7 Old-School Amusement Parks In Ohio That Families Still Talk About
Growing up in Ohio, summer meant one thing: the magical world of amusement parks.
I still remember my first wooden roller coaster ride – that perfect mix of terror and delight!
Ohio has a rich history of family entertainment spots that have created memories across generations.
These seven classic parks continue to capture hearts with their nostalgic charm and timeless attractions.
1. Memphis Kiddie Park: Where First Thrills Are Born
My nephew’s face lit up on his first ride at Memphis Kiddie Park, just like mine did decades ago. This Brooklyn, Ohio gem has been creating childhood memories since 1952, remaining delightfully unchanged in our ever-evolving world. The park’s miniature roller coaster – the Little Dipper – holds the title of oldest continuously operating steel coaster in North America.
How cool is that? Kids still squeal with the same excitement on rides that entertained their grandparents. With ticket prices that won’t break the bank and rides specifically designed for the under-12 crowd, Memphis Kiddie Park remains a rite of passage for Ohio youngsters. The park’s vintage concession stand still serves the same cotton candy that turned my tongue blue thirty years ago.
2. Stricker’s Grove: The Hidden Treasure Only Open Four Days A Year
Blink and you’ll miss your chance to visit Stricker’s Grove! This family-owned park in Ross Township operates on a unique schedule – opening to the public just four days annually. The exclusivity makes each visit feel like stumbling upon a carnival from another era. Last summer, I joined the lucky crowds on July 4th, marveling at how this 25-acre wonderland maintains its 1940s charm.
The hand-painted signs and meticulously maintained wooden coasters – Tornado and Teddy Bear – showcase craftsmanship rarely seen in modern parks. Families picnic under shade trees between rides, creating a community atmosphere that’s increasingly rare. The park’s German heritage shines through in its architecture and food offerings. Mark your calendar for Labor Day or Family Day if you want to experience this time capsule of amusement park history!
3. Coney Island: Cincinnati’s Waterside Wonderland Since 1886
“Race you to Sunlite Pool!” Those words echoed through my childhood summers at Cincinnati’s Coney Island. While the amusement rides eventually relocated to Kings Island, the park’s aquatic attractions continue making splashes for new generations. The crown jewel remains Sunlite Pool – the largest recirculating pool in North America at a whopping 200,000 square feet.
I still remember my grandmother telling me she swam in the very same waters as a girl in the 1940s! The water slides and splash zones have modernized, but that classic pool maintains its timeless appeal. Families still spread blankets on the grassy areas for picnic lunches between swimming sessions. The park’s location along the Ohio River provides a scenic backdrop that enhances its historic atmosphere. Few summer traditions in Ohio run as deep as a day at Coney Island’s waters.
4. Tuscora Park: Small-Town Charm With Big-Time Fun
The carousel music at Tuscora Park instantly transports me back to simpler times. This New Philadelphia gem feels like stepping into a Norman Rockwell painting, where three generations might ride the same Ferris wheel in one afternoon. Founded in 1907, the park’s vintage rides – including a 1928 Philadelphia Toboggan Company carousel – operate on incredibly affordable tickets. My wallet barely notices a full day of entertainment here!
The miniature golf course and paddle boats on the park’s pond provide perfect breaks between classic rides. The park’s free summer concerts create the soundtrack for countless family memories. I’ve watched fireworks reflect off the pond waters more times than I can count. Tuscora Park proves that sometimes the most meaningful experiences come without flashy technology or massive investments – just simple, timeless fun preserved through community care.
5. Zoombezi Bay: Cedar Point’s Aquatic Cousin Making Its Own Splash
Confession time: I screamed like a five-year-old going down Python Plunge at Zoombezi Bay last summer! While newer than some parks on this list, this Powell water paradise has quickly established itself as an essential Ohio summer tradition since opening in 2008. Located on the former site of the beloved Wyandot Lake adjacent to the Columbus Zoo, Zoombezi Bay honors its predecessor while offering modern thrills. The wave pool still occupies the same location where I learned to “swim” in artificial waves as a kid.
Families appreciate how the park balances high-intensity water slides with relaxing options. The lazy river provides perfect respite between adrenaline rushes. What makes this place special is how it connects generations – parents point out remnants of the old park while creating new traditions. Zoo admission packages make this a full-day adventure that rivals any coastal water park.
6. Cedar Point: The Roller Coaster Capital That Started It All
Standing beneath Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point, I still feel the same butterflies I did on my first visit at age ten. No discussion of Ohio amusement parks would be complete without this Sandusky institution that’s been thrilling visitors since 1870 – making it America’s second-oldest operating amusement park! Cedar Point transformed from a simple bathing beach to the roller coaster capital of the world.
My parents rode the Blue Streak in the 1970s, I conquered Millennium Force in 2000, and now my kids brave Steel Vengeance. Each generation has its defining coaster! Beyond the thrill rides, the beach and Hotel Breakers maintain their classic charm. The midway games and smell of fresh fudge remain unchanged. Cedar Point’s ability to honor its history while continually innovating explains why it remains the standard by which all other amusement parks are measured.
7. Kings Island: Where Beast Mode Began
The distinctive Eiffel Tower replica at Kings Island has been my family’s meeting spot for three decades now. This Mason landmark opened in 1972 after inheriting many beloved rides from Cincinnati’s Coney Island, creating an instant classic that continues evolving while honoring its roots. The Beast – the world’s longest wooden roller coaster when it opened in 1979 – still delivers heart-pounding thrills through its wooded terrain. I’ve ridden it in daylight, darkness, and even during a light rain (don’t tell my mom).
The International Street shops maintain their European village charm while Hanna-Barbera characters have given way to Peanuts gang favorites. Planet Snoopy provides the perfect training ground for future thrill-seekers. The distinctive blue ice cream remains a non-negotiable tradition for my family visits. Kings Island perfectly balances nostalgia with innovation, ensuring its place in Ohio’s amusement legacy for generations to come.