Summer just wouldn’t be summer without a trip to an amusement park. Whether you enjoy the thrill of a roller coaster, the classic fun of a midway ride or the refreshing slides of a water park, there is an option within reach that has you covered. Here are a few of our favorites.
HOLIDAY WORLD & SPLASHIN’ SAFARI
Once known simply as Santa Claus Land, this holiday-themed park in the tiny southern Indiana town of Santa Claus has blossomed into the Midwest Mecca for wooden coasters and water slides.
Big Thrills
If you love a classic wooden roller coaster, you are going to love this park. And where else can you tackle the nation’s first launched wing coaster and two of the world’s longest water coasters in the same day? Its mix of rides in one compact park is tough to beat.
Family-friendly Fun
The holiday themes throughout the park are enough to delight visitors of all ages. Add in tot-friendly coasters and water slides, as well as classics like the Scarecrow Scrambler and the Lewis and Clark old-fashioned cars and you have a park designed with families in mind.
Know before you go
Check out this COVID-19 Safety page to insure a safe and fun time! Take advantage of the free unlimited soft drinks and sunscreen included with admission. For more insider tips, visit www.holidayworld.com/plan-your-trip/insider-tips/
CEDAR POINT
Located in Sandusky, Ohio, on the shores of Lake Erie, Cedar Point is a bit of a hike from Indy, but well worth the drive. The park offers an unmatched collection of rides and attractions, including 18 roller coasters, four kids’ areas, Cedar Point Shores Water Park, overnight accommodations, live shows, restaurants and more.
Related Article: Cedar Point: Way More Than Just Roller Coasters
Big thrills
Known as the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World,” this park does not disappoint. Enjoy 17 seconds of breathtaking fun on Top Thrill Dragster. Conquer twists, corkscrews, launches and tunnels on Maverick and tackle the steel behemoth that is Millennium Force. Be sure to pace yourself – remember there are 18 coasters to ride!
Family-friendly fun
From classic midway rides to Peanut’s-themed fun at Camp Snoopy and Planet Snoopy, there is tons of fun for little ones at this park. When the temperatures soar, Cedar Point Shores Water Park offers a refreshing break. And be sure to catch one of the award-winning shows before your stay is over.
Know before you go
Cedar Point is reopening May 14! To insure every visitor has an awesome day and feels safe when visiting new protocols have been put in place. Reservations will be required for Cedar Point and Cedar Point Shores Waterpark, you can book a reservation HERE! For a full list of Cedar Point’s new reopening protocols visit www.cedarpoint.com/welcoming-you-back
KINGS ISLAND
Just north of Cincinnati in Warren County (aka Ohio’s Largest Playground) is Kings Island, the largest amusement park in the Midwest. With more than 100 rides, as well as a variety of shows and attractions, Kings Island is an easy day trip from Indy that offers something for everyone.
Big thrills
Kings Island has 9.2 miles of roller coaster track to explore. Whether you prefer classic coasters like the Racer, massive steel rides like Diamondback or want to test your nerve on Orion, one of only seven giga coasters in the world (a class of roller coasters having a height or drop of 300-399 feet), you are sure to get your adrenaline pumping at this park.
Family-friendly fun
For families with young children, Planet Snoopy is the perfect place to spend the day. Little ones can enjoy pint-sized rides, meet their favorite Peanuts characters and get face-to-face with barnyard animals in the petting zoo. As temps heat up, don’t forget about Soak City, the park’s massive 33-acre waterpark.
Know before you go
Opening day is May 15! If you are planning on visiting Soak City Water Park, reservations are required. A little research will go a long way in scoring the best deals at Kings Island. With offers such as the Indy Bundle or After 4pm Admission, you can enjoy all the thrills of Kings Island at a discounted price!
INDIANA BEACH
Located on Lake Shafer in Monticello, Indiana, this compact park features over 40 rides and attractions including six roller coasters, six waterslides, classic amusement rides, arcade games, kiddie rides and a classic boardwalk.
Big thrills
Despite its small size, this park boasts some big thrills, including Steel Hawg, a steel coaster with one of the steepest drops in the country, and Zero G, a single “super loop” that towers six stories high.
Family-friendly fun
Little ones will love the classic midway rides and boardwalk games, and the whole family will enjoy a ride on the Shafer Queen, Indiana’s largest regularly scheduled paddleboat.
Know before you go
Opening day is May 22! Indiana beach staggers their ticket prices with options for those over 48” tall, those under 48” tall and seniors, making this a great place to take the entire family. For more, visit http://indianabeach.com/tickets.
Whether this will be your family’s first trip to an amusement park or you are old pros, these four parks are sure to keep the whole crew entertained!
