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Where else can you go on one of ten roller coasters while your kids play on one of eighteen Peanuts themed attractions (ok, while mom takes the kids and dad rides the coasters, in our case)? King’s Island is one of those places that make you realize what an amusement park should be. It is clean, family friendly, the lines are manageable, and they have a waterpark that is included in the price of the theme park- what??? Yep- that is what makes Kings Island my favorite theme park of all time. Mark it down. I have been all over the world, to 29 countries, and all up and down the coast and to about half the 50 states- and if you have only 1 theme park to go to- I’d make it Kings Island, for sure. And it just got even better!
Right now there is also a really neat exhibit called Dinosaurs Alive!, only $5 with park admission, which is a recreation of a half dozen dinosaur scenes. These scenes vary from carnivores setting up a mud pit trap to long necked sauropods. These scenes are astoundingly accurate and kind of surreal when you get down to it. They are on motion sensors, so they move and roar as you walk by. Eerily, you can pass by a recreation flash flood scene from a dinosaur era. Then a second scene showing the deceased dinos and a third showing the fossilized remains of said dinos- sort of strange- not scary, though. Very interesting and mesmerizing. Not only for adults but also for kids. The dinosaurs are realistic but not overly scary for kids.
“Dinosaurs Alive! at Kings Island features more than 60 life-sized dinosaurs in a 12.5 acre Jurassic forest setting, including 56 animatronic models.
Highlights of Dinosaurs Alive! include the vicious-looking Irritator and its cousins the Baryonyx and the Spinosaurus, the lizard-like Stegosaurus, the meat-eating Tyrannosaurus Rex, the three-horned Triceratops and the flying Pteranodon.
Four of the dinosaurs have interactive consoles which allow guests to guide dinosaur movement so they can see how scientists believe each dinosaur moved its arms, tail, mouth and eyes. There is also an excavation site replica, a kids’ paleontological dig site where visitors can uncover prehistoric fossils, and a 1,500 square-foot dinosaur-themed gift shop.”
For the complete Kings Island experience, Dinosaurs Alive is a must.
A battle plan is a must for Kings Island. It is so large and our family is so different in our tastes- Dad and Kamikaze like roller coasters, Little Man likes the larger then life characters, and Mom likes to see everyone happy and to be immersed in the fun of the moment. Mom also likes the waterpark, a whole lot! LOL. First of all- get there as they open or as early as possible. I would also suggest bringing sunglasses and hats, something that is distinct and easy to spot in a crowd. A big guy in a big hat is easy to find, like Dad! And don’t forget the sunscreen. With a plan and communication everyone can see what they like and conquer the whole park.
By the way? I know you have heard me go on about Kings Island before- that is because of all the theme parks we have been to- and we have been to a lot of them- Kings Island is by far my favorite. I mean, Snoopy alone is worth the trip! But Planet Snoopy is just too cute, and named Best Kids Area ten years in a row by Amusement Today. They have the waterpark (Boomerang Bay) included. Where else can you get that? Spending the afternoon cooling off after a scorching hot day at the park is awesome. This year, they will be adding a new waterpark- Soak City! How cool is that?
Have fun and enjoy yourself at my favorite theme park, and say hi to Snoopy for me 🙂
Warren County is the place to be for family fun– book your vacation now!
I know it would be a great place to carry my 4 & 2 yr olds. They would love it. Looks like a great family place.
How FUN!!! Man my kids would love this so much!
Kings Island looks like so much fun. We have a Knotts that features the Peanuts characters, but no dinosaurs. Your family is going to love Soak City, we have a blast every summer.
This looks like so much fun!
Thanks for letting me know about this kids’ park. We will definitely put it on our must-visit list. Thank you!
If Kings Island is at the top of your list, then I’m putting it at the top of mine! Thanks for the great review!
I’ve actually never heard of King Island. I have been really enjoying learning so much. It looks awesome!
I love to read your King’s Island Postings. IT looks like so much fun and I would love to visit there. Looks like a great place for the whole family.
This place looks like so much fun!! Great adventure for any dinosaur lover 🙂
I really enjoy seeing all the new features and attractions at Kings Island in your post series! My family enjoyed a visit there a few years ago, but our trip was hindered due to the multi state black out! We really need to plan another trip soon – so many features the kids would love. In fact, my sister has three young boys – we should make it a family event! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I wish they were close to me. I would love to go there. The dinosaurs sound great. Better than the ones I see at Cabazon.
This sounds like such an awesome place! My boys would seriously love the dinosaur exhibit. We haven’t been to a park like this in ages!! So amazed that you give it such high rankings! Will have to check it out!
Geez, I think we’re going to have to take out next vacation to Ohio! You’ve posted about so many cool places. I love the Peanuts characters. We had a Knotts Berry Farm near us growing up, and it was a Peanuts characters themed park.
Future Paleontologist Princess Nagger would be in seventh heaven if we visited that place! 🙂
This place looks amazing! My daughter would love it!
Looks amazing! Love the characters!
Snoopy, dinosaurs and a water park! Oh I am jealous of that kind of fun! My son adores dinosaurs, he would be amazed. I am a huge Peanuts fan and would love my pic with Charlie. I have not been to a water park in many years. It would be great to take my son to a family friendly one like this.
I wanna go!!! What a great place!
wow that looks like fun!
RAWR! We have something called dinosaur land near our house. It is pretty cheesy but I’m sure Little Bit will love it in a year or so.
What a fun day! I wish we were nearby- you totally have me wanting to visit!!
Marie H
That looks like fun i wish there one near me in California my son would love to visit if i’m ever in the area i’ll have to check that out
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I love travel!! And this place sounds fantastic!!! This is totally added to my list of must sees!!!
Thanks!
I so love the vicarious travel in all your King’s postings…I may have to start talking to hubs about going, I mean Snoopy is near and dear to all.
Ya got to love King Island they sound like they are always updating and improving. I’ll definitely have to check them out when I visit family this year.