Family Fun at Cedar Point {Giveaway}
One of my all-time favorite childhood memories is an annual family trip we took each year to Sandusky, Ohio to camp and go to Cedar Point Amusement Park. We did this every year from the time I was 2 until I was 18. Cedar Point has become part of who I am and places I absolutely love. So naturally, I have a desire to create similar memories for my kids.
Yes, this is me as a toddler enjoying myself at Cedar Point!
Cedar Point is 3.5 hours away from our home so you don’t just head there for the day and come back, it is quite a trip; especially if you are taking a 2.5 and 4 year old. Our schedule this summer has proven quite hectic so fitting in a trip didn’t really seem possible this year; however, my “dream vacations” list absolutely includes going to Cedar Point as a family so it is constantly on my radar screen. I have such fond memories of doing so as a kid, I want to recreate those with my children.
So when a Cedar Point Executive emails you to ask you if you want to bring the family to visit the park, you jump around the house do a little dance say YES! We took another look at that crazy calendar and decided to make the most of the summer by fitting the trip in. And am I glad we did!
We arrived on a Sunday evening (no way I was going to go on the weekend) to Hotel Breakers Resort on the grounds of Cedar Point and I knew this was going to be an amazing couple of days. I had never stayed in one of the Cedar Point resorts so this was a bit of a treat. (I should be honest though, “resort” is a loose term here. The hotel was built in the early 1900′s so it doesn’t exactly have all the amenities and decor you think of when you hear the word “resort”). I’m not saying don’t stay there, it was a fantastic experience, just maybe not as plush as other places that use the name “resort”. The hotel DID offer one important thing though – sound-proof walls. Seriously. I NEVER heard another person. Which also means that other people didn’t hear my kids and their craziness. Win-win.
We decided to spend Monday at the park and since we were Cedar Point resort guests we got in an hour early (which is the case for staying at all Cedar Point hotels). I haven’t stayed at the park before so I had never done this before. We entered near the back of the park nearest one of the most amazing roller coasters in the continental US, Top Thrill Dragster (in my humble opinion). Our original plans were to take the kids right to their rides but seeing that the line was short (I mean REALLY short) we took turns here first. My husband timed us and it took us 8 minutes from the time we entered the line to the time we returned to him. That is UNHEARD OF! I have waited upwards to 4 hours for this ride alone! We were thrilled.
Having accomplished that we headed over to Planet Snoopy for much of the morning so the kids could enjoy themselves. Thank goodness I like to have my brains scrambled because I had to ride my fair share of spinning rides with the kids as they were too short to ride their favorites on their own. And daddy didn’t exactly fit well. :)
Still enjoying the kiddie rides 30+ years later!
So many people have no idea that Cedar Point is an amazing place for kids, as much as it is for adults. Many adults know of Cedar Point because of their amazing (and multitude) of roller coasters and thrill rides. Then they go and have kids and think they are stuck at home until the kids are 18. So NOT TRUE! Cedar Point has really figured out some great things for families attending the park. Here are some things that stick out to me as major bonus points for Cedar Point as a family-friendly amusement park or vacation destination:
- Three, count them THREE, kids ride areas. There is Planet Snoopy, Camp Snoopy and the mid-way that offers a grouping of even more carnival types rides.
- Shows mid-day so you can relax and get into a cool place for a bit if you want.
- If you stay on-site at one of their hotels you can take the kids back for lunch and/or naps in the afternoon. This was a LIFESAVER for our day and made things so much more enjoyable.
- Parent Swap – this is pure BRILLIANCE! If it is just you and your spouse and the kids, how do you get to ride the big rides? Who will watch the kids, especially when the lines are long? This system allows you to have one parent wait in line for the ride, when they get off they give a “pass” to the attendant and they return to the kids. The other spouse who hasn’t ride then goes to the EXIT RAMP of the ride and tells the attendent they are the other parent, they get on the ride immediately. How cool is that? We tried it several times and it worked like a charm!
- Changing/Resting Stations – there are several locations where moms can breastfeed, change diapers, go the restroom, cool off, etc. These are great so that you aren’t waiting in the swarms of people at the regular restrooms and have a quiet place to tend to babies.
- Fast Lane – these are a bit more expensive but if you are only going to the park for one day and live relatively far away, they are worth the extra money. You pay an extra fee to get to wait in the “fast lane” for the rides. We had fast lane passes and estimate that we waited about 90% less than we would have if we had waited in the regular lines. Amazing, especially to a family that doesn’t get to the park all that often.
Cedar Point thinks I shouldn’t be the only one having all the fun at their park. They would like to send one of you (and 3 of your favorite people) to the park as well. I have a Family Four-Pack of tickets to give away. The tickets would be valid any operating day during the 2012 season, including our HalloWeekends event.
Here is how you enter to win:
1. Leave a Comment telling me your favorite Cedar Point ride OR what makes you want to attend Cedar Point for the first time.
Additional ways to enter:
2. Tweet this contest – use @onceamonthmom & @cedarpoint. And don’t forget to leave a comment below stating you have done so.
3. Subscribe to the Once A Month Mom blog via RSS or email. Let me know that you have done so. Of course, if you are already subscriber make sure you leave that too.
This giveaway ends Saturday, July 27th at 5 pm (EST).
Disclosure: Cedar Point provided me with entry and accommodations while attending their park. I was not compensated for this post nor my time. All the opinions in this post are mine, want to know more about how I facilitate reviews, view my full disclosure policy!
We have never been to Cedar Point. We also live about 3.5 hrs away but I have yet to drag my hubby onto any roller coasters. He says he’ll wait with the kids & then never goes on after so the Parent Swap would take away any excuse he has! Thanks for the chance to win!
I subscribe to OAMM :)
my favorite ride is the mantis, i love how you have that free fall feeling since you are standing. but also like the gemini at night when the people start “racing”. we lived close to cedar point and would go once a year, but now we are in WI and it is a little more of trip. but i would love to take my kids there so they can experience the fun. our oldest is now into roller coasters and wants to go some place that has bigger/longer roller coasters…don’t know of a better place than Cedar Point!!!
My favorite ride is the Cadillac Cars. Yes, I’m a wimp, but I loved those things since I was a kid so there is the nostalgia factor there. We took our 12-year-old to Cedar Point when she was little, but my 8-year-old and 3-year-old have never been. I would love to see them enjoying the rides.
OOOOOO!!! i have ALWAYS WANTED TO GO to cedar point, because i have been to the parks near where i live so many times the rides have become too predictable, they aren’t fun anymore! i recently got married, and my husband and i made a “bucket list” … going to cedar point is one of our things to do before we die… (or, get to old to enjoy it!)
also, i dont have twitter… but i do follow your page on facebook… does that count for an entry?? … can you tell that i REALLLLLYYY want to win this giveaway?!
My favorite is “the Blue Streak” because I am wimpy about roller coasters. I also remember riding the paddle boats around and the guides telling corny jokes.
The last time I went I was pregnant with my soon-to-be 18 year old. Yes, it’s been a long time. (Sigh)
Favorite Cedar Point Ride – Magnum
I just subscribed via email :)
I just subscribed to your email the other day. I love what you do and I’m so excited to give it a try. Everything looks delicious!
My family is headed back to Cincinnati after being away for 11 years. We are doing the double mortgage thing during a tough market(OUCH!) and this would be a GREAT surprise for my kids… They have had their eye on Cedar Point and we promised them as soon as we are a one house family, we will make the weekend trek. Hopefully we won’t have to wait that long!
Thank you for all you do!
I would love to go to Cedar Point to let my family ride the rides while I watch. I can’t ride the rides, it sends me in a tail spin. But when I was younger I did and it was amazing! I have pictures of me at Cedar point almost every summer as well. :)
Oh, pick me!! I really want to try that ride in the picture!!
have lived in the midwest (indiana) for years, but have never gone to cedar point. would love to take my 7 yr. old
My favorite ride at Cedar Point has got to be the Gemini. It holds fond memories for me as it was the first big coaster I rode at the age of 9. I was terrified and my mom paid me $1 to ride it. Since that ride, I have been a coaster fanatic! Thanks mom! My son is now almost 9 and I would love to bribe him to ride it! Living in Florida now, I don’t get back to “the Point” as much as I would like. Would love to go back, ride the Top Thrill Dragster, and indulge in some of those yummy hand cut fries soaked in vinegar and a corn dog! Thanks.
My favorite ride is the Iron Dragon. I don’t like super high roller coasters so this one is perfect for me. I hope to win!!! Hubby and were just talking about taking our kids now that they’re tall enough for all the rides, but we don’t have the money on our budget after hubby’s medical emergency earlier this year. :(
I haven’t been to Cedar Point since I was 16, but man would I love to take my kids there. I don’t even know what my favorite ride is because it’s been so long that I can’t remember the names of any of the rides. Thanks for the opportunity!
I subscribe to your feed in my google reader.
i just subscribed too!… and would seriously love to experience cedar point! please?
My favorite is the Demon Drop – at least when I was in high school. I haven’t been to Cear Point since but would love to take the family!
I’ve also subscribed to OAMM via email!
Well, you will be sad to know that they no longer have Demon Drop but I dare say they have added a lot since those days that you will find a new favorite. I have fond memories of the year that ride opened as well.
Always have heard about Cedar Point and would love to experience the fun for my family.
I subscribed to your emsils also!
My favorite ride as a child was the Blue Streak because I remember my dad sneaking me on it since I wasn’t tall enough.
I subscribe to your feed.
My husband and I LOVE the Dragster! We found out I was pregnant a few days after our last visit & we haven’t made it back since – our daughter is now 2 – so it’s about time!
I subscribed via Google Reader!
I grew up in Ohio, so I have been to Cedar Point, but I have since moved and my husband has never been to such a big park, and now that I have kids I have wanted to get eveyone there and just haven’t made it happen. My favorite ride is Raptor- I still remember standing in line with my high school friend and as we got tot he front of the line they started announcing what the ride was like, saying it went upside down, I about flipped, there was a couple standing in line in front of us that reassured me that it would be fine. I still remember the thrill of looking at my feet with the sky in the background, it’s a truly unique, fun ride!
Love!I have been going to Cedar Point since I was little.We haven’t been there in 10 years though.My favorite rides have always been the water rides and whatever rides we watch our kids ride.Thanks for the chance to win!
I would love to visit Cedar Point. Coming from a family of drag racers, the Top Thrill Dragster ride sounds really cool. My kids would also love Cedar Point.
Thank you for your critique of cedar point. Being a subscriber to once a month, I always look forward to the recipes and advice you have to share. Our family has friends who travel every year to cedar point nd rave about it. My family would love an opportunity to go and check it out! :)
I love big coasters – the bigger the better. My favorite has to be The Millennium Force!
I have been to Cedar Point just once, but it was the best vacation I have ever had. My husband and I originally planned to go there for our honeymoon, but had to postpone it until we were a little more “financially stable” :) We went for our first anniversary and it was a weekend we will NEVER forget! Millennium force is by far our favorite ride at any amusement park!
That one is my absolute favorite as well. Although, I must admit that front seat of the Top Thrill Dragster is giving it a run for its money.
My favorite ride is the Magnum. I took my kids to Cedar Point for the first time a couple of months ago and they are begging me to go back. I would love to take them, but it is expensive. We would LOVE to win the tickets! Thanks for the chance to win! :)
I would love to take the kids to Cedar point. They are at a great age to ride the rides and enjoy the shows. Great end of the summer treat for everyone.
I also subscribe.
It’s been too long since I’ve been to Cedar Point to chose a favorite ride, but the real reason I want to go is to take my mom. She grew up in Sandusky, and the park is full of nostalgia for her.
I subscribe via email. Thanks for the opportunity!
As someone who grew up in Akron, Ohio I too knew the thrill of going to Cedar Point every summer. We also attended the smaller Geauga Lake (now a water park) each summer. As an adult I moved away and was shocked to learn not every area has such places. As a kid I assumed everyone got to do such things. My favorite memory is standing on my tiptoes to get into the Blue Streak (an old wooden coaster)and then about flying out of the seat at the bottom of the first big hill because I was so small! I loved it! It was always one of my favorites!
I live too far away to go this year, but spoke with my husband just last week about doing it on one of our next summer trips to visit the folks. Thanks for the good memories!
My kids love Cedar Point! We are not able to go this year because my husband is unemployed. My favorite ride would be the train, the kids love it too. My son is six and still carries his baby blanket with him so he chose Linus for his toy two years ago. We would love the opportunity for a mini vacation.
We have not been, but are looking for a fun place for a mini-vacation and this place sounds fun!
We have never been to cedar point but my kids have been begging to go for YEARS. They refer to it as the “roller coaster capital of the world” and apparently saw it on a travel channel site…where one of the coasters was being honored on a top in america type show. We live in virginia and have always gotten season passes to Kings Dominion here and we have some real adrenaline junkies. We’re a combined family. My husband lost his first wife four years ago to breast cancer and he has two children of his own. I have three of my own. In a way we resemble the brady bunch! A four pack of tickets would go a long way toward getting this brood there! It would probably also make my children swoon with anticipation of all those coasters in one place just begging to be ridden! And they would get to see one of the great lakes while they were there. A two-fer! LOL
Oh if you have adrenaline junkies you HAVE TO plan a trip!
Just one?? If I have to pick just one, I imagine it would be the Raptor. However, I also love Millenium Force, Maverick, and Top Thrill Dragster. II did not know about the parent swap. That is great to know about with two young kids! I had been avoiding amusement parks because it seemed like I would just walk around all day. With a lot of kid rides and the parent swap, it seems like it would be pretty easy to take kids to Cedar Point!
Oh it was great! And a brilliant plan. We loved it.
Well, my favorite Cedar Point ride is Cedar Downs. But Blue Streak I have to put as a close 2nd because it was my first roller coaster ever, after being promoted from the Spin n’ Puke group.
I haven’t been to Cedar Point since I was in junior high school. It would be so fun to visit as an adult! I rode most of the rides, but, even as a junior-higher, I was still too scared to ride the biggest. It would be such a great experience to go now, with my husband, and enjoy the day as “grown ups”! :)
I tweeted this contest also. Thanks!
I’ve never been to Cedar Point, but I have always heard great reviews about it and I would love to take my family!
I went to Cedar Pointe once, but only got to ride Millenium Force and don’t remember it because I was too terrified to look or let go of my friend’s arm. I want a second chance. And Gerry is a little bit of an adrenaline junkie, and the boys have never been to an amusement park… I think we’d have a pretty good time :)
Oh you HAVE TO go on it again and some other fun stuff. You owe it to Gerry. :)
Still a subscriber. Always will be!
I’m tweeting this but I hope no one else enters ;)
The corkscrew was my first rollercoaster and is still my favorite. My husband has never been (poor soul) and the last time I was there was 17 years ago. I would LOVE to win these tickets and go again and this time to take my family.
I love Cedar Point. I grew up going as well. I’d have to say it is a tie for favorite between the Magnum and the Raptor. I know the kids would love camp Snoopy too.
My favorite cedar point ride is the iron dragon.
tweeted
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My favorite ride was the roller coaster. I would love to take my grandkids and let them experience the fun of Cedar Point, and feel the cool breeze coming off the water.
I’d love to take my family there together!
We have 2 teens in our house and Cedar Point has been the vacation destination for the last 2 years. Although they have many great rides, our favorite is the Millennium Force. Sadly, this years vacation was cut short due to the passing of our children’s grandfather. The good news however, we expected to eat the cost of the rest of our stay at Cedar Point ( 3 more nights at Camper Village, 4 ride and slide tickets and yes, we even purchased the Fast Lane tickets) When I approached the office to ask what there policy on refunds was, they immediately refunded the rest of our trip!! Including the Fast Pass purchase. They have Wonderful customer service! We will definitely be heading back to Cedar Point again soon. We still need to get once more day in at the park.
Wow! That is amazing. That IS good customer service. So glad to hear of your positive experience.
I’ve been to Cedar Point once, and liked the Gemini coaster best- I’m a sucker for old-fashioned roller coasters (and short lines!)
I’m an RSS subscriber!
My favorites are the Raptor and Gemini. I grew up in MI and Cedar Point was a rite of passage! We used to go to Physics Day at the park when I was in high school, and we all skipped school the Monday after prom to go to CP. I keep telling my hubby that we need to go – I think I’m driving him nuts! :)
I have never been to cedar point but I would love to go!
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My son just started enjoying the “big people” rides and I’d love to give him the chance to ride at the park I grew up attending. My favorite ride is probably the Gemini.
We have never been to Cedar Point, but we would love to go! I hear nothing but wonderful things about it, and plus I love roller coasters :)
fave ride? it’s so hard to pick! definitely a toss up between the Maverick & the Millennium Force (but at night when it’s dark outside, it’s crazy fun then.)
already a subscriber thru RSS feed.
Never been but heard that area of Ohio is awesome. And, we all need a vacation! Trying OAMM for the first time this month (gluten/dairy free). So excited to try it before school starts and to get some things put away for those crazy nights once it does!
Thanks!
Fun! I haven’t been to Cedar Point in years & years, and there are many new rides there now. My favorite from way-back-when was the Mean Streak, even though it jostled me around so much. :-)
I have been to cedar point only once when i was little with my mother and cousins and I LOVED IT! My mother died of cancer three years ago and i’m headed back to Ohio to visit with family for the first time since her death. We are planing on taking a trip to cedar point with my kids so they can have some fun memories of Ohio and it would be a great to have free tickets to help keep the expenses of the trip down.
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I haven’t been there for a long time–went there with an old boyfriend, and I’ve now been married 6 years, so at least 8 or 9 years ago! While I love roller coasters, my favorite thing was to ride the overhead gondola things. It was a great way to get an overview of the park and see other rides we wanted to try.
email subscriber
i haven’t been to Cedar Point in ages. but i would most like to go for the EXERCISE! my kids would be still in the younger area of Cedar Point, but they would have F*U*N!!!
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My favorite ride is the Iron Dragon — one of the first rides I ever rode at Cedar Point.
I like Top Thrill Dragster, it’s fast and smooth. Some of the older rides “beat me up” way too much in my old age. I would love to take my 2 boys this year, they would have a great time.
I absolutely love Cedar Point. My favorite ride is the dragster. I have two little ones (3 and 1) that have not gotten to go yet. Both my husband and I are in the military so we don’t get a lot of time off together. We are currently planning a small vacation and this would be perfect. I would love to see my sons faces enjoying our little family vacation at Cedar Point.
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/FireRunner2379/status/228656143923310592
I’m an email subscriber.
Cedar Point is my husband’s favorite theme park but I have never been. I would love to surprise him with tickets.
Oh that WOULD be a fun surprise!
I subscribe via google reader
Demon Drop
I’d love to take my kids to Cedar Point! It’s been year’s since I’ve been- but I just remember being on some big roller coaster and overlooking the lake! FUN!
I’d love to take my kids! I haven’t been in years, but loved the roller coaster from which you could see the lake.
I went once in the early 1970′s. I barely remember it but I do recall a very large ferris wheel!! I would be thrilled to take my family of 4 there. My husband is disabled so living on one income prohibits us from some great summer outings. Hope to win!
I’d love to win the contest. I’ve been to Sandusky but never to Cedar Point.
Would love to take my 4 and 6 year olds for the first time!
I loved Cedar Point when I went in college, but I can’t remember any ride names now. My husband has been asking to go for several years now but because of the drive time it hasn’t happened yet.
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