The Ultimate Cedar Point Guide: 5 Insider Tips for the Perfect Visit

Cedar Point was once known as “America’s Rockin’ Roller Coast.” While the slogan doesn’t get uttered by ride operators anymore, those who have long loved the park know it still rings true – and we are always excited to see the thumbs up from staff before the ride of a lifetime begins.

Situated along Lake Erie in Sandusky, Ohio, just a stone’s throw from Toledo, Cedar Point has been in operation since 1870, and is the second longest operating theme park in the United States. They debuted their first roller coaster in 1892 and have been making a name for themselves as the roller coaster capitol of the world (18 coasters operating today) and delighting thrill-seeking fans ever since.

Having grown up just hours from this park in Michigan, it was a go-to summer destination with family, friends and even for school trips. It still holds a magical place in my heart to this day and seems so much more than an amusement park. It’s a theatrical experience, a thrill, a culinary delight – and most importantly a chance to leave your cares behind and become a kid again.

The giant ferris wheel at Cedar Point in Sandusky OH — This ferris wheel is a mega in size, with stunning views of the park and lake. Plus it puts on a dazzling show at night.

Raptor roller coaster at Cedar Point during Halloweekends — My niece and I during our annual Halloweekends adventure, in front of one of our favorite roller coasters, the Raptor.

Cedar Point's Boardwalk and Bonewalk — The famed retro Boardwalk turns into the Bonewalk during October. This part of the park has classic rides you would find at the boardwalk, including bumper cars and the Scrambler.

Here are 5 tips to follow when you visit Cedar Point to make the most of your adventure.

Halloweekends: While summer is a beautiful time to visit, it can be very hot and humid, and there are often long lines. The best time of year is October during Halloweekends. The temps are cooler, the lines shorter (especially if you go on a Friday), and there are spooks around every corner. Not really, at least not in the day – it’s just really festive this time of year. Decorated to the nines, lots of kids’ activities throughout the day, incredible shows, plenty of Snoopy and friends, and some spooky thrills at night should you dare – including several over-the-top haunted houses.
Stay Onsite: Cedar Point offers several onsite or nearby lodging options and it’s worth spending a little more to stay at one of their properties. With your stay, you’ll receive early entrance to the park, making it easier to run to your favorite ride and avoid a line. You’ll also get parking at no additional cost. Hotel Breakers is a beautiful hotel that takes you back in time to what it may have been like when the park first opened in the 1800’s. They have a beach on Lake Erie, well-appointed rooms, and you can walk right into the park. Castaway Bay is at the end of Cedar Point Causeway and is a kids dream, with a massive indoor waterpark, as well as family friendly rooms and activities.
Food & Drink Package: If you are going with kids, the best thing you can do is buy one food package and one drink package for yourself – and share. You can eat almost every hour and get refreshments every 15 minutes. The way kids – and adults alike – like to eat and drink at theme parks, this is the best bang for your buck. Just note, it doesn’t include snacks, like popcorn or cotton candy.
Take the Whole Family: While Cedar Point is known for their high-intensity thrill rides, there is plenty to do for people of all ages and thrill seekers of all levels. They offer great live entertainment, have classic carnival games, Camp Snoopy which is a for the little ones and even a petting zoo. Plus, if you stay at one of their hotels, you can come and go as you please throughout the day. During summer the onsite waterpark is also a great attraction to beat the heat
Take a Photo: The must-have souvenir when I first fell in love with Cedar Point was a retro scope keychain – you remember the kind, a tiny photo gets placed in a scope and you have to look through an itty bitty viewer to see it. I still have all the old ones, and every year I visit, I have a photo taken at the entrance and put into a keychain! The scopes may be gone, but the memories live on. But there are endless goodies you can find throughout the park. Find something you love and make it a memory to get that each time you visit. Or take a picture in front of your favorite ride each year and see how that changes over time, or maybe how you change.