Plan summer trips to these theme parks not too far from Indianapolis

Katie Wiseman and Chris Sims, Indianapolis Star
·3 min read

Summer is almost here!

Get started on making your plans with our guides to some of the closest theme parks to Indianapolis.

Cedar Point

Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio opened up for the season on May 4, 2024.

Is there a waterpark? Yes, Cedar Point Shores opens up on May 25 for the summer.

How far is it from Indy? 280 miles or about 4.5 hours away (depending on traffic, construction).

For ticket prices, event calendar, park hours and information about planning your trip, check out the guide below.

Read the full guide here: Cedar Point roller coasters in your future? Hours, tickets, rides at Sandusky, Ohio park

Great Wolf Lodge

A peek inside the Great Wolf Lodge water park in Mason, Ohio.
A peek inside the Great Wolf Lodge water park in Mason, Ohio.

Great Wolf Lodge has a number of locations across the country so you have some options deciding where you want to go.

Is there a waterpark? Yes; Their indoor waterpark is open year-round, but their outdoor pool opens up Memorial Day.

How far is it from Indy? The closest location in Mason, Ohio is 130 miles away, or about 2.5 hours (and another park on our list is right next door, Kings Island!).

For waterpark pass prices, a list of all the attractions and dining options and information about how to book your trip, check out the guide below.

Read the full guide here: Everything you need to know to plan your family summer getaway to Great Wolf Lodge

Holiday World

Holiday World, located in Santa Claus, Indiana, opened May 11, 2024 and they have a new attraction for 2024 called Good Gravy!

Is there a waterpark? Yes; Splashin' Safari opens May 18.

How far is it from Indy? About 141 miles, or approximately just under three hours.

For ticket prices, event calendar, park hours and information about how to plan your trip, check out the guide below.

Read the full guide here: Holiday World opens for the 2024 season this weekend. Here's everything you need to know.

Kentucky Kingdom

Kentucky Kingdom, located in Louisville, Kentucky, opened May 11, 2024.

Is there a waterpark? Yes; Hurricane Bay opens May 25.

How far is it from Indy? 118 miles, which is approximately two hours, depending on traffic.

For ticket prices, event calendar, park hours and information about how to plan your trip, check out the guide below.

Read the full guide here: What you need to know if you're planning a road trip to Kentucky Kingdom

Kings Island

Kings Island is open on the weekends until May 20, then they open up for the week for the rest of the season and is located right next to a Great Wolf Lodge in Mason, Ohio.

Is there a waterpark? Yes; their Soak City Water Park opens May 25.

How far is it from Indy? 130 miles away from Indianapolis or about a two hours (sometimes longer, depending on traffic) drive.

For ticket prices, event calendar, park hours and information about how to plan your trip, check out the guide below.

Read the full guide here: Kings Island is open for the 2024 season. Camp Snoopy will be open soon.

Katie Wiseman is a trending news intern at IndyStar. Contact her at klwiseman@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @itskatiewiseman.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Openings, tickets, events: What to know about amusement parks near Indy