Ohio is home to two of the top-rated amusement parks in the United States: Cedar Point in Sandusky and Kings Island in Mason. Each park draws millions of thrill-seekers annually with record-breaking roller coasters, expansive water parks, and family-friendly attractions. Both are now owned by Six Flags and continue to compete for the title of Ohio’s premier theme park destination. Here’s how they compare across key categories for the 2025 season.
Admission Prices
Ticket prices vary slightly, with Cedar Point charging $50 for daily admission when purchased online, while Kings Island offers the same for $45. Both parks provide significant discounts for online purchases, with Kings Island offering up to 50% off gate prices.
Advantage: Kings Island
Parking Costs
Parking adds to the overall cost for visitors. Cedar Point charges $35 for standard parking and $50 for preferred parking. Kings Island charges $30 and $40 for standard and preferred parking, respectively.
Advantage: Kings Island
Season Passes
Each park offers three tiers of season passes. Cedar Point’s summer pass is priced at $115, a gold pass at $150, and a prestige pass at $350. Kings Island offers a silver pass at $110, gold at $145, and prestige also at $350. Benefits are similar, including park admission, parking, and access to special events, though Kings Island’s pricing is marginally lower.
Advantage: Kings Island
Water Parks
Cedar Point Shores, located adjacent to the main park, requires a separate $50 admission. In contrast, access to Kings Island’s Soak City water park is included with general park admission.
Advantage: Kings Island
Rides and Attractions
Cedar Point leads in total roller coasters, boasting 19 compared to Kings Island’s 16. Notable highlights include Cedar Point’s Millennium Force and the recently reopened Top Thrill 2, which reaches speeds up to 120 mph. Kings Island counters with The Beast, the world’s longest wooden coaster, and Orion, one of only seven giga coasters in existence.
Beyond coasters, Cedar Point offers 26 thrill rides, 23 family rides, and 19 kid-friendly rides. Kings Island provides 6 thrill rides, 30 family rides, and 19 kid rides.
Advantage: Cedar Point
Fast Lane Access
Both parks offer line-skipping passes. At Cedar Point, Fast Lane passes are priced at $99 or $125, depending on ride access, while season-long Fast Lane access costs $950. Kings Island offers daily Fast Lane passes starting at $85 and season passes for $799.
Advantage: Kings Island
Dining Options
Cedar Point lists 50 dining venues, from full-service restaurants to snack stands. Kings Island offers 30 options. Dining plans at both parks are similar, though Kings Island’s all-season plan is slightly more expensive at $109, compared to $105 at Cedar Point.
Advantage: Cedar Point
Accommodations
Cedar Point offers five official resort properties, including the beachfront Hotel Breakers and the RV-friendly Lighthouse Point. These come with perks such as early park entry. Kings Island does not have official resorts but is surrounded by numerous nearby hotels.
Advantage: Cedar Point
Conclusion
While Kings Island provides better overall value with lower costs and bundled water park access, Cedar Point edges ahead with a wider variety of attractions, more dining options, and resort accommodations. For visitors prioritizing thrills and an extended stay, Cedar Point may be worth the higher price tag. However, budget-conscious families or those seeking a convenient day trip might find Kings Island the better option.
Verdict: A draw — with each park excelling in different areas, the best choice depends on individual preferences.
