Amusement parks near Cleveland offer fun for children and some of the fastest and most exciting rides in the world for thrill-seekers of all ages. As part of a Huffington Post Travel series on family-fun parks, here is our guide to all the key information visitors need to know about Cleveland-area amusement parks.
Cedar Point Amusement Park
If it rocks, rolls or rotates,
has it. Located one hour from Cleveland in Sandusky, Ohio, the second-oldest amusement park in North America is a coaster lover's dream come true. It has
— more than any other in the world — plus the world's biggest collection of rides. Cedar Point also features four playground areas just for kids, water parks and all the latest thrills for family fun on the shore of Lake Erie.
Record-Setting Coasters
Among the roller coasters,
is one of the tallest and fastest coasters in the world, reaching speeds of 120 miles per hour in under four seconds. Magnum XL-200 boasts being "the coaster by which all others are measured" and is the first coaster in the world to top 200 feet. Corkscrew is yet another ride at Cedar Point that holds its place in roller coaster history — it's the first to feature three inversions and the first coaster to span a midway.
Thrill Rides And More
Besides roller coasters, Cedar Point has lots of other thrill rides. Witches' Wheel turns riders upside down during an 80-second ride, and Cedar Downs Racing Derby is one of only two racing carousels in the United States. Planet Snoopy is the parks' fourth designated
and includes a railroad. There is also a beach, boardwalk and live entertainment featuring country, Christian, rock, soul and Latin sounds.
Classic Park Fare
Cedar Point has s variety of dining options, including diner fare at Johnny Rockets, hot dogs and chili dogs of every kind at Pink's and barbecue at Chuck Wagon. Visitors are not allowed to bring food or drinks into the park, but picnic shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis outside the park's main entrance .
Safety Record
Two accident reports over the last three years are on file for the Cedar Point Amusement Park, according to a spokesperson for the Ohio Department of Agriculture, which oversees inspections. In June 2011, seven people suffered minor injuries after
.
Address: One Cedar Point Dr., Sandusky, OH 44870Phone: 419-627-2350Hours: Open daily through Labor Day but days and hours vary.Price: One-day regular admission is $47.99; juniors and seniors, $22; children ages two and under, free. After 4 p.m., admission is $16.99 ($29.99 at the gate). Discounts are available online for season passes, groups, and two- and three-day passes. Separate tickets are needed for Soak City Water Park.
Memphis Kiddie Park
Grown-ups love Memphis Kiddie Park, but it really is geared towards children up to eight years old. A landmark and tradition in the Cleveland area since 1952, the park offers 11 classic amusement rides daily and memories for a lifetime.
The Oldest Steel Coaster
The four-seater
roller coaster is the oldest continuously-operating steel roller coaster in North America and perhaps the most thrill-seeking ride at this kiddie park.
Arcade Games And Mini Golf
Other rides include a Merry-Go-Round, chariot-style pony carts and Ferris wheel. There is also an arcade with classic games and prizes. Both kids and adults can enjoy the 18-hole
; the challenges include clearing a penguin and knocking a ball through a Ferris wheel.
Classic Concessions
A concession stand at the park is full of traditional amusement park fare like hot dogs, cotton candy, popcorn and other goodies. Outside food and drinks are prohibited.
Safety Record
Our research revealed no notable news reports of accidents or safety issues at Memphis Kiddie Park.
Address: 10340 Memphis Ave., Brooklyn, OH 44144Phone: 216-941-5995Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., weather permittingPrice: Each ride is $1.95. Buy a book of tickets for $25.25 and the rides are only $1. A strip of 10 tickets is $15.50. Children under five get in free with a paying adult. A separate single ticket is needed to play mini-golf. Parking is free, no entrance fee and tickets never expire. Birthday and mini-golf party packages are available, as well as discounts for schools, PTAs, church groups and other non-profit organizations.
Other Noteworthy Parks Near Cleveland
Have you been to an amusement park in the Midwest?
Check out more AMUSEMENT PARKS.
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