Two separate parks with different locations and rides

Kings Island and Kings Dominion are two different amusement parks owned by the same company, Cedar Fair. They are not the same park, and they are not located near each other. Kings Island is in Mason, Ohio, near Cincinnati. Kings Dominion is in Doswell, Virginia, near Richmond. If you are planning to visit one, you need to know which one is closer to you and what rides and attractions each one has.

Both parks have roller coasters, water rides, and family attractions. Both operate seasonally — mostly on weekends in spring and fall, and daily during summer. Both require separate admission tickets. If you want to visit both parks in one trip, you will need to travel between Ohio and Virginia, which is about 350 miles and takes roughly 5 to 6 hours by car.

Key Takeaways

  • Kings Island is in Mason, Ohio, and Kings Dominion is in Doswell, Virginia — they are separate parks in different states.
  • Both parks are owned by Cedar Fair and operate on seasonal schedules, with more limited hours outside summer months.
  • A single admission ticket covers one park for one day; visiting both parks requires two separate tickets and significant travel time.
  • Cedar Fair season passes and memberships may cover both parks depending on the pass level you purchase.
  • Each park has its own website with current hours, ticket prices, and ride status information.

Kings Island in Ohio: Rides and layout

Kings Island sits on 364 acres in Mason, Ohio, about 25 miles northeast of downtown Cincinnati. The park is organized into themed areas, each with different attractions. Major roller coasters include The Beast (a wooden coaster that opened in 1979), Diamondback (a steel hypercoaster), and Mystic Timbers. The park also has a water park called Soak City included with admission on most days during summer.

The park opens at different times depending on the season. During summer (roughly June through August), it typically opens daily at 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. and closes between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. In spring and fall, it operates on weekends only, usually opening at 10 a.m. and closing between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Hours vary by date, so check the Kings Island website before you go. Parking costs extra unless you have a season pass or membership.

Kings Dominion in Virginia: Rides and layout

Kings Dominion sits on 400 acres in Doswell, Virginia, about 20 miles north of Richmond. Like Kings Island, it has themed areas and a mix of coasters and family rides. Major attractions include Grizzly (a wooden coaster), Intimidator 305 (a steel hypercoaster), and Twisted Timbers. The park also has a water park called Water Works, though admission to Water Works is separate from park admission on most days.

Kings Dominion operates on a similar seasonal schedule to Kings Island. Summer hours (June through August) typically run from 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. daily. Spring and fall hours are limited to weekends, usually 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or 9 p.m. The park closes entirely during winter. Check the Kings Dominion website for the specific hours on the day you plan to visit, as schedules change throughout the year.

Admission tickets and season passes

A single-day admission ticket to either park costs different amounts depending on when you buy it and when you visit. Tickets purchased online in advance are usually cheaper than tickets bought at the gate on the day of your visit. Peak season dates (summer weekends and holidays) cost more than off-peak dates (weekday visits in spring or fall). Both parks offer discounts for children under a certain height and for seniors, though the age and height thresholds differ between the two parks.

Cedar Fair season passes cover both Kings Island and Kings Dominion, depending on which pass level you buy. A basic season pass may cover only one park, while higher-tier passes cover both parks plus other Cedar Fair parks nationwide. Memberships are also available and typically include free parking, discounts on food and merchandise, and the ability to bring a guest at a discount. If you plan to visit either park more than twice in a year, a season pass or membership usually costs less than buying individual tickets.

Planning a visit to one park

Most visitors spend one full day at either Kings Island or Kings Dominion. A typical day includes arriving when the park opens, riding the most popular coasters during the first few hours (when lines are shortest), taking a break for lunch, and returning to popular rides in the evening when crowds thin out again. Bring sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and a refillable water bottle — the parks allow you to bring empty bottles and fill them at water fountains.

Food and drinks inside the parks cost significantly more than outside food. You can bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks into both parks. Alcoholic beverages are sold inside the parks but not permitted outside designated areas. If you have a young child or someone with mobility concerns, both parks offer services like wheelchair rentals and rider swap programs (where one adult can ride while another stays with a small child, then they switch without waiting in line again). Ask at Guest Services when you arrive.

Visiting both parks in one trip

Visiting both Kings Island and Kings Dominion in a single trip requires careful planning because of the distance between them. The drive from Kings Island (Ohio) to Kings Dominion (Virginia) takes 5 to 6 hours depending on your route and traffic. Most people who visit both parks do so over two separate days, staying overnight in a hotel somewhere between the two parks or in one of the park cities.

If you plan to visit both parks, a Cedar Fair season pass that covers both locations saves money compared to buying two single-day tickets. However, you will still need to pay for travel, lodging, and meals during the trip. Some visitors choose to visit one park one year and the other park the next year rather than trying to do both in one trip. Check the Cedar Fair website for current pass options and pricing before you decide.

What to bring and what to know before arrival

Both parks have restrictions on what you can bring inside. You can bring a small bag or backpack, but large bags, hard-sided coolers, and glass containers are not permitted. Phones and cameras are allowed, but some rides have restrictions on loose items — you may need to use a locker or leave items with a non-riding companion. Both parks have lockers available for rent by the hour or by the day.

Check the weather forecast before you go. Both parks operate in rain and mild cold, but some rides close during thunderstorms or high winds. If you visit during summer, arrive early to beat the heat and crowds. If you visit during spring or fall, bring a light jacket because temperatures can drop in the evening. Both parks have first aid stations, and medical staff are on site during all operating hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same ticket at both Kings Island and Kings Dominion?

No. A single-day admission ticket is valid for only one park on one day. If you want to visit both parks, you need to purchase separate tickets for each park. A Cedar Fair season pass that covers both parks does allow you to visit both locations, but you still need to visit them on different days.

Do I have to pay extra for the water parks?

Kings Island includes Soak City water park with regular admission during most summer days. Kings Dominion charges separately for Water Works admission on most days, though some special event days may include both. Check the individual park websites for current water park policies on the dates you plan to visit.

What is the best time to visit if I want shorter lines?

Weekday visits during spring or fall typically have shorter lines than summer weekends. If you visit during summer, arrive when the park opens and ride the most popular coasters first. Evenings after 7 p.m. also tend to have shorter lines as families with young children leave the park.

Are there discounts for buying tickets online?

Yes. Both parks offer lower prices for tickets purchased online in advance compared to gate prices. The discount varies depending on the date you visit — peak summer dates have smaller discounts than off-peak spring and fall dates. Check each park's website for current pricing on your specific visit date.

Can I bring my own food and drinks into the parks?

Yes. Both parks allow you to bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. You cannot bring glass containers, hard-sided coolers, or alcohol. Many visitors bring a small bag with sandwiches, fruit, and water to save money on meals during their visit.