Cedar Point is packed with so many great memories for me. Starting at age 12, I went almost every year with friends. We’d have a sleepover the night before and stay up way too late, buzzing with excitement about our day at the park. I remember my first roller coaster there, school trips, trying the newest rides, and stuffing ourselves with our favorite park foods until we were completely full.
With 18 world-class roller coasters, Cedar Point is easily the best amusement park in the Midwest. Beyond the coasters, there are tons of other rides (71 rides total!) for every age and thrill level, a big waterpark, lots of food options, games, arcades, shows and events, plus on-site places to stay that make family trips easy and fun.
It had been a few years since our last visit thanks to babies and toddler life, but now that our kids are older, we couldn’t wait to bring them. Last weekend we packed the car and drove just over two hours to the Midwest’s best park. If you’re planning a road trip, check out my guest post on The Find by Zulily for a detailed packing list of road-trip essentials!
Since we planned to go more than once this year, we bought season passes for our family. Passes let you visit as often as you want (both the amusement park and waterpark), include free parking, and give discounts on food, merchandise, and lodging, plus other perks.
For reference, our youngest is 5 years old and about ___ inches tall. Our oldest is going into second grade and is 48 inches tall. The excitement before the trip was huge—and it did not disappoint. Our family had an amazing visit and the kids haven’t stopped talking about it. Our trip happened during Cedar Point’s 150th Anniversary Celebration, which included an incredible nighttime parade (we were honored to be the Grand Marshal!) and chances to win special VIP experiences and a “ticket of a lifetime.” We’ll definitely return soon—we’re already eyeing HalloWeekends in the fall (September 17 through October 31).
Below are some of my favorite tips, must-tries, and hacks for visiting Cedar Point with young or elementary-aged kids.
Guide for Visiting Cedar Point with Kids (+ Must-Try Foods)
Rides for All Ages, Heights, and Thrill Levels
Cedar Point really has something for everyone. I loved that there were plenty of options for little kids and plenty for thrill seekers, too. Many larger roller coasters require riders to be 48 inches tall, but there are several great coasters for younger kids as well—our youngest rode three of them. Sometimes we split up: one parent took the oldest on the big coasters while the other parent stayed with the youngest on kid-friendly rides. You can find rides sorted by height and thrill level on the park map or website.
For little ones, there are three areas made just for them: Kiddy Kingdom, Camp Snoopy, and Planet Snoopy. Each area has lots of rides and the lines moved quickly, which was a big plus.
Tips to make lines and rides easier:
– Fast Lane: Fast Lane wristbands let you skip the regular line on more than 20 rides and attractions all day. Buy them ahead of time since only a limited number are sold each day.
– Parent Swap: Parent swap lets families share rides when one or more kids can’t go on. One parent waits in line and rides, then gives the Parent Swap pass to the ride operator so the other parent—who’s been watching the little kids—can use the exit to board without waiting. Get an authorized slip at Guest Services (main gate), Town Hall Museum, or the Resort Entrance Gate near Magnum.
Characters and Shows
The kids loved seeing the Snoopy characters, especially in Camp Snoopy and Planet Snoopy. It’s a great chance for photos. There are also shows throughout the day that make for a nice break—perfect for sitting down, grabbing a snack, and enjoying some music and dancing.
Waterpark
We love waterparks, and Cedar Park Shores Waterpark is fantastic. It’s big—18 acres—and has options for the whole family: splash pads for little kids, lazy rivers, waterslides, lagoons, and drop slides. You could easily do a day at the amusement park and another day at the waterpark, so I suggest staying nearby so you have time to enjoy both. There are plenty of places to eat inside the waterpark, and the family-friendly changing rooms and restrooms were very convenient.
Arcade and Games
The arcade is huge, and there are carnival-style games at the front of the park and throughout. My kids’ eyes lit up at all the lights and sounds. From classic Skee-Ball to the newest machines, there are hundreds of games. Look into Play & Save specials before you go to find good deals.
Parade & Events
To celebrate their 150th year, Cedar Point has lots of special events. Don’t miss the Celebrate 150 Spectacular nightly parade—lights, music, entertainment, and a big finale in Celebration Plaza with dancing, pyrotechnics, and a full performance.
Food & Drink
Trying the food is one of my favorite parts. Cedar Point has so many options and fun treats. I highly recommend the dining and drink plans to save money and stay fueled during your visit.
Favorites to try:
– The Mac Shack: Gourmet mac & cheese where you can build your own bowl with lots of toppings. The kids loved it.
– Toft’s Ice Cream Parlor: Get the cherry milkshake—these giant shakes are amazing.
– Hugo’s Italian Kitchen: The kids enjoyed the pizza and the adults loved the caprese sandwich (focaccia, mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze). It’s family-friendly and a cool, air-conditioned spot to relax.
– French Quarter Confections: Finish the day with a funnel cake piled high with toppings.
Petting Zoo
The petting zoo was a big hit—kids loved getting up close to the animals, petting and feeding them.
Lots of Restrooms
Restrooms are everywhere, and we never had long waits. Anyone who’s traveled with kids knows how important that is!
If you have any questions about visiting Cedar Point, feel free to ask!