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Our family makes its way to Cedar Point Amusement Park several times each year. We’re season passholders, live within an hour of the park, and love roller coasters, so it’s the perfect road trip for us. While we love the rides, food, and fun at Cedar Point, we’ve also enjoyed visiting Cedar Point Shores Waterpark. Located next to the amusement park, Cedar Point Shores is the perfect spot to keep the fun going and cool off from the summer sun.
Keep reading to learn more about the waterpark, Cedar Point Shores rides and attractions, dining options, and everything else you need to know for a fun family visit
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Cedar Point Updates for 2023
The park has announced several updates coming to the park in 2023. Some of the updates include:
- The Boardwalk: Cedar Point’s big update for the 2023 season is the addition of The Boardwalk. The new area is located along Cedar Point Beach and will be home to a new family roller coaster, a new dining venue, and other entertainment options.
- Wild Mouse: There’s a new family coaster coming to Cedar Point. Part of the new Boardwalk, Wild Mouse featured themed cars that spin 360 degrees as you twist around the track. Every ride will look and feel different depending on how your car spins.
- Cedar Point’s Grand Pavilion: Also part of the new Boardwalk, the Grand Pavilion is a new dining venue debuting during the 2023 season. The Grand Pavilion features upscale park fare, a full-service bar on the second level, indoor and outdoor seating, and extraordinary views of the Lake Erie Shores from multiple viewing decks.
- Ride relocations: Two existing rides are moving over to complete the Boardwalk area — Matterhorn and Atomic Scrambler (formerly Scrambler).
- Ride renaming: Tiki Twirl is being refreshed and renamed Calypso, honoring the former park classic.
- Top Thrill Dragster 2024 Update: No, Cedar Point is not bringing fan-favorite Top Thrill Dragster back for the 2023 season. However, the park recently announced that a reimagined version of Top Thrill Dragster will return in 2024. We’ll keep you updated as new details are released.
- Three restaurants are going away: At the Winter Chill Out Event, Cedar Point announced that Chic-Fil-A and The Mac Shack are not returning for the 2023 season. More recently, the park announced that Johnny Rockets would not reopen for the 2023 season and is being replaced by an arcade. Like every season, Cedar Point dining options may change throughout the season. Check the website or mobile app for available options when visiting the park.
- Forbidden Frontier is closing: Another Winter Chill Out announcement is that Forbidden Frontier, the interactive family area recently added to the park, will not reopen.
What is Cedar Point Shores?
Cedar Point ShoresWaterpark is an outdoor water park located in Sandusky, Ohio. The waterpark is located next to Cedar Point Amusement Park, both of which are owned and operated by Cedar Fair. Previously known as Soak City, Cedar Point revamped the waterpark in 2017 under the new name Cedar Point Shores.
Cedar Point Shores Opening Day 2023
Cedar Point Shores Waterpark is scheduled to open on Friday, May 26, 2023. The waterpark’s hours are 11 AM – 6 PM that day.
Cedar Point Shores Rides
Cedar Point Shores Waterpark is home to 18 acres of water-filled fun, including a ton of water slides, a giant wave pool, two lazy rivers, and other attractions. There’s something for everyone and every level of activity at Cedar Point Shores.
Here’s a breakdown of Cedar Point Shores rides:
Breakwater Bay: Breakwater Bay is a half-million-gallon wave pool located in the middle of the waterpark. The wave pool features a shallow section for wading. The wave pool reaches a 6-foot depth and decent-sized waves for adventure seekers. Inner tubes are allowed in the wave pool.
Cedar Creek: One of two lazy rivers within Cedar Point Shores. Cedar Creek is the more relaxing of the park’s lazy rivers.
Crosscurrent: Three fast-moving wide water slides that empty into a pool.
Great Lakes Cove: If you like to swim, Great Lakes Cove allows that, with some floating animal obstacles to add some life to the pool.
Lake Erie Nor’easter: Park guests ride on inner tubes down the set of three tube slides.
Lily Pad Walk: Try and keep your balance as you walk across giant floating lily pads in a splash pool.
Perch Plunge: Three weaving water slides ending in a splash pool.
Point Plummet: Drop slides that begin with guests standing up and then the floor drops, followed by a plummet into an enclosed tube slide.
Portside Plunge: Portside Plunge features two-person inner tube slides beginning with a tunnel.
Riptide Raceway: Riptide Raceway features 6 side-by-side waterslides perfect for racing your family. The raceway offers a quick ride on blue mats designed for speed.
Runaway Rapids: The other lazy river within Cedar Point Shores, Runaway Rapids offers a more exhilarating ride than its counterpart. Runaway Rapids features several waterfalls, geysers, fountains, and other water hazards, but are avoidable if you prefer not to get as wet.
Storm Surge: Take a ride on a giant raft with up to four people through various turns and drops into a splash pool.
.Wild Walleye: Two super fast inner tube water slides with tons of twists and turns.
Cedar Point Shores Rides For Younger Children
Cedar Point Shores Waterpark is known for its amazing waterslides, but it’s also a great destination for families with young children. The waterpark features a area specifically for families with younger kids. Here’s a look at the Cedar Point Shores rides for kids 36-inches and shorter:
Lakeslide Landing: Located next to Lemmy’s Lagoon, these slides allow kids to still enjoy the thrill of water slides, which empty into a shallow pool.
Lemmy’s Lagoon: This area is like no splash pad you’ve ever seen before. It has a Lake Erie monster slide, waterfalls, geysers, fountains, and tons of other cool features your kids will love.
Waterin’ Hole: This is basically a playground in the water, with slides and even a tire swing.
SplasH20: This cool multi-story structure is full of water slides and tons of other water features that will keep kids busy for hours. SplasH20 is similar to play structures you would find at many indoor water parks, like Castaway Bay for example.
There really are rides and attractions for everyone at Cedar Point Shores, from infants and toddlers to grandparents. I had followed updates as the park was being renovated, but I don’t think I realized how much there is to do at this water park.
Safety at Cedar Point Shores
Cedar Point Shores takes guest safety seriously. The waterpark offers so much fun, but within a controlled environment with several safety guidelines and precautions in place to keep everyone safe. All areas of the park feature multiple lifeguards and park employees to make sure that everyone is safe and following park guidelines.
Complimentary life jackets are available and often required at specific water park attractions depending on guest height. Life jackets are located in several spots within Cedar Point Shores. Guests are welcome to bring personal Coast Guard-certified life jackets if they prefer.
Cedar Point Shores Waterpark features a First Aid station for guests with medical needs.
Cedar Point Shores Dining
Cedar Point Shores Waterpark features several restaurants and other dining options, including:
- Beaches & Cream
- Crystal Rock Cafe
- Dippin’ Dots
- Dockside Grill
- Lemmy’s Walking Tacos
- Mufflehead’s Beach Bar
- Schooner’s Bayside Bar
Cedar Point Shores Dining Guidelines
Cedar Point Shores restaurants are eligible for any of Cedar Point’s Dining Plans. Like Cedar Point, Cedar Point Shores does not allow outside food or drinks into the park (with the exception of special diet/needs items). You can bring in unopened, individual water bottles, which we did. There is no picnic area outside of the waterpark.
Cedar Point Shores Cabana Rentals
Cedar Point Shores offers cabana rentals for guests who want a premium, dedicated home base while at the waterpark. The waterpark has four cabana rental options with different price points and benefits:
- Standard Cabana (8 guest Max, From $129)
- Premium Bronze Cabana (8 guest Max, From $239)
- Premium Silver Cabana (12 guest Max, From $279)
- Premium Gold Cabana (16 guest Max, From $299)
All cabana rentals come with a table, umbrella, and chairs and include free WiFi, a lockable storage box and poolside food & beverage service. Chaise lounge chairs are also available. Premium cabanas include additional features like a TV, ceiling fan, mini-fridge, and additional seating.
VIP Breakwater Lounge
Prestige and Prestige+ Season Passholders have access to extra perks with the VIP Breakwater Lounge, which is located by the Breakwater Bay wave pool. Benefits may depend on whether Cedar Point is your home park on your season pass. Contact Cedar Point for more details and guidelines.
Cedar Point Shores Parking
Parking is the same cost whether you are visiting Cedar Point or Cedar Point Shores (or both). There is a separate parking lot for waterpark guests located behind Cedar Point, near Hotel Breakers. Parking passes are available for purchase online or at the parking gate. Cedar Point uses a cashless system, so you must pay for parking using a debit card, credit card or mobile wallet payment apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Cedar Point Shores Bathhouses and Restrooms
There are a couple of bathhouses located inside Cedar Point Shores with changing rooms and showers. There are also several more restrooms located throughout the waterpark.
Cedar Point Shores Locker Rentals
Locker Rentals are available in multiple areas throughout Cedar Point Shores. The park is not responsible for personal items left on beach chairs and other areas. Use locker rentals if you don’t want to leave items unattended while you’re enjoying the park’s attractions.
Cedar Point Shores Tips
Here are some tips if you’re headed to Cedar Point Shores Waterpark this summer:
Get there early: Maximize your time at the water park by arriving at or before the waterpark opens. Arriving early also gives you first dibs on lounge chairs before other guests.
Stay hydrated: Cedar Point allows soft-sided coolers with unopened water bottles. Take advantage and bring enough drinks for the whole family. We packed ours in a backpack cooler. Cedar Point Shores offers water bottle refill stations near most park restrooms, so just keep filling up your bottles for free.
Find a good chair location: There is no seating area within the waterpark that allows you to see everywhere. Find chairs near the area you’ll spend most of your time and use them as a home base. If your kids are older and can go off on their own or in groups, use your chairs as a place for them to check in at designated times throughout the day.
Unfortunately, most of the seating in the waterpark is not shaded. There are grassy areas under the trees or near water slides where we’ve seen people find relief from the sun. You’ll want to bring a blanket if you decide to sit in these areas.
Wear shoes when you walk around the waterpark: The cement at Cedar Point Shores is crazy hot! Wearing shoes around the park isn’t ideal, but it will save you from burning your feet. Wear shoes, flip-flops, sandals or water shoes when walking on the cement walkways. Many guests leave their shoes and flip-flops near attraction entrances, but there is not a dedicated area for shoes, so leave them unattended at your own risk.
Pack your own food: Cedar Point Shores offers several dining options, but if you want to save money, pack a cooler and head to your vehicle for a quick lunch break.
Bring Sunscreen: Bring your favorite waterproof sunscreen and it frequently.
Protect your phone: Protect your phone, either with a waterproof case or other form of protection. We’ve seen several guests use waterproof phone lanyards. Phones are not allowed on select waterpark attractions.
Stay informed: Sign up for Cedar Point’s email newsletter and follow the amusement park on social media for the latest deals, discounts, promotions, and other important park news and information.
Cedar Point Shores Tickets
Cedar Point Shores tickets are available for purchase online or at the park gate. Single-day admission to Cedar Point Shores Waterpark starts at $49.99 per person. Waterpark tickets do not include admission to Cedar Point Amusement Park. Occasionally, Cedar Point offers special ticket packages that include admission to both parks. You can gain access to Cedar Point Shores and Cedar Point by purchasing Cedar Point season passes.
Visit Cedar Point Shores Waterpark
Cedar Point Shores is one of our favorite waterparks. The park offers a nice mix of rides and other attractions. We love to make a weekend of it and spend a day each at Cedar Point and Cedar Point Shores. There are several hotels, resorts, and other accommodation options within a short drive, including several Cear Point-owned properties.
Bayfront Resort at Crossview is a luxury RV and cottage resort located in Sandusky, Ohio, The resort features 39 RV sites with full hookups and 10 stunning, fully furnished cottages, each with its own picnic area, grill, and fire pit. Bayfront Resort features a refreshing heated pool, a clubhouse full of family-friendly games and activities, and a walkable breakwall along Sandusky Bay.
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What’s your favorite water park to visit during the summer? Let us know in the comments below.
Kevin Payne is the budgeting and family travel enthusiast behind FamilyMoneyAdventure.com. He’s also the host of the Family Money Adventure Show podcast, where he helps families learn to manage their money better so they can afford to do the things they love.
Kevin is a freelance writer specializing in personal finance and travel. He is a regular contributor to USA Today, Forbes Advisor, Bankrate, Fox Business, Credible, and CreditCards.com.
