What you need to know if you're planning a road trip to Kentucky Kingdom
Kentucky Kingdom is less than two hours from Indianapolis by car, and it's opening this weekend. But this year, you'll have more chances to make the trip.
In 2024, the amusement park will be open for 134 days, according to a news release. Special celebrations are a part of the schedule, including the new Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom experience Nov. 29, 2024, through Jan. 4, 2025. Two other inaugural celebrations added to the schedule for 2024 include Petal Palooza and the Red, White and Bluegrass Bash.
Here's what you need to know about Kentucky Kingdom for 2024:
When does Kentucky Kingdom open in 2024?
Kentucky Kingdom opens to season passholders for Preview Night on Friday, May 10, 2024, and gates open to the public on Saturday, May 11, 2024.
When does Hurricane Bay open in 2024? Will it be open Memorial Day weekend?
Hurricane Bay opens Memorial Day weekend in 2024, starting on Saturday, May 25.
Who owns Kentucky Kingdom?
Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay is owned by Herschend Family Entertainment.
Where is Six Flags' Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay located?
Kentucky Kingdom is located at 937 Phillips Lane in Louisville.
What time does Kentucky Kingdom open? What are amusement park hours?
Kentucky Kingdom opens at 11 a.m. ET most days but hours vary daily. For a schedule of park hours, visit kentuckykingdom.com.
What time does Hurricane Bay open? What are water park hours?
Hurricane Bay opens at 11 a.m. ET most days but hours vary daily. For a schedule of park hours, visit kentuckykingdom.com.
What time does Kentucky Kingdom close?
Kentucky Kingdom closes at 7 p.m. ET most days but hours vary daily, especially on weekends. For a schedule of park hours, visit kentuckykingdom.com.
What time does Hurricane Bay close?
Hurricane Bay closes at 6 p.m. ET most days but hours vary daily. For a schedule of park hours, visit kentuckykingdom.com.
How much is parking at Kentucky Kingdom in 2024?
Parking at Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay is $12 per car and $25 per bus, according to the website. Park goers who plan ahead can visit during Free Parking Days to save some cash.
How much are Kentucky Kingdom tickets?
There are multiple ticket options depending on the frequency of your visits to the amusement park. Here are your options:
How much is a day pass at Kentucky Kingdom?
Kentucky Kingdom offers single-day and two-day admission price options to match your length of stay:
One-Day General Admission ? Single-day ticket prices range from $29.99 to $49.99 depending on the day of the year. Discounts are available for children ages 4-9 and seniors ages 62 and older.
Two-Day General Admission ? Two-day ticket prices range from $39.99 to $57.99 depending on the day of the year.
Special ticket prices are also available for military and first responders and their families ages 10 to 61 starting at $29.99. Group tickets are also available beginning at $39.99 for single-day tickets and $44.99 for two-day tickets. Select special pricing offers also available including Education in Motion on May 17, 20 or 22; Homeschool Day on June 4; Teacher Appreciation Day on June 11; Summer Camp Days on June 12, June 26, July 10 and July 24; Boy Scout Day on June 18; and Girl Scout Day and June 25.
How much is a 2024 Kentucky Kingdom Season Pass?
There are three tiers for season passes at Kentucky Kingdom. The last day for reduced pricing is Sunday, June 9.
Silver Pass ? Save $25 now when you buy a pass for $79.99. Benefits include:
Unlimited visits
Free parking
3 Bring-A-Friend discounts
Exclusive events
10% food, retail and photo discounts
10% cabana discounts
Gold Pass ? Save $25 now when you buy a pass for $89.99. Benefits include:
Unlimited visits
Free parking
3 Bring-A-Friend free tickets (May, June, August)
3 Bring-A-Friend discounts
Exclusive events
20% food, retail and photo discounts
Free soft drinks
20% cabana discounts
Free souvenir cup
Hurricane Bay early access
Diamond Pass ? Save $60 now when you buy a pass for $144.99. Benefits include:
Unlimited visits
Free parking
4 Bring-A-Friend free tickets (unrestricted)
4 Bring-A-Friend discounts (unrestricted)
Exclusive events
20% food, retail and photo discounts
Free soft drinks
20-50% cabana discounts
Free diamond tumbler
Hurricane Bay early access
Early access to seating at shows
Free 2024 Kentucky Kingdom Pre-K Season Pass
Children ages 3 to 5 can obtain a free Pre-K Season Pass for 2024. Parents only need to register a qualifying child online and activate the child's pass in person on any operating day at the park.
Kentucky Kingdom Sunshine Guarantee Pass
Some rides and attractions may be closed during inclement weather to ensure guest safety. The park does not offer Sunshine Passes (rain checks) or refunds under these circumstances.
However, when inclement weather requires Kentucky Kingdom to close the majority of rides for at least a 90-minute window during a visit, the facility provides Sunshine Passes to guests who had a paid admission ticket for that specific day.
Sunshine Passes allow guests to visit Kentucky Kingdom another day during the season at no charge. Season pass and complimentary ticket holders are not eligible.
Kentucky Kingdom hotels
Kentucky Kingdom has special offers through preferred hotel and specially discounted tickets during stays. Visit lodging.kentuckykingdom.com for participating hotels.
Customers can also call 888-255-1214 for unpublished rates and exclusive offers, according to the website.
Kentucky Kingdom rides
Kentucky Kingdom family rides
Kentucky Kingdom Pre-K rides
Kentucky Kingdom roller coasters
Kentucky Kingdom family thrill rides
Kentucky Kingdom family water rides
Hurricane Bay rides
Hurricane Bay family rides
Hurricane Bay Pre-K rides
Hurricane Bay rivers
Hurricane Bay slides
Hurricane Bay thrill rides
Hurricane Bay wave pools
Kentucky Kingdom map
Visit kentuckykingdom.com to download the amusement park map.
Kentucky Kingdom 2024 dining
There are plenty of locations inside the park to grab a bite to eat or find refreshments:
Kentucky Kingdom restaurants and eateries
Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom (seasonal)
Kentucky Kingdom 2024 dining
There are plenty of locations inside the park to grab a bite to eat or find refreshments:
Kentucky Kingdom restaurants and eateries
Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom (seasonal)
Kentucky Kingdom 2024 Memorial Day Weekend Military Picnic
Memorial Weekend Picnic ? Admission plus the picnic, or just the picnic add-on. Live music performed by The Skinny.
Kentucky Kingdom 2024 events
Kentucky Kingdom information, policies and special services
Visit kentuckykingdom.com for more information on park policies and special services.
Chris Sims is a digital content producer at Midwest Connect Gannett. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisFSims.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Kentucky Kingdom: When it opens, how to get tickets and what to ride