Thrill seekers of all ages and families with children can enjoy the 235-acre Worlds of Fun amusement park and Oceans of Fun water park complex in Kansas City for a single admission price. The parks connect near the Monsoon water ride and feature attractions and "low to aggressive" thrill rides for young and old. Both parks have special areas for children. Planet Snoopy at Worlds of Fun has more than 20 attractions, and Oceans of Fun has Splash Island and Crocodile Isle with small water slides and a pool for families with little ones.
Must-See Attractions at Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun
Worlds of Fun:
The Mamba ranks among the world's tallest, longest and fastest roller coasters The first hill rises more than 200 feet in the air and sends riders back down at 75 miles per hour. The RipCord, a 189-foot tethered free-fall in full body harness, gives guests the feeling of hand-gliding. This has an added fee of $25 to $40, and you can purchase a video of your flight for about $15. Dinosaurs Alive! has more than 35 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs in scenes based on fossil evidence. It's open daily from 11 a.m. to dusk. It's another added fee attraction (about $6-$7) that's well worth the price.
Oceans of Fun:
If you're looking for what the theme park's website calls "aggressive thrills," try the Sharks' Revenge enclosed tube slide for high-speed falls. If your kids are into pirates, visit Captain Kidd's ship to play with water cannons and slippery slides. For a "low thrill" while the kids run wild, visit the Castaway Cove, an "adults only" pool with a sun deck and swim-up bar (must be 21 years old to enter).
Where to Stay Near Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun
Worlds of Fun Village, within walking distance of the parks, offers cottages, log cabins and RV sites, as well as a pool, arcade, laundry and shower facilities and 24-hour security. Registered guests get discounted admission tickets to the parks. Cottages and cabins run between $185 and $240 per night. RV sites range between $40 and $50 per night.
At least eight hotels lie within a mile of the parks, including Comfort Inn and Suites near Worlds of Fun, Hampton Inn Kansas City/near Worlds of Fun, Candlewood Suites Northeast, Fairfield Inn and Suites Kansas City North, Super 8 Kansas City/Worlds of Fun, Days Inn Kansas City-Worlds of Fun, Holiday Inn Kansas City Northeast and Crossland Economy Studios -Kansas City-Northeast-Worlds of Fun.
Best and Worst Time to Go to Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun
Weekends in October are the best times to visit. These parks are outdoor venues, so watch the weather before setting out. The park stays open during rain storms, but some rides shut down for rain, lightning, high wind and other reasons. They re-open as soon as possible. Mornings and evenings are most comfortable during heat waves.
Admission and Discounts at Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun
Single-day tickets allow admission to both parks for around $60 at the gate. Children ages 2 and under are free. Discounts offered for children older than age 3 and shorter than 48 inches, military personnel and seniors older than 61. Purchase tickets online at least three days in advance and save about $15. All prices are plus tax.
Food at Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun
Pretzels, ice cream, pizza, funnel cakes. You want 'em, they've got 'em. Refreshment stands are scattered throughout the parks. Familiar eateries include Cinnabon, Caribou Coffee, Panda Express and Subway. Other restaurants offer barbecue, chicken and burgers. Or hang out at Chickie and Pete's sports bar and dine on Philly Cheesesteak and crabfries. You can get an all-day food voucher for about $30 that entitles you to an entrée and side every 90 minutes at specified dining venues throughout the parks. You can also get a refillable souvenir drink bottle for about $15 (order online for the best price).
Guests may bring in unopened water bottles, but no coolers, food or other drinks allowed. Picnic areas are available between parking lots D and F at Worlds of Fun and near the admissions gate at Oceans of Fun. No grilling or alcoholic beverages.
Parking at Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun
Single day and VIP parking range from about $15 to about $20. The preferred parking is located near the Worlds of Fun entrance. You can drop off guests and pick them up without paying for parking if you're not staying.
Transportation Alternatives at Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun
Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun is served by the Kansas City Transportation Authority bus route 173.
Author's bio: Mary-Lane Kamberg is a lifelong Kansas City resident. She has enjoyed visits to both parks many, many times.