When you think about the best theme park destinations in the country, Ohio may not be the first place that comes to mind. However, the Buckeye State has long been home to some of the best theme parks in the country, bringing in families and thrill-seekers from both near and far. Combining Midwest hospitality with that quintessential amusement park excitement and energy, Ohio is an excellent option for your next theme park vacation. AAA offers that can often help make booking your trip easier.
Below, we detail the five best amusement parks in Ohio to help you plan your upcoming trip.
1. Cedar Point
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Address: 1 Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, OH 44870
Best for: Families and those seeking rollercoaster thrills
Situated on the shores of Lake Erie in the city of Sandusky and home to 18 world-class rollercoasters, Cedar Point is famously known as America's Roller Coast. If you are looking to spend your day climbing to new heights and twisting through the skies, Cedar Point should be your top theme park choice in Ohio. This park has long prided itself on its ability to continually set records, often working to construct and unveil some of the most breathtaking and gravity-defying coasters in the world.
Siren's Curse: This engineering marvel recently opened in 2025, shattering records to become the tallest, longest and fastest tilt coaster in the world. On this coaster, you will climb 160 feet into the air and literally tilt over the edge, where you will be suspended at a 90-degree angle until you connect with the twisting track that rests just below.
Valravn: Easily one of the most thrilling coasters in the park, Valravn reaches heights of 223 feet and features a 90-degree drop as well as a 270-degree roll. There's truly nothing else out there like this one, it's a must-do for thrill-seekers.
Millennium Force: This iconic steel coaster was known for its record-setting reveal in the year 2000, when it became known for having the longest drop and fastest speeds. Today, it is still considered to be one of the best coasters in modern history, giving riders a classic yet exhilarating rollercoaster experience.
While Cedar Point is primarily known for its rollercoasters, it's important to know that this park in Sandusky, Ohio, appeals to people of all ages. Many of the rollercoasters are family-friendly, giving even the youngest visitors an opportunity to test out the park's most popular attractions. You will also find a variety of rides and attractions throughout the park that are perfect for younger guests, giving this theme park a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
It's possible to do Cedar Point in a day, but if it's your first time visiting, consider staying for a couple of days to make sure you can get to everything you want. Cedar Point's Hotel Breakers is the on-site hotel, giving you premier access to the park and a luxurious place to stay.
2. Kings Island
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Address: Mason, OH 45040
Best for: Young adults and thrill-seekers
Another one of the top Ohio amusement parks is Kings Island, a small yet mighty theme park located in Mason, just outside of downtown Cincinnati. Kings Island features more than 100 attractions and is known for its family-friendly atmosphere. It may seem like Cedar Point is the clear winner for rollercoasters, but in reality, Kings Island has 15 of their own coasters for you to experience. Some of the top rollercoasters in Kings Island include:
The Beast: Easily the most famous attraction in the park, The Beast has been giving guests thrills and whirls for nearly 50 years. When it first opened in 1979, The Beast was heralded as the best wooden rollercoaster in the world and today, this four-minute-long coaster continues to hold the record for the longest wooden coaster. It's a must-do during your Kings Island visit.
Invertigo: If you want to go upside down, Invertigo is the perfect coaster for you. Featuring three inversions — that you get to enjoy both forwards and backwards — this ride is a perfect mix of terrifying and invigorating. It's a favorite among the true thrill-seekers in the park.
As a classic American theme park, Kings Island also boasts plenty of unique attractions, family-friendly rides and areas that are perfect for the youngest park visitors. There's also live entertainment and delicious restaurants, allowing you to enjoy a full day of fun at the park.
3. Kalahari Resorts
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Address: 7000 Kalahari Dr, Sandusky, OH 44870
Best for: Indoor fun
Offering all-inclusive vibes on the Lake Erie coast, Kalahari Resorts in Sandusky is a favorite among families searching for year-round indoor fun. Kalahari Resorts in Sandusky is known as the largest indoor water park in the Midwest, boasting more than 173,000 square feet of space.
While Kalahari is home to a mini-golf course, a 7-D motion theater and a big game room, it's the rides and slides that take center stage in this larger-than-life hotel and indoor water park.
Some favorite water slides and amusement park attractions at this theme park include:
Dawn Breaker: The water park's newest water slide, giving guests the ability to feel as if they are chasing an African sunrise as they glide along the slide.
Cheetah Racers: A favorite among siblings and friends who want to battle it out for the top spot, Cheetah Racers allows young riders the chance to race three people down the slide.
FlowRider: This wave simulator is perfect for those who want to experience the thrill of surfing, even when they are thousands of miles away from the nearest ocean.
Offering attractions and amenities that appeal to both parents and children alike, Kalahari Resorts is a family destination that is perfect for those long holiday weekends or quick summer getaways.
4. Memphis Kiddie Park
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Address: 10340 Memphis Ave, Cleveland, OH 44144
Best for: Families with young children
Heralded as the oldest kiddieland in America, Memphis Kiddie Park in Brooklyn, Ohio, may not boast the larger-than-life coasters that Cedar Point and Kings Island have, but it's still one of the top Ohio amusement parks in its own right. Perfect for those youngsters who aren't ready for the big thrills, this park is home to 11 different rides and attractions that are simply delightful and intentionally designed for those under 50 inches tall.
Some of the best things to check out at Memphis Kiddie Park include:
Little Dipper: This pint-sized coaster is the ideal way to introduce your littlest theme park guests to the excitement of rollercoasters.
Turtle Chase: Having long been considered one of the most popular rides in the park, Turtle Chase is best for young children who are ready for their first taste of thrills. Each car fits up to three children, giving them a chance to make memories with their siblings, cousins or friends.
Pony Carts: With a track that stretches from one end of the park to the other, the Pony Carts ride gives little visitors the chance to enjoy a nostalgic carriage ride as they soak up the magic that surrounds them.
Open seasonally during the summer months, Memphis Kiddie Park is an amazing day trip for those who want to enjoy quality time with their favorite little ones.
5. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
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Address: 4850 W Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065
Best for: Those looking for a hybrid theme park experience
You might be surprised to find out that one of the best theme parks in Ohio is actually a zoo, but the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is so much more than a place to visit with the animals. While the zoo itself is magnificent in its own right, it actually offers a blended experience — combining conservation efforts with the excitement that people are looking for out of a theme park.
Some of the rides and attractions that can be found at the zoo include:
Sea Dragon: This classic coaster is the oldest wooden coaster in Ohio, giving riders a vintage experience that mimics an era gone by.
Columbus Zoo Train Ride: Giving guests a peaceful ride through the zoo, this train chugs through the North American region of the zoo. Keep an eye out for wolverines and reindeer during your relaxing journey.
Wild Explorer Virtual Reality: Contrasting some of the historic attractions that define this zoo-turned-amusement park, the Wild Explorer Virtual Reality attraction allows visitors to experience entirely new worlds without leaving the comfort of Columbus.
Recently voted as one of the best zoos in Ohio, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a favorite destination among local families as well as travelers from around the country. It's possible to experience this theme park in a day, but you may want to extend your trip to Columbus over the weekend in order to get the most out of your visit.
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