Photo: Grayson
Photo: Tajh Phifer
Photo: Joe Walters
Kings Island
★4.6(34,428 reviews)$$$Amusement Park
🕑 Full day (8-10 hours)👶 Best for ages 3 and up. Toddlers and preschoolers will love Planet Snoopy's gentle rides and character meet-and-greets, elementary-aged kids can graduate to moderate thrill rides, while teens and brave tweens can tackle some of the nation's most intense roller coasters. The variety ensures no family member is left out.🧡 Saved by 90+ families
About
Kings Island is an ultimate family destination featuring over 100 rides and attractions spread across 364 acres. From thrilling world-class roller coasters for teens to the whimsical 17-acre Planet Snoopy area designed specifically for young children, plus the included Soak City water park for cooling off on hot days, this park offers full-day entertainment for every member of the family.
Highlights
- ✓Planet Snoopy kids area with 18+ rides designed for younger children and Peanuts character meet-and-greets
- ✓Soak City water park with wave pools, lazy river, and water slides included with admission
- ✓The Beast,iconic wooden roller coaster and longest in the world at 7,359 feet
- ✓Mystic Timbers wooden coaster perfect for families with kids ready for moderate thrills
- ✓Live entertainment shows and parades throughout the day
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive at rope drop (park opening) and head straight to Planet Snoopy when crowds are lightest, then move to bigger rides as the day progresses
- 2.Download the Kings Island app before your visit to check real-time wait times, show schedules, and mobile food ordering to skip lines
- 3.Bring swimsuits and towels in your car,Soak City water park is included with admission and perfect for an afternoon cool-down
- 4.Consider visiting on weekdays in May, early June, or September for the smallest crowds and shortest wait times
- 5.Pack sunscreen and rent a locker near Planet Snoopy to store extra clothes, snacks, and supplies centrally
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekdays in late spring (May) or early fall (September) for beautiful weather and minimal crowds. Arrive at park opening around 10-11am and you'll experience shortest wait times for popular rides. Avoid summer weekends and July when crowds peak.
What to Know
Parking fees apply ($30-35) and are separate from admission. The park offers numerous dining options from quick-service to sit-down restaurants, plus all-day dining deals. Soak City water park is included with admission. Height restrictions apply to many rides, so check requirements in advance.
Seasonal Notes
Open daily late May through August, then weekends-only in April, May, September, and October. The park hosts special events like Halloween Haunt (not recommended for young children due to scares) and WinterFest holiday celebration in November-December. Soak City is only open during summer months (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day).
Nearby Eats
Skyline Chili (Cincinnati's famous chili parlor, 5 minutes away) offers kid-friendly cheese coneys and spaghetti. For a sit-down meal, try Jag's Steak & Seafood in Mason, about 10 minutes from the park, which has a dedicated kids menu and casual atmosphere perfect for tired families.
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