21-07-2025
Check out these amusement parks – big and small – within a day's drive from Akron
There's just something magical about amusement parks.
They are places where memories are made.
And fears are confronted.
Northern Ohio is still fortunate to have a fair number of such parks within a day's drive.
Most of these parks are steeped in history and are popular destinations for amusement park enthusiasts from near and far to ride not only classic rides but the latest scream machines.
There are also some smaller parks that offer fun – albeit on a smaller scale.
Cedar Point
The granddaddy of American amusement parks is situated right in our proverbial backyard on the shores of Lake Erie.
Cedar Point in Sandusky has been a summer destination for generations of families for some 150 years.
The park is home to 67 rides including 19 roller coasters that are the star attraction for thrill seekers.
Some of these coasters that reach high into the sky offer breathtaking views of Lake Erie and the park's mile-long beach and historic Hotel Breakers before plunging riders at a breakneck speed.
The park with its historic charm continues to evolve with new rides and experiences added each season.
And this year is no different.
The park has added Siren's Curse, billed as North America's tallest, fastest and longest tilt roller coaster.
The coaster, themed after a mythical Lake Erie siren, is already a fan and spectator favorite with long lines this summer.
The coaster's signature feature is the tilt that dangles riders 90 degrees over the midway before connecting to the track below and speeding some 58 miles per hour along a twisting track.
This summer is also the first chance for many visitors to ride the Top Thrill 2 roller coaster that closed shortly after its debut last season.
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Kennywood
A trip to Kennywood located in West Mifflin, just outside of Pittsburgh, is like taking a stroll through the past.
This Pennsylvania amusement park holds the distinction of being considered a National Historic Landmark for its collection of historic buildings and 40 some rides.
The park that dates back to 1898, is home to the Old Mill boat ride that takes guests past a series of humorous old western scenes and the classic Noah's Ark walkthrough funhouse that sways back and forth as guests navigate narrow passageways and encounter animals and other surprises along the way.
Kennywood also has an impressive collection of roller coasters including some that are pretty old like the Racer and the Jack Rabbit.
The 3,365-foot-long Phantom's Revenge takes full advantage of the park's hilly terrain and was recently ranked No. 1 by USA TODAY.
Kennywood's Steel Curtain roller coaster reopened this summer after work throughout last season to reinforce its supports.
Themed after the Pittsburgh Steelers, the coaster reaches 220 feet making it Pennsylvania's tallest roller coaster and with nine inversions, it is the most of any coaster in the country and has the highest inversion.
And no visit to Kennywood would be complete without trying its famed Potato Patch fries with gooey cheese and fresh bacon.
They love these fries so much at Kennywood they even have dodgem cars themed after the tasty dish called the Potato Smash.
Kings Island
Cedar Point may get a lot of the attention, but its sister Six Flags Park just outside Cincinnati is also a popular destination for thrill seekers.
Kings Island in Mason is home to a signature replica of the Eiffel Tower and some 16 roller coasters from the tame – like the Great Pumpkin – to the extreme Orion with a breathtaking 300-foot first drop.
One of the oldest coasters in the park is arguably its best.
The Beast made its debut in 1979 and still holds the record as the longest wooden roller coaster in the world.
Over the span of 4 minutes, riders whisk along 7,361 feet of track at 65 miles per hour over some 35 wooded acres.
For those looking for a little tamer experience, the park's Boo Blasters on Boo Hill offers a fun and cool indoor experience where guests have to hunt down and capture ghosts.
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Smaller regional parks
A summer escape to an amusement park does not have to be an all-day or break the bank kind of thing.
There are smaller regional parks that offer thrills on a smaller scale.
Memphis Kiddie Park situated in the Cleveland suburb of Brooklyn not far from the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is geared toward young riders.
Unlike the big parks where you have to purchase a daily admission, Memphis Kiddie Park offers tickets for just one or all of the 11 amusement park rides geared to children under 50 inches tall.
The park's rides are from the early 1950s and look like the day they arrived at the quaint park that has a nice miniature golf course.
Ride tickets are $3.25 each or 10 for $29.
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Nestled in the hills of New Philadelphia, Tuscora Park is another short escape for young families.
The city-owned park has a collection of rides geared toward young kids including a train ride and a carousel.
Like Memphis Kiddie Park, there is no daily admission and ride tickets are $1.50 each or a book of 12 for $10.
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Sluggers & Putters in Canal Fulton is home to 10 rides from the Space Jets to the Tea Cups to the classic Scrambler.
The small Stark County amusement park is also home to a pretty cool themed miniature golf course and go-cart tracks for both young and adventurous riders.
Ticket prices vary by attraction.
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Funtimes Fun Park in Alliance is also home to a nice collection of small rides and attractions.
The park also features miniature golf, Go-Karts and even bumper boats.
Among the collection of amusement park rides is the original Tilt-A-Whirl from the former Geauga Lake Amusement Park.
Ticket prices vary by attraction.
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Waldameer in Erie, Pennsylvania, also does not charge a daily admission to its large amusement park.
To visit the water park that has a number of slides and attractions, you have to purchase a day pass.
You are free to stroll through the amusement park, but to ride any of the 33 attractions you can either purchase a day pass or put credits on a ride card.
Waldameer has a fun walk-through Pirate-theme funhouse and the classic Wacky Shack dark ride.
The park is also home to five roller coasters including the super-fast Ravene Flyer II.
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This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Check out these amusement parks a quick drive away from Akron
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