Kings Island
Kings Island, located in Mason, Ohio, is one of the most visited seasonal theme parks in the United States. Just 25 minutes from Cincinnati, the park features award-winning roller coasters, a full water park, and a rich mix of rides for all ages — all spread out across 364 acres of well-themed Midwestern entertainment.
History & Background
Kings Island opened in 1972 as a replacement for the historic Coney Island amusement park. It quickly gained national fame with attractions like The Racer, which helped kick off the coaster boom of the ’70s, and The Beast, which remains the longest wooden coaster in the world. The park became part of Cedar Fair in 2006 and has since expanded with new coasters, reimagined classics, and immersive family areas.
Ticket Prices & Packages
Single-day tickets typically range from $49 to $79, with discounts available online and through multi-day packages.
Available options include:
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Season Passes (Gold, Prestige, All Park Passport)
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Fast Lane & Fast Lane Plus (line skipping)
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All-Day Dining Plans
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Soak City combo access included
Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit
The park operates from April through December, including Halloween Haunt and WinterFest.
Typical hours: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, extended in summer and for special events.
Best times to visit:
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Weekdays in May or September
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Early June, before schools let out
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Late October and early December for seasonal events
Top Rides & Attractions
Orion – One of only seven giga coasters in the world, hitting 91 mph
The Beast – World’s longest wooden coaster, a legendary night ride
Diamondback – Hypercoaster with smooth drops and big airtime
Banshee – Longest inverted coaster in the world
Mystic Timbers – Wooden coaster with great pacing and a surprise finale
Flight of Fear – Indoor launch coaster with dark ride elements
The Bat – Suspended coaster that swings over terrain
The Racer – Twin-track wooden coaster that launched a generation of thrill rides
Family & Kids Rides
Adventure Express – Mine train coaster with recent upgrades
Woodstock Express – Gentle wooden coaster for younger riders
Boo Blasters on Boo Hill – Interactive dark ride
Grand Carousel – 1926 classic relocated from Coney Island
Planet Snoopy – Award-winning kids’ area with 20+ pint-sized rides and Peanuts theming
Soak City Water Park
Included with admission, Soak City offers:
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Tidal Wave Bay – Large wave pool
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Tropical Plunge – Body slide complex with drop pods
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Zoom Flume – Family raft slide
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Splash River – Lazy river
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Lookout Lagoon – Kids’ water play zone
Open late May through Labor Day.
Dining Options
Coney Bar-B-Que – Pulled pork, smoked brisket, and loaded mac
Rivertown Brewhouse – Burgers and beer with shaded seating
LaRosa’s Pizza – Cincinnati’s favorite pizza, available across the park
Chick-fil-A, Skyline Chili, and Panda Express are available at key locations
Blue Ice Cream – A Kings Island classic since the ‘80s
All-Day Dining and Drink Plans are available for convenience and savings.
Hotels & Accommodation
Kings Island has an official lodging partner and many nearby hotels:
Camp Cedar – Official Kings Island resort with luxury cabins and RV sites
Great Wolf Lodge – Indoor water park resort just across the street
Comfort Suites Mason – Budget-friendly and family-oriented
Hampton Inn & Suites Cincinnati-Mason – Reliable and close to I-71
Many hotels offer shuttle options and ticket packages in peak season.
Getting There & Parking
Address: 6300 Kings Island Dr, Mason, OH 45040
Located just off I-71, about 25 miles north of Cincinnati.
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General parking: $25
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Preferred parking: $40
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Accessible parking and drop-off zones near the gate
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Public transit is limited — driving is recommended
Tips for Visiting
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Head to Orion or The Beast early — lines build quickly
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Don’t miss The Beast at night — it’s one of the best coaster experiences in the world
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Download the Kings Island app to check wait times and show schedules
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If visiting in fall, Haunt is scare-heavy at night — plan accordingly for kids
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WinterFest features rides, ice skating, and over five million lights