Are you looking forward to your next visit to Kings Island Amusement Park?
I’m sharing more about what’s new this year and tips to help you make the most of your visit to Kings Island this year, for 2025.
This article contains affiliate links.
Important Kings Island Opening Dates for 2025
Here are the opening dates for 2025:
- Season Pass Holder Preview: Friday, April 18, 2025
- Park Opening Day Saturday, April 19, 2025
- Park Open Daily: Starting May 14, 2025
- Soak City Opens: Memorial Weekend- Saturday, May 24, 2025
- Soak City is open daily from May 24 through August 17, 2025, then weekends only, until Labor Day weekend.
Kings Island Special Events
Save the dates for these special events throughout the season at Kings Island.
- “Kings Island’s Nighttime Spectacular.” – first firework show May 23, 2025
- The Fireworks and Drone shows will be on days with a 10 pm or later closing time from May 23 – August 31, 2025
- Star-Spangled Nights – July 4 &5, 2025
- Grand Carnivale July 19- August 3, 2025
- Tricks and Treats and Halloween Haunt – Select Days/Nights September 21- November 2, 2025
- Winterfest – Select Nights November 28- December 31, 2025
New Attractions at Soak City Water Park 2025
“In 2025, Kings Island’s Soak City Water Park will debut first-of-its-kind thrills and chills with the addition of RiverRacers, the first and only dual-racing water coaster in Ohio, and seven new kids’ water slides in the riverside-themed kids’ play area, Splash River Junction.
Hundreds of new loungers and chairs will also surround the new area with seating options in both the sun and shade.“
RiverRacers Water Coaster
RiverRacers is 48 feet tall, 530 feet long, and can reach speeds up to 30 mph!
“Riders board side-by-side rafts at the starting line where a conveyor belt launch sends them plunging down a 33-foot, 47-degree first drop.
Giant windows help racers see if their raft is in the lead while the water coaster reaches its 30 mph, fastest speed.
As each raft nears the bottom of the drop and starts to climb upward, water jets drench the riders and propel them up into an enclosed tunnel illuminated with special lighting effects.
The race is on as racers zip through more twists and turns, rushing into an open-air, high-banking slingshot, whipping them around 180 degrees into a gravity-defying final mega drop to see who crosses the finish line first!”
Splash River Junction
“For the youngest adventurers, the wading pools of Splash River Junction will become a favorite place to slide, play, and stay cool at Kings Island’s Soak City Water Park in Summer 2025.
Pull your canoe up to the all-new Bluegill Lagoon and take a break at this ol’ fashioned swimmin’ hole, complete with a water tower that’s sprung a leak or two, making it the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day. Scoot on over to Salamander Sliders, a set of seven new water slides with gentle slopes, dips, and turns that are sure to bring a smile to anyone. Riverbank Slide Out (previously Aruba Tuba) is the perfect destination for medium thrill slides, including a two-person raft ride and two body slides for young riders! Parents can relax and take it easy with the youngest waterbugs in the Tadpool.
Families and friends can relax close by in the sun or shade with more loungers, chairs, and umbrellas, or they can partake in the fun too.”
2025 KI Prestige Season Pass Benefits
- Unlimited visits for the 2025 season
- A Preferred park entrance
- Increased Discounts
- One Single-Use Fast Lane every time you visit
- 2 FREE bring-a-friend tickets annually,
- Access to the VIP areas
How to Redeem Your King Island Prestige Pass – Front of the Line pass
You can present your Prestige pass at the Help Center (next to the Fast Lane booth), at the VIP Lounge check-in, or at merchandise locations that sell Fast Lane and receive a voucher good for one use on the ride of your choice from participating attractions
2025 Prestige Pass with All Park Passport
The 2025 All Park Passport add-on offers access to more parks starting in 2025.
The All Park Passport is an add-on that allows you to access additional Six Flags parks when you add it to your 2025 Kings Island Gold or Prestige Pass.
When you purchase a 2025 Kings Island Gold or Prestige Pass with the All Park Passport add-on, you can access all legacy Cedar Fair parks on any public operating day in 2025.
Your 2025 Kings Island Gold or Prestige Pass with the All Park Passport add-on will be valid for parking & entry at all legacy Six Flags.
Get the most out of your All Park Passport with long weekend trips to these close Six Flags parks:
- Sandusky, OH: Cedar Point (198 miles)
- Chicago, IL: Six Flags Great America (284 miles)
- Muskegon, MI: Michigan’s Adventure (387 miles)
- St. Louis, MO: Six Flags St. Louis (392 miles)
- Buffalo, NY: Six Flags Darien Lake (439 miles)
- Charlotte, NC/SC: Carowinds (474 miles)
- Vaughan, ON: Canada’s Wonderland (475 miles)
- Atlanta, GA: Six Flags Over Georgia (485 miles)
Practical Tips Before You Visit Kings Island Amusement Park
Use these tips before your visit.
Kings Island Amusement Park is Cashless
FYI- Kings Island is cashless and accepts payments by credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay
Use the Kings Island App in the Park
Download the free Kings Island App on your mobile phone. This makes it easier to navigate around the park, find upcoming shows, and know ride wait times.
Parking at Kings Island
Parking is an additional fee. All Kings Island Season Passes include free parking.
*Prestige Pass holders can visit the Preferred Parking attendant to receive access to the Preferred Parking lot. That lot is limited to 400 spots and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Parking lots open 1 hour before the park opens. On peak holidays/high traffic times, it may open sooner.
Take a picture of the parking sign at the end of the lane where you parked before you enter the park.
Guests With Special Needs
Stroller and Wheelchair rentals must be booked online 48 hours before your visit.
If you are visiting the park with a guest with special needs, visit guest services first when you arrive. Learn more about visiting Kings Island with a special needs guest here.
Kings Island Season Pass Holders
Season Pass Holder Perks- Gold, Platinum, Prestige, and Prestige+ Pass holders can use their pass to participate in Early Ride Time 30 minutes before the park opens every public operating day – October (except for Friday nights during Halloween Haunt).
Save time by creating an account for your unprocessed season pass online.
Renewal season pass holders can use the same pass for this year.
Tips for Visiting Kings Island With Kids
I recommend utilizing the following services if you visit Kings Island with younger kids.
Get a Colored Wristband As Soon As You Arrive
Have your kids measured for their colored wristbands as soon as you enter the park.
Kings Island has different height requirements for its rides. Get the wristband first, and save time and the hassle of having your child measured before each ride.
You can get a colored wristband for your child at the Help Center near the Front Gate or in Planet Snoopy.
Take Advantage of Rider Swap
Rider Swap allows riders to enjoy the rides and supervise their children. After one rider has gone through the regular line and ridden the attraction, the supervising rider waiting with the children is then given immediate boarding upon providing their pass.
For more information or to participate in the Rider Swap program, visit the Help Center near the Front Gate, the Family Care Center near Planet Snoopy Ice Cream, or Soak City Guest Services.
Locate Your Lost Child With Kid Track
Kings Island offers a service to quickly reunite separated children and parents with cell phones.
Sign up for this service at Guest Services at the front gate, the Help Center next to the Fast Lane booth, the Family Care Center near Planet Snoopy Ice Cream, or Soak City Water Park Guest Services.
Chaperone Policy
Kings Island has a newer chaperone policy to help keep the park a safe, family-friendly atmosphere.
Under this policy, all guests ages 15 or younger must be accompanied by a chaperone who is at least 21 years old to be admitted to or remain in the park after 4 p.m. local time until close.
You can read more about the Kings Island chaperone policy here.
What Restaurants Are On the All-Season Dining Plan at Kings Island for 2025?
- Chicken Shack
- Coconut Cove Cafe (*During Soak City Operation)
- Coney Bar-B-Que
- Enrique’s
- Festhaus
- Grain & Grill
- Island Smokehouse (*During Soak City Operation)
- Juke Box Diner
- LaRosa’s Pizzeria
- Miami River Brewhouse
- Panda Express
- Planet Snoopy Grill
- Potato Works
- Skyline Chili
- The French Corner
- Tom & Chee
Can You Bring Your Own Food And Drinks to Kings Island?
No outside food, beverages, or coolers are permitted at Kings Island or Soak City Water Park.
*Exceptions are made for Guests with special dietary needs, including food allergies and baby food, and formula.
Guests with special dietary needs should stop at Guest Services at the Front Gate when they arrive at the Park.
The Best Value for Dining at Kings Island Amusement Park
For the best value on meals, consider purchasing an All-Day Dining ticket for a one-time visit or the All-Season Dining Plan if you’re a season pass holder.
The All-Day Dining ticket gets you an entrée and side as often as every 90 minutes during your visit in 2025.
The Premium All Day Dining Ticket gets you an entrée and side, or a snack, as often as every 90 minutes during your visit in 2025, and Coca-Cola beverages all day long as often as every 15 minutes!
Is the All-Season Dining Plan Worth it?
In my opinion, YES!!!!
The All-Season Dining Plan is worth the price, especially if you have teenagers. The food options are great on the All-Season Dining Plan, with several restaurant options for All-Season Dining Plan holders.
Max of 2 meals per day with a required 4-hour interval in between meals.
My favorite restaurants on the All-Season Dining plan are Coney Bar-B-Cue and Miami River Brewhouse.
At Soak City, I love the shrimp at Island Smokehouse.
*Snacks are NOT part of the All-Season Dining Plan.
Is the All-Season Drink Plan Worth It?
In my opinion, YES! The All-Season Drink Plan is worth paying for. It’s important to stay hydrated during your visit, especially on a hot summer day.
If you visit the park a lot, it will pay for itself, and you can get refills every 15 minutes throughout the day.
You can opt for a refillable 2025 souvenir bottle OR a season pass drink plan paper cup. (Souvenir bottles from previous years aren’t valid)
I prefer the paper cup because I don’t want to carry around a souvenir bottle each time I visit, and I don’t want to purchase a locker rental if I want to ride Banshee or Orion.
Will Courtesy Cups of Water Still Be Offered?
You can still get courtesy cups of water where drinks are available.
Newer International Street Webcam
You can watch what’s happening on International Street at Kings Island on the webcam.
How to Keep Your Valuables Secure on Rides
If you don’t want to risk your phone or keys falling out of your pocket during a ride, consider wearing a thin running belt under your shirt. Another option is shorts/ pants with zippered pockets.
Running belts are thinner than fanny packs and easier to wear on rides without interfering with ride harnesses and straps.
Limit what you bring into the park if you don’t want to be stuck carrying a bag.
There are a few rides (Banshee, Mystic Timbers, Orion & Flight of Fear) that you’re not permitted to bring loose articles through the line( ex., souvenir cups and backpacks.)
Those items must be stored in a locker rental or with a non-rider who is NOT in line.
You can wear a small waist pack or a fanny pack if it doesn’t interfere with ride restraints to operate safely.
Save on Discounted Tickets to Kings Island Amusement Park
You can save money with lower prices than at the gate for admission to Kings Island here, which you can use to go straight to the gate.
Purchase Discounted Tickets for Kings Island Here*Admission tickets are required for ages 3 and up and include both Kings Island and Soak City Waterpark during the summer months.
If you plan on visiting Kings Island multiple times throughout the year, a Kings Island Season Pass is the best value.
Looking for Lodging Options Near Kings Island Amusement Park?
You can find several lodging options and hotels within a short drive of Kings Island.
- Camp Cedar ( Read about our stay in their cabin)
- Great Wolf Lodge (Tips for your stay at Great Wolf Lodge)
Where is Kings Island Amusement Park Located?
Kings Island is located at 6300 Kings Island Dr, Mason, OH.
Looking For More Things to Do Around Cincinnati?
- Hidden Gems and Unique Things to Do Around Cincinnati.
- Staycation Cincinnati Ideas, Attractions, and Adventures
- Fun Waterparks, Lakes, Splash Pads, and Pools Near Cincinnati
Planning a Visit to Cedar Point Amusement Park?
Kings Island Amusement Park
How to Visit Kings Island with a Special Needs Guest
Everything you need to know when you visit Kings Island with a special needs guest.
Why I Bought the All Season Dining Plan at Kings Island
Learn more about why you should consider the All Season Dining Plan at Kings Island.
How to Make the Most of Your Grand Carnivale Experience at Kings Island
Tips for attending Grand Carnivale at Kings Island.
What You Need to Know About Fall Daytime Events and Haunt at Kings Island
Tips for visiting Kings Island in the fall.
How to Make the Most Out of Your Visit to Kings Island With A WinterFest Bucket List
WinterFest adventures to cross off your bucket list during your visit to Kings Island.
How to Create a Kings Island Themed Adventure at Home
Food Ideas, activities, and printables to help you create the fun of Kings Island during a themed adventure at home.
Believe it or not, our family has never been to KI! Would love to win and go our first time, and make memories!
Appreciate the post with all of the updated KI information! Things seem to change every year and it’s hard to keep up. My college kids still love to go when they’re home for the summers!
Lots of great information! I do wish they offered a discount for parents who don’t ride any of them. I do not and can’t justify paying for me to take my kids.
Thank u for all this great info!!
To go with my daughter, who has a season pass
Lots of changes since the last time I was at KI!!! Might need to plan a trip to the park.
One of our faves! It’s an awesome place to visit for all ages
I haven’t been in several years, may look into it again for this year. Glad to see they have expanded the meals on the meal plan!
I would love to win the tickets to keep my kiddos occupied this summer. We live about 45 mins away and have been wanting to go for a while now.
Awesome information for my son who is going today on Opening Day and will be there all season long! Thank you!
It’s been a little while since I’ve been to KI and this article makes me want to go again!
We are hoping to go this season for the first time with our kids! Thanks for all the information!
Awesome blog! We found park maps for 2021 season last weekend for Season Passholders preview. But always love reading your blogs about the park!
We will see you in the station!
Great article. Thanks for all the tips. And love seeing the new squishmallows.
Thsnks! Looks fun
I haven’t been to Kings Island in probably 16 years. I used to live in Mason and my family had season pass every year. Hoping my kids would enjoy going.
So nice to have you back and to see Kings Island opening for summer fun!
The Kings Island linked through the entry is for an artist.
Kings Island @KingsIsland · Artist
My family is looking forward to going to Kings Island this summer, three teenagers are ready to ride and have fun. Thanks.
It has been 7 years since I visited Kings Island!
There were fewer people in the park which helped reduce the ride times. The popular rides still had a typical wait time. We use the Kings Island app to help us determine which rides we should ride next based on how long we want to wait.
Curious how many rides you were able to get on and how long the lines were during the pandemic as compared to normal?
Thanks so much!! Great information…
Thanks for all the great info. Hoping to take the kids!
We used to go there as a family and friends! I remember some of the rides that aren’t there anymore. Have been wanting to go back again for awhile now. My folks live on the OH/WV border so am hoping we can visit again. Would love to win, thank you!
Thank you so much for such a detailed article. My family and I are looking to go to King’s Island for the first time ever and had some questions since we’ve never been there yet. You covered everything we were wondering about. Very helpful. Thanks for having the awesome giveaway, and thank you for the opportunity!
Excellent and very thorough explanation of what is happening at KI. Looking forward to riding Orionfor the first time.
Thanks for the thorough information. We love King’s Island and definitely want to take a trip this year before season is over.
I would love to.win these tickets and go ride the new roller coaster..Thanks so much for sharing everything with us and giving us an opportunity to win tickets…?
Thank you for all of the valuable info. I was a little hesitate on bringing the kids this year but we will definitely have to take a trip before this seasons over. ?
We haven’t been able to go in over 2 years. We live 3 hours away and just haven’t had the extra money for our family of 5 (actually 4 now since our oldest moved to Boston). We have a 13 & 15 year old still at home and they are dying to try Orion!! Thanks for the opportunity!
Thanks for doing such a thorough review!
Haven’t been to KI this year yet. It’s pricey so we don’t go too often. We try to go once a year but with everything going on, we haven’t bought tickets yet. Winning some would definitely help!
This was an amazing article thank you!
awesome tips! I havent been to KI since my senior year. Lol we won’t say how long. I really need to take my boys, they would love it.
Thank you for letting us know about the Orion lockers! I hope we win, we are sick of being stuck at home!
We visited Kings Island this week like we do every year and they really did make the whole process very easy. We worried it would take away from the fun but it absolutely did not. Even with masks you can still have an incredible time at Kings Island!
My daughter has never been. I think it would be awesome to take her for the first time. She’s definitely a thrill seeker!
Thanks for sharing your experience with going to Kings Island to give others a better idea of how it will be if we decide to go!
Thank you for taking the time to give all this info!
Thanks for all the tips, we have 3 teenagers who’d like an adventure day at Kings Uskand.
Thank you! Very thorough. Would like to see more.
MY kids would love to spend day at kings islands . Thank you for the chance
Awesome review!!! Thank you!!!
Thanks for the info!
So insightful! I’m so glad someone covered KI for those of us who were too unsure to test it beforehand!
I’ve been following orion since the beginning, I would love to win!
Thanks for all your great tips!
Sooo hoping we get to visit and ride Orion!!!
Hopefully we can ho this year! Was really curious how it is being ran this year?
This is such a helpful overview! I love that they even thought to have the few rest areas that are mask free.
I’d love to go and have some fun checking out the new rides!
My son and I have been but my daughters haven’t. I know they would love it as much as me and my son did!
My kids have never been! I would love to take them before school starts?.
Lots of fun at Kings Island! Thanks for the info!
Would love to get to Kings Island still this summer! Thanks for all of the great information about safety and precautions being taken!
This information is very helpful. Thank you for compiling such a great list of answers to all the questions I had in my mind and then some.
Great info! Looking forward to getting a visit in this season!
Great information! Thank you!