MASON, Ohio — Kings Island is gearing up for some exciting new attractions at its Soak City Water Park, which will foreshadow its summer 2025 season. The amusement park announced recently the addition of Ohio’s first dual-racing water coaster named RiverRacers, along with the opening of Splash River Junction, aimed at younger guests. This move not only reinforces Kings Island's reputation as the largest outdoor water park experience in Ohio but also introduces attractions geared toward family fun.
At the heart of this transformation is RiverRacers, which sets itself apart as Ohio’s only dual-racing water coaster. This innovative ride will have guests board side-by-side rafts at the starting line before plunging down the first drop, which promises speeds reaching up to 30 mph. With the aid of powerful water jets, riders will not only slide down but also be propelled uphill, making for a thrilling experience full of unexpected twists and turns.
"Our park guests have wanted the thrills of a water coaster for a long time, and you can never go wrong adding new experiences for kids and families to cool off together, especially in Soak City," said Mike Koontz, vice president and general manager of Kings Island. The ride features split lanes, allowing racers to mirror each other’s paths as they enter daring elements like dark tunnels equipped with special lighting effects, elevated turns, and the ultimate mega drop to determine the winner.
Complementing RiverRacers is the new Splash River Junction, which is set to be a haven for younger water adventurers. This play area will introduce seven water slides dubbed the Salamander Sliders, catering to kids with gentler slopes and tricks, ensuring the little ones also have their optimal wet-and-wild fun. The area promises to be colorful and inviting, encouraging more families to take advantage of Soak City’s offerings.
Bluegill Lagoon, the swimming area adjacent to the kids’ play zone, has undergone renovations to evoke the nostalgic feel of classic swimming holes, featuring water features like spouting towers and expansive areas for families to lounge and enjoy sunny days.
The recent announcement marks the first significant updates to Kings Island’s water park since 2016. Entry to Soak City will still be included with general Kings Island admission, providing additional value for guests. The renovations are geared toward enhancing the park’s family-friendly atmosphere, ensuring there’s something for every age group.
With all these changes, Kings Island is also rolling out its 2025 season passes, which currently allow access not just for the rest of 2024 but also for the entirety of 2025. Those opting for the Gold-tier season pass can benefit from offers including admission to all 42 Six Flags parks starting next year, accommodating thrill-seekers who might want to experience more rides across the brand's extensive network.
Having merged with Six Flags, Kings Island is set to leverage its newfound partnership to innovate and expand its attractions even more ambitively, propelling its status as a leading entertainment destination. The Kings Island team appears eager to meet the demands of its guests by delivering thrilling attractions catered to families and thrill-seekers alike.
For more information, and to stay updated on all things Kings Island, fans can visit the park's official site. Here’s to another monumental summer of fun at Kings Island!
