Midwest Amusement Park Comparison

[left210]

I am trying to decide whether to go to Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom, Holiday World or Kings Island. I will be taking six year olds. We went to Holiday World last year and it is very nice as always. My dilemma is I havent been to Kentucky Kingdom for 2+ years or to Kings Island for probably 15 years. I am trying to figure out which park would be best for six year olds. They are too big for the little rides but not really thrill seekers and will not ride roller coasters. We will spend most of the time in the water parks but I dont know which one has the best water park. Anyone been to all three recently and can share some insight?

 

[formernyer]

If they don't like thrill rides, they might not care for Six Flags or Kings Island. Have you looked into Beach Bend?

 

[ICF]

We thought Holiday World was great, especially for younger kids. There are a few big coasters, but most of the rides are good for people of any age. We took our then 6 & 3 yr olds there last year and they loved it. The parking is free (vs $10 at Kings Island), and you also get all the free soft-drinks you can handle. The food is a much better price too. We are actually going back there next week and are all excited.

Kings Island is fun, but is usually busier and doesn't seem to have as many rides for kids that are a little older (ie 6 / 7) but not quite ready to ride the Beast or Vortex.

 

[mrsklamc]

Fornmeyer, where is beach bend?

We went to Kings Island last year, it was fine but my guess would be 6 year olds would like Holiday World more...Haven't been to Kentucky Kingdom.

Not to hijack the thread but any recommendations on where to stay at Holiday World?

 

[formernyer]

Fornmeyer, where is beach bend?

I spelled it wrong! It's Beech Bend. It's in Kentucky. My kids and I have never been there because we prefer thrill rides, but I know a lot of people who make a trip there every year. The rides are a bit less "thrilling" than the ones at a Six Flags and there are a lot of water rides. You can also camp onsite.

http://www.beechbend.com/

 

[sumrmist]

beech bend also has a water park

 

[left210]

Yeah I think you guys are right to just stick with Holiday World. We have been there and know we like it but I was just trying to consider other options. Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom & Kings Island both have some pretty good deals on tickets right now and but Kings Island is 2 1/2 hours from us whereas Six Flags is only 30 minutes but I would rather drive a little further to have the most fun. Holiday World is only 1 hour from us so I probably should just stick with it. The only discount ticket I can find is $5 off. I wish I could get my tickets a little cheaper but I guess you cannot have it all.

***Also, when referring to thrill rides I mean more like roller coasters and some of the really crazy spinning rides. Our son is just in that stage where kiddie rides are too babyish and some adult rides are too much but some mild adult rides are ok. Thanks for all of your suggestions.

 

[peyjax]

Kings Island has one of the top rated childrens area for amusement parks. In addition to the free water park i say hands down beats KY Kingdom(six flags) if your child is over 44 inches they can ride the roller coasters and such in the childrens area all themed after nickelodean! If they are over 48 inches they can ride most of the big ones in the rest of the park. I am a big fan of the water park! Have fun wherever you decide!

 

[skjuls]

Having been to all 3 parks (mainly Kentucky Kingdom and Kings Island)

Holiday World is a good park and it has free soft drinks and parking.

If your kids like characters on Nickelodeon, then go to Kings Island. Last year, they revamped this Kids Section with some new rides and I went last summer and it's great. They have a great variety of Kid's rides in the new section. KI has revamped their waterpark as well.

All 3 have waterparks as well.

I don't recommend Six Flags too much (I mainly went to the waterpark and that I lived 20 miles away - I had a season pass).

 

[ICF]

Not to hijack the thread but any recommendations on where to stay at Holiday World?

We stayed in Jasper, IN. It's about 25 mins away from Holiday World. Last year we were at the Jasper Inn Convention Ctr (which I am told used to be a Holiday Inn) and this year we are staying at a Hampton Inn.

I don't think there is much really close to the park unless you stay at Santa's Lodge which is right next door. http://www.santaslodge.com/

 

[Chelley00]

We always stay in Ferdinand, IN when we go to Holiday World. It's closer than Jasper, but a fairly small town. If you want more options for dinners etc, then stay in Jasper. The Santa Lodge is very pretty, but expensive.

 

[mrsklamc]

We're thinking about the Lake Rudolph campground- and you can get discount passes by staying there or at Santa's Lodge. I'd heard some not so great reviews of the Lodge though.

I think it was the OP that was looking for a better discount than $5- They have them at the Indianapolis costcos for $29 but if you are 1 hour from HW I don't know that there is a costco near you.

 

[Alesia]

Dale, IN is closer than Jasper and Ferdinand. They have a Baymont Inn and a Motel 6.

 

[abcboys]

This isn't much help but I love the free drinks at holiday world. The waterpark is really nice, too. We usually go every year. I won 2 free tickets off the radio station and need to buy 2 more.