Sesame Place San Diego is open for summer, and there's something new to get wet on. The Count's Splash Castle debuted on May 22, 2026, adding a multi-level water play structure with 111 interactive elements, three tipping buckets, and four water slides to the park's lineup on Sesame Island. It's the biggest addition to the Chula Vista theme park since it opened in March 2022.
What's New for Summer 2026
The Count's Splash Castle is built for families with kids of different ages. The lower level has gentle spray features for toddlers. The upper levels have the bigger slides and the tipping buckets that soak everyone below. The whole structure fits the park's approach: themed to Sesame Street, safe for little kids, and fun enough that older siblings don't want to leave.
Water attractions and slides opened for the season on May 22. That includes Big Bird's Beach, the sandy-beach wave pool that's one of the largest in Southern California. Rubber Duckie Water Works, Elmo's Silly Sand Slides, and Cookie's Monster Mixer are all running. The park is open daily through the summer, typically 10 a.m. to 5 or 6 p.m. depending on the day.
Sesame Summer Splash runs on select dates from May 22 through September 7, with special weekends built around Sesame Street characters. Oscar the Grouch Day was May 30-31. A Best Friends weekend runs July 31 through August 2. Father's Day dining with Elmo and friends is June 20-21.
What Makes This Park Different
Sesame Place San Diego sits on 17 acres in southern Chula Vista, near North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre. It has 18 themed rides and water attractions, including a family-friendly roller coaster called Super Grover's Box Car Derby. The interactive Sesame Street Neighborhood lets kids walk through Hooper's Store, sit on the 123 Stoop, and visit Oscar's trash can. Daily parades and live character shows run throughout the day.
The park was the first theme park in the world designated as a Certified Autism Center by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. That means trained staff, quiet rooms, and sensory guides for families with children on the spectrum.
Planning Your Visit
Tickets and season passes are available at sesameplace.com. Cabana and daybed rentals are available at the wave pool for a VIP experience. Dine with Elmo reservations book separately. The park operates seasonally and closes in late September for the winter, so summer is prime time.
Traffic can stack up when concerts are happening at the nearby amphitheatre, so check that schedule before driving in. For dining near the park, The Galley is a solid family pick, and Applebee's and Buffalo Wild Wings are nearby for post-park meals. Families staying overnight can book at the Gaylord Pacific, which is running its own DC superhero event this summer, or at the Comfort Inn or La Quinta Inn for budget-friendly options.
