Kings Island in Mason, Ohio is one of the best theme parks in the United States thanks to its 14 roller coasters and Soak City Water Park. Rest assured that you can buy discount Kings Island tickets through authorized ticket sellers online and in-person at certain regional retailers.

I’ve outlined all of the methods that I know of here that are popular places to check for savings. This way, you can secure the best discount without searching for promo codes and coupon codes that don’t work.

It’s worth pointing out that many of these options aren’t better than what Kings Island or reliable discount ticket sources offer online (more on this below). Ultimately, how much you save depends on how many tickets you buy and if you will need to account for tax and service fees.

I specialize in helping people save money on theme park tickets and may be compensated should you purchase tickets using my links.

Kings Island Tickets Prices at the Gate

Kings Island admission tickets are offered in two types: Daily Tickets and Season Passes. Both can be enhanced with various optional add-ons including Fast Lane.

The bottom line: Front gate prices are higher than what can be secured online so whatever you do, make sure to purchase tickets in advance.

Reservations are required for Soak City Water Park.

1. Direct Kings Island Special Offers and Tickets Online

Kings Island is offering ticket promotions in addition to a handful of other special offers.

Be careful, however. Online, Kings Island charges a $6.99 processing fee and tax which in many circumstances makes the ticket options below more advantageous.

2. Discounted One-Day Kings Island Tickets

If you need discount Kings Island tickets, you can save by purchasing through aRes Travel. I partner with them because they’re an authorized Kings Island ticket seller and I work with them to provide cheap tickets to other major attractions across the United States including Cedar Point, Disneyland, and Universal theme parks.

They charge a $2 convenience fee per ticket, but you will still likely come out ahead. Tax is included in the ticket price.

3. Kings Island Tickets and Hotel Packages

Bundle your Kings Island discount tickets with nearby hotels for even more savings. Choose from 28 nearby hotels and whether you’d like one-day, two-day, Ride & Refresh, and parking.

SHOP VACATION PACKAGES

4. Season Passes

Frequent visitors should definitely consider the benefits associated with a Kings Island Season Pass. It entitles the holder to unlimited park admission in 2021 and 2022. Season Passholders can arrive an hour before the park opens to the public to enjoy early ride times on select days.

Choose between Gold and Platinum passes. Gold and Platinum also include admission Halloween Haunt and WinterFest, and free parking. Platinum offers admission to other Cedar Fair parks like Cedar Fair itself. Check to see which works best for you.

The Delirium thrill ride at Kings Island theme park.

5. Meijer Kings Island Tickets

Select Meijer stores in Ohio sell discount Kings Island tickets in combination with Cedar Point tickets, typically. They aren’t available online right now.

6. Costco

You can search Costco’s theme park section online periodically or check in your local store to see if they are selling cheap Kings Island tickets. Availability changes and currently they do not have tickets available online. This is always subject to change, however.

7. Kings Island Kroger Tickets

You can check your local Kroger store for discounted tickets. However, not all stores offer them. Their tickets tend to be less than at the gate but on par with what we can offer through aRes Travel or Kings Island directly.

However, do check with the customer service counter at your local store because it might be extra convenient for you to pick up your tickets while shopping.

The beach at Kings Island theme park's Soak City water park in Ohio.

8. AAA Kings Island Tickets

You can contact your local AAA to see if you can secure discount Kings Island tickets. Availability depends on where you live. To give you an idea, we can’t secure these tickets in California currently, but they are available in the Midwest.

9. Kings Island Military Discounts

If you are active or retired military personnel or a veteran, you are eligible for cheaper single-day tickets than you would otherwise buy at the gate. Kings Island military discounts are valid during every operating day and for up to six family members. Discounts may vary throughout the season.

Take advantage of these savings online but be sure to register for ID.me. Unless otherwise indicated, these discounts don’t apply to special events like WinterFest.

10. Group Discounts

Gather your friends and head to Kings Island for less. If you need 15 – 99 tickets you can receive a discount. If you have 100 or more people, the savings are even greater. Details are available on the park’s website.

11. Combo Tickets with Kings Island

You can buy Kings Island and Cedar Point combo tickets (the “Coaster Combo Ticket”) through Kings Island directly.

Some of the grocery stores that typically offer cheap Kings Island tickets may also offer combo tickets that include these two popular Ohio theme parks. Kroger is known for selling these.

A family with young kids rides on a small train at Kings Island theme park.

Important Kings Island Tips

Check Kings Island Hours

When planning a visit to Kings Island and Soak City water park, be sure to check their calendar for opening dates and hours they’re seasonal park which means that they are not open year-round. A typical daily season runs from May – Labor Day Weekend, but they will stay open on select dates (weekends only, mostly) through November 1.

It’s typically open on weekends only after Labor Day through October or early November for its annual HalloWeekends Halloween celebration. However, 2020 is certainly an unusual time which means that it’s extra pertinent to check the calendar.

Always Read Ticket Terms and Conditions

Read all terms and conditions before purchasing Kings Island tickets. Understand the ticket expiration dates, refund policies, and transfer policies and whether they can be used on days with special events.

Kings Island Directions and Parking

Kings Island is located in mason, Ohio, about 25 miles northeast of Cincinnati.

Kings Island Address
6300 Kings Island Drive, Kings Island, Ohio 45034

The park’s website has a map and more information on getting to the park. (Many theme park enthusiasts pair a visit with Cedar Point amusement park in Sandusky.)

Frequently Asked Questions about Kings Island Tickets

When does Kings Island close?

Kings Island is an amusement park with a season that typically starts in the early spring and closes in the late fall. The park also usually opens for a few weeks during the holiday season for its popular Winterfest event.

How much is a Fast Pass at Kings Island?

The Kings Island equivalent of a Fast Pass is called a Fast Lane Pass. You can choose between a regular Fast Lane Pass or a Fast Lane Plus Pass. The latter includes unlimited rides on Orion, Kings Mills Antique Autos, The Beast, Mystic Timbers, and Flight of Fear.

How much does it cost to get into Kings Island?

Single-day general admission Kings Island tickets at the gate start at $45.

How much is parking at Kings Island?

Kings Island parking currently costs $20 per car per day for regular parking. You can save $3 and pay $17 if you purchase parking online in advance. You can pay $27 for preferred parking when purchased online.

How do you buy discount Kings Island tickets?

See also how to buy:

Katie Dillon is the managing editor of La Jolla Mom. She helps readers plan San Diego vacations through her hotel expertise (that stems from living in a Four Seasons hotel) and local connections. Readers have access to exclusive discounts on theme park tickets (like Disneyland and San Diego Zoo) and perks at luxury hotels worldwide through her. She also shares insider tips for visiting major cities worldwide like Hong Kong, London, Paris, and Shanghai that her family has either lived in or visits regularly (or both).