Rides at Cedar Point: A Guide for the Bold, the Brave, and the Slightly Afraid

If your idea of “thrill” is finishing your coffee while it’s still hot, prepare to have your world rocked. Cedar Point isn’t just a theme park. It’s a rollercoaster kingdom, a scream-powered playground, and quite possibly the only place where you’ll willingly hurl yourself into the sky, then ask to do it again.

Tucked along the shores of Lake Erie, this adrenaline-fueled wonderland has been giving adults and kids alike the “Did I just black out or was that joy?” feeling for over 150 years.

And with a ride lineup that includes record-breaking and top speed roller coasters, nostalgic classics, and a few “absolutely not, but maybe yes?” wild cards, Cedar Point earns its spot at the top of every thrill-seeker’s list.

Whether you’re chasing airtime or just trying to prove you’ve still got it, here’s everything you need to know about the rides that put this Midwest legend on the map. Hold onto your fanny pack!

Cedar Point Rides You Have to Try (Or at Least Pretend You Will)

Cedar Point rides are legendary for a reason. These are the record-breakers, the scream-inducers, the ones people line up for before the gates even open. Whether you’re chasing airtime or bragging rights, these are the must-rides that define the park.

Yup, including Cedar Point water rides and the Cedar Point new ride!

Top Thrill 2

If caffeine were a roller coaster, this would be it. Top Thrill 2 launches you forward, yanks you backward, then shoots you 420 feet straight into the sky like it’s trying to contact another dimension. It’s not just a ride, it’s a full-body wake-up call you’ll still be thinking about next Tuesday.

Steel Vengeance

Steel Vengeance isn’t here to play nice. With the most airtime of any coaster on the planet, it flings you around like a ragdoll on a sugar high. Somehow, it’s smooth and brutal, which feels deeply personal but also kind of amazing.

Siren’s Curse

This Cedar Point newest ride is pure drama, and she knows it. Siren’s Curse lures you in with a slow tilt, then just… stops, leaving you dangling in midair like you’ve made a very bad life decision. One second later, you’re diving into the unknown and questioning your choices in real time.

Maverick

Maverick is like that chill friend who turns into a total maniac behind the wheel. It’s all whiplash turns, underground launches, and surprise flips that feel designed to knock your socks into another zip code. Honestly, it should come with a warning label that just says “good luck.”

Millennium Force

This isn’t a roller coaster, it’s a flex. Millennium Force was the world’s first giga coaster, and it still rides like a victory lap at 93 mph. It’s tall, fast, and unapologetically iconic — like the Beyoncé of the park.

GateKeeper

GateKeeper is all about the entrance, swooping dramatically over the front gates like it’s modeling for a drone. The winged design makes you feel like you’re flying, but the kind of flying where you scream the whole time. It’s graceful, yes, but also just a little bit unhinged in the best way.

Not All Thrills Require a G-Force Warning

Rides at Cedar Point aren’t all about record-breaking coasters and white-knuckle launches. The park is packed with water rides, family-friendly attractions, and low-key options that give your heart rate (and stomach) a break.

Whether you’re traveling with kids, grandparents, or just need to dry off from your last cry-scream, these are the rides that bring the fun without the fear.

For When You’re Riding With Littles (or Just Need a Break From Screaming)

Cedar Point’s family rides are low-stress, big-fun options that work for all ages and energy levels. The Wild Mouse is the star here, which is a spinning coaster that’s way more fun than it has any right to be.

You’ll also find pint-sized thrills like the Woodstock Express, gentle boat rides, and a sky-high swing set that’s basically your childhood backyard fantasy, but cooler.

Water Rides Worth the Soak

Cedar Point Shores Waterpark is where you go when the sun is shining and you’re one ride away from becoming a puddle. It’s stacked with body slides, raft rides, splash zones, and a few drop-you-straight-to-your-destiny moments like Point Plummet.

Farewell to a Classic:  Snake River Falls ride Cedar Point thrilled guests from 1993 to 2024 as the world’s tallest, steepest, and fastest water flume ride of its time. It has since closed permanently, with the area now planned for future park expansion.

Nostalgia Hits and Chill Thrills That Still Slap

Not every ride has to flip you upside down or launch you into the stratosphere. Some of Cedar Point’s classics still pull their weight, like the scenic Sky Ride that glides you across the park while giving your feet and anxiety a break.

Add in the racing carousel, bumper cars, and a few spin-and-laugh crowd-pleasers, and you’ve got plenty of options for slower-paced fun that doesn’t feel like a nap.

How Tall Do You Have to Be? A Guide to Cedar Point Ride Heights

Here’s a helpful breakdown of Cedar Point ride heights and thrill types so you know exactly what you’re tall enough to ride — and what you’re brave enough to try.

Ride Name	Minimum Height	Thrill Type
Top Thrill 2	52″	Extreme Thrill / Roller Coaster
Steel Vengeance	52″	Extreme Thrill / Roller Coaster
Siren’s Curse	48″	Thrill / Roller Coaster
Maverick	52″	High Thrill / Roller Coaster
Millennium Force	48″	High Thrill / Roller Coaster
GateKeeper	52″	High Thrill / Roller Coaster
Magnum XL-200	48″	High Thrill / Roller Coaster
Iron Dragon	42″	Moderate Thrill / Roller Coaster
Woodstock Express	36″	Family / Kids Coaster
Wilderness Run	36″	Kiddie Coaster
Wave Swinger	48″	Moderate Thrill / Spinning
Skyhawk	48″	Extreme Thrill / Swing Ride
Thunder Canyon	46″	Water Ride / Moderate Thrill
Lake Erie Eagles	36″	Family / Flying Ride
Sky Ride	Any (with adult under 48″)	Scenic / Family
Cadillac Cars	Any (with adult under 48″)	Family / Driving Ride
Cedar Downs Racing Derby	48″	Classic Ride / Mild Thrill
Camp Bus	Any (with adult under 36″)	Kids / Family
Balloon Race	Any (with adult under 36″)	Kids / Spinning
Pipe Scream	42″	Family Coaster / Spinning

Whether you’re chasing the biggest drops or just trying to make the height cut, knowing the ride requirements is half the battle. The other half? Channeling your inner daredevil and going for it anyway.

Not Here for the Rides? The Cedar Point Still Delivers

Cedar Point includes more than just gravity-defying coasters and scream-your-face-off rides. Between the shows, snacks, merch drops, and scenic lakefront vibes, the park delivers a full-blown experience.

Come for the Coasters, Stay for the Snacks and Swag

Cedar Point has surprisingly solid food, with options that go way beyond funnel cakes and chicken tenders. You can grab wood-fired pizza at Hugo’s Italian Kitchen or loaded mac and cheese at BackBeatQue.

For shopping, you’ll find everything from coaster-specific merch (yes, Steel Vengeance has its own T-shirt line) to retro candy and build-your-own plushies at Pagoda Gift Shop.

Pro Tip: Mobile ordering is available at several locations, so you can skip the lines and get back to screaming faster.

Live Shows, Music, and Seasonal Extras That Bring the Vibes

Cedar Point offers year-round entertainment that ranges from high-energy dance shows to toe-tapping bluegrass bands. You’ll find daily performances at Celebration Plaza and Lakeside Stage, plus roaming street performers who somehow manage to juggle and rollerblade at the same time.

In the fall, the park transforms for HalloWeekends, featuring haunted houses, scare zones, and spooky stage shows. If you’re more of a holiday sweater person, Winter Chill-Out and other seasonal events bring lights, food, and festive feels.

Water Rides, Slides, and Splash Zones at Cedar Point Shores

As we’ve mentioned earlier, right next door to the main park, Cedar Point Shores Waterpark is packed with ways to cool down. There’s Point Plummet, a six-story drop slide that feels like free-falling into your regrets, and Lemmy’s Lagoon, a kid-friendly splash area themed after a sea serpent.

Families love Storm Surge, a massive raft ride, while thrill-seekers line up for Riptide Raceway’s high speed body slides. The waterpark has changing facilities, lockers, and cabana rentals available, and yes — it does require separate admission.

Where to Stay Near the Fun

You don’t have to leave the park behind when the sun sets. Cedar Point has several overnight options, including Hotel Breakers, which is beachfront and just steps from the park entrance.

For a more rustic stay, Lighthouse Point offers cabins, cottages, and RV campsites with lake views. If you’re staying on property, you get perks like early park entry and discounted admission, which honestly makes it easier to justify that second cinnamon roll in the morning.

Your Turn to Spill the Thrills

Got a favorite coaster hack, a go-to snack spot, or a secret way to beat the lines? Share your best tips and hidden gems about rides at Cedar Point in the comments! We’re always here for the insider scoop that makes the day even more epic.

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