Here’s What to Expect at Cedar Point’s HalloWeekends This Year
It’s officially spooky season, and Cedar Point’s HalloWeekends returns on Sept. 14. The event is back for a 26th year and runs on select days and nights from Sept. 14…
Cedar Point’s HalloWeekends – Photo courtesy of Cedar Point
Photo courtesy of Cedar PointIt's officially spooky season, and Cedar Point’s HalloWeekends returns on Sept. 14. The event is back for a 26th year and runs on select days and nights from Sept. 14 through Oct. 29. So, what to expect at Cedar Point's HalloWeekends this year?
HalloWeekends isn't just about thrills and chills. It also offers daytime family activities, such as corn and hay mazes, small tractors for kids, pumpkin decorating, trick-or-treating and more. But, if you want to be scared, there's that, too. Here are some of the attractions to expect this year.
What to Expect at Cedar Point's HalloWeekends This Year
Midnight Haunted Maze
The Midnight Haunted Maze, located near the GateKeeper roller coaster, is compliments with several other haunted mazes this year. The other haunted mazes are Bloodbath, Fearground Freak Show, Slaughter House and The Haunting of Eerie Estate. Entry is included with park admission.
Clownz: Death Metal Tour
Clownz: Death Metal Tour is located down the Gemini Midway. Here, you'll find live music from the "Butchers of Rock" band. What more can you ask for? Also, Clownz: Death Metal Tour one of five outdoor fright zones, including CornStalkers 2.0, Tombstone Terror-tory, Cut Throat Cove and Blood on the Bayou.
Tastes of HalloWeekends
Who's up for some delicious grub? This year offers new options, including smoked wings of fire, maple sausage on a stick with spicy sriracha maple syrup, cheesecake chimichangas with caramel and apple pie toppings, pumpkin pie spiced churros, Nashville chicken and waffles, the Oktoberfest pizza with mashed redskin potatoes, smoked kielbasa, sauerkraut and cheddar cheese and more.
Scream-worthy Entertainment
Halloween horror composers Midnight Syndicate will perform on the HalloWeekends Main Stage on select nights. As a release explains, "The 'Echoes of the Brimstone Club' show combines macabre melodies from their new album with live performers, pyrotechnics and a few sinister scares." How cool is that?
HalloWeekends runs Thursday nights, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Sept.14 through Oct. 29. For information, head to halloweekends.com.
America doesn't lack for having the best amusement parks. Whether you're a daredevil and want to ride the tallest, scariest roller coasters in the world or prefer just eating park food, a day at the park can be a super fun experience.
One great thing about theme parks is that you can usually find one within driving distance. This makes amusement parks a reasonable choice for a family vacation or weekend giveaway, especially if money is an issue. Amusement parks are also great for capturing memories for kids. When I was a child, my family took me to several parks in Michigan, California, Ohio and Florida, so I have great memories from those trips.
The best theme parks also have convenient lodging nearby, making the trip truly seamless. That's not to mention the awesome water parks that are often attached to today's theme parks. Also, even though theme parks are meant for kids, it's obvious that adults can have just as much fun at them, too.
Read on for our list of the 10 best amusement parks in America, from Cedar Point to Hersheypark. All of these are famous for their attractions, food and more. What's your favorite? Reach out to us on social media and let us know.
10. Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Dollywood is a favorite that's located in the Great Smokey Mountain area. Of course, it's named after the one and only Dolly Parton. If you're a country music fan, this is a must-see stop. Even if you aren't a huge country music listener, it's a great, traditional amusement park.
9. Kings Island, Mason, Ohio
Kings Island Theme Park is a little bit off the radar, but it's a great park. It's known for not only its amusement park but also its fantastic water park. Kings Island features a range of coasters, Planet Snoopy for the kids and more.
8. Legoland, Carlsbad, California
Legoland is simply legendary. Whoever had the idea to make an entire amusement park dedicated to Legos is a genius. The amusement park offers fun rides, live entertainment and more. You'll find a Legoland Water Park, too.
7. Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, Virginia
Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia, is one of those parks that you just hear about a lot. I feel like I've been hearing about it since I was a little kid, but I've never been there. Busch Gardens is known for being extremely beautiful and scenic, which is rare for an amusement park.
6. Knott's Berry Farm, Buena Park, California
Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California, is another spot that I've had the pleasure of visiting. When I was a kid, my family took me to California to see my aunt, and we went to not only Disneyland but also Knott's Berry Farm. The amusement park has more than 165 rides, attractions and more. They also have fun holiday and Halloween events.
5. Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, California (and in many other states)
Six Flags Magic Mountain is another huge name when it comes to parks. The spot, located in Valencia, California, is known for its amazing coasters. What's cool is that the park offers a mix of scary-type coasters for the big kids (and adults) and tame coasters for the kids (and wimpy adults, like me). Other Six Flags parks also belong here, too, as the chain has lots of locations across America.
4: Disney California Adventure Park, Anaheim, California
If you want that Disney experience but live on the West Coast, then you're much closer to Disney California Adventure Park, aka "Disneyland," than you are to Disney World. I've actually been to both parks, since my aunt lives near Disneyland, and I went as a kid. The park is super fun for those of any age, and it really gives you that Disney movie experience, but in a park. The park has been updated over the years, but it's more classic than Disney World.
3. Hersheypark, Hershey, Pennsylvania
If you're in the Pennsylvania area, then you absolutely have to go to Hersheypark. The park, which is owned by Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, helps to keep Milton S. Hershey's legacy alive. Not only do you get chocolate (yum!), but Hersheypark also offers roller coasters, water rides and more fun.
2. Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom, Orlando, Florida
There is something simply classic about Walt Disney World. It should be every kid's right of passage to go here. I'm fortunate that my parents took me to Disney World twice when I was little. I loved meeting my favorite princesses, but there is plenty to do for adults at the park, too.
1. Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio
Cedar Point is legendary in the Midwest. The park is considered the "Roller Coaster Capital of the World," since it has so many fantastic coasters to ride. If you're looking for major thrills, plus stuff to do for the family, Cedar Point is a great spot. Plus, it's not as pricey as some of the major parks.
