Nearby Amusement Parks
Cedar Point
It might be almost four hours away, but this Sandusky, Ohio amusement park draws in the crowds with its monstrous roller coasters-including Top Thrill Dragster, a 400 foot tall ride that once claimed the title of tallest roller coaster in the world.
King’s Island
Another Ohio amusement park, this Cincinnati park is the largest amusement and water-park in the Midwest at 364 acres. Its newest roller coaster, the Banshee won another honor as the world’s longest inverted roller coaster.
Indiana Beach Amusement Resort
No, Ohio doesn’t have all the fun. Indiana Beach in Monticello, Ind., offers waterslides, roller coasters and theme park classics like the Scrambler.
Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari
Holiday World really does put the theme in theme park. The park contains different sections devoted to various holidays including Christmas, the Fourth of July and Halloween. Oh, and the Santa Clause, Ind., based park offers unlimited, free soft drinks.
Summer is just around the corner, which means roller coaster season is quickly approaching. For Brandan Howell, a sophomore interior design major, this means going back to work.
Howell has worked at Holiday World, a theme park in Santa Claus, Ind., since he was 14 years old and has been a manager for the past five years. Howell shares his inside knowledge with these theme park tips and tricks:
1. Make the most out of May
For shorter wait times and smaller crowds, visit theme parks during the month of May. Most high schoolers are still in school, so visit on weekdays. Weather may be temperamental during the early months of summer, so dress accordingly.
2. Pack lightly
Lockers can rack up a hefty fee at theme parks. To escape the high prices, wear layers. Howell incorporates his bathing suit into his outfit if he plans to ride water rides. If bringing a bag is a must, bring a cheap drawstring bag you wouldn’t mind losing.
3. Eat beforehand
Food prices can be extremely inflated at amusement parks. Eat a meal before entering the park and after leaving. Try to only eat one meal inside the park or pack a lunch to eat in the parking lot if the park permits re-entering.
4. Keep up with deals
Many theme parks post deals on their websites or social media accounts. Stay up to date with what is happening in nearby parks. If ticket sales are low for a day, the park may offer last minute deals.
5. Buy a season pass
If you plan on visiting a theme park multiple times throughout the season, look into buying a season pass. To get the most out of a season pass, purchase it in the winter when prices are cheaper. Season passes usually offer perks too.
6. Plan a route
Map out which rides and attractions to hit first. Have a plan to avoid continuously walking back and forth.
7. Make it a trip
When traveling to a theme park far away from home, make a trip out of it. Find cool attractions to visit along the way. Take a couple days and hit up more than one theme park.
8. Look for cheap lodging
Hotels in and around theme parks can be awfully pricey. Instead, look for local lodging, such as smaller mom-and-pop hotels. To avoid hotels altogether, turn the experience into a camping trip. Find a local campsite and pitch a tent.
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