Cedar Point isn’t just about heart-pounding roller coasters and thrill rides for adults. It’s also a fantastic destination for families with young children with three kids areas! If your little ones are tall enough to enjoy some exciting attractions but aren’t quite ready for the intense rides, Cedar Point offers a great selection of kid-friendly rides that provide fun, adventure, and plenty of laughs. In this blog post, we’ll take you through the top 5 rides at Cedar Point for kids with a height requirement of 36” or taller, ensuring that your family has a memorable visit to the park.
Be sure to check out our other articles for rides with no height requirement (kids able to walk), and for those between (42″ – 48″).
1. Wilderness Run (Over 36″ Accompanied)
If your child is ready to experience their first roller coaster but isn’t quite ready for Woodstock’s Express, Wilderness Run is the perfect choice. This classic children’s coaster offers a fun, smooth ride designed especially for younger thrill-seekers. With gentle drops and two laps, it’s an exciting introduction to roller coasters. The ride is also accompanied, so parents can join in on the fun and enjoy the experience alongside their little ones.
Only four parents can sit on each train, and it’s a tight squeeze! So be sure to count the number of parents in line, since it could be up to an hour wait during busy times! This is our favorite ride to rope drop! The Wilderness Run is the perfect stepping stone for kids who are ready to move up from kiddie rides to something with a bit more excitement.
2. Woodstock Express (Over 36″ Accompanied)
Another fantastic option for kids who want to experience a roller coaster for the first time is Woodstock Express. This family-friendly coaster is designed with younger riders in mind, featuring gentle hills and smooth turns, but it’s definitely a step up from Wilderness Run. Parents can join in the fun and ride along with their kids, making it an ideal experience for the whole family. The train theme and beloved Peanuts character Woodstock make this ride even more appealing to young guests. It’s the perfect ride for those looking to experience a coaster without the intense speed or drops of Cedar Point’s bigger thrill rides.
Kids have to be 48″ to ride alone, or if you have two kids, one of them has to be 48″. Also, a child over 48″ does not count as a “supervising” companion for a child over 36″ (I think they have to be at least 13). Definitely try and get on this ride before the afternoons, since this draws some of the longest lines in camp snoopy and does not participate in fast lane.
3. Charlie Brown’s Wind Up
For kids who are a little more cautious but love swings, Charlie Brown’s Wind Up is a great choice. Set in the charming Peanuts theme, the ride takes guests on a gentle up-and-down motion with a bit of a tilt to add an extra layer of fun. It’s a perfect option for kids who love a little bit of thrill but still want to keep it fun and manageable. Plus, parents can join in on the spinning fun too! This ride has a lot of capacity, so it’s a great ride to wait for with a longer line.
4. Woodstock’s Air Mail / Kite Eating Tree
If your child loves to soar through the air but isn’t quite ready for the big swings of Cedar Point’s more intense attractions, Woodstock’s Air Mail is an ideal ride. This gentle flying ride allows kids to “fly” as they bounce up and down about 15 feet in the air (Think Power Tower, but MUCH smaller!). The charming Peanuts theme, featuring Woodstock, makes this ride extra appealing to young fans. It’s gentle, fun, and offers just the right amount of excitement for kids who want to feel like they’re flying without getting too high or fast.
Kite Eating Tree is the exact same ride, but in Planet Snoopy, so definitely check it out if you are in the front of the park, and Air Mail back in Camp Snoopy. Parents cannot ride on this version, unlike the one at Kings Island.
5. Peanuts 500
For little race car enthusiasts, Peanuts 500 is a must-ride. This adorable car ride lets kids race around a miniature track while sitting behind the wheel of their very own “race car.” It’s the perfect way for young ones to feel like they’re driving on their own while staying completely safe and secure. The whimsical Peanuts theme adds a lot of charm, and the low-speed, circular course is perfect for kids who are just starting to explore the idea of racing and driving. Parents can stand by and watch as their little ones take on the track, or they can join in on the fun with the family-friendly ride!
Why These Rides are Perfect for Kids
Cedar Point’s Top 5 Kids Rides for children over 36” provide the perfect mix of fun, excitement, and gentle thrills for young visitors. These rides are designed to keep kids entertained while allowing them to build confidence in experiencing more thrilling attractions as they grow. They also offer parents the opportunity to enjoy the rides with their little ones, creating a shared family experience that will be remembered for years to come.
Whether your child is testing their first coaster ride on Wilderness Run or taking a spin on the Peanuts 500, Cedar Point has a variety of kid-friendly attractions that offer just the right amount of fun and adventure for younger riders. With themes that celebrate beloved characters like Woodstock and Charlie Brown, these rides will put a smile on your child’s face and leave your whole family wanting more.
Conclusion: A Family-Friendly Adventure
Cedar Point is not only a thrilling destination for adrenaline junkies, but also a fantastic place for families with younger kids to enjoy a day full of fun. During most of my visits, I often don’t ride many rides myself, and instead enjoy the smiles on my children’s faces. Yeah, it’s great to hop on Steel Vengeance, but Cedar Point is a great place to take the kids!
The Top 5 Kids Rides on this list, from Wilderness Run to Peanuts 500, offer a wonderful introduction to the world of amusement parks and roller coasters for kids over 36”, but not quite 42″. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for more fun, these rides are sure to create lasting memories for both you and your little ones. Don’t miss out on these fantastic family-friendly attractions the next time you visit Cedar Point!
Great review NK.