Spring is in the air, and that means one thing—Kentucky Kingdom Theme & Water Park is gearing up to welcome guests for another thrilling season! Whether you're a returning visitor or planning your first trip, our Opening Weekend promises unforgettable experiences for the whole family. Here's your comprehensive guide to making the most of it.
Opening Dates and Hours
- Season Passholder Preview Night: Join us on Friday, May 9, 2025, from 5 PM to 10 PM for an exclusive evening for our valued Season Passholders to get a first look at the park's new attractions. You will be the first to explore our NEW land, including new family rides, 10 reimagined rides, a 4,800 square foot playground, 2 upgraded dining venues, and plenty of shaded seating areas.
- Tip: If you're not a passholder it's not too late to sign up - buy now!
- Kentucky Kingdom Opening Day: Join us on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 10 AM to 5 PM as we officially kick off the 2025 season with a day full of excitement and fun. Be among the first to experience the excitement of Kentucky Kingdom’s Opening Day, where guests will explore the park’s all-new land featuring brand-new family rides, ten reimagined attractions, a 4,800-square-foot playground, two upgraded dining venues, and plenty of shaded seating areas perfect for relaxing between adventures. Kick off the season by taking on exhilarating coasters like Wind Chaser and Woodland Run, snapping picture-perfect photos in vintage cars, and soaking up the sunshine as little ones enjoy big fun in King Louie’s Playland, home to ten pint-sized rides and attractions designed just for them.
For a detailed schedule and future operating hours, please refer to our Operating Calendar.
What's New This Season?
We're thrilled to introduce Discovery Meadow, a brand-new, six-acre land that celebrates the natural beauty of Kentucky. This $11 million investment features:
- Three New Family Rides:
- Cumberland Express: A delightful family train ride that takes you on a scenic journey through the picturesque landscapes of Discovery Meadow.
- Redbird Racer: An exciting children's ride featuring cardinal-themed suspended vehicles that provide a gentle yet thrilling experience for the little ones.
Please note that Redbird Racer is scheduled to open in June, soon after park opening.
- Scout’s Squirrel Race: A playful ride where children can hop aboard squirrel-themed vehicles for a bouncing adventure.
- Ten Reimagined Rides:
- Dragonfly Drop: Climb aboard your own dragonfly and bounce gently through the air on this mini drop tower. With garden views and soft thrills, it’s the perfect introduction to adventure for young riders.
- Garden Carousel: Take a graceful spin through a blooming garden atop whimsical woodland animals. This classic carousel has been reimagined with charming floral touches and delightful music that brings the meadow to life.
- HollyHock & Roll: Hop into your own planter, brightly decorated with hollyhocks, and race through the garden, twisting and turning through the colorful foliage.
- Honeybee Buzzers: Buzz through the sky on the wings of a honeybee! Young pilots will love steering their buzzing buggy as they glide around a cheerful hive-inspired course.
- Mile High Falls: Get ready to make a splash! This giant flume ride offers breathtaking views and an unforgettable drop that ends in a soaking, smile-inducing splashdown.
- Nature’s Bounty: This fun-filled adventure helps you survey Discovery Meadow’s bounty of natural beauty aboard its high-flying swinging boat.
- Spring Fling: Step into your garden shoes—literally! Guests take flight in spring-themed swing seats shaped like oversized footwear, soaring high above the meadow in a whirl of color and joy.
- Treetop Drop: This double-sided mini drop tower sends guests bouncing gently into the treetops for just the right rush.
- Wind Chaser: This ride has a deep respect for the majestic owls that soar through the night skies. Their massive wings spread wide as they glide on the winds, diving down to hunt for garden pests. To show their appreciation for these proud predators, they created this exhilarating roller coaster. Now you can swoop through the sky just like a bird of prey, screeching down a twisting, turning track, and leaving nothing but happy screams in your wake.
- Woodland Run: This ride provides you with a wild run through the woodlands. It’s an exhilarating adventure as you are swept up into the stampede, leaping and twisting across the landscape in a thundering display of power and speed.
- Happy Hollow: An expansive 4,800 Square Foot playground area designed to spark curiosity and inspire adventure, allowing children's creativity to run wild.
- Two Upgraded Dining Venues:
- Bloom's BBQ & Grill: Savor mouthwatering barbecue dishes in a setting that reflects the rustic charm of Kentucky's countryside.
- Woodland Snacks: Enjoy a variety of snacks while relaxing in the shaded seating areas of Discovery Meadow.
Tickets and Season Passes
To ensure a seamless entry, consider purchasing your tickets or Season Passes in advance:
Season Passes: Enjoy unlimited visits, free parking, exclusive events, and discounts on food, retail, and cabanas, depending on pass type. Choose from Silver, Gold, or Diamond options to suit your preferences.
- The Silver Pass is the perfect choice for families looking for all-season fun on a budget. It includes:
- Unlimited admission to Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay during the 2025 season (blackout dates include: 10/2/25 - 10/12/25, 12/18/25 - 1/2/26
- 10% discount on food and retail purchases
- Bring-a-friend discounted tickets
- Free parking
- The Gold Pass offers a great value with added convenience. It includes all Silver Pass benefits (and NO blackout dates), plus:
- Free soft drinks all year with a 2025 unlimited souvenir cup
- 15% discount on food and retail purchases
- 15% cabana discounts valid for regular & large cabanas
- $1.99 ICEEs
- Discounts on general admission to select sister properties
- Discounts on any 2025 Harlem Globetrotters World Tour ticket
- The Diamond Pass is the premium choice for the ultimate Kentucky Kingdom experience. It includes everything in the Gold Pass, plus:
- Free soft drinks all year with a 2025 diamond passholder tumbler
- 4 Free bring-a-friend tickets (valid any 2025 operating day thru 9/28/25)
- 20% discount on food and retail purchases
- 20-50% cabana discounts valid for regular & large cabanas
- Free ICEEs
- Early access to seating at shows
- Deeper season pass renewal discounts
- Special perks with local partners
General Admission Tickets: Single-day and multi-day tickets are available for those planning a shorter visit. Includes access to water park and theme park.
Parking Information
As you arrive, you’ll notice that Kentucky Kingdom shares a parking area with our neighbors at the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC). For the smoothest entry into the park, we recommend using Gate 2 or Gate 4—just follow the KEC map for directions. Still unsure? No worries—clear signage throughout the property will help guide you right to the fun.
- Standard Parking: $15 per car and $30 per bus.
- Season Passholders: Enjoy free parking on operating days by presenting your Season Pass to the attendant. Not a passholder? Join today.
- Free Parking Days: Take advantage of select days throughout the season when all guests can park for free. Plan ahead to save on parking fees.
Free parking days:
- Wednesday, June 4
- Friday, June 13
- Friday, June 27
- Wednesday, July 30
- Friday, October 3
- Sunday, October 5
- Friday, October 10
- Sunday, October 12
- Friday, October 17
- Sunday, October 19
- Friday, October 24
- Sunday, October 26
For directions and parking maps, visit our Parking Information page.
Attractions and Entertainment
Kentucky Kingdom boasts over 70 rides and attractions across 67 acres, designed to thrill guests of all ages. Whether you’re a coaster enthusiast or visiting with little ones in tow, there’s something exciting around every corner.
- World-Class Coasters: Adrenaline-seekers will love iconic rides like:
- Wind Chaser – A steel hybrid coaster with barrel roll drops and gravity-defying airtime.
- Lightning Run – Known for its 100-foot first drop and ultra-smooth ride.
- Woodland Run – A classic wooden coaster that delivers big thrills.
- Kentucky Flyer - This high-flying family ride takes you through 12 turbulent airtime moments in 1280 feet of fun!
- Hollyhock and Roll - Thanks to this clever invention, you can hop into your own planter, brightly decorated with hollyhocks, and race through the garden, twisting and turning through the colorful foliage.
- Water Park Fun at Hurricane Bay (opens May 24): Beat the heat with wave pools, lazy rivers, and slides like the Plummet Summit and Tornado.
- Family Favorites: From the gentle ride of the Giant Wheel to the high-flying Skycatcher, families will find plenty of options that bring joy without the high-speed thrills.
- Kid-Friendly Zones: With the new land, Discovery Meadow and King Louie’s Playland, younger guests can enjoy dozens of pint-sized rides made just for them.
- Live Entertainment: Expect a season packed with toe-tapping shows, colorful character encounters, and special events. Visit our Festivals & Events page for our seasonal calendar of event dates
Dining Options
A day full of thrills calls for delicious food, and Kentucky Kingdom delivers with diverse dining options throughout the park.
- New & Upgraded Venues:
- Bloom's BBQ & Grill – Enjoy slow-smoked meats and tangy sauces in a cozy, garden-inspired setting.
- Woodland Snacks – Pick up a quick snack or refreshing beverage surrounded by nature-themed décor.
- Long Standing Park Favorites:
- Surf Side Shaved Ice – Chill out with a refreshing cup of finely shaved ice topped with bold, fruity flavors. It’s the perfect grab-and-go treat on a warm spring day.
- Taco Tequila – Dive into delicious Mexican-inspired fare like tacos, nachos, and bold street-style flavors, all served up fast and fresh near Hurricane Bay.
- Scoops – Enjoy classic hand-dipped ice cream and sundaes—perfect for a hot day at the park.
- Dippin’ Dots – A family favorite, serving fun, frozen beads of ice cream in fruity and creamy flavors.
- Hurricane Bay Beach Club – Kick back with frozen cocktails, beer, and seltzers—ideal for guests 21+ cooling off in the water park.
Dining tip: Season Passholders receive discounts at food and beverage locations throughout the park! Not a Passholder? Join today.
Tips for a Great Visit at Kentucky Kingdom
- Arrive Early: Beat the crowds, maximize ride time, and grab preferred seating at shows.
- Dress for the Weather: Spring in Kentucky can be unpredictable—pack sunscreen, hats, and a light jacket.
- If your visit to Kentucky Kingdom is affected by rain, don’t worry—you're covered! The Sunshine Guarantee allows guests to return for another day if rain or weather conditions cause the majority of rides and attractions to close for over 90 minutes during your visit. To qualify, you'll just need to present your original, paid ticket at Guest Services before leaving the park that day. If eligible, you'll receive a free return visit valid for use later in the season. This policy ensures that even on a rainy day, your fun isn't washed away!
- Stay Social: Follow Kentucky Kingdom on Instagram and Facebook for real-time updates, giveaways, and photo ops. Tag #kentuckykingdom in your posts to be featured.
- Take Advantage of Season Pass Perks: bring-a-friend tickets, free parking, exclusive events, and in-park discounts await passholders.
Let the Countdown Begin!
Whether you’re reuniting with your favorite coaster, discovering new attractions in Discovery Meadow, or indulging in BBQ at Bloom’s, Opening Weekend is the perfect time to dive back into the excitement. Don’t wait—buy your tickets or grab a Season Pass today, and let the adventure begin!
