Two Ohio Theme Parks Rank Among The Best, Most Worth-The-Money Amusement Parks In The US
By Sarah McCosham|Published September 28, 2023
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Ohio is known for its amazing amusement parks. Cedar Point and Kings Island are two world-acclaimed attractions that draw roller coaster enthusiasts from across the country and beyond. Obviously, I’m a bit biased as I have fond memories of visiting Kings Island for the annual “GE Day” as a kid — but I’m not the only one who knows the Buckeye State’s roller coasters rock. A recent ranking by JeffBet investigated which theme parks are really worth the money… and it’s not Disney or Universal. Cedar Point came in at the top of the list, with Kings Island ranked as the fourth most worth-the-money theme parks in the US. Here’s what makes these two theme parks in Ohio worth the money… and the hype.
The Buckeye State has long been a bucket-list destination for roller enthusiasts, with Cincinnati's Kings Island and Sandusky's Cedar Point packing quite the superlative punch.
Kings Island opened in 1972, and in the 50+ years since, has earned its place among America's top amusement parks. The Beast (pictured) was designed and built in-house for approximately $3 million, and when it opened in 1979, it was the tallest, fastest, and longest wooden roller coaster in the world. Decades later, it still holds the title as the longest wooden roller coaster in the world, spanning a staggering 7,361 feet.
Kings Island, 6300 Kings Island Dr, Mason, OH 45040, USA
In addition to its thrilling rides, Kings Island's annual Winterfest is a beloved Buckeye State tradition that's as spectacular as the park itself. It's been voted among the top theme park holiday events in the country, and with five million lights and a 314-foot tall Christmas tree (hello, Eiffel Tower!), it certainly is worthy of such praise.
Kings Island isn't the only world-class amusement park in Ohio... Cedar Point is 364 acres of pure fun, boasting over 70 attractions, including the mighty, 310-foot titan that is the Millennium Force.
Cedar Point, 1 Cedar Point Dr, Sandusky, OH 44870, USA
The second-oldest amusement park in the US, Cedar Point has been entertaining Ohioans since 1870. When it initially opened as a public bathing beach, the first passengers actually arrived via a steamboat dubbed the "Young Reindeer."
The park's unique location on the shores of Lake Erie position it as the perfect summer vacation in Ohio; and indeed, that is exactly what it's been for 150 years. But its amenities and attractions aren't the only draws of this park and its Cincinnati counterpart.
Both Ohio amusement parks have earned national notoriety not only for their record-breaking coasters and must-visit events, but also for their accessibility and affordability. A 2023 study by JeffBet assigned each theme park a score out of 10 based on how "much" visitors get for the price. This involved scaling the online ticket and parking prices against the number of attractions, visitor ratings, and typical opening hours. Cedar Point was named the most "worth the money" amusement park in the US, with Kings Island coming in fourth.
This is no surprise to us. We often talk of Ohio's low cost of living, but that doesn't just apply to housing and essentials. It also applies to our attractions and outdoor recreation, so, when you add it all up, Ohio is pretty much an all-around all-star and the best place to call home.
Wherever you hail from in Ohio, a visit to one of these superlative parks is an easy day trip away! The only question is: which of these awesome (and affordable!) amusement parks in Ohio will you visit first? Cedar Point… or Kings Island? Decisions, decisions.
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