Welcome back to The Fun Report. With 2024 winding down, we’ve wrapped up our 3rd year of producing Fun Across America and have more content in the hopper than ever before. Read on to learn about our last round of 2024 filming, our week at IAAPA, a way to fly drones over the plains of Africa from the comfort of your living room, and more.

For our last filming adventure of the year, we ventured to the great state of Texas to highlight some new locations for Fun Across America! A few of our favorites were High 5, PinBallz, Museum of Ice Cream, and the Eureka Room. While we can’t give away all the surprises, it’s safe to say we had a blast exploring all the fun Texas had to offer.

Get a sneak peek at the upcoming locations featured and other great spots in Texas here.

Stay tuned to our YouTube Channel and Facebook to not miss any new videos!

Our recent column for RePlay Magazine covers our visits to The Castle Fun Center in Chester, NY and The Fun Spot in Lake George, NY.

The Castle Fun Center offers a thrilling range of indoor and outdoor attractions, including go-karts, mini-golf, roller skating, laser tag, and a unique InflataPark, perfect for all ages seeking adventure and excitement.

The Fun Spot combines a cozy, community-focused atmosphere with family-friendly attractions like go-karts, mini-golf, laser tag, a ninja course, and more, making it a perfect spot for fun and relaxation. Two great locations if you’re looking for something to do in New York!

To read the full column, visit: Fun Across America – Replay Magazine.

If you’re in the industry of fun, you know IAAPA. But for those that don’t: IAAPA Expo 2024, held in November in Orlando, Florida, is the premier event for the global attractions industry. The expo set a new attendance record this year, bringing together over 41,000 industry professionals and more than 1,100 exhibitors from around the world. Attendees explored the latest innovations in amusement and theme parks, water parks, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, and more.

The event features a comprehensive education program with over 140 learning opportunities, including sessions on emerging trends such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and sustainable practices. New additions this year included the “Haunting Grounds,” focused on Halloween-themed attractions, and the “IAAPA Street Market,” showcasing food and beverage trends through live demos and tastings. Special events like the inaugural Women in the Industry Networking Lunch and a record-breaking drone show by Sky Elements added to the dynamic atmosphere.

Producer Barry is a seasoned IAAPA veteran, but for Nate, it was his first time diving into “the Super Bowl of Fun.” He kicked things off by presenting Unexpected Brilliance: Strategies to Spark and Seize Viral Moments, sharing actionable tips for creating content that drives viral exposure for businesses. The following day, Nate joined Barry and Brandon Willey (The LBX Collective) on a panel titled Essentials to Excelling in FECs and LBEs, where they shared valuable industry insights.

We had an incredible time reconnecting with familiar faces and making new friends—and we’re already counting down to the 2025 Expo!

Rides 4-U is a premier supplier of new and used amusement rides, providing a wide range of attractions for carnivals, parks, and family entertainment centers across the U.S. and globally.

Their inventory includes everything from kiddie rides to major roller coasters, as well as LED lighting systems that enhance the visibility of attractions. They offer financing options and specialize in both high-tech and traditional rides, catering to various amusement needs. Their catalog also features both new and used rides, ensuring a diverse selection for clients.

Interested? Check them out here.

We recently had the opportunity to fly over the Antioch Reserve in South Africa, then fly over an active volcano in Grindavik, Iceland 15 minute later… from Nate’s office in Minneapolis.

How is that possible? Through remote drone travel, thanks to NatureEye.

NatureEye offers real-time virtual travel experiences by allowing users to remotely pilot drones over iconic landscapes and wildlife habitats worldwide. With an on-site copilot and guide, participants can explore destinations, capture high-resolution photos, and support conservation efforts, as up to 50% of the flight cost is shared with local sites. You can watch our experience trying this out on our YouTube channel.

If you want to try this, or you need a last-minute Christmas gift for someone - you’re in luck. We’ve partnered with NatureEye to offer Fun Across America supporters $10 OFF a flight or NatureEye gift card when you use code FUN2FLY . You can check out their current flight offerings here.