Kings Island is a great amusement park for families because it has options for all ages. When our kids were young and didn’t quite meet the height requirements for the bigger coasters we primarily stayed in the kids section of the park. Once they got a little older we now spend our time at the coasters and larger rides. Every time we’ve visited we’ve had a great time and were extremely happy with the family-friendly aspects of the park and the variety of rides and attractions that kids can go on. 

Things to do at Kings Island for Kids

Planet Snoopy is Perfect for Preschoolers and Young Elementary Age Kids

Planet Snoopy is a special section of the park that is designed for young children.  I was impressed with the variety and number of rides that were available for little kids. I completely understand why it’s been voted “Best Kids’ Area in the World” for almost 20 years! If your kids are under 48 inches tall, they will love Planet Snoopy.

What’s also nice is that the rides are designed so parents and kids can ride together. For example, the two coasters in Planet Snoopy, The Great Pumpkin Coaster (36inch height requirement) and The Woodstock Express (40inch height requirement) both allow parents to ride with their children. 

Insider Tip – Get your kids height measured at the Help Center when you enter the park. They will get a bracelet to wear that indicates their height. That way they won’t need to be measured each time the go on a ride.

Have a Blast on the Beast Wooden Roller Coaster 

The Beast is one of the most popular and well-known rides at King’s Island. After all, it is the longest wooden roller coaster in the world! My favorite aspect is that the coaster travels through a wooded area, which makes the experience much different from any other roller coaster I’ve ever ridden. 

Insider Tip – If possible, plan to ride The Beast at night. It’s an amazing experience to zip through the woods in the dark. And the tunnels are pitch black at night. 

Enjoy the Views at the top of the Eiffel Tower 

While at the park, be sure to go to the Eiffel Tower where you can see beautiful views of the entire park.  It’s 1/3 the size of the actual Eiffel Tower and I believe is the highest point in the entire park.

Get Wet at White Water Canyon

Our last ride of the day was White Water Canyon.  I especially liked the sign that greeted us as we made our way to the front of the line.  I bet you’ll never guess who ended up the wettest.  Let’s just say I’ve learned my lesson and will pack a towel for the car ride home next time!

And if riding in the raft wasn’t fun enough, on our way off the ride we stumbled upon a lookout area where you can pay a quarter for the opportunity to spray water out of the colored cannon onto the innocent riders.  The kids LOVED this!

See the lower right image in the picture above and you’ll see my son dousing the riders on his turn to shoot the water cannon.  Those poor people got drenched!

Check Out the Live Shows, Parades & Fireworks

In addition to the rides, many live shows and performances take place at Kings Island every day. From musical entertainment, dancers, themed shows, and glass-blowing demonstrations to opportunities to see and get your picture taken with Charlie Brown and Snoopy. 

Insider Tip – 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. 

Take Advantage of the Parent Swap Program

Kings Island makes it possible for adults to ride roller coasters without standing in line with their kids. Wondering how that works?

First, visit the Help Center near the main gate to sign up for your 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. 

It’s a great service for families with kids who aren’t tall enough or don’t want to ride on the roller coasters. 

Choose a Dining Pass or Refillable Drinks or Bring an Empty Water Bottle

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 a variety of food stations.

Insider Tip – While you can’t bring outside food or drinks into the park, you can bring in an empty water bottle. Then use can use the drinking fountains located near most of the restrooms to refill it throughout they day.

Kings Island
6300 Kings Island Drive, Kings Island Ohio 45034
Website

You May Also Be Interested In:

• Amusement Parks in Ohio – 19 of the best parks to experience the thrill of a lifetime
• Summer Fun Guide – Ideas and Inspiration of 100+ Things to do with Kids this summer
• Things to Do with Toddlers – Over 25 kid-friendly activities