U.S. Civil Rights Trail Offers Family Road Trips for America’s 250th Anniversary
The trail connects more than 130 historic sites across 14 states and Washington, D.C., including museums, schools and landmarks from the civil rights movement.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — As the United States approaches its 250th birthday, the U.S. Civil Rights Trail is promoting drivable family vacations that combine historic sites with multi-generational learning opportunities. The trail includes more than 130 locations across 14 states and Washington, D.C., ranging from museums to historic districts.
In Tennessee, families can visit the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville, which features interactive exhibits covering more than 50 music genres. The Museum of Christian & Gospel Music, also in Nashville, explores the role of music as a source of hope and unity. The Jefferson Street Sound Museum highlights legendary performers. In Memphis, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music and the National Civil Rights Museum are additional stops. The National Civil Rights Museum debuts a new “Legacy Experience” on May 16.
In Arkansas, the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site marks a pivotal moment in civil rights history. The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center in Little Rock explores African American culture and community.
Virginia offers a route that includes the Caroline County Historic Courthouse Campus, site of the Loving v. Virginia case, and the Robert Russa Moton Museum in Farmville, which focuses on student protests that led to Brown v. Board of Education.
Other sites include the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum & Boyhood Home in Abilene, Kansas, and the International African American Museum in Charleston, South Carolina, located on the site of Gadsden’s Wharf. The Charleston museum offers summer programming for families.
Mark Ezell, chairman of the U.S. Civil Rights Trail Marketing Alliance, said in a statement that the trail transforms a road trip into a journey with purpose.
The U.S. Civil Rights Trail was launched in 2018. More information is available at CivilRightsTrail.com.
Edmund Pettus Bridge – Selma, AL
National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel – Memphis, TN
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Orlando Announces Summer Lineup of New Attractions, Concerts and Sports Events
A travel destination, recently ranked No. 1 for summer travel by WalletHub, will feature theme park additions, nighttime water park events, live music and a FIFA World Cup warm-up match.
ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando is rolling out a range of new experiences for summer 2026, including theme park attractions, nighttime events, concerts and international soccer. The destination was recently named the No. 1 Summer Travel Destination for 2026 by WalletHub.
“Our unmatched combination of world-class theme parks, live entertainment and year-round sunshine, plus our exceptional dining scene, is why families, music lovers and adventure seekers continue to choose Orlando for their summer getaways,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando.
New Attractions
At Universal Orlando Resort, Volcano Bay water park will host Volcano Bay Nights on select evenings from May 3 to August 21, featuring a live DJ, themed treats and DreamWorks character meet-and-greets. Universal CityWalk opened the Universal Legacy Store in late April with retro merchandise and photo opportunities.
Universal Epic Universe, the resort’s newest theme park with over 50 attractions across five worlds, remains open.
At Walt Disney World Resort, Cool KIDS’ SUMMER runs from May 26 to September 8. Animal Kingdom will open Bluey’s Wild World on May 26, where visitors can take a train to interact with Bluey and Bingo and see Australian animals. Magic Kingdom Park will debut Jessie’s Roundup: A Rip-Roarin’ Revue, a Toy Story-themed experience. EPCOT’s CommuniCore Hall will host GoofyCore with games and dance breaks. Disney’s Hollywood Studios will premiere Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! on May 26.
Magic Kingdom Park has also reimagined Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens in May with a new Rainbow Caverns scene. At EPCOT, Soarin’ Across America debuts May 26 with new orchestration. At Hollywood Studios, a new Millennium Falcon mission at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge begins May 22, and The Magic of Disney Animation opens in late summer. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets debuts later in the summer.
Disney H2O Glow After Hours returns to Typhoon Lagoon on select nights from June 2 to September 5, with appearances from Powerline Max and Chip ’n’ Dale Rescue Rangers. At SeaWorld Orlando, Expedition Odyssey: Fire & Ice opens this summer, placing guests as Arctic researchers with live beluga whales and walruses. Bands, Brew & BBQ runs July 4 to August 23. Aquatica’s AquaGlow nighttime swim party runs May 15 to September 26. Other openings include The Great Big Game Show, a TV-style game experience at its first Florida location, and a new Blue Man Group theater at ICON Park.
Summer Events
Harry P. Leu Gardens celebrates its 65th anniversary with Legacy in Bloom through May 31. The Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival takes place May 12–25. Gatorland’s Gatorpalooza Weekend is May 30–31.
The Kia Center will host concerts including Rosalía (June 8), Noah Kahan (June 11–12), A$AP Rocky (June 14), 5 Seconds of Summer (June 17), and Lionel Richie with Earth, Wind & Fire (July 25).
Sports
Inter&Co Stadium will host a friendly match between England’s national team and Costa Rica on June 10, as England prepares for the FIFA World Cup.
The Orlando Pride (NWSL) will play home matches on May 8, May 29, July 10, July 15, July 24, August 8 and August 29. Orlando City SC (MLS) will host matches on May 13, May 16, July 25, August 15, August 19 and August 22.
More information, including savings and vacation planning services, is available at VisitOrlando.com.
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