Tips and Secrets to Exploring Worlds of Fun

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Having been born and raised in Kansas City, I always take for granted how easy it is to visit Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun for a fun-filled staycation! And for those coming from out of town, you probably want to understand the lay of the land (no pun intended...get it?..."Worlds of Fun"). Here are a handful of tips from my own family visits to this amazing Kansas City amusement park that you might find helpful when you are visiting Worlds of Fun with kids. I hope this Worlds of Fun guide helps answer any questions you have about bringing your littles to the park!

1. Get a height wristband at guest services.

This will save you a ton of time when your kiddo is getting on rides so they do not have to measure them each time. Just show them the wristband when they enter the ride!

2. Consider going on a week day.

Weekdays typically have less people, which means more rides in less time.

3. Visit Oceans of Fun first.

While I don't always follow this rule, I know that if you want to beat the crowds, most tend to go to Worlds of Fun first and then leave for Oceans of Fun so they don't have to change to go back into the park. By going against the grain, you are potentially beating the crowds. You'll also get a chance to dry off by riding the rides before getting back into the car.

4. Know the "milestone rides".

Milestone rides are basically the ones that everyone LOVES once they meet that height requirement. If you get your kids checked in at 36", the first ride I would recommend taking them on is the Viking Voyager. It's a boat ride with a mild drop at the end where everyone gets splashed. It's pretty much our initiation ride for each one of our kids once they get to 36". In that same area, they've added the newest attraction in 2018, the Nordic Chaser for those a bit taller at 40".

5. Plan your meals accordingly!

Worlds of Fun has great food. They offer a meal plan that you can purchase to save money if you are visiting the park often. They also have regional and seasonal events (we love their Halloween Haunt), so check their calendar to see what's going on! Our favorite places to eat include the pizza stand right near the entrance, Coasters and Drive In (air conditioned), Battle Creek Barbeque (air conditioned) and a little burger joint tucked away in Oceans of Fun (because it's good food and the line is typically short because no one knows it is there). I would also get the bottle that provides you with a free drink all day (and $0.99 refills next time you come). It's totally worth it - especially on a super hot, summer day!

6. Allow each child a set amount of spending money.

There are amusement park games, gift shops and snack stands scattered throughout Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun. Letting your kids know they have a finite amount of money to spend may save you from 20,000 questions on buying things!

7. Use the Family Center.

Inside Camp Snoopy is a family center that is quiet and air conditioned for when the kids need a bio break. Here, you'll find changing tables, private nursing areas and a small play area!

8. Stating the obvious, visit Camp Snoopy.

I've been going to Worlds of Fun since the ’80s. They have stepped up their game big time on Planet Snoopy at Worlds of Fun. They have SO MANY rides for kids under 36". Seriously!! If you have multiple kids shorter than 36", you might want to make sure you have an equal number of adults to ride along. Otherwise you'll be swapping out riders! They've added rides where kids get to lay on their bellies, fun plane rides and so much more!

9. Ride the train for a break.

When you ride the train, you'll get to tour the park. Sometimes, the train ride has a "robbery" show that ensues, which is super fun for kids who love to play "cops and robbers". Also, make sure you stop and read the funny signs around the train station! Adults will get a kick out of it. During the train ride, make sure you keep your eye out for the Dinosaur exhibit!

10. Pre-K and Gold Season Pass.

If you have a child under age 5, you can sign up for the Pre-K Season pass which allows them free entry to the park for the entire season! Get the Gold Pass if you are visiting more than two times within the season because you'll hit the break with unlimited visits to Worlds of Fun, Oceans of Fun, Halloween Haunt, the Great Pumpkin Fest and WinterFest, PLUS free parking. Even if you are an out-of-towner, considering the difference between the regular ticket and the Gold Pass may be worth it even if you are going ONE time because of the savings on parking and discounts on food and merchandise while you are in the park!

I'd love to hear tips that you think are most important when visiting Worlds of Fun! Any questions that I can help answer? Hearing ideas or experiences is interesting and helpful to other readers, so please share yours below!

Check out the Worlds of Fun Winterfest review on some of the special events that they also hold every year!

Kansas City Trip Ideas

If you loved this review of Hallmark Kaleidoscope for kids, check out the following posts about Kansas City:

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