Thrills and Chills at Cedar Point HalloWeekends

I grew up in Northern Indiana, and from the time I was in fifth grade I went to Cedar Point at least once every summer until I graduated from college.

I still my remember my first roller coaster ride on the Gemini. It was the biggest coaster at the park back then. My best friend and I got on the train, hearts pounding, holding on to the safety bar with sweaty palms as we slowly cranked up the first hill. Then — The wind! The Roar! The feeling of almost coming out of your seat! I loved it, and I was hooked on big roller coasters and Cedar Point forever.

Fast forward many years later, and now I have a son that loves roller coaster too, but David had never been to Cedar Point. The last time my husband and I were there was before the boys were born. We were waiting for them to get old enough so that we could all enjoy the park.

When Cedar Point invited us to their HalloWeekends kickoff a couple weeks ago how could I say no to the number one amusement park in the world and home to some of the most exciting, highest and fastest rollers coasters in the world? So we packed up and made the easy 3 1/2 hour drive from our house in West Michigan to Sandusky, OH.

 

We all had a blast! David is only eight, but because he’s so big for his age his was able to go on all the rides. He wasn’t even scared! The first roller coaster we went on when we arrived Friday night was Cedar Point’s brand new Gatekeeper.

It’s the tallest, fastest, longest winged roller coaster in the world. It goes 67 mph, 170 feet in the air and lasts over two minutes, a long ride for a roller coaster. It was so much fun, and my new favorite ride at the park.

Then when headed over to the Millennium that takes you 310 feet in the air and up to 93 mph! I remembered riding it the first year it opened in 2000, and I couldn’t wait to go on it with David. It turned out to be David’s favorite ride.

We went on so many more rides that weekend. I wish I could tell you about every single one.

Wade is only four, so the big rides were not an option for him. But there was still plenty to do. Cedar Point has several areas in the park for young children with rides just their size. Even kid-sized roller coasters like the Jr. Gemini. And all the kid’s areas are themed with Snoopy and the Peanuts gang.

 

HalloWeekends are a great time to visit Cedar Point, because the crowds are smaller and the cooler temperatures make any time you do spend waiting in line easier. The park is also decorated for Halloween, and there are several special activities going on like a number of haunted houses and scare zones such as the new Zombie High School.

Since we had the boys with us we skipped the scary stuff and opted for the kid-friendly entrainment like Trick-or-Treat with the Dinosaurs at the new Dinosaurs Alive attraction.    David and Wade got to see more than 50 life-sized, moving dinosaurs, collect candy and prizes and go on a dig. Some of the Dinos were even wearing costumes. Wade was mesmerized, and I’m not sure he knew they were fake.

 

We spent a long time at the sand pit while the boys dug for dino bones.

 

While David and my husband rode some of the bigger rides, Wade and I watched the Monster Midway Invasion Celebration parade. He was thrilled to see Snoopy on the final float.

 

We stayed at Hotel Breakers located on the Cedar Point property.

It’s a beautiful, historic hotel located right on the Lake Erie beach and within easy walking distance of the park. Staying close to the park is definitely the way to go when you have young kids who might need a break during the day. It was too cold to take advantage of the outdoor pools or swimming in the lake, but it was still a gorgeous view to look at.

We had such a great time at Cedar Point, and it was so fun to share something I loved as a kid with my own kids. If you’re looking for a fall weekend getaway for your family I recommend putting Cedar Point HalloWeekends on your itinerary.

Quick Info:

• Website: cedarpoint.com
• HalloWeekends Dates: Sept. 27-29, Oct. 4-6, 11-13, 18-20 & 25-27 (Park not open during the week.)
• HalloWeekends Tickets start as low as $37.99
• Eligible for special room/ticket packages when you book a stay at Cedar Point Resorts.

Disclosure: Cedar Point provided admission to the park and other items and discounts to facilitate this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.