approximately 1,700 feet of track, a 90-foot lift hill, a 75-foot drop and speeds reaching 45 mph, Cannonball! is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated new attractions of the season.

Construction is already progressing, with track installation underway and two oversized inflatable swans, appropriately named Ron the Swan and Ron Swan’s Son, recently taking their places at the attraction.

Visitors with season passes won’t have to wait until the public opening to experience the new ride.

Platinum Season Passholders will receive an exclusive preview opportunity on Saturday, May 1, followed by a preview day for all Season Passholders on Sunday, May 2.

During June and July, Platinum Passholders and guests staying at Santa’s Cottages will also have access to early entry, allowing them to enjoy Cannonball! before moving on to select Splashin’ Safari attractions.

For families planning a summer getaway, that additional time could make an already enjoyable visit even better.

More Entertainment Throughout the Season

Holiday World’s appeal extends well beyond its collection of rides.

The 2027 calendar brings back several popular seasonal experiences, giving visitors reasons to return at different times of the year.

Summer Wine’d Down Culinary Festival will once again offer an opportunity to explore special food and beverage selections, while Holidays in the Sky will bring its colorful drone show back to the skies above the park.

When autumn arrives, Happy Halloween Weekends will provide another chance for families to experience Holiday World in a festive setting.

Having these events spread throughout the operating season makes the park attractive for more than a traditional summer vacation. A return visit in the fall can offer a different atmosphere from a busy July afternoon.

A Family Vacation That Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank

One of the things I’ve long appreciated about Holiday World is its approach to providing value for families.

Free unlimited soft drinks, complimentary parking and free sunscreen are included with admission, eliminating several expenses that can add up quickly during a theme park visit.

For the fifth consecutive year, Holiday World is also offering free Pre-K Passes for eligible young children.

Children born between July 1, 2021, and November 1, 2023, qualify for the 2027 program. Families can register online now, although proof of age through a government-issued document will be required when the pass is first processed.

For parents traveling with younger children, that benefit could make a meaningful difference in the overall vacation budget.

Visitors looking to save on admission should also keep an eye on the calendar. Holiday World’s limited-time Black Friday ticket deals begin November 23, while current season pass discounts are scheduled to decrease January 2, 2027.

Why Holiday World Belongs on Your 2027 Travel Calendar

Located in Santa Claus, Indiana, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari is within a few hours’ drive of Cincinnati, Louisville, Indianapolis and several other Midwest cities.

That accessibility makes it an appealing choice for a weekend getaway, while visitors traveling from farther away can easily build a multi-day vacation around the two parks.

I’ve made numerous trips to Holiday World over the past several years, and it’s a destination that continues to give me reasons to return. The combination of outstanding wooden roller coasters, an exceptional water park and guest-friendly amenities creates an experience that stands out.

The Voyage alone is worth the trip for coaster enthusiasts, especially when the opportunity comes to experience it after sunset.

With Cannonball! joining the lineup, additional late-night hours and a full calendar of seasonal entertainment, 2027 looks like another exciting year for Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari.

For families mapping out next year’s vacations, Santa Claus, Indiana, deserves a spot on the list.

Have you visited Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, or will Cannonball! and the expanded operating hours convince you to make the trip in 2027?

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(Photos courtesy Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari)