One of the attractions in Cincinnati is Kings Island. Kings Island is an amusement park that has been around since 1972 so for an amusement park, it is rather new. But, it is an amusement park with roller coasters so we felt bound to check it out.

The first thing that you need to know about Kings Island is that it is not on an island. Rather, it is located on some land northeast of Cincinnati. But, even though it is not an island, it still has its share of water rides, all of which are accessible with your admission to the park.

As far as amusement parks go, it is not real large but it is growing. In fact, it has been adding new rides every year for the past few years. And unlike Cedar Point, the other big amusement park in Ohio, Kings Island is not land locked by Lake Erie so it has room to grow.

One of the signs of the times is at the main gate. There is now a metal detector for the security of its visitors.

As with most amusement parks in the area, the park is immaculately clean which is always appreciated. There are an adequate number of restrooms. And since Ohio is a smoke free state, every restroom area has an adjoining smoking area.

One of the distractions of the park is the food selection; Skyline Chili seems to be everywhere. No matter where you look, there is an ad for Skyline Chili or a stand selling it.

For anyone not familiar with Skyline Chili, it is a Cincinnati favorite. It is usually severed on a hot dog with lots of shredded Cheddar cheese or on spaghetti. And while there is nothing wrong with it, there is just too much of it.

Along with the Skyline Chili, there is also La Rosa’s pizza. Again, La Rosa’s pizza claims Cincinnati as it’s home. But as far as pizza goes, it is mediocre.

One redeeming point of the food side is that they have a Bubba Gumps. And while Bubba Gumps is not exactly haute cuisine, it is a step up from Skyline Chili and La Rosa’s pizza, though I expect the prices are quite a step up also.

And lets not forget the rides. Kings Island boasts of 80 ride for both the young and the old. Though we only did about 6 rides, it was more than enough for the day. I’ll post ride details later.

All and all, it was a good time.