Ohio Amusement Parks
Ohio amusement parks are some of the most popular in the world because of their great diversity and the fun and excitement they offer to all ages. With more than a dozen parks across the state, Ohio is a fabulous destination for a theme park getaway.
Amusement and Theme Parks in Ohio
Ohio is home to more than three dozen roller coasters, making it one of the top ten states for coasters in the country. At the same time, however, the state is also home to a number of small, family-oriented parks that are perfect for an afternoon or evening of enjoyment.
Large Parks
The largest amusement parks in Ohio include:
- Cedar Point Amusement Park: This 364-acre park in Sandusky along the Lake Erie coast is the most highly rated amusement park in the world. With more than 60 rides, including more than 15 thrilling coasters, the park has something for everyone. Multiple children's areas appeal to the youngest visitors, and craft demonstrations, outstanding entertainment, and a small local museum offer enjoyment to guests who prefer more mild thrills.
Cedar Point
- King's Island: This former Paramount park is now part of the Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, the parent company of Cedar Point and a number of other amusement parks throughout the country. King's Island is home to a wide range of coasters including the wildly popular Beast and Son of Beast wooden coasters. Dozens of additional rides, shows, and other attractions make this park in King's Mills a popular destination.
- Coney Island: This moderately sized park near Cincinnati offers a range of attractions for all ages. The Python roller coaster is suitable for the whole family, and more than 20 classic amusement rides including a Ferris wheel, bumper cars, carousel, and bumper boats bring traditional nostalgic thrills to life. The park also features a pool and landscaped gardens that can be rented for special events.
Small Parks
In addition to the three largest Ohio amusement parks, the state is also home to several smaller family parks.
- Jungle Jack's Landing: This park in Powell is part of the Columbus Zoo and features a wooden family roller coaster, log flume ride, a swinging ship, several spinning rides, and a small train.
- Memphis Kiddie Park: Youngsters are the guests of honor at this Cleveland park that features a wide selection of children's rides, including the Little Dipper roller coaster, a small carousel, flying rockets, and boats. A challenging miniature golf course is fun for the whole family, and birthday rentals are available.
- Strickers Grove: This park in Ross is privately owned and only open to the public on the Fourth of July and one Sunday in August each year. On those days, however, guests will enjoy the Teddy Bear and Tornado wooden coasters, a selection of milder rides, free soft drinks, and shaded picnic areas. The park can also be rented for special occasions and is a popular option for family reunions, graduation parties, and weddings.
- Tuscora Park: Located in New Philadelphia, this park has a range of athletic attractions including miniature golf, batting cages, and a pool. A kiddie coaster is also popular with younger visitors.
- Island Adventures: This Port Clinton park is home to a miniature golf course, go karts, bumper boats, a climbing wall, and a large arcade. Guests can also go wild in the petting zoo or feel like pioneers as they sift for gemstones and fossils.
- Tailfins Amusement Park: One of the newest attractions in Put-In-Bay, this park features a large selection of prize redemption games, state of the art virtual bowling, an electric go kart track, and more.
Water Parks
Ohio is also home to several amazing water parks.
Great Wolf Lodge, Sandusky
- Soak City: Adjacent to Cedar Point, this large water park features different types of slides, children's play areas, a wave pool, lazy and action rivers, and more.
- Geauga Lake's Wildwater Kingdom: Another Cedar Fair water park, guests can have a splashtastic time in Aurora with multiple water slides, a wave pool, kiddie areas, and a lazy river.
- Zoombezi Bay Waterpark: Part of the Columbus Zoo in Powell, this large water park features more than a dozen slides, both lazy and action rivers, a wave pool, and a children's interactive play area.
- The Beach: Located in Mason, this aquatastic park has a wide range of water slides of all excitement levels as well as a water coaster, wave pool, lazy river, and sand volleyball courts.
When the weather gets colder, Ohio residents and guests can also enjoy the state's many indoor water parks, including the Great Wolf Lodge, the Kalahari Resort, and more.
Visiting Ohio Amusement Parks
It is important to remember that most amusement and water parks in Ohio are only open seasonally. Exact operating dates vary for each park, but seasons generally run from April or May through September or October. Many parks are only open weekends early and late in the season.
To make the most of your visit to Ohio parks…
- Visit during less busy days, such as earlier in the season or during the week.
- Investigate getting a Cedar Point platinum pass that includes free admission to all Cedar Fair parks, including King's Island and Geauga Lake's Wildwater Kingdom.
- Preview theme park maps and online information to plan your visit efficiently.
Ohio amusement parks offer something for everyone, from world class roller coasters and nostalgic rides to entertaining shows and children's attractions. With so much to choose from, Ohio is the place to be for summertime fun.
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