24 Best Theme Parks in Ohio (2024 Update)

Ohio’s theme parks aren’t just about thrills – they’re about making memories. You probably already know that two of the best theme parks in Ohio are Cedar Point and Kings Island. If not…

Cedar Point throws you into record-breaking loops and twists. Kings Island? It’s got family rides and coasters that’ll make you scream.

Speaking of screams, Kings Island hides a secret.

The Banshee coaster isn’t just about speed – its track design makes the ride feel eerily smooth. It’s a completely different kind of intense!

Okay, here’s your challenge: which Ohio park has the world’s longest wooden coaster? Think you know? Keep reading to find out – and get the inside scoop on other must-visit Ohio parks!

Cedar Point

Cedar Point loves to brag about its coasters, and honestly, they have a right to. This place is a haven for anyone who loves that stomach-dropping, can’t-catch-your-breath feeling. But it’s more than just metal and speed. You’ve got shows, kiddie rides…even a beach right there on Lake Erie.

Location	Sandusky, Ohio
Cost Range	$$
Main Attractions	Top Thrill Dragster, Steel Vengeance, Millennium Force, Soak City Waterpark
Website	www.cedarpoint.com
Map	Cedar Point Map

Heads up: Cedar Point isn’t for the faint of heart when it comes to crowds or prices. If you want to save some cash and avoid lines, weekdays are your friends. Insider tip: if you get sick of the standard park food, check out the smaller stands off the beaten path – sometimes they hide the best bites.

Cedar Point might not be the newest or fanciest park, but sometimes there’s nothing quite like that classic amusement park rush.

Kings Island

Kings Island isn’t messing around! This place is massive – which means more time for fun, less time spent walking from ride to ride. Want a cute carousel for the little ones? They’ve got it. Want coasters that’ll make you scream until you’re hoarse? They’ve got those too.

Location	Mason, Ohio
Cost Range	$$
Main Attractions	Orion, The Beast, Diamondback, Mystic Timbers, Kings Island & Miami Valley Railroad
Website	www.visitkingsisland.com
Map	Kings Island Map

Pro tip: Kings Island gets packed, so if you hate waiting in line, come on a weekday or try their early entry perk. Bonus: ditch the standard food stands and explore some of the smaller ones – they might surprise you with something delicious.

Kings Island isn’t just about rides. They throw some awesome events throughout the year! Music, festivals, you name it. Check their schedule before heading out so you don’t miss anything cool.

Memphis Kiddie Park

Memphis Kiddie Park is the perfect spot for those with younger kids. It’s got that old-school amusement park charm – don’t come expecting high-tech thrills. But if you want a place where the littles can run wild and ride cute, classic attractions all day, it’s ideal.

Location	Brooklyn, Ohio
Cost Range	$
Main Attractions	Miniature Golf, Little Dipper Roller Coaster, Train Ride, Car Rides, Pony Ride
Website	memphiskiddiepark.com
Map	Memphis Kiddie Park Map

They don’t do season passes here. You pay by the ride, which is great if your kid only has the attention span for a few favorites. Insider tip: some rides are surprisingly zippy, even for adults! Don’t be afraid to join your kids on a few.

The park’s only open part of the year, so check their hours before you go – especially if you’re visiting outside of peak summer months.

Clay’s Resort Jellystone Park

Clay’s Resort Jellystone Park is like camping with a side of theme park fun! Think pools, mini-golf, and plenty of outdoor activities to keep the kids busy. They’ve got everything from tent sites to cabins, so you don’t have to rough it if you don’t want to.

Location	North Lawrence, Ohio
Cost Range	$$
Main Attractions	Swimming Lakes, Water Park, Mini Golf, Fishing
Website	clayspark.com
Map	Clay’s Resort Jellystone Park Map

Want something the kids won’t see coming? They have fishing! Pack some poles and see if you can snag dinner. It’s a fun way to add a little “real” camping to the trip.

Clay’s Resort gets popular in the summer, so book early if you’re aiming for those prime vacation weeks. But with the mix of activities on-site, it’s worth it to keep the family entertained.

Stricker’s Grove

Stricker’s Grove is a blast from the past. This family-owned park’s been around since the 1920s, and they love that old-school amusement park vibe. Don’t expect cutting-edge tech, but they’ve got some surprisingly fun coasters and classic rides. Plus, it’s way more chill than the giant theme parks.

Location	Hamilton, Ohio
Cost Range	$$
Main Attractions	Teddy Bear, Tornado, Ferris Wheel, Miniature Golf, Rocket Ship
Website	www.strickersgrove.com
Map	Stricker’s Grove Map

Here’s the thing: Stricker’s Grove isn’t open all year. They only have a few public days, so it feels more like a special event. Insider tip: they sometimes run evening events – the rides take on a whole different feel after dark!

Stricker’s Grove is perfect if you like the energy of an amusement park without the overwhelming crowds. Grab some classic snacks, ride the carousel, maybe even pack a picnic! It’s a great way to experience that simple, old-fashioned summer fun.

Great Wolf Lodge Water Park – Sandusky

Think of Great Wolf Lodge as the ultimate water park sleepover! They’ve got slides that’ll make you scream, splash zones for the kiddos, and even stuff to do if you DON’T want to get wet. Want to meet the Great Wolf Lodge characters? They’ve got that. Arcade games? Yep. Storytime to wind down? You know it.

Location	Sandusky, Ohio
Cost Range	$$
Main Attractions	Fort Mackenzie, Slap Tail Pond, Crooked Creek, Totem Towers, Whooping Hollow
Website	www.greatwolf.com/sandusky
Map	Great Wolf Lodge Water Park Map

Best part? Rain or shine, it doesn’t matter – the water park is inside! Insider tip: check out their special events. Sometimes they do extra-cool things just for passholders, like nighttime pool parties!

Heads up: Great Wolf Lodge gets popular. If you hate crowds, weekdays during the school year are your best bet.

Coney Island

02/05/24 Message from Coney Island:

Thank you, loyal patrons, for your support over the years. We will miss your smiles and enthusiasm. We have been proud to provide a place where so many wonderful memories were created for families. We thank the millions of patrons and employees from Cincinnati and surrounding neighborhoods. You made Coney Island a special place for all of us.

Coney Island is now closed.

All 2024 season passes have been refunded. All gift card balances brought to our attention through January 22, 2023, have also been refunded. 

If you are seeking the return of your family’s commemorative brick(s), it’s our understanding that the property’s new owner, MEMI, will return bricks to all families who request them. To do so, please email info@memi.biz or call (513) 232-6220.

Thank you for your support of Coney Island over the years. It was indeed our honor to serve you and your family.

Coney Island isn’t trying to be the newest or flashiest park – and that’s part of its charm! Roll up for some classic coaster thrills, grab a funnel cake, then cool off with some water slides and lazy river time.

Location	Cincinnati, Ohio
Cost Range	$$
Main Attractions	Sunlite Pool, Typhoon Tower, Cannonball Cove, Twister Waterslides
Website	coneyislandpark.com
Map	Coney Island Map

This place is great for everyone. Big kids and adults will love the thrill rides, while little ones will find plenty of kid-sized fun. Insider tip: their old-fashioned carousel is a must, even if you’re an adult. It’s a Coney Island tradition!

Pro tip: Coney Island can get packed, especially on weekends. If you hate crowds, try to sneak in a weekday visit. But no matter what day you go, bring your sunscreen and get ready for a blast!

Fun ‘n’ Stuff

Fun ‘n’ Stuff is all about options! Go-karts, mini-golf, even rock climbing – they’ve got tons of ways to keep kids (and grown-ups!) entertained. It’s a great place to bring the whole family since there’s truly something for everyone.

Location	Macedonia, Ohio
Cost Range	$$
Main Attractions	Roller Skating, Go-Karts, Laser Tag, Bumper Boats, Mini Golf, Rock Wall
Website	fun-n-stuff.com
Map	Fun ‘n’ Stuff Map

Heads up: they have both indoor and outdoor fun. This is awesome for rainy days, but those outdoor attractions truly shine in the summer! Insider tip: Their laser tag arena is surprisingly cool – give it a try even if you think it’s just for the little kids.

Fun ‘n’ Stuff can get busy (especially on weekends), but that’s part of the energy. Just be prepared to wait a bit for the most popular attractions.

Adventure Zone

If your family loves to compete, Adventure Zone is the place for you! Think mini-golf battles, go-kart rivalries, maybe even a batting cage showdown. They’ve got a ton of activities to keep everyone entertained, no matter what age.

Location	Geneva, Ohio
Cost Range	$$
Main Attractions	Picnic Cove, Kiddy Kastle, Rock Wall, Wildcat’s Den, Adventure Golf, Batting Cages, Vertical Rush, Krazy Kars
Website	www.adventurezonefun.com
Map	Adventure Zone Map

Best part? They’ve got a chill picnic area too. Pack some snacks, relax, and trash-talk your family about who really won that last round of mini-golf. Insider tip: check out the arcade! Some of those retro games are a blast, even if you’re usually not a gamer.

Heads up: Adventure Zone gets popular. Weekdays are best if you want to avoid the crowds. But no matter when you go, get ready to play hard at Adventure Zone!

Pioneer Waterland & Dry Fun Park

Pioneer Waterland & Dry Fun Park is all about options! They’ve got the usual water park fun – slides, pools, all that. But they also have go-karts, mini-golf, and more. Perfect for when someone gets tired of being wet, or if you have kids with different energy levels.

Location	Chardon, Ohio
Cost Range	$$
Main Attractions	Slider towers, Paddle boats, Batting cages, Go-Karts, Sportland Fun area
Website	pioneerwaterland.com
Map	Pioneer Waterland & Dry Fun Park Map

Heads up: It’s not a fancy place, but sometimes those are the most fun to just chill and play. Insider tip: if you’re visiting on a hot day, hit the water park first – it gets more crowded later.

Pioneer Waterland is open for the summer, but pro tip – early in the season (like June) is ideal. It’s less crowded, and the weather is perfect for water fun without being too crazy hot.

The Watering Hole Safari and Waterpark

The Watering Hole Safari and Waterpark is perfect for hot summer days! Slides, mini-golf, even a petting zoo – it’s the perfect mix to keep everyone entertained, no matter how old they are.

Location	Port Clinton, Ohio
Cost Range	$$
Main Attractions	Water Slides, Go-Karts, Mini Golf, Zoo
Website	wateringholeatmonsoon.com
Map	The Watering Hole Safari and Waterpark Map

Insider tip: If you get hungry, check out the small food shacks near the back of the park. They sometimes have surprisingly tasty snacks that you won’t find at the main stands!

This park does get busy (especially on weekends), so if you hate crowds, it’s worth trying to swing a weekday visit. But, even if you go on a peak day, plan to arrive early so you can grab some good spots by the pools.

Magic Mountain Fun Center – East

Magic Mountain Fun Center – East is where the party’s at! Go-karts? Check. Mini-golf? Yep. Batting cages, arcade games, even bumper cars… they’ve got all kinds of ways to keep you having a blast.

Location	Columbus, Ohio
Cost Range	$$
Main Attractions	Go-Karts, Mini Golf, Bumper Cars, Batting Cages
Website	magicmountainfuncenter.com
Map	Magic Mountain Fun Center – East Map

Want a birthday party that’ll be the talk of the school? They’ve got you covered. Friend group outing? Perfect. Just need to let loose and act like a kid again? This is your spot.

Insider tip: Weekdays are less crowded, so go then if you can. And don’t leave without trying their pizza – it’s surprisingly good for an amusement park!

Land of Illusion Adventure Park

Land of Illusion Adventure Park is a choose-your-own-adventure kind of place. They’ve got a water park for those hot summer days, spooky haunted houses in the fall, and even a Christmas light spectacular in the winter. Definitely check out their calendar – they throw some cool events year-round.

Location	Middletown, Ohio
Cost Range	$$
Main Attractions	Haunted Houses, Aqua Adventures, Concert Series, Christmas Glow
Website	www.landofillusion.com
Map	Land of Illusion Adventure Park Map

Heads up: This isn’t the park for little kids. The rides are on the intense side, and the haunted houses can be truly scary. Insider tip: if you’re into live music, the summer concerts are surprisingly fun.

Land of Illusion can get busy, especially around holidays or when they have special events. If you can, aim for a weekday visit. But honestly, even if it’s crowded, this place has a ton to offer!

Zoombezi Bay

Zoombezi Bay is where summer comes alive! Giant slides? Check. Awesome wave pool? You bet. Kiddie area so cute the adults want to play too? Absolutely! And don’t even get me started on their lazy river…

Location	Powell, Ohio
Cost Range	$$
Main Attractions	Otter Banks, Big Boa Falls, Baboon Lagoon, Croctail Creek, Sea Snakes
Website	www.zoombezibay.com
Map	Zoombezi Bay Map

Insider tip: If the regular lazy river gets crowded, try the adults-only one. It’s a hidden gem with way fewer people (and sometimes they even have special treats)!

Zoombezi Bay’s best on those hot, sunny days. But remember – everyone else will be thinking the same thing. Get there early to beat the crowds. And don’t forget that sunscreen!

Great Wolf Lodge Water Park

Great Wolf Lodge in Mason is a splash-tastic time, no matter the weather! Their indoor water park is packed with fun. Think twisty slides for the big kids, a splash pad paradise for the little ones…and plenty of room for grown-ups to relax too.

Location	Mason, Ohio
Cost Range	$$
Main Attractions	Fort Mackenzie, Hydro Plunge, Otter’s Run, Chinook Cove, Crooked Creek
Website	www.greatwolf.com/mason
Map	Great Wolf Lodge Water Park Map

Best part? This isn’t just about the water. They’ve got an arcade, character meet-and-greets, and tons of other stuff to keep the fun going even after you dry off! Insider tip: Don’t miss their bedtime stories – they’re cozy and adorable.

Great Wolf Lodge can be popular, so try going during the week for smaller crowds. But honestly, even when it’s busy, this place has enough to do to stay exciting!

Baylor Beach Park

Baylor Beach Park is a blast from the past in the best possible way! Their water slides have that old-school charm, there’s a classic mini-golf course, and they even have a swimming lake. Think of those perfect summers from when you were a kid, and that’s the vibe here.

Location	Navarre, Ohio
Cost Range	$
Main Attractions	Swimming lake, camping sites, water park, mini golf, paddle boats, picnic areas
Website	www.baylorbeachpark.com
Map	Baylor Beach Park Map

Want to take the nostalgia trip even further? Pack a picnic lunch! They’ve got lots of shady spots to spread out a blanket. Insider tip: check out the snack bar by the lake – their ice cream treats are surprisingly tasty.

Baylor Beach Park gets busy on summer weekends, but that’s part of the energy. Still, if you want a quieter experience, try going on a weekday. So whether you’re with family, friends, or just want a carefree day out, Baylor Beach Park delivers those simple, timeless summer moments.

Swings-N-Things Fun Park

Swings-N-Things Fun Park won’t win any design awards. It’s a bit faded, a bit worn – and that’s exactly why it’s so much fun. Think classic go-karts, an old-school arcade, and even a slightly wonky carousel. This place delivers a blast from the past with no pretense.

Location	Olmsted Township, Ohio
Cost Range	$$
Main Attractions	Karts & Coasters, Mini Golf, Batting Cages, Paintball, Ice Cream
Website	www.sntfun.com
Map	Swings-N-Things Fun Park Map

Ready for no-frills, carefree fun? Swings-N-Things delivers. Plan on a full day of simple pleasures – bumper boats, batting cages, and the best darn mini golf course you’ll ever play. Need a break? Their ice cream is legendary.

Visiting on a weekday means more elbow room for epic arcade battles or lazy rounds of mini-golf. Insider tip: Ask about the secret “ghost hole” on the mini-golf course. Legend says extra points await those who find it!

Forget fancy thrills. Swings-N-Things is about pure, unadulterated fun. Come ready to laugh, race, and let your inner child run wild.

Funtimes Fun Park

Forget theme park perfection – Funtimes Fun Park is all about pure, messy fun! Picture go-karts with a little extra rumble, a batting cage where curveballs are guaranteed, and bumper boats that might leave you soaked. It’s the kind of place where laughter echoes louder than fancy sound systems.

Location	Alliance, Ohio
Cost Range	$$
Main Attractions	Go Karts, Mini Golf, Batting Cages, Bumper Boats, Play Zone, Roller Skating, Arcade Games
Website	funtimespark.com
Map	Funtimes Fun Park Map

Looking to unleash your inner kid (or let your actual kids go wild)? Funtimes delivers. There’s a little something for everyone – mini-golf, an arcade, even roller skating! Feeling brave? Hop on their classic Tilt-A-Whirl ride… but maybe skip lunch beforehand.

Best time to visit? Summer, when everything’s open. But hey, they run off-season hours too, for when you need a dose of carefree chaos. Insider tip: Keep an eye out for the “mystery ramp” on the go-kart track. They say it launches you for extra speed!

Funtimes Fun Park won’t be mistaken for a sprawling resort. But if you crave old-school fun with a side of friendly mayhem, it’s the perfect escape.

Wake Nation

Wake Nation isn’t your standard water park. Forget waterslides and lazy rivers – this is a whole different level of aquatic action! Picture a giant lake, cables zipping overhead, and wakeboards flying. They crank up the adrenaline with one of the only full-size cable wakeboarding setups in the country.

Location	Fairfield, Ohio
Cost Range	$$
Main Attractions	Full-size Cable Park, Beginner Pond, Paddle Boarding, Aqua Glide Park
Website	wakenation.com
Map	Wake Nation Map

Never tried wakeboarding? No problem! Their beginner lake lets you learn the ropes without the pressure. Already a pro? Unleash your skills on the main course – jumps, rails, and all. Oh, and if stand-up paddleboarding is more your speed, they’ve got that too!

Best time to visit? Summer, when the sun’s blazing and the water’s warm. Insider tip: Check their social media for special “night ride” events. The park lights up, the music gets louder, and the whole vibe gets even cooler.

Wake Nation isn’t about relaxing poolside. It’s about pushing limits, learning new tricks, and maybe even taking a few epic spills. If you’re up for an aquatic adventure unlike anything else, this place is for you.

Cedar Point Shores

Cedar Point Shores isn’t your chill, toes-in-the-sand beach day. It’s 18 acres of water-fueled mayhem, right next to the legendary Cedar Point amusement park! Think twisting waterslides, splash zones for the kiddos, and enough lounge chairs to (briefly) catch your breath.

Location	Sandusky, Ohio
Cost Range	$$
Main Attractions	Point Plummet, Storm Surge, Lake Erie Nor’easter, Lemmy’s Lagoon, Lakeside Landing
Website	www.cedarpoint.com/cedar-point-shores
Map	Cedar Point Shores Map

Families, thrill-chasers, anyone ready for serious fun – Cedar Point Shores delivers. Craving a wild ride? Hit the slides. Need a break? Snag a cabana and watch the chaos unfold.

Summertime is peak season, so get ready for crowds (especially on weekends). Insider tip: they sometimes open late for special nighttime events – the whole atmosphere changes with lights and music.

Cedar Point Shores isn’t about quiet relaxation. It’s sun-soaked, action-packed excitement. If you’re ready to trade tranquility for a whole lot of splashy fun, this place is for you!

Sunlite Water Adventure

Sunlite Water Adventure is a blast from the past – the kind of water park where memories are made. Don’t expect anything fancy – think classic waterslides, a giant wave pool, and a splash zone perfect for little ones. It’s been a Cincinnati summer staple for generations, and that’s part of the fun!

Location	Cincinnati, Ohio
Cost Range	$$
Main Attractions	The Twister, The Cyclone, The Pipeline Plunge, The Wipe Out, Splash Island
Website	coneyislandpark.com/attraction/sunlite-water-adventure
Map	Sunlite Water Adventure Map

Ready for some no-frills, splashy action? Sunlite delivers! Conquer their iconic twisting slides or grab a tube and float the day away. Just be warned: summer weekends get packed, adding to the whole chaotic-fun vibe.

Want to beat the crowds? Insider Tip: Check out their “Twilight Hours”. Sometimes they stay open late at a discount – it’s way less crowded and a totally different experience.

Sunlite Water Adventure isn’t about luxury or cutting-edge thrills. It’s a place where sunscreen-scented nostalgia mixes with the shouts of excited kids (and adults!). If you’re up for a classic water park adventure, Sunlite won’t disappoint.

Soak City

Soak City at Kings Island promises wild, wet fun! Picture 35 acres packed with slides, wave pools, splash zones… and a whole lot of excited people. It’s the classic summer water park experience turned up to full blast.

Location	Mason, Ohio
Cost Range	$$
Main Attractions	Tidal Wave Bay, Pipeline Paradise, Mondo Monsoon, Splash Landing
Website	www.visitkingsisland.com/soak-city
Map	Soak City Map

Thrill junkies, this one’s for you. But if chilling is more your style, they have lazy rivers and cabanas too. Kids will go crazy for the dedicated splash areas – just prepare for serious splashing!

Summer is peak season, so get ready for high energy (and busy lines!). Insider Tip: They sometimes offer special “after-hours” events. It’s less crowded, the lights come on, and the whole vibe changes.

Soak City isn’t about a peaceful spa day. It’s about high-energy, sun-drenched thrills, and getting totally soaked. If that’s what you crave, dive in!

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a wildlife adventure! They’ve got everything from lions and polar bears to penguins and sharks, all in habitats that feel surprisingly close to the real thing. It’s the perfect mix of learning and straight-up fun

Location	Powell, Ohio
Cost Range	$$
Main Attractions	Heart of Africa, Asia Quest, North America, Australia and the Islands, Congo Expedition, Shores and Aquarium, Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild, Stingray Bay
Website	www.columbuszoo.org
Map	Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Map

Animal lovers, families, anyone curious about the natural world – this place is for you! They offer incredible up-close encounters and tons of educational programs. Kids get especially excited about touching stingrays or watching feedings.

Best times to visit are spring or fall when the weather is perfect. Just remember: weekends and school holidays get BUSY. Insider tip: they sometimes do special evening events with fewer crowds and the animals get extra active at dusk.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium isn’t a quiet nature walk. It’s a bustling, exciting, packed-with-amazement kind of place. If you’re ready to explore the wild world with a side of happy chaos, you’ll love it!

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort: Akron-Canton

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park is a great escape for families wanting classic camping fun, turned up a notch! Think swimming pools, mini-golf, playgrounds, and of course, Yogi Bear himself wandering around. It’s a place where kids get to be kids – loud, messy, and full of laughter.

Location	Uniontown, Ohio
Cost Range	$$
Main Attractions	Miniature golf, swimming pool, Yogi Bear visits, gem mining, themed weekends
Website	akroncantonjellystone.com
Map	Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort: Akron-Canton Map

Love the idea of campfires and s’mores, but not so into roughing it? They’ve got cabins and RV spots for that! There’s always something happening; from themed weekends to outdoor movie nights.

Pro tip: Summer brings the biggest crowds (and the most excited kids). Insider tip: they sometimes offer special “off-season” weekends – fewer people and a different kind of cozy vibe.

Jellystone Park isn’t about quiet hikes or fancy accommodations. It’s about letting loose, making friends around the campfire, and embracing a little good-natured chaos (especially if you have high-energy kids!).