Home Theme ParksFlying Fox Takes Flight at Kentucky Kingdom in 2026

Flying Fox Takes Flight at Kentucky Kingdom in 2026

Louisville’s landmark park adds its 6th coaster, celebrating Kentucky’s roots with a family-friendly twist

by Jeff
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Kentucky Kingdom is ready to take families on a new kind of flight next year—one that soars over the heartland and honors the spirit of Kentucky’s countryside. The park just announced Flying Fox, an all-new family coaster coming in 2026, marking the park’s first new coaster since 2019. Designed by Vekoma, this custom-built adventure takes riders on a colorful journey with local legend and crop-dusting pilot, Jeb Fox, through a charming farmland setting full of whimsy, storytelling, and fun.

A New Chapter for Kentucky Kingdom

Since reopening in 2014 under new ownership, Kentucky Kingdom has grown from a once-closed regional park into one of the South’s most talked-about family destinations. Originally opened in 1987, the Louisville theme park has seen several rebirths—each time coming back stronger. Today, under the ownership of Herschend Family Entertainment (the same creative force behind Dollywood and Silver Dollar City), the park continues to evolve with a focus on immersive, family-friendly experiences.

In 2024, Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom brought the park to life during the holidays with more than 1.5 million lights and Kentucky’s largest snow tubing hill. Then came Discovery Meadow in 2025, a vibrant new family land that blended play, nature, and storytelling. Now, with Flying Fox, Kentucky Kingdom adds another piece to its transformation—an attraction that bridges excitement and accessibility for guests of all ages.

What to Expect from Flying Fox

Flying Fox promises to deliver thrills without intimidation. With a 65-foot height, a top speed of 37 mph, and a 1,380-foot track length, it’s the perfect “first big coaster” for younger riders while still being engaging for adults. Every inch of the queue and ride area has been thoughtfully themed—from the red barn design to hand-painted murals and playful voiceovers by Jeb Fox himself. The creative team behind the attraction, Herschend’s own storytellers, are known for infusing rides with heart, humor, and local flavor.

As Kentucky Kingdom General Manager Sarah Worrell shared, “With the debut of Discovery Meadow in 2025, we set a new standard for immersive, family-friendly experiences, and Flying Fox builds on that momentum.”

A Sign of Big Things to Come

With more than $33 million invested between 2024 and 2026, the park’s future looks brighter than ever. The addition of Flying Fox not only cements Kentucky Kingdom’s place as the coaster capital of the state—with six total coasters—but also reinforces its long-term vision: to be a place where families can return year after year and always find something new to enjoy.

Current passholders can renew now for 2026 to secure unlimited rides on Flying Fox, along with access to Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay. For everyone else, new season passes go on sale November 3.

If you’re a theme park fan or coaster enthusiast, 2026 is shaping up to be a milestone year for Kentucky Kingdom—and it’s clear that Jeb Fox’s daring flights are just the beginning.

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