Top Tips for Visiting Cedar Point with Young Kids

Affectionately know as the roller coaster capital of the world, visitors flock to Cedar Point from all over the country. While thrill seekers will find fun on all the extreme coasters and rides, families with young kids can also make memories partaking in all the kid friendly rides, live shows and activities designed especially for families at Cedar Point.

Whether it's your first time visiting, or you are a season pass holder, these tips for visiting Cedar Point with kids will help you make the most of your visit.

9 Tips for Visiting Cedar Point with Kids

Know the Height Restrictions

Nothing is worse than getting a child all excited to do something only to find out they don’t measure up. Make sure you know the height requirements for all the rides at the park. Find all the ride requirements here.

Measure your kids before you go, or use one of the height measuring stands conveniently located throughout the park.

Build Anticipation for Your Visit

Show your kids the pictures and videos of the rides before you visit. Find them here. Doing this generates excitement about what they will experience at the park and is especially helpful if it is their first trip to Cedar Point.

If you have toddlers and preschoolers check out the rides in Planet Snoopy, Kiddy Kingdom and Camp Snoopy. These areas feature fun rides that will keep young children entertained for hours.

If you have elementary age kids that aren't quite ready or aren't tall enough for the bigger coasters, check out the Gemini Midway Area with the Pipe Scream family coaster that opened in 2014. The Iron Dragon is also a great introductory roller coaster for kids because it's not as intense as the bigger coasters in the park.

Kids (and adults) of all ages will enjoy a ride on the Cedar Point Railroad, a leisurely train ride throughout the park. There are two stops where you can board the train and you'll see various Wild West scenes throughout the course of your ride.

Other family favorite rides include the antique cars where you can let your kids drive, three different carousels and the sky gondola ride with picturesque views of the park.

Check Out the Live Show Schedule

In addition to the rides, there are many live shows that take place at Cedar Point each and everyday. From musical entertainment, dancers, themed shows, glass blowing demonstrations to opportunities to see and get your picture taken with Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus and Snoopy.

When you arrive at the park, grab a brochure at the main gate and make a note of the performance times and locations so you won't miss them. You can also view the schedules online here.

Take Advantage of the Parent Swap Program

The parent swap program makes it possible for adults to ride roller coasters without standing in line with their kids. Wondering how that works?

First, visit Guest Services (at the main gate), or the Town Hall Museum (near the back of the park) to sign up and get a parent swap pass. Then, one parent stands in line for the roller coaster of their choice. After their ride is over, they give their Parent Swap pass to the ride operator, and the other parent/guardian, who’s been taking care of the kids, can walk up the exit and ride without waiting in line again.

Choose from Dining Passes, Kids Meals and Specialty Food Options at the Fire and Ice Tastebuds Tour

You're going to need to eat during your visit and thankfully there are many delicious options to choose from. If you are planning to eat multiple meals at the park, look into purchasing a dining pass or refillable souvenir drink bottles. Kids meals are available for purchase at food stations in Kiddy Kingdom, Camp Snoopy, Planet Snoopy, and in Frontier Town.

If you are looking for a unique dinning experience, check out the Fire and Ice Zone: Tastebuds Tour. Purchase a tasting card with vouchers for 8 samples of various food and drink items. A few of our favorites choices included the Seared Tuna Caesar Salad, Perch Taco, Chicken & Waffle, Brown Sugar Skewered Pork Belly and the Strawberry Lemonade. Everything was delicious!

Take Part in the Fun at Cedar Point Nights

If you are planning to be at the park after the sun goes down, make sure to check out Cedar Point Nights on the beach. The event features kid friendly musical entertainment and dancing, a glow zone with black lights and neon inflatables, a silent disco dance party and other games on the beach.

The festivities start at 7:30pm and go until the park closes. Make sure to catch the nightly fireworks display over the lake. The fireworks start 10 minutes before the park closes for the night.

Know where the Family Care Centers are Located

The Family Care Centers offer a private space for nursing mothers, comfortable places to change diapers and first aid stations. There is one Family Care Centers located in Planet Snoopy, near the front of the park and another located in Frontier Town near the back of the park.

Stay Safe with the KidTrack Program

Getting separated from your child is not a situation that is likely to happen, but just in case it does having a KidTrack bracelet that can help you get reunited with your child faster. The bracelets are ideal for young children who may not remember their parents phone number if they get separated from their family.

When you arrive at the park, visit Guest Services (at the main gate), or the Town Hall Museum (near the back of the park) to pick up the KidTrack bracelet for your kids to wear. Simply write your phone name and phone number on the bracelet and tell your child to find a Cedar Point employee if they get separated from you. The employee will take your child to a safe place and use the phone number on the KidTrack bracelet to contact you.

Plan ahead an Save Money with the Cedar Point Pre-K Pass

The Cedar Point Pre-K Pass grants free admission to children ages 3 to 5 years old for the entire season. Registration for the pre-k pass runs from August through May and you must pick up your passes by the end of June.

Find out all the details about the program here and then make sure to sign your kids up early next year to get your passes for 2019.