By Aaditee Kulkarni on Oct 15, 2018
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Theme parks are so much fun! The sight of Ferris wheel, the musical roar of the excited kids, feet running all over, and the smell of hot popcorn instantly takes you the carnival glitz that these theme parks are.
If you are from the midwestern state of Ohio, or travelling to Ohio, you would know that the state can sometimes be, err, mundane! But the presence of many fun amusem*nt parks in Ohio, makes the time spent here a little less wearisome. Keep your weekends free, coz there is so much to do in Ohio!
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If you are a junkie for gnarly rides and scary water slides, we suggest you head to one of the amusem*nt parks. Here is the list of some of the top theme parks in Ohio that would make you escape the reality.
1. Enjoy an ultimate summer vacation at Cedar Point
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Located on a Lake Erie peninsula in Sandusky, Cedar Point is one of the best family-friendly amusem*nt parks in Ohio. Another interesting fact about this park is that this is the second-oldest operating amusem*nt park in the United States, having opened in 1870. The daredevil that you are, this "America's Roller Coast" has world-record 71 rides!
Right from thrill level low to aggressive, the score of adrenaline rush activities will get your heart pounding and banging.
What’s more? This park has so much more than coasters. There are live entertainment venue and shows, on-site resorts, marina, and campgrounds.
Address: 1 Cedar Point Dr, Sandusky, OH 44870, USA
What to expect? Roller coasters like Corkscrew and Magnum XL-200, thrill rides like maXair and SlingShot, Family rides like Cedar Point & Lake Erie Railroad and Midway Carousel, water rides like Snake River Falls and Thunder Canyon.
2. Come out and play at the Coney Island Amusem*nt Park
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Mixing together the best of an amusem*nt park and waterpark worlds, the Coney Island is a small theme park in Cincinnati, Ohio. Privately owned by Brenda Walker, Coney Island's beginnings date back to the mid-nineteenth century. Over the years, this park has turned into a full-fledged amusem*nt park.
Today, the park is known for its themed rides, family attractions, water slides, thrill rides, and typhoon tower. A family favourite, Coney Island is also a site for Summerfair Arts Festival, Cincinnati Flower and Farm Fest, and many more events.
Address: 6201 Kellogg Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45230, USA
What to expect? Roller coaster like Python which opened in 1999, Sunlite pool slides like The Twister and Pipeline Plunge, Flat rides like Tilt-A-Whirl and River Runner.
Also Read -Best All Inclusive Resorts In Ohio
3. Hunt for the Halloween specials at Kings Island, Mason
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Kings Island is a 364-acre seasonal amusem*nt park in Mason, Ohio. The park opened in 1946 in an effort to move the Coney Island that suffered major flooding. This park changed many hands over the years, from Coney Island to Taft Broadcasting to Paramount to finally Cedar Fair.
Kings Island is divided into several themed sections, and operates from early spring through the fall, partially opening during the holiday season as well. The park is a lot of fun. Here you can see Charlie Brown and Linus come to life at the Planet Snoopy, ride The Beast which was once the tallest and fastest wooden coaster in the world, or head over to The Racer at Kings Island, the choices are plenty.
Address: 6300 Kings Island Drive, Kings Island, OH 45034
What to expect? Check out notorious rides like Banshee and Xtreme Skyflyer in the action zone, Backlot Stunt Coaster and The Racer in the Coney Mall, Firehawk and Flight of Fear at the X-Base, Boo Blasters on Boo Hill and Grand Carousel at the International Street, SlingShot at Oktoberfest, Flying Ace Aerial Chase at Planet Snoopy, and so much more!
4. Plunge, swirl, and slide at the Zoombezi Bay
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As one of the best waterparks in Ohio, Zoombezi Bay, previously Wyandot Lake, is located just north of Columbus in Powell, Ohio. Having served as a picnic and recreational park for more than 100 years, this site was transformed into Zoombezi Bay in 2008.
A perfect place to cool down in Ohio, Zoombezi Bay is part of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and includes everything between mild to thrill rides, wave pool, lazy river, and kiddy play pools.
Address: 10101 Riverside Dr, Powell, OH 43065, USA
What to expect? Wild Tides Wave Pool, Baboon Lagoon, Soundsurfer, Croctail Island, Sea Challenge, Sand Dollar Shores, and more.
Also Read -Best Islands of Ohio To Visit
5. Get the best of classic Americana at the Stricker's Grove
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Started in 1924, Stricker's Grove is an old-fashioned, no-frills, family-owned amusem*nt park is the very example of a “hidden gem.” Located in Butler County, this park has a BYO-Picnic area and is a total throwback to the 70s classic summer fair.
Toddlers, kids, teens and even grandparents are welcome at this park, which is one of the best family-friendly amusem*nt parks in Ohio. Visitors must note that this park is open to the public only for 8 days a year.
Address: 11490 Hamilton Cleves Rd, Hamilton, OH 45013, USA
What to expect? Classic wooden roller coaster rides like Ralph Stricker’s Tornado and Teddy Bear with the other classics like Kiddie Whip, Ferris wheel, Tilt-A-Whirl, Flying Scooters, Mini Golf, Pirate Ship, and more!
6. Take your kids to the Jungle Jack’s Landing
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Named after Jack Hanna, Jungle Jack’s Landing is a dry amusem*nt park and is a part of the Columbus Zoo. The 1956 vintage John Allen PTC Sea Dragon is undoubtedly the gem of the park and still operates using the classic manual operations. Featuring a variety of other rides with different thrill level, this park is a must visit. Once here, we recommend you also head to the zoo to ride the priceless Mangels Illons carousel from 1914.
Address: 4850 Powell Road, Powell, OH 43065
What to expect? Check out the rides and attractions like Jungle River Falls, Sea Dragon, Jack's Tea Party, S.S. Stingray, Swingin' Gibbons, African Express, and more. This theme park debuted with 16 rides and attractions in 2008, and together with Zoombezi Bay, forms one of the top theme parks in Ohio.
7. Take your mini adventure-seeker to the Memphis Kiddie Park
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Memphis Kiddie Park has been a family favourite for over 65 years making this one of the top kid-friendly amusem*nts parks in Ohio. Dedicated to little children, the Memphis Kiddie Park is home to the "Little Dipper", the oldest operating steel roller coaster in North America.
With 11 rides and Championship Miniature Golf, this park is operational only between late April and early October.
Address: 10340 Memphis Ave, Cleveland, OH 44144, USA
What to expect? With a total of 11 rides at the Memphis Kiddie Park, enjoy rides like Comets, Ferris Wheel, Pony Carts, Hand Carts, Speedway, and Little Dipper roller coaster among many others.
8. Splash and play at the idyllic yet affordable Troy Aquatic Park
This water park in Troy, Ohio features two massive waterslides, four pools, and plenty of fun for people of all age groups. The main pool is 11,000 square feet featuring a “zero depth” entry. Apart from the pool, which even after 20 years remains the top attraction here, the park has a large, modern playground/playscape, a sand playground space, and two sand volleyball courts.
The park’s focus on fun and safety is worth mentioning. Each pool will have a friendly lifeguard on-hand to assist, in case required.
Address: 460 W Staunton Rd, Troy, OH 45373, USA
What to expect? Enjoy amenities like Two Giant Water Slides, Drop Slide, Diving Board, Heated Baby Pool, Interactive water play equipment in zero depth area, Zero depth entrance, and Giant shade structures.
9. Visit the I-X Indoor Amusem*nt Park for a day full of smiles and thrills
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The I-X, or the International Exposition Centre is located adjacent to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport in Ohio. One of the best indoor amusem*nt parks in Ohio, the I-X is packed with twenty acres of rides, games, food, and attractions.
The park also offers great entertainment and performances by the Amazing Giants, games like Adventures in Neverland, magic shows by Peter Gossamer, and more.
Address: 1 I-X Centre Dr, Cleveland, OH 44135, USA
What to expect? The 125-foot tall Ferris wheel, which was once the world’s tallest.
10. Enjoy your day the old-fashioned way at the Tuscora Park
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If you are looking for family-friendly vintage amusem*nt rides, Tuscora Park is the place for you. As nice as it gets, the Tuscora Park has rides like an all-wooden carousel, a thrilling coaster, a vintage locomotive, and 40 inches tall handmade airplanes among many more.
Address: 161 Tuscora Ave NW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663, USA
What to expect? Featured rides include a carousel, roller coaster, train operated by Tuscora Park Rotary Railroad, vintage Ferris wheel, chair swings, dune buggies and more.
With the vacation season upon us, what better way than getting in a car with all your loved ones and heading out to an amusem*nt park? These parks are indeed perfect fun getaways!
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