Family Fun at Worlds of Fun

Worlds of Fun has been a part of my summertime memories for as long as I can remember. This year the park celebrates its 50th anniversary and the return of the Zambezi Zinger, my very first roller coaster. I remember riding the Timberwolf on its opening day. As a teen, I was a season pass holder riding coasters for days on end. And, now, as a mother of four ride-loving daughters, it is still a summer tradition I love.

Some tips for the day:

• If you plan to visit both Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun in one day, you may rent a locker to store your things or you may get a handstamp as you come and go from your car with a bag. Bring towels and a change of clothing. You may wear a swimsuit and a swim cover-up at Worlds of Fun. Oceans of Fun requires swimwear for their attractions.
• They provide complimentary water cups at refreshment stands. When it is especially hot they frequently remind guests over the loudspeakers to drink plenty of water. As a mom, I appreciate the reminder for my family.
• Worlds of Fun offers meal deals so you may get the most bang for your food buck. Look at those packages for the best value for your family. Packages include all-season or all-day meals or drink refills. This is the best value when eating at the parks. Our favorite place to eat in the park is the Cotton Blossom. The turkey legs and barbecue meals are the best bang for your buck! 
• Remember your sunscreen and apply it often.
• Children can be officially measured and receive a wristband within Guest Relations to save time and negate the need to be measured at each ride. Planet Snoopy’s 20+ attractions require a minimum of 36”.
• You may bring a stroller or wagon if needed for your family, or they have them for rent as well.
• You may bring a picnic and eat at picnic spaces in the parking lot. This requires exiting and re-entering the park with a handstamp.
• The Worlds of Fun app provides information including ride height requirements, a map, and an estimate for ride wait times.
• Watch the Worlds of Fun Calendar for special events this season like 50 Nights of Fire, 4th of July Fireworks, Grand Carnivale, Great Pumpkinfest and more!

My family includes adults, teens, tweens and elementary-age kids and we all had a blast. The girls love the coasters throughout Worlds of Fun and I love the nostalgia of the classic rides like Viking Voyager, Le Taxi Tour, and Sea Dragon. 

Our family visits every theme park in Missouri each year, and one thing I have appreciated about Worlds of Fun for young children is Planet Snoopy. When my girls were younger, we spent most of our time at Planet Snoopy. With little ones this area is the BEST kids section we've found at an amusement park because a) the kids can ride everything (a few - i.e. the kiddie coaster - require an adult passenger with them). We love that Worlds of Fun chose rides for Planet Snoopy with a consistent height requirement so the rides that are appealing to my kids, can ride. The layout in Planet Snoopy is great - when the park is not crowded, I can easily watch two kids on two rides side by side, they have lots of benches for parents, the aisles are wide and easy to navigate, they offer a great variety of attractions (kid coaster, swings, cars, moon bounce, foam blasters, kid monorail, spinning rides, and more). Planet Snoopy features a family building with large bathrooms, changing tables, a nursing/baby feeding room, and a playroom when you need a little rest in the day. The main building is home to a gift shop and the Peanuts Theater. I am a big fan of Planet Snoopy for the quality of fun my little ones enjoy and the atmosphere (most relaxed at an amusement park) for parents.

In addition to Planet Snoopy, my girls, and husband LOVE all the roller coasters (Patriot is their favorite) - the number one reason to visit Worlds of Fun.  Our youngest daughter was excited to discover that she is FINALLY tall enough to ride Patriot and she delightedly enjoyed it multiple times during our visit to the park.

In addition to Patriot, we love Spinning Dragons, Prowler, Mamba, Boomerang... and we can't wait to try out the Zambezi Zinger!

For those who don't love thrill rides, the park also offers traditional rides including a carousel, Scrambler, Bumper Cars, and a variety of traditional amusement park rides.

Worlds of Fun is a must-do for your Kansas City Summer Bucket List!