Kings Island 2026 Guide: Hours, Tickets, Parking & Coasters

June 20, 2026

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by tz

Kings Island is a 364-acre amusement park in Mason, Ohio, about 24 miles northeast of Cincinnati, known for one of the densest roller coaster lineups in North America. Since opening in 1972, it has grown into a seasonal destination anchored by record-setting coasters, a full water park, and two of the Midwest’s biggest seasonal events.

Every coaster Kings Island has ever run, including the ones that are gone, is on our Kings Island roller coaster history timeline, from The Racer in 1972 to Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers.

This guide covers everything you need to plan a visit — current hours and ticket pricing, parking rates, season pass tiers and discounts, a full breakdown of all 15 roller coasters ranked by height and speed, height and bag policies, and the best times of year to go.

Quick Answer

Kings Island is a 364-acre amusement park in Mason, Ohio, owned by Six Flags Entertainment Corporation. It’s open seasonally — daily from late spring through Labor Day, then weekends for Halloween Haunt and WinterFest — with 15 roller coasters headlined by The Beast (the world’s longest wooden coaster) and Orion (the park’s tallest and fastest ride at 287 feet and 91 mph). Single-day tickets bought online typically start around $45, parking runs $35–$45 per car, and Soak City water park is included with regular admission.

Planning Your Visit: Hours, Tickets, Parking & Passes

Kings Island typically opens on weekends in spring, moves to daily operation by late spring through Labor Day, then switches to weekend-only hours for Halloween Haunt in September and October and again for WinterFest in November and December. Exact opening times, closing times, and operating days shift throughout the season and around holidays, so always check the current calendar before you go.

Ticket pricing follows a tiered structure: single-day admission bought online in advance runs meaningfully cheaper than tickets bought at the gate, with online single-day tickets typically starting in the $45 range versus roughly double that at the turnstile. Military, veteran, and first-responder discount tickets are also sold online through ID.me verification, and Kings Island runs a free-admission Military Days promotion for active and retired service members around Memorial Day weekend.

Season passes for 2026 come in three tiers: Silver, the entry-level pass covering unlimited admission to Kings Island and Soak City only, with no reciprocal access to other parks; Gold, which adds reciprocal access to other Six Flags-owned parks in the Midwest region, including Cedar Point; and the higher Prestige tier, which adds broader access across the full Six Flags park network plus extra perks like complimentary beverages and VIP area access. Most season pass levels include free parking, while single-day guests pay separately — regular parking runs about $35 per vehicle and preferred parking (closer to the gate) runs about $45.

Skip-the-line Fast Lane add-ons are sold by the day or for the full season for guests who want to minimize wait times on the biggest coasters. For current hours, exact ticket prices, parking rates, and season pass details, check the official Kings Island website, which also lists Soak City’s operating calendar (Soak City is included with regular Kings Island admission during its season, which typically runs shorter than the main park’s).

The Complete Roller Coaster Guide, Ranked

Kings Island’s 15 roller coasters span wood, steel, inverted, suspended, and family formats, spread across nine themed areas. For sheer numbers, Orion (2020) is the tallest and fastest ride in the park at 287 feet with a 300-foot first drop and a top speed of 91 mph, built by Bolliger & Mabillard as a giga coaster. The Beast (1979) is the longest coaster in the park and the longest wooden roller coaster in the world, running 7,361 feet through 35 acres of wooded terrain with a ride time of over four minutes. Banshee (2014) is the world’s longest inverted coaster, and Diamondback (2009), a B&M hypercoaster standing 230 feet tall with a 215-foot first drop, reaches roughly 80 mph.

The rest of the thrill lineup includes The Racer (1972), a twin wooden racing coaster that opened with the park and is widely credited with reigniting worldwide interest in wooden coasters; Mystic Timbers (2017), a wooden GCI coaster built by Great Coasters International with a mid-ride shed twist; Flight of Fear, an indoor launched coaster; The Bat, a suspended coaster; Adventure Express, a mine-train-style coaster; and Invertigo, an inverted boomerang. Rounding out the roster are family and kids’ coasters — Woodstock Express, Great Pumpkin Coaster, Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers, Woodstock’s Air Rail, and Queen City Stunt Coaster — designed for younger or first-time riders.

For 2026, the park’s newest attraction is Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare, an indoor dark ride built by Sally Dark Rides featuring 26 interactive scenes where guests use spellbound flashlights aboard ‘enchanted opera boxes.’ It’s a dark-ride experience rather than a coaster, so it doesn’t change the 15-coaster count, and it occupies the same building that formerly housed Boo Blasters and the original 1990s Phantom Theater.

Height Requirements & Bag Policy

Kings Island’s height rules run in tiers. Rides in Planet Snoopy, the park’s kids’ area, start as low as 36 inches. Family-style coasters generally require 40 to 46 inches. The park’s 48-inch tier covers The Beast, Mystic Timbers, The Racer, and Adventure Express, while Banshee sits at 52 inches. The tallest requirement, 54 inches, applies to Diamondback, Orion, Flight of Fear, and Invertigo. A few attractions, like the Eiffel Tower observation deck and the carousel, have no posted minimum. Kings Island measures riders at each ride entrance rather than issuing wristbands, so always check the posted sign — minimums can be adjusted for safety.

Kings Island does not enforce a mandatory clear-bag policy for general park entry; standard backpacks, totes, and fanny packs are generally allowed through the main gate, though all bags are subject to search. Halloween Haunt nights bring stricter bag-size limits after 4 p.m. Separately, the park’s tallest thrill coasters — Orion, Diamondback, Banshee, and Mystic Timbers among them — run a strict no-loose-items policy at the queue, meaning phones and other loose articles must be stowed before boarding. Rental lockers near these rides are available at a flat rate of about $5 per day, transferable between locker locations.

Best Time to Visit

Weekdays in May, early June, and August tend to have the shortest lines, since school-age crowds peak on weekends and around July 4th. Arriving at park opening and heading straight to headline coasters like Orion or The Beast before mid-morning is the most reliable way to beat the biggest waits.

Fall weekends bring Halloween Haunt crowds, while November and December weekends draw families for WinterFest, so those dates run busier despite cooler weather. If you’re chasing shorter lines specifically, a Tuesday or Wednesday in the first half of the season is typically the best combination of full ride operations and light crowds.

Beyond the Coasters

Soak City, Kings Island’s water park, is included with regular park admission during its operating season and adds wave pools, slides, and a lazy river for guests who want a break from the coasters. Camp Snoopy anchors the kids’ area with Peanuts-themed rides sized for younger riders, and the park’s seasonal events — Halloween Haunt in fall and WinterFest with its light displays and ice skating in winter — draw crowds well outside the core summer season.

Roller Coasters at Kings Island 2026

Every Kings Island 2026 coaster ThrillZing has covered — stats, ride experience and history for each:

Plan Your Kings Island Visit

Kings Island Photo Archive: 2002–2023

Original ThrillZing photos of Kings Island from five visits: April 2002, the opening season of Tomb Raider: The Ride; July 2005, with the kids’ area still called Nickelodeon Central; August 2006, including the view from the top of the Eiffel Tower; July 2022, the park’s 50th anniversary season, with the Eiffel Tower lit up at dusk and the Tower Gardens history walk, a granite stone for each year of the park’s history; and June 2023. Each set is labeled with the month and year it was taken. All photos are free to reuse under a CC BY 4.0 license with credit to ThrillZing and a link to this page.

Jump to: 2023 · 2022 · 2006 · 2005 · 2002

2023 · 12 photos

Entrance and International Street, June 2023

The Eiffel Tower replica behind the fountain and Kings Island lettering, an Adventure Awaits sign and colorful banners in front, Kings Island, June 2023
Tower over the fountain. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Fountain jets glowing red, pink and blue in a shallow pool, light-trimmed buildings and umbrellas behind at dusk, Kings Island, June 2023
Lit fountains at dusk. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)

Eiffel Tower and views, June 2023

The Eiffel Tower replica rising above the red walkways and track supports of a coaster station under a clear blue sky, Kings Island, June 2023
Tower over a coaster station, June 1, 2023. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
The Eiffel Tower replica's upper deck and lattice rising above a leafy tree against a pale blue sky, Kings Island, June 2023
Tower top above the trees. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Looking up at the Eiffel Tower replica lit purple against a deep blue dusk sky, coaster track at lower left, Kings Island, June 2023
Lit purple at dusk. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Large park name sign in front of the fountain pool, the Eiffel Tower replica rising behind with banners lining both sides, Kings Island, June 2023
Sign, fountain and tower. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Upper section and observation deck of the Eiffel Tower replica rising above leafy treetops on a clear evening, Kings Island, June 2023
Tower top above the trees. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Eiffel Tower replica lit lavender against a deep twilight sky, a coaster's track curving above buildings at lower left, Kings Island, June 2023
Eiffel Tower at twilight. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Eiffel Tower replica lit lavender at twilight, coaster track at lower left and guests gathered near its base, Kings Island, June 2023
Tower glowing over the evening crowd. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)

Rides and coasters, June 2023

Tall swing tower ride with its ring of seats partway up, rising above evergreen trees with the daytime moon beside it, Kings Island, June 2023
Swing tower and daytime moon. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Closer view of the swing tower with its seat ring raised, the moon just to the right above dark evergreens, Kings Island, June 2023
Swing tower seats aloft. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)

Shows and events, June 2023

Draped show curtains, speakers and stage truss beside the fountain pool, the lit Eiffel Tower replica rising behind at night, Kings Island, June 2023
Show stage beside the tower. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
2022 · 79 photos

Entrance and International Street, July 2022

The 50 A Golden Celebration banner above the front gate, painted with Racer trains and a steam train, Kings Island, July 2022
The 50th anniversary entrance banner, July 30, 2022. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Close view of the 50 A Golden Celebration banner with Red Racer and Blue Racer trains and fireworks, Kings Island, July 2022
The anniversary banner up close. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)

Eiffel Tower and views, July 2022

The Eiffel Tower replica under big clouds with the fountain, gold 50 sculpture and striped banners along the mall, Kings Island, July 2022
Tower and fountain under clouds, July 29, 2022. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Looking up at the Eiffel Tower replica lit in warm gold against a deep blue dusk sky, trees framing the base, Kings Island, July 2022
Lit gold at dusk. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
The tower's first level dressed with the gold 50th anniversary emblem, the Tower Drinks stand tucked beneath the arch, Kings Island, July 2022
Golden emblem over Tower Drinks. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
The Eiffel Tower replica lit yellow-green against a sunset sky, dark trees on either side of its base, Kings Island, July 2022
Tower glowing at sunset. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
The Eiffel Tower replica rising past tall pines on a sunny afternoon, a drop tower visible at far right, Kings Island, July 2022
Tower through the pines. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
The Eiffel Tower replica seen across a sloping lawn with a round flower bed and trees in late-day sun, Kings Island, July 2022
Tower across the lawn. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
The Eiffel Tower replica lit red at night above colored fountain jets, with flower beds and a gold sculpture in front, Kings Island, July 2022
Tower lit red at night. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Full-height view of the Eiffel Tower replica with its gold 50th emblem, guests walking past on a sunny day, Kings Island, July 2022
The tower on a sunny day. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
The tower's lower arches and gold 50th emblem, guests gathered around the Tower Drinks stand below, Kings Island, July 2022
Under the tower’s arches. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
The Eiffel Tower replica above a busy plaza of guests under streaky clouds, a swing ride tower at left, Kings Island, July 2022
Crowds beneath the tower. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
The Eiffel Tower replica lit blue at twilight, a pink glow on the horizon and trees in silhouette, Kings Island, July 2022
Lit blue at twilight. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
The Eiffel Tower replica glowing magenta at twilight beneath streaky clouds, trees silhouetted on both sides, Kings Island, July 2022
Glowing magenta at twilight. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
The Eiffel Tower replica above the trees beside a lamp post with Kings Island banners, a drop tower at far right, Kings Island, July 2022
Tower and lamp post banners. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Small painted Eiffel Tower statue in a landscaped bed beside a tree, a Diamondback sign at its base and a walkway behind, Kings Island, July 2022
Painted mini Eiffel Tower statue. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
The Eiffel Tower replica lit purple at night over blue fountain jets, lit shop rooftops and a banner pole at right, Kings Island, July 2022
Tower and fountains at night. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Eiffel Tower replica lit orange from below against a sunset sky, guests silhouetted on the walkway in front, Kings Island, July 2022
Eiffel Tower lit orange at sunset. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
The Eiffel Tower replica lit blue at night above red and blue fountain arcs along the lit-up mall, Kings Island, July 2022
Fountains dancing at night. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Eiffel Tower replica glowing green against a streaky dusk sky, sunset color low on the horizon and flagpoles at the sides, Kings Island, July 2022
Eiffel Tower in green light. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Eiffel Tower replica lit teal beneath a wide sweep of dusk clouds, trees and flagpoles framing its base, Kings Island, July 2022
Eiffel Tower in teal at dusk. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Eiffel Tower replica lit light blue as dusk settles, a faint sunset glow visible through the legs, Kings Island, July 2022
Eiffel Tower in light blue. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Eiffel Tower replica lit deep blue under a cloudy evening sky, trees silhouetted on both sides, Kings Island, July 2022
Eiffel Tower in deep blue. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Eiffel Tower replica lit purple at dusk, trees on either side and the walkway running up to its base, Kings Island, July 2022
Eiffel Tower in purple light. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)

Rides and coasters, July 2022

Guests walking a fenced path across the parking lot toward coaster loops, a drop tower and a green lift hill, Kings Island, July 2022
Walking in from the lot. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)

Planet Snoopy, July 2022

Surf Dog's surfboard car at the top of its blue wave track in Planet Snoopy, Kings Island, July 2022
Surf Dog’s board at the top of the wave, July 30, 2022. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Riders on Surf Dog at the top of the wave track, Kings Island, July 2022
Riders at the top of the wave. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Surf Dog's board swinging down the wave track past the ride sign, Kings Island, July 2022
Swinging down the wave. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
A Surf Dog ride car full of riders on a wave-shaped track painted with swirls, a red fence in the foreground, Kings Island, July 2022
Riding Surf Dog. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)

Tower Gardens history walk, July 2022

Granite stone in the brick pavers reading Welcome to Tower Gardens and the History of Kings Island, Kings Island, July 2022
Start of the history walk. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk for 1972, noting the park's opening, the Twin Racer, Enchanted Voyage and the Eiffel Tower replica, Kings Island, July 2022
The 1972 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk for 1973, about Bayern Kurve, Flying Dutchman, the keelboat canal and The Brady Bunch, Kings Island, July 2022
The 1973 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk for 1974, about Lion Country Safari and Karl Wallenda's tightrope walk, Kings Island, July 2022
The 1974 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk for 1975, about the Ferris Wheel, Zodiac, Shake Rattle & Roll and Evel Knievel's jump, Kings Island, July 2022
The 1975 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk for 1976, about the American Heritage Music Hall and plans for a big wooden coaster, Kings Island, July 2022
The 1976 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk for 1977, about Screamin' Demon and the International Showplace amphitheater, Kings Island, July 2022
The 1977 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk for 1978, about the Ferris Wheel, Tower Gardens and a new wooden coaster announcement, Kings Island, July 2022
The 1978 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk for 1980, about changes to The Beast and the Scooby-Doo coaster renamed The Beastie, Kings Island, July 2022
The 1980 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk for 1981, describing The Bat suspended roller coaster, Kings Island, July 2022
The 1981 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk for 1982, about Hanna-Barbera Land, Viking Fury and the first Winterfest, Kings Island, July 2022
The 1982 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk for 1983, about the Festhaus debut and the last year of The Bat, Kings Island, July 2022
The 1983 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk for 1984, a cracked stone about King Cobra and Smurf's Enchanted Voyage, Kings Island, July 2022
The 1984 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk for 1985, about White Water Canyon opening and Tumble Bug retiring, Kings Island, July 2022
The 1985 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk for 1986, about Zephyr, Skylab and the updated Dodgem in Coney Mall, Kings Island, July 2022
The 1986 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk for 1987, about Vortex opening in place of The Bat and The Demon retiring, Kings Island, July 2022
The 1987 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk, the 1988 entry describing the Amazon Falls water ride and its 45-foot drop, Kings Island, July 2022
The 1988 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk, the 1989 entry announcing the opening of the WaterWorks waterpark, Kings Island, July 2022
The 1989 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk, the 1990 entry naming Rushing River and the Flight Commander thrill ride, Kings Island, July 2022
The 1990 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk for 1991, marking the Adventure Express opening and the close of Smurf's Enchanted Voyage, Kings Island, July 2022
The 1991 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk, the 1992 entry on Phantom Theater and the sale to Paramount Communications, Kings Island, July 2022
The 1992 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk, the 1993 entry on Top Gun and the closing of Wild Animal Habitat, Kings Island, July 2022
The 1993 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk, the 1994 entry describing the Days of Thunder motion simulator in Coney Mall, Kings Island, July 2022
The 1994 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk, the 1995 entry describing Nickelodeon Splat City and the Green Slime Zone, Kings Island, July 2022
The 1995 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk, the 1996 entry on The Outer Limits: Flight of Fear and XS Raceway, Kings Island, July 2022
The 1996 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk, the 1997 entry on Surfside Bay, Buccaneer Island and Skylab's retirement, Kings Island, July 2022
The 1997 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk, the 1998 entry on Scooby's Ghoster Coaster and WipeOut Beach, Kings Island, July 2022
The 1998 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk, the 1999 entry on Face/Off, Drop Zone and the Paramount Action Zone, Kings Island, July 2022
The 1999 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk, the 2000 entry on Son of Beast and the first FearFest, Kings Island, July 2022
The 2000 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk, the 2001 entry on Nickelodeon Central, Rugrats Runaway Reptar and Wild Thornberrys River Adventure, Kings Island, July 2022
The 2001 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk, the 2002 entry on Tomb Raider: The Ride and SlingShot, Kings Island, July 2022
The 2002 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk, the 2003 entry on Delirium and Scooby-Doo and the Haunted Castle, Kings Island, July 2022
The 2003 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk, the 2004 entry on Crocodile Dundee's Boomerang Bay and the retired Flying Eagles, Kings Island, July 2022
The 2004 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk, the 2005 entry on Italian Job: Stunt Track and WinterFest's return, Kings Island, July 2022
The 2005 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk, the 2006 entry on Nickelodeon Universe and the Cedar Fair purchase, Kings Island, July 2022
The 2006 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk, the 2007 entry on Firehawk and the start of Halloween Haunt, Kings Island, July 2022
The 2007 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk, the 2008 entry on renamed Paramount attractions and Robbie Knievel's truck jump, Kings Island, July 2022
The 2008 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk, the 2009 entry on Diamondback and Nik Wallenda's tightrope walk, Kings Island, July 2022
The 2009 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk, the 2010 entry on Planet Snoopy and Boo Blasters on Boo Hill, Kings Island, July 2022
The 2010 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk, the 2011 entry on WindSeeker and Dinosaurs Alive!, Kings Island, July 2022
The 2011 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk, the 2012 entry on Soak City and the demolition of Son of Beast, Kings Island, July 2022
The 2012 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk for 2013, noting Reds Hall of Fame Grille opening and Banshee being announced, Kings Island, July 2022
The 2013 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk for 2014, noting Banshee's debut and the Racer's 100 millionth ride, Kings Island, July 2022
The 2014 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk, the 2015 entry on Woodstock Gliders and Snoopy's Space Buggies in Planet Snoopy, Kings Island, July 2022
The 2015 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk, the 2016 entry on Tropical Plunge and the #WhatsInTheShed teaser, Kings Island, July 2022
The 2016 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk, the 2017 entry on Mystic Timbers and WinterFest's return, Kings Island, July 2022
The 2017 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk, the 2018 entry on Coney Bar-B-Que and the announced return of antique cars, Kings Island, July 2022
The 2018 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk, the 2019 entry on Kings Mills Antique Autos and Miami River Brewhouse, Kings Island, July 2022
The 2019 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk, the 2021 entry on Camp Cedar and the Racer's new track, Kings Island, July 2022
The 2021 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Granite history stone set in the Tower Gardens brick walk, the 2022 entry on the golden anniversary and the Beast's track work, Kings Island, July 2022
The 2022 history stone. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
2006 · 13 photos

August 2006

The Royal Fountain and Eiffel Tower along International Street at Paramount's Kings Island, August 2006
The Royal Fountain and Eiffel Tower along International Street at Paramount’s Kings Island, August 2006. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
The Eiffel Tower against a blue sky at Paramount's Kings Island, August 2006
The Eiffel Tower against a blue sky at Paramount’s Kings Island, August 2006. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
The Nickelodeon Universe sign in the kids' area at Paramount's Kings Island, August 2006
The Nickelodeon Universe sign in the kids’ area at Paramount’s Kings Island, August 2006. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
The Royal Fountain on International Street seen from the Eiffel Tower at Paramount's Kings Island, August 2006
The Royal Fountain on International Street seen from the Eiffel Tower at Paramount’s Kings Island, August 2006. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Delirium and the Drop Zone tower seen from the Eiffel Tower at Paramount's Kings Island, August 2006
Delirium and the Drop Zone tower seen from the Eiffel Tower at Paramount’s Kings Island, August 2006. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Delirium swinging above the midway, seen from the Eiffel Tower at Paramount's Kings Island, August 2006
Delirium swinging above the midway, seen from the Eiffel Tower at Paramount’s Kings Island, August 2006. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Vortex's loops seen from the Eiffel Tower at Paramount's Kings Island, August 2006
Vortex’s loops seen from the Eiffel Tower at Paramount’s Kings Island, August 2006. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
The Racer's white wooden structure seen from the Eiffel Tower at Paramount's Kings Island, August 2006
The Racer’s white wooden structure seen from the Eiffel Tower at Paramount’s Kings Island, August 2006. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
The Nickelodeon Universe kids' area seen from the Eiffel Tower at Paramount's Kings Island, August 2006
The Nickelodeon Universe kids’ area seen from the Eiffel Tower at Paramount’s Kings Island, August 2006. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Face/Off's red and yellow track beyond the parking lot, seen from the Eiffel Tower at Paramount's Kings Island, August 2006
Face/Off’s red and yellow track beyond the parking lot, seen from the Eiffel Tower at Paramount’s Kings Island, August 2006. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Wooden coaster structures and the back of the park seen from the Eiffel Tower at Paramount's Kings Island, August 2006
Wooden coaster structures and the back of the park seen from the Eiffel Tower at Paramount’s Kings Island, August 2006. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
High overhead view of the park with a tall striped drop tower, a pendulum ride, go-kart track and wooden coaster structure at right at Paramount's Kings Island, August 2006
High overhead view of the park with a tall striped drop tower, a pendulum ride, go-kart track and wooden coaster structure at right at Paramount’s Kings Island, August 13, 2006. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Looking straight down on a floral clock in a grassy corner beside a tree, its planted lettering and date showing from above at Paramount's Kings Island, August 2006
Looking straight down on a floral clock in a grassy corner beside a tree, its planted lettering and date showing from above at Paramount’s Kings Island, August 13, 2006. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
2005 · 12 photos

July 2005

The front gate with the Eiffel Tower behind at Paramount's Kings Island, July 2005
The front gate with the Eiffel Tower behind at Paramount’s Kings Island, July 30, 2005. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
The Paramount's Kings Island sign above the front gate at Paramount's Kings Island, July 2005
The Paramount’s Kings Island sign above the front gate at Paramount’s Kings Island, July 31, 2005. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
The Delirium entrance with the pendulum arm behind at Paramount's Kings Island, July 2005
The Delirium entrance with the pendulum arm behind at Paramount’s Kings Island, July 30, 2005. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Delirium swinging high beside the Eiffel Tower at Paramount's Kings Island, July 2005
Delirium swinging high beside the Eiffel Tower at Paramount’s Kings Island, July 30, 2005. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
The Drop Zone tower above the midway crowd at Paramount's Kings Island, July 2005
The Drop Zone tower above the midway crowd at Paramount’s Kings Island, July 30, 2005. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
The Happy Days Diner's neon front at Paramount's Kings Island, July 2005
The Happy Days Diner’s neon front at Paramount’s Kings Island, July 30, 2005. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
The front gate and Eiffel Tower in the evening light at Paramount's Kings Island, July 2005
The front gate and Eiffel Tower in the evening light at Paramount’s Kings Island, July 31, 2005. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)

Kids’ area, July 2005

The Nickelodeon Central sign at Paramount's Kings Island, July 2005
The Nickelodeon Central sign at Paramount’s Kings Island, July 30, 2005. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Reptar on the Nickelodeon Central drive-in sign at Paramount's Kings Island, July 2005
Reptar on the Nickelodeon Central drive-in sign at Paramount’s Kings Island, July 30, 2005. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
The Scooby-Doo's Ghoster Coaster entrance with its suspended track behind at Paramount's Kings Island, July 2005
The Scooby-Doo’s Ghoster Coaster entrance with its suspended track behind at Paramount’s Kings Island, July 30, 2005. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Scooby-Doo's Ghoster Coaster's bat-wing cars waiting in the station at Paramount's Kings Island, July 2005
Scooby-Doo’s Ghoster Coaster’s bat-wing cars waiting in the station at Paramount’s Kings Island, July 31, 2005. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
A Scooby-Doo's Ghoster Coaster bat-wing car in the station at Paramount's Kings Island, July 2005
A Scooby-Doo’s Ghoster Coaster bat-wing car in the station at Paramount’s Kings Island, July 31, 2005. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
2002 · 7 photos

April 2002

The Kings Island marquee sign announcing park open weekends at Paramount's Kings Island, April 2002
The Kings Island marquee sign announcing park open weekends at Paramount’s Kings Island, April 13, 2002. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
The front gate ticket booths under the Gold Pass banners at Paramount's Kings Island, April 2002
The front gate ticket booths under the Gold Pass banners at Paramount’s Kings Island, April 13, 2002. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
The Eiffel Tower replica above the pond at Paramount's Kings Island, April 2002
The Eiffel Tower replica above the pond at Paramount’s Kings Island, April 13, 2002. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
A Kings Island & Miami Valley Railroad steam locomotive at the station at Paramount's Kings Island, April 2002
A Kings Island & Miami Valley Railroad steam locomotive at the station at Paramount’s Kings Island, April 13, 2002. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
The Tomb Raider: The Ride marquee in its opening season at Paramount's Kings Island, April 2002
The Tomb Raider: The Ride marquee in its opening season at Paramount’s Kings Island, April 13, 2002. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
Guests lining up at the Tomb Raider: The Ride temple entrance at Paramount's Kings Island, April 2002
Guests lining up at the Tomb Raider: The Ride temple entrance at Paramount’s Kings Island, April 13, 2002. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
The Tomb Raider Land Rover prop beside the queue at Paramount's Kings Island, April 2002
The Tomb Raider Land Rover prop beside the queue at Paramount’s Kings Island, April 13, 2002. Photo: ThrillZing (CC BY 4.0)
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Kings Island hours, tickets, parking, and coasters FAQs

How much are Kings Island tickets in 2026?

Single-day tickets bought online in advance typically start around $45, while gate prices run significantly higher. Military, veteran, and first-responder discount tickets are also available. Exact pricing changes throughout the season, so confirm current rates on the official Kings Island website.

How much does parking cost at Kings Island?

Regular parking runs about $35 per vehicle and preferred parking (closer to the entrance) runs about $45 for single-day guests. Most season pass tiers include free parking as a perk.

How many roller coasters does Kings Island have?

Kings Island has 15 roller coasters, ranging from record-setting thrill rides like The Beast and Orion to family and kids’ coasters in Planet Snoopy.

What is the tallest and fastest ride at Kings Island?

Orion, a Bolliger & Mabillard giga coaster that opened in 2020, is the park’s tallest and fastest ride at 287 feet tall with a top speed of 91 mph.

Is Kings Island open year-round?

No. Kings Island operates seasonally — daily from late spring through Labor Day, then weekends only for Halloween Haunt in fall and WinterFest in November and December.

Is Soak City included with Kings Island admission?

Yes. Soak City water park is included with regular Kings Island admission during its operating season, which typically runs shorter than the main park’s season.

Which season pass tier includes access to Cedar Point?

The Gold pass tier adds reciprocal access to other Six Flags-owned parks in the Midwest region, including Cedar Point. The entry-level Silver pass covers Kings Island and Soak City only, and Prestige extends access across the full Six Flags network.

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