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USA Today
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Watch pet cicada join 5-year-old girl on amusement park rides in Ohio
"Both my daughters are very interested and love all things creepy crawly," the girl's mother, Ashlea Jelliffe, said. A 5-year-old girl is captivating social media users after she took her "pet" cicada with her on a rollercoaster ride in Ohio. Margot, 5, adopted 'Cade the Cader," a male cicada, while visiting Kings Island amusement park in Mason, about 27 miles north of Cincinnati, her mother, Ashlea Jelliffe, told USA TODAY over email. She spotted the chirpy critter along a walkway in the kids' area of the park called "Planet Snoopy," Jelliffe said. Cade, who Jelliffe described as a "very friendly and somewhat docile male cicada" accompanied Margot as she sat on various rides in the park, including the Great Pumpkin Coaster, the Grand Carousel, Boo Blasters and Joe Cool's Dogem School. Watch 'Cade the Cader' ride amusement park ride with Margot Video shared by Jelliffe shows Cade riding the Great Pumpkin Coaster with his new friend and her sister Skylar, 8. Margot can be seen holding the cicada between her fingers during the ride as it goes up and down the tracks. "Most male cicadas are a little more rowdy, but he happily stuck around with us for several rides in the park," Jelliffe said. 'Go find yourself a nice girl!' After a fun evening at the amusement park, the family decided to set Cade free. Jelliffe said the critter was with them for about three hours and spent a "good amount of that time clung to Margot's favorite blue shirt." Margot and her family then found a nice tree near a fountain in the park where they said their goodbyes and set Cade free, Jelliffe said. "Margot loves the cicadas, but she also respects (their) short lifespan and need to find a mate," Jelliffe said. "As we set him free, she made sure to tell him to 'Go find yourself a nice girl!'" Cade is not the first cicada Margot adopted from this season's broods. "Both my daughters are very interested and love all things creepy crawly," Jelliffe said. "So naturally, the immersion of the large bugs this year struck a chord with them." The family also has a dog named Piper, a Boston terrier-beagle mix. What are cicadas? Cicadas are insects that make a rhythmic chirping or creaking noise, according to etymonline. They emerge in groups called broods. Cicadas belong to the order Hemiptera, the same one that includes stink bugs, bed bugs, aphids and cicada families, according to Cicada Safari, a research group that crowdsources cicada data and sightings. Among the cicadas, only the males sing, sounding off a mating call, Cicada Safari reported. After hatching, the immature cicadas or nymphs spend 17 or 13 years underground, feeding on roots, then emerge during the spring and transform into adult cicadas. The current brood, Brood XIV, is periodical and emerges every 17 years. This year, Brood XIV emerged in late April and early May. Brood XIV is concentrated in the eastern U.S. and cicadas have been spotted in states such as Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and North Carolina, over the past few months, as per Cicada Safari's map. There have been over 1,000 sightings of cicadas in the Cincinnati area, according to the map. Contributing: Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer / Anthony Robledo, Saleen Martin, USA TODAY Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@ and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Forget Disney — These 10 US Amusement Parks Are Free To Visit
All across the U.S., there are amusement parks that let you in for free — no tickets necessary just to walk through the gates. That means you can take in the sights, enjoy the fun atmosphere and only spend money on what you actually want, like a favorite ride, a funnel cake or a game on the midway. Up Next: Explore More: For families watching their spending, these parks are a great way to enjoy a day out without going over budget. Kids still get all the excitement and parents can choose how much, or how little, they want to spend. It's all about having fun, without the pressure of a pricey admission fee. Here are some awesome free-admission amusement parks around the country that offer great experiences for visitors of all ages. Location: Elysburg, Pennsylvania America's largest free-admission amusement park, Knoebels lets guests enter for free and pay only for rides and food. The park features over 60 attractions, including the Phoenix roller coaster and a hand-carved Grand Carousel. Tickets are pay-as-you-go, with wristbands available on select days. Live entertainment, picnic spots and wooded scenery make it a perfect family getaway. Consider This: Location: Chicago Located on Lake Michigan's shore, Navy Pier is a Chicago landmark with stunning city and lake views. It offers classic rides like the Centennial Wheel and a charming carousel, plus midway games and plenty of food spots. Seasonal fireworks and live music add to the lively atmosphere, making it a vibrant destination for families seeking amusement and waterfront charm. Location: Wildwood, New Jersey Stretching along the Wildwood boardwalk, Morey's Piers & Beachfront Water Parks offer classic Jersey Shore fun for all ages. The complex includes three amusement piers with roller coasters and family rides, plus two water parks with slides and wave pools. Seasonal events and fireworks add extra excitement in the summer, making Morey's a favorite for families and thrill-seekers. Location: Santa Monica, California Located on the iconic Santa Monica Pier, Pacific Park is the West Coast's only amusement park on a pier. It features 12 rides, including the world's first solar-powered Ferris wheel, the Pacific Wheel, with stunning ocean views. Alongside rides, visitors can enjoy midway games, food and shopping. Open year-round, the park offers both individual tickets and unlimited ride wristbands. Location: Brooklyn, New York Situated on the Coney Island boardwalk, Luna Park offers free entrance with pay-per-ride pricing. This vibrant amusement park blends retro style with modern thrills, featuring iconic rides like the Cyclone coaster and the Thunderbolt. Seasonal events and fireworks keep the excitement rolling through the summer, making Luna Park a must-visit spot for anyone looking to soak up that legendary Coney Island spirit. Location: Hershey, Pennsylvania Separate from Hersheypark, Hershey's Chocolate World offers free entry and a complimentary chocolate-making tour with samples. Other experiences, like the 4D movie and tasting events, are ticketed. It's a fun, immersive destination for chocolate lovers of all ages. Location: Santa Cruz, California Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a historic seaside amusement park that's been delighting visitors since 1907. The park features classic rides like the Giant Dipper wooden coaster and Looff Carousel. With arcade games, mini-golf and a laid-back beach vibe, it's a timeless spot for coastal fun and classic amusements. Location: Orlando, Florida and Kissimmee, Florida Fun Spot America is a family-friendly amusement park known for its mix of classic attractions and high-thrill rides. Highlights include multi-level go-kart tracks, arcade games and major coasters. The park offers a laid-back atmosphere with a choice between individual ride tickets or unlimited ride wristbands. Location: Tipton, Pennsylvania DelGrosso's Park offers a fun mix of classic amusement rides and water attractions with a unique Italian twist. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, the park features everything from kiddie rides to coasters, plus a water park with slides and splash zones. Location: Brooklyn, New York Nestled along Gravesend Bay, Adventerer's Amusement Park is charming neighborhood park, as well as a favorite for families with young kids. It features gentle rides like a classic carousel and go-karts, all available with pay-as-you-go pricing. With its relaxed setting and kid-friendly attractions, it's a perfect spot for a laid-back day of fun by the water. More From GOBankingRates Mark Cuban Warns of 'Red Rural Recession' -- 4 States That Could Get Hit Hard 6 Big Shakeups Coming to Social Security in 2025 9 Downsizing Tips for the Middle Class To Save on Monthly Expenses This article originally appeared on Forget Disney — These 10 US Amusement Parks Are Free To Visit
AsiaOne
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
What to do this weekend (June 6 to 8), Lifestyle News
Ready for the weekend? Here's what you can look forward to this week. 1. Wiggle Wiggle in the Sky at Singapore Flyer South Korean lifestyle brand Wiggle Wiggle has teamed up with Singapore Flyer for a vibrant makeover to the observation wheel. Step into one of five uniquely decorated capsules, each of which brings its own distinct personality to your journey above Singapore's spectacular skyline — think whimsical flowers and cute bears. Be sure to also check out the pop-up store at Level 1 or the Singapore Flyer Gifts shop at Level 3 for exclusive merchandise, from cult-classic tumblers to playful everyday accessories. Till Sept 28, 2025. 2. Jumptopia Lite: Bounce Beyond [embed] Take your kids to Suntec City this June holidays for a world of bouncy fun. Organised jointly with Kiztopia, the expansive 15-metre-wide inflatable zone brings to life playful worlds inspired by Kiztopia's most beloved characters. Your kids can jump, climb, and slide through obstacle courses and into ball pits for endless fun. There will also be an on-site carnival at Suntec Plaza with charming rides like the Grand Carousel, Samba Balloon, and F1 Cars, as well as classic carnival games with high win rates. Till June 29, 2025. 3. Culture Cartel Genesis Culture Cartel Genesis is live from now till June 8. The 4-day event sees Marina Square's Central Atrium transformed into a dynamic cultural playground where street culture takes centre stage. Whether you're a sneakerhead, vinyl junkie, or just love the vibes, you'll want to explore this vibrant festival where streetwear, art, dance, collectibles and next-gen workshops collide. Till June 8, 2025. 4. Sentosa Festive Market by Sunday Social [embed] This June school holidays, Sentosa Festive Market transforms into a playground of creativity and fun for both kids and adults. Set along a charming street of Palawan Beach Walk, this special edition invites you and your family to soak in the festive spirit, discover handmade treasures, enjoy delicious bites, and support the next generation of entrepreneurs as they bring their business dreams to life. "Kidpreneurs" take the lead at this market with six dedicated gazebos where these passionate young sellers will run their own businesses — from handmade crafts and original art to second-hand books, toys, clothes and more. There will also be interactive workshops for all ages, lawn games, and even a food truck dishing up juicy dry-aged burgers straight off the grill. June 7 to 8, 2025. [[nid:718673]] This article was first published in
