May 2025 NIH R&W Newsletter by NIH R&W

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“Fitness for You” May 2025 Virtual & InPerson Fitness Descriptions:

All levels are welcome!

Thursday, May 1st

1:00pm Total Body Stretch on the Floor with Charissa: Snap, crackle, pop? Anytime the body sounds like this, it’s important to do daily tune-ups! Participants will move through midday stretching for the major and minor muscle groups. Rejuvenate and invigorate from head to toe! A mat is suggested.

Friday, May 2nd

6:00am Functional Fitness | Focus: Shoulder Safety with Shannon: The shoulders are a common area of injury due to postural misalignment coupled with daily activity. This class will focus on proper alignment for functional movement that involves the shoulders. Repetition based, light to heavy hand weights and a mat will be utilized. Be prepared to shoulder it!

12:00pm Total Body Conditioning with Ashley: Take charge! Commit to conditioning the total body with 45-second intervals of work followed by 15-second recovery intervals. A low impact, high intensity workout, participants will focus on strength training, using a mat and a pair of moderate to heavy weight dumbbells. It’s a fat blasting workout not to miss!

Monday, May 5th

6:00am Cinco De Mayo Strength with Shannon: The National Institute on Aging has found that strength training maintains muscle mass, improves mobility, and increases the healthy years of life. Using moderate to heavy hand weights and a mat, participants will perform repetition-based strength exercises for the major and minor muscle groups.

Tuesday, May 6th

12:15pm Kickbox with Charissa: Got kicks?! Learn proper execution and alignment for performance of Kickboxing hits and kicks. In repetitions of 8, participants will engage in various offensive and defensive combinations that will surely increase confidence and increase the ability to defend oneself against violent attacks. It’s a calorie-blasting workout for all levels!

1:00pm Treadmill & Elliptical Training with Charissa (InPerson Only) RKL II Rm 220-B: Be heart healthy! The NIH recommends adults to engage in cardiovascular training at least 3-5 days a week. This workout will focus on proper posture, foot position and intensity for success. First come, first served.

Wednesday, May 7th

8:00am Spring HIIT with Shannon (In-Person Only) Bldg. 53: Get energized with high-intensity interval training! Whether body weight or free weights, adding load increases power! For intervals of 30 seconds of work followed by 10second cycles of recovery, participants will move through exercises designed to strengthen the major and minor muscles groups. Bring a mat or one will be provided.

12pm Standing Cardio w/ Ashley: Got cardio? The NIH recommends at least 30 minutes of cardio, 5 days a week. Performed while upright, participants will engage in exercises that are designed to increase the heart rate and improve endurance. A low-impact, high-intensity workout, participants can expect to perform exercises in 30-second intervals of work followed by 2-second intervals of recovery.

12:00pm Yoga Relax with Shannon (In-Person Only)

Bldg.31 Rm. 1E04B: Increase Yoga intensity with hand weights! While unconventional, Yoga Strong connects mind, body and spirit through poses, breathing and awareness. The instructor will guide pupils through various asanas (poses) whilst incorporating dumbbells for strengthening. A Yoga mat will be provided or bring one!

3:00pm Non-Sleep Deep Rest- Embrace the Sweetness of Stillness with Allison: Celebrate the month of May by slowing down and embracing the sweetness of stillness with the practice of non-sleep deep rest (NSDR). NSDR is rooted in the ancient tradition of yoga nidra ("nidra" meaning sleep) and combines mindful breathing and body scanning to bring oneself into an aware, yet deeply relaxed state. Participation Link

Thursday, May 8th

12:15pm Mat Pilates with Charissa (In-Person Only)

Bldg. 31 Rm. 1E04B: Lengthen and strengthen the body simultaneously! Pilates is a discipline that connects the mind and body to achieve desired results. Using a sticky mat and bodyweight, participants flow thru classical exercises with contemporary variations. With consistency, concentration, and proper execution, prepare for a longer and leaner physique!

1:00pm Stretch for Pain Relief with Charissa: Got pain? There is a stretch to gain! Performed on the floor, participants will move through various stretches, with a focus on common areas of painlike shoulders, hips, hamstrings, knees, feet, and back. For a duration of at least 15 seconds, participants will engage in a flow, from stretch to stretch, practicing breath control. Designed to calm and de-stress the body, it’s a rejuvenating experience not to miss! A fitness mat is suggested.

Friday, May 9th

6:00am Yoga Strong with Shannon: It’s a non-traditional Yoga class using weights! Yoga is a spiritual practice that connects mind, body and spirit. This class incorporates strength training into poses (asanas) while maintaining controlled breaths (pranayama). Light to heavy hand weights and a mat suggested. Be Yogi strong!

12:00pm Upright Abs with Ashley: 6-pack anyone? It’s that time of year! Whether outdoors or in, when the sun gets hot, don’t fear! For 45-second intervals of work followed by 15second recovery intervals, participants will perform abdominal exercises using a moderate to heavy hand weight or bodyweight. Get ab strong!

Monday, May 12th

6:00am Core + Bender Ball with Shannon: Increase core strength! The core is integral to movement and includes the hips, glutes, back, and abs. Using a Bender ball, dumbbells, and a mat, participants will engage in repetition-based exercises that are designed to strengthen trunk. Be core-ageous!

Tuesday, May 13th

Ab Attack with Charissa (In-Person Only)

RKL II Rm 220-B: Help to “ab”solve back pain with abdominal strengthening! Using a fitness mat and a set of light to moderate hand weights, participants will perform exercises in intervals of 30 seconds of exertion followed by 10-second cycles of recovery. Expect to work to exhaustion!

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1:00pm Swiss Ball Conditioning with Charissa: How many ways can one get in shape using a resistance ball? This total body workout will surely increase the heart rate for caloric burn! In repetitions of 8, perform various cardiovascular and strength exercises using the Swiss ball. A mat will be utilized.

Wednesday, May 14th

12:00pm Tabata Cardio with Ashley: Get in shape fast with Tabata! Tabata is the high-intensity workout that yields maximal health and fitness benefits in a minimal amount of time. Intervals consist of 20 seconds of hard work followed by 10 seconds of recovery. It’s a fat-blasting, calorie-burning experience for all levels! A mat will be utilized.

12:15pm Bodyweight Barre with Charissa (In-Person Only) Bldg. 31 Rm. 1E04B: Sync mind, body and spirit during this Hatha/Vinyasa fusion experience! Participants can expect to focus on common areas of tightness like the hips, shoulders and hamstrings, which are important to movement and daily activity. Bring a Yoga mat or one will be provided.

Thursday, May 15th

Yoga Strong with Shannon (In-Person Only) Bldg. 53:

Increase Yoga intensity with hand weights! While unconventional, Yoga Strong connects mind, body and spirit through poses, breathing and awareness. The instructor will guide pupils through various asanas (poses) whilst incorporating dumbbells for strengthening. A Yoga mat will be provided or bring one.

1:00pm Towel Stretch with Charissa: Stretching daily is important to maintaining fluidity of movement for daily activities. Using a thin towel that spans the length of both arms, participants will perform stretches for the total body. Expect to walk away feeling relaxed and restored! A mat will be utilized.

Friday, May 16th

6:00am Spring Training: Strength + Stretch with Shannon: Increase fat and caloric burn! For intervals of 60 seconds of work, participants will perform strength exercises in succession followed by stretching of the same muscle group. Light to heavy hand weights and a mat are needed.

12:00pm Glutes + Abs + Gliders with Ashley: Don’t sit, get fit! This midday class is designed to get desk dwellers moving! For 30 seconds of work followed by a 10-second recovery, participants will engage in various exercises using a mat and a pair of gliders or paper plates. Maximize time and caloric expenditure with high-intensity interval training!

Monday, May 19th

6:00am Yoga for Athletes with Shannon: Shake up the mundane Yoga routine! Designed with athletes and fitness enthusiasts in mind, this class helps increase flexibility, strength and recovery. Proper alignment and posture will be coached along with breath control. Yoga mat and Yoga blocks use.

Tuesday, May 20th

Line Dancing with Charissa (In-Person Only)

RKL II Rm. 220-B: Get on a good foot! From country line dance to soul line dance, prepare to stomp boots on the ground! Learn some of the latest line dance trends and reconnect to the tried and true! Line dance releases positive endorphins while keeping the brain sharp and improving reaction time! Feel free to bring a fan and wear your favorite dancing shoes!

1:00pm Line Dance with Charissa: Get on a good foot! It’s the craze going viral…the Line Dance Party! Hitch, turn and cha cha to your heart’s desire! Whether 8-count, 16-count, 24 or 32, participants will be moving nonstop. Both country and soul line dances will be performed. No dance experience necessary.

Wednesday, May 21st

12:00pm Yoga for Athletes with Shannon (In-Person Only) Bldg.31 Rm. 1E04B: Sync mind, body and spirit during this Hatha/Vinyasa fusion experience! Participants can expect to focus on common areas of tightness like the hips, shoulders and hamstrings, which are important to movement and daily activity. Bring a Yoga mat or one will be provided.

12:00pm Upper Body Mobility + Strength with Ashley: Get stronger, be mobile! The body is made to move! While remaining upright, participants will perform strength exercises for the shoulders, biceps, triceps, back, and abdominal muscles, using a pair of moderate to heavy dumbbells. Intervals of 45 seconds of work followed by a 15-second recovery interval will guide the class. Commit to get fit!

3:00pm Non-Sleep Deep Rest - Recharge by Creating a Sweet and Quiet Space with Allison: Celebrate the month of May by slowing down and embracing the sweetness of stillness with the practice of non-sleep deep rest (NSDR). NSDR is rooted in the ancient tradition of yoga nidra ("nidra" meaning sleep) and combines mindful breathing and body scanning to bring oneself into an aware, yet deeply relaxed state. Participation Link

Thursday, May 22nd

1:00pm Wall Stretch with Charissa: To the window, to the wall! Prepare to stretch it all! Using a fitness mat or mind/body mat, participants will flow through stretches using the wall to increase range of motion, traction, and/or to assist with balance. Proper posture and alignment will be coached along with breath control. It’s a restorative experience not to miss!

Friday, May 23rd

6:00am Upper Body Takeover with Shannon: Train for daily activity involving the shoulders, back, biceps, triceps and abs! Using light to heavy hand weights, participants will perform repetition- based exercises with a focus on proper posture and alignment. End the week on top!

12:00pm Mobility: Lower Body with Ashley: Move freely! Train the body to align properly for daily activity! For 45second intervals of work, each followed by 15 seconds of recovery, participants will perform strength exercises for the lower body using a pair of moderate to heavy weight dumbbells. Get invigorated for the weekend!

Tuesday, May 27th

12:15pm Mat Pilates with Charissa (in-Person Only) RKL II Rm 220-B: Lengthen and strengthen the body simultaneously! Pilates is a discipline that connects the mind and body to achieve the desired results. Using a sticky mat with light weights being optional, participants will flow through classical exercises with contemporary variations. With consistency, concentration, and proper execution, prepare to unveil a longer and leaner you!

1:00pm Abs, Glutes + Back with Charissa: Strengthen the abdominal, back and gluteal muscles with 30 minutes of conditioning! Be core strong! Using a set of light dumbbells, participants will explore various exercises to increase endurance and strength. Repetitions of 16 will be explored. Work to exhaustion! A mat will is suggested.

Wednesday, May 28th

12:00pm 360 Circuit with Ashley: It’s a total body workout! Circuit training involves performing exercises in succession with short recovery breaks in-between. Specifically, this class will engage in 45-second intervals of strength training followed by 15-second rest intervals. A fitness mat and a pair of moderate to heavy weight dumbbells are suggested.

12:15pm Line Dancing with Charissa (In-Person Only) Bldg. 31 Rm. 1E04B: Get on a good foot! From country line dance to soul line dance, prepare to stomp boots on the ground! Learn some of the latest line dance trends and reconnect to the tried and true! Line dance releases positive endorphins while keeping the brain sharp and improving reaction time! Feel free to bring a fan and wear your favorite dancing shoes!

Thursday, May 29th

12:15pm Swiss Ball + Chair Stretch with Charissa: Take stretching to new heights with a resistance ball and chair! Using a 55cm-75cm ball and stationary chair, participants will perform stretches for the total body. Slow movements with a focus on proper posture, alignment, and breath control will be practiced achieving optimal health benefits. This calming, restorative experience is not one to miss!

Friday, May 30th

6am Balance + Stretch with Shannon: Be balanced and free! Tight muscles and stressed joints are like fetters! Practice proper posture, body mechanics, and stretching to decompress for daily activity! A balance bar or chair and a mat are needed to join.

12:00pm Tabata for the Obliques with Ashley: Do HIIT to get fit! Tabata is high-intensity interval training consisting of bursts of hard work followed by an even shorter recovery time to achieve maximal fitness results in a short amount of time. Participants will perform obliques exercises to exhaustion! A mat will be utilized. Go into the summer with confidence!

Emotional Health Webinar

Join us on Wednesday, May 13th from 3pm – 4pm, to hear panelists from NIMH/NIH Clinical Center, EAP and Wellness@NIH for health education and a panel discussion on prioritizing your mental health every day and during uncertain times. Join the webinar.

Recognizing and Coping with Stressful Triggers Webinar

Join us on Tuesday, May 20th from 12pm – 1pm to increase awareness of your personal stress triggers and learn simple tips to deal with them for a more balanced life. View the flyer and register. If you are unable to join the live webinar, you can still register and receive access to the recording after the event.

R&W Spring Bazaar – May 8th Bldg. 10 South Lobby

The R&W will be holding its annual Spring Bazaar on Thursday, May 8th, just in time for Mother’s Day and Graduations. Stop by the Bldg. 10 South Lobby between 9am –2pm. Vendors this year include D’s Exquisite Gifts, RareGlo Organic Shea Products, Lazaro Diamonds, Ahh Candles by Allison, Qwsnaturals, G&H Custom Workshop, Tibet Sky Emporium, Anne Lewis, Handmade with Love for a Cure, InJeen-Yuhs, R&W and the NIH Blood Bank

R&W Corporate Sponsor Fair – May 15th Bldg. 10 South Lawn

The NIH R&W Corporate Sponsor Fair will take place on Thursday, May 15th from 10am – 2pm on the South Lawn of Bldg. 10 or South Lobby if inclement weather A variety of financial, home and apartment, senior living, hotels, phone, home repair, education and other businesses will be participating with special offers and/or information for the NIH community. Participating companies include American Benefits Exchange, AC Hotel Bethesda Downtown, Baywood Hotels, Cambria Hotel Rockville, The Doubletree Gaithersburg, Flats at Bethesda Avenue, The Goddard School of Bethesda, Gottlieb Insurance Advisory and Edward Jones, The Highlands of Chevy Chase, Kitchen Saver, The National Aquarium in Baltimore, New York Life Insurance, Next Level Rentals & Realty, NIHFCU Novotny Lending Team at First Heritage Mortgage, Planning for Senior Life, Residence Inn by Marriott Bethesda Downtown, Security Public Storage, Smith Life Homecare, T-Mobile, The Astrid, Verizon and Victory Housing.

Camp Fantastic BBQ - June 10th

The Camp Fantastic BBQ is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, June 10th from 11am – 2pm on the South Lawn of Bldg. 10. Come out to support a great cause, helping send children with cancer to a camp designed specifically for them. Enjoy great food, a vendor fair, the NIH Community Market and more. Purchase your Camp Fantastic BBQ T-Shirts at the Bldg. 31 R&W Gift Shop or at the BBQ for $10.

Vanpooling Is Economical and Environmentally Friendly

Openings are available in the vanpool from Hagerstown and Frederick to Bethesda. This 10-passenger van is leased thru Enterprise Vanpool The vanpool leaves Hagerstown Park and Ride at 5:30am for a 7am to 4pm work shift on Bethesda Campus. The van leaves NIH at 4:15pm Monday – Friday. Fulltime NIH Employees who turn in their parking hangers are eligible for the Transhare Program. Contractors are welcome but must make subsidy payments thru the Enterprise portal each month. Contact Rich Buckland at 304-582-3113.

Openings available in the Owings Mill vanpool. Pick-up at 5:30am from Owings Mills Metro Station (10309 Grand Central Ave, Owings Mills, MD 21117). Van drops off anywhere in the Fishers Lane, Executive Blvd., White Flint area. Van leaves for home at 3:30pm. If interested contact Keith Savage at 301-451-1967.

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NIH R&W Food Truck Program

Join us select days from 11am – 2pm for Food Trucks in Lot 10H, near the South entrance to Bldg. 10. Trucks will run thru November 21st. Online pre-ordering is encouraged when applicable. Menus available on the R&W website.

Truck schedule is as follows:

Thru November 21st – Monday - Friday – 4 trucks

2 Bold Chefs: Featuring a variety of delicious signature Greek & Italian dishes and salads with mouthwatering French & Portuguese flavors infused into the Mediterranean taste

Arepateca – Where classics meet global flavors in every gluten-free bite.

Auntie Anne’s Pretzels: Fresh, hot, golden brown pretzels, pretzel dogs and lemonades.

Ben & Jerry’s: Serving ice cream and floats.

B Dub’s Island Soul: Where tastebuds meet paradise. Offering delicious Caribbean and soul food

BBQ & Tech: That Good BBQ with a Jamaican Flair

Catalyst Hot Dog: Bringing the Jersey Dog to NIH. Enjoy allbeef or vegan dogs with a variety of toppings.

Chix ‘n Stix: Specializes in crisp, fresh, deliciously fried chicken wings and tenders, to all beef quarter pound hot dogs, and specially seasoned “Flavor Fries.”

Clayboy’s Shave Ice: Serving the traditional and delicious Hawaiian shave ice, using filtered water for ice, cane sugar syrups, and the same method of crafting shave-ice popularized on the Hawaiian islands.

Grub Rockstar: Enhancing classic American Comfort dishes for all DC food lovers using only premium ingredients.

Hardy’s BBQ: Puts in the time and care to ensure that you get world class BBQ. Come hungry. You'll need plenty of room to taste all of our overflowing list of options.

Himalayan Soul Foods: Serving Himalayan food ‘momos’ (dumplings), Tibetan bread and lentil burgers.

Jimmy’s Famous Seafood: Baltimore’s historic restaurant and crab house offers great tasting seafood from their truck.

Kam & 46: Serving local Hawaii and Filipino fare. Modern take with nostalgic feels.

Kaziville: Home for good eats with hotdogs, vegan dogs, sausages, chili and more.

Koshary Corner: Vegan and gluten-free Egyptian street food

Little Lady Grill: Latin fusion grilled goodies.

Malia’s Kitchen: Serving the best homestyle soul food

Mineiro: Brazilian-American kitchen bringing traditional flavors with a modern twist to Greater DC

M.R. Cheesecakes: Small batch Artisan pure Vanilla Bean Cheesecake

Pacha Mama Juice: Fresh made-to-order fruit & veggie juices. PhoWheels: Offers a modern interpretation of traditional Vietnamese cuisine, where comforting favorite dishes blend seamlessly with bold new flavors that will entice your palate.

Quinn’s Ice specializes in lactose-free soft serve, milkshakes, ice cream sandwiches, Belgian waffle sundaes and more.

Rice Around the World: Get ready to embark on a flavorpacked journey with as you savor the best rice bowl creations from around the globe!

Sambal Truck: Serving Indonesian street food

Sides BBQ: Special ingredients delivered with exceptional service. Crafting memories with flavor and smoke.

Silver & Sons BBQ: Chef-driven, house-made BBQ with bold flavors inspired by Mediterranean, Jewish, & American traditions.

Tacos R Us and More: Providing the best tacos, birria, burritos, quesadillas in the DMV area!

Tasty Empanadas: Fresh, handmade empanadas with bold, authentic flavors and a little piece of Paraguay.

The Birria Beat: Specializing in birria tacos, dedicated to serving up the traditional flavors of Mexico with a modern twist.

Timber Pizza: Artisan wood-fired pizzas, made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Trini Vybez: Preservative free Trinidadian food with unadulterated methods to traditional cooking

Trippy Tacos: Specializes in fresh corn tortillas. Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, tortas, nachos

The R&W Community Market takes place on Tuesdays from 10am – 2pm on the South Lawn of Bldg. 10 or in the South Lobby, depending on weather The market consists of the following vendors:

Apple Valley has a variety of seasonal produce including apples, onions and potatoes, apple cider, apple sauces, pecans and jams.

Colonial Kettle Corn: Continues a 200+ year tradition making each batch in a specially designed kettle ensuring each kernel has a slightly sweet and salty flavor. Using new techniques and centuries-old recipe makes specialty popcorn unlike any other.

Great Harvest Bread Company: Purchase a variety of fresh baked breads, including gluten-free, brownies, cinnamon rolls, muffins, scones, biscotti, dog treats and more.

Randalia Bee Hives: Local raw and cream honey, pollen, hand crafted beeswax candles, bar soap, infused botanical liquid soap, beeswax body salves body lotions, lip balms, tints, salt scrubs and natural deodorants from the Eastern Shore.

Suka Nuts: Nothing beats the harmonious blend of sweet and salty flavors found in their handcrafted delights. Choose from a variety of nuts, breads, butters, brittles and more.

Jewelry and Craft Vendors: A variety of jewelry and craft vendors will rotate throughout the market.

R&W members, thru the partnership between the R&W and TicketsAtWork, can purchase tickets to a variety of amusement parks, concerts, sporting events, movies, and more. Once you register to be an R&W member or have logged into your account, click on Member Discounts and then click on the TicketsAtWork ad. Upon registering for TicketsAtWork you will have access to a variety of different entertainment options.

Before purchasing tickets or offers thru TicketsAtWork.com make sure to completely read the instructions for how the tickets work and if they are name specific or require reservations.

Attractions Discounts Across the US

Purchase tickets to most Sporting Events thru TicketsAtWork. Catch a baseball game across America or watch golf’s finest face-off. You can do any of these and more. Discounts vary!

As an R&W member see the biggest blockbusters at a discounted price. Movie Tickets are available to a variety of movie theaters across the country. See the hottest new movies like Thunderbolts*, Final Destination: Bloodlines, Hurry Up Tomorrow, Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning, Lilo & Stitch, Karate Kid: Legends and more. Save 20% - 55%!

Are You Ready to Rock?

Catch performances of Morgan Wallen, Beyonce, Post Malone, comedians and more live Discounts vary!

There’s nothing like seeing a stage performance live. Want to see a Broadway or off-Broadway play? We’ve got you covered! If you’re heading to Vegas take in a different show for every night of the week. Whether you’re looking for Family Friendly, Concert, Comedy, Cirque du Soleil or Magic you’ll find something you want. Discounts vary by show!

Flying to your vacation destination? Save on airfare for American Airlines, Delta, United and more Save up to 20%!

Attractions Discounts Across the US

R&W members can reserve a hotel stay thru TicketsAtWork at over 225,000 hotels around the world. Be on the lookout for the Best Rate Guarantee symbol! Save up to 60%!

With hundreds of games to play, leave feeling like a champion at Dave & Buster’s and Main Event. Find a seasonal food menu and classic cocktails and specialty drinks you won’t find anywhere else. You’re never far from fun with over 200 Dave & Buster's and Main Event locations $5 off play card!

Great Wolf Lodge, the largest family of indoor water park resort, defies the weather outside with an indoor water park experience that has young and old soaking in the fun! Book your stay in: Charlotte/Concord, Cincinnati/Mason (OH), Grand Mound (WA), Grapevine (TX), Kansas City (KS), New England, Poconos, Sandusky (OH), Traverse City (MI), Williamsburg and Wisconsin Dells. Save up to 10%!

2025 Local Park Sneak Peak

Kings Dominion is Virginia’s premier destination for fun. New in 2025, conquer the skies on Kings Dominion’s Rapterra, the world’s tallest and longest launched wing coaster. Rapterra simulates the flight of the legendary Jungle Hawk with an intense initial launch, plunging dives, twisting maneuvers and sweeping turns. Also enjoy Planet Snoopy, a 7-acre dedicated kids’ area, great for young adventurers, with family-friendly rides nestled under a lush canopy of trees. On a hot day, cool off at Soak City. The 20-acre waterpark boasting water slides, splash pads, a lazy river and more is included with admission (open select dates May 25 - September 2). Save up to 46%!

Hersheypark is a 110-acre, clean and green theme park with over 70 rides and attractions, featuring 15 thrilling roller coasters and 20 kiddie rides; live daily entertainment; games; food; shops; and the Boardwalk At Hersheypark. This year Hershey Park introduces the Twizzlers Twisted Gravity™ giant swing. Ascend 137 adrenaline-pumping feet, defy gravity as you swing at speeds reaching 68 MPH, and experience multiple mind-bending zero G moments. Admission to ZooAmerica is FREE on same-day visit to Hersheypark when entered from within Hersheypark. ZooAmerica is an 11-acre walk-through zoo with over 200 animals. Ticket is Not Valid at ZooAmerica entrance to enter Hersheypark. Save nearly $40!

Sesame Place’s 45th Birthday Celebration kicks off April 26th, featuring furry birthday fun all spring and summer long. The park will be adorned with bright balloons, colorful garland, fabulous birthday presents, and more fun décor! Fan-favorite entertainment across the park will be transformed with birthday-themed twists, including the return of the spectacular, fan-favorite Sesame Street Birthday Parade. This colorful, musical, and show-stopping parade will get the whole family dancing with contemporary and classic Sesame Street tunes, show-stopping performances, and an interactive birthday song. At Sesame Place, enjoy family-friendly rides and attractions, shows and parades and meet and greet with your favorite Sesame Street characters. Save up to 61%!

2025 Local Park Sneak Peak

2025 is the Return of the Wolf as The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge opens. 40 years after a terrifying wolf swept thru a Bavarian village, turning townsfolk into werewolves and leaving the town in ruins, the annual Festival of the Silent Bells seeks to honor that haunting past. As the festival begins, the village is eerily quiet, but soon, unsettling sounds emergefootsteps, low growls, and the glint of bright red eyes. An exhilarating adventure thru the German countryside awaits as riders become the beast on Busch Gardens’ all-new familyfriendly inverted roller coaster. As the sound of screams and the echo of a howling wolf creates chaos in the familiar town, riders will experience over 2,500 feet of track traveling up to 40 miles per hour while bolting thru the streets of an abandoned Bavarian village. A variety of special events will take place select dates in 2025 including: St. Patrick’s Day Celebration (3/13 – 3/16), Food & Wine Festival (4/24 – 6/15), Summer of Wonder (daily 6/20 – 8/10), Bier Fest (8/15 – 9/1). Howl-O-Scream (9/5 –11/2), Halloween Spooktacular (9/20 – 11/2) and Christmastown (11/14 – 1/4). Discounts vary!

Cool off this summer at Water Country USA®, Virginia’s largest water park. There’s fun for the entire family in a cool beach vibe, with resort-style amenities and more than 40 stateof-the-art water rides and attractions. Water Country USA features refreshing pools, children’s play areas and lazy rivers, offering hours of fun in the summer sun. Opens May 10th!

Carowinds, located on the North Carolina-South Carolina border, is the region's premier amusement park, featuring 58 rides and attractions including the world's tallest and fastest giga coaster. Camp Snoopy caters to younger guests with many child-friendly rides including the new Snoopy’s Racing Railway and Charlie Brown’s River Raft Blast. Additionally, it features Beagle Scout Acres, an 8,000-square-foot play area. Carolina Harbor Waterpark, a 26-acre water park encompasses 13 attractions, including 33 slides, two wave pools, private cabanas and a three-acre play area for children. Save up to 49%

Six Flags America is making lasting memories all season long with culturally rich event series, dynamic performances, and interactive fun. Entrance to Hurricane Harbor is not included in park admission, you must buy the add-on ticket. Save up to 66%!