Cedar Point Shores is the water park at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio — an 18-acre complex of speed slides, a giant wave pool, two lazy rivers, and family splash zones perched directly on the shore of Lake Erie. Operated by Six Flags, it consistently ranks among the top water parks in Ohio and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each summer to its striking lakeside setting.
The park traces its roots to 1988, when it opened as Soak City with ten slides before growing steadily through the 1990s. A full rebrand and overhaul in 2017 gave it the Cedar Point Shores identity, introducing new themed areas and attractions. Following Six Flags’ 2024 merger with Cedar Fair, the park has continued expanding and now offers more than 28 water attractions alongside the iconic Breakwater Bay wave pool.
Quick Answer
Cedar Point Shores is the official water park at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. The 18-acre park features more than 18 slides and water attractions — including the Breakwater Bay wave pool, Point Plummet speed slides, two lazy rivers, and dedicated children’s areas — and is open seasonally from late May through late August. Admission is sold separately from Cedar Point amusement park tickets, starting at $50 per person online for the 2026 season.
Cedar Point Shores Rides and Attractions
Cedar Point Shores packs more than 28 attractions across 18 acres. The headline thrill ride is Point Plummet, a six-story tower with four enclosed 400-foot speed slides, each featuring an aqua-drop pod that drops the floor out beneath you for a near-vertical free fall. Riptide Raceway channels a different kind of competition — six side-by-side mat racing lanes let riders go head-to-head from top to bottom. Lake Erie Nor’easter delivers an enclosed multi-slide experience, while Perch Plunge offers three classic serpentine body slides and Wild Walleye features individual tube slides for solo riders. Portside Plunge and Starboard Surge, both part of the park since its 2017 rebrand, are single- and double-rider tube slides that finish with a dramatic drop into a splash pool.
For mixed groups and families, Storm Surge is a 76-foot family raft ride sending multi-person tubes twisting down to a splashdown. Cedar Creek is the park’s relaxing lazy river for drifting at an easy pace, while Runaway Rapids is a wilder action river winding through simulated canyons with waterfalls and geysers along the route. Great Lakes Cove offers open swimming with floating obstacles, and The Sandlot provides a beach volleyball area and lounging space with open-air seating. New for the 2025 season, two additional tube slides were added inside the former Crosscurrent tower, rounding out an already deep lineup.
Breakwater Bay: Cedar Point’s Giant Wave Pool
Breakwater Bay is the centerpiece of Cedar Point Shores and one of the largest wave pools in Ohio. The pool holds approximately 500,000 gallons of water at a maximum depth of six feet, generating rolling waves that reach three to four feet — large enough to body surf or ride inner tubes through the surf. Inner tubes are permitted in the wave pool, making it accessible for swimmers at all comfort levels, from confident open-water swimmers to guests who prefer a more buoyant experience.
The pool draws large crowds throughout the day, so arriving early or heading to Breakwater Bay during the midday lunch window — when most guests are eating and lines for slides are shorter — gives you the best chance at open water and a lounge chair. The surrounding deck looks directly out toward Lake Erie, giving Breakwater Bay one of the more scenic backdrops of any wave pool in the Midwest.
Family Zones and Kids Areas
Cedar Point Shores dedicates significant space to younger guests across three distinct children’s areas. Lemmy’s Lagoon is the park’s signature kids zone, themed around Lemmy — Lake Erie’s legendary sea-monster mascot — and features shallow-water play areas, kid-scaled slides, and interactive spray features designed for toddlers and early elementary-age children. Lakeside Landing is a multi-level play structure offering 12 smaller slides, geysers, and fountains for slightly older kids. The Waterin’ Hole rounds out the trio with additional interactive splash features and shallow wading areas.
Height requirements vary by attraction, so families with young children should review the requirements on the official Six Flags Cedar Point website before queuing for specific slides. Complimentary Coast Guard-certified life jackets are available free of charge throughout the park.
Tickets, Hours, and Planning Your Visit
Cedar Point Shores runs seasonally from late May through late August, with the 2026 season open May 23 through August 31. Peak-season hours are generally 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., though daily hours can vary — the Six Flags Cedar Point website posts the full calendar and is the most reliable source before your visit.
Single-day water park admission starts at $50 per person when purchased online for the 2026 season. A Slide and Refresh Summer Ticket, also $50, includes all-day Coca-Cola fountain refills plus a bottled Dasani water. Season passholders can purchase Bring-A-Friend tickets for $35 each. Cedar Point Shores admission does not include access to Cedar Point amusement park, and a Cedar Point day ticket does not cover the water park. Six Flags season passes and combo options that include both parks are available and offer strong value for multi-day resort visits. Standard parking is $30 and applies whether you are visiting Cedar Point, Cedar Point Shores, or both.
Private poolside cabanas are available for reservation starting at $139 for a standard cabana — passholders pay less — with deluxe and premium options available at higher price points, including units with a TV, mini-fridge, and ceiling fan. All cabanas include WiFi and lockable storage. Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the park; sealed water bottles and items for special dietary needs are exceptions. Lockers are available near the main gate, Breakwater Bay, and at other locations throughout the park. The park operates on cashless payments only — card or mobile wallet required.
Location, Setting, and Getting There
Cedar Point Shores sits along Cedar Point’s mile-long beach on the Lake Erie shoreline in Sandusky, Ohio, roughly 60 miles west of Cleveland and about 100 miles south of Detroit. The combination of a working wave pool and an actual Great Lake visible in the background makes it one of the most scenically positioned water parks in the Midwest, with lake views accessible from nearly every vantage point inside the park.
The historic Hotel Breakers — a Cedar Point resort property dating to 1905 — is steps from the water park entrance and makes Cedar Point Shores a natural anchor for a multi-day resort stay. Sandusky offers a wide range of hotels, vacation rentals, and camping options for guests not staying on the Cedar Point campus. The water park uses a separate parking lot behind Cedar Point near Hotel Breakers.
Dining at Cedar Point Shores
The park operates seven dining venues, covering everything from casual poolside bites to bar service. Dockside Grill serves burgers and fresh-cut fries, Crystal Rock Café and Beaches and Cream handle snacks and sweets, Lemmy’s Walking Tacos is a staff favorite for a quick meal on the go, and Mufflehead’s Beach Bar and Schooner’s Bayside Bar offer beverages for adults. A Dippin’ Dots stand rounds out the options. All Cedar Point Shores restaurants accept Cedar Point Dining Plans, making the dining plan a worthwhile add-on for guests planning to eat multiple meals at the park.
Cedar Point Shores water park FAQs
Is Cedar Point Shores the water park at Cedar Point?
Yes. Cedar Point Shores is the official water park at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. It is located on the same resort property as the Cedar Point amusement park but operates as a completely separate attraction with its own admission ticket.
Is Cedar Point Shores included with a Cedar Point amusement park ticket?
No. A standard Cedar Point amusement park ticket does not include access to Cedar Point Shores, and a Cedar Point Shores water park ticket does not include entry to Cedar Point’s roller coasters. Six Flags season passes and combo tickets covering both parks are available for guests who want to visit both.
How much does Cedar Point Shores cost in 2026?
Single-day admission to Cedar Point Shores starts at $50 per person when purchased online for the 2026 season. Season passholders can buy Bring-A-Friend tickets for $35 each. Parking is $30 and is shared with Cedar Point amusement park. Cabana rentals start at $139.
What is Breakwater Bay at Cedar Point Shores?
Breakwater Bay is the large wave pool at Cedar Point Shores. It holds approximately 500,000 gallons of water at up to six feet deep and generates waves reaching three to four feet. Inner tubes are permitted, and it serves as the park’s centerpiece attraction.
When does Cedar Point Shores open and close for the season?
Cedar Point Shores typically opens on Memorial Day weekend in late May and closes in late August or early September. For 2026, the park is open May 23 through August 31. Hours are generally 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. during peak season — check the Six Flags Cedar Point website for the full calendar before visiting.
What are the best thrill rides at Cedar Point Shores?
Point Plummet — a six-story free-fall speed slide tower with aqua-drop pods — is the top thrill ride at the park. Riptide Raceway (six-lane mat racer), Lake Erie Nor’easter (enclosed multi-slide complex), Storm Surge (76-foot family raft ride), and Runaway Rapids (action river with waterfalls and geysers) are also consistently popular with thrill-seeking visitors.
Can you see Lake Erie from Cedar Point Shores?
Yes. Cedar Point Shores is positioned directly on the Lake Erie shoreline, and views of the lake are visible from throughout the park — including from the Breakwater Bay wave pool deck. The lakeside setting is one of the most distinctive features of the park’s location.
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