Kings Dominion Height Requirements for Kids and Families

Kings Dominion, one of the thrilling amusement East coast theme parks nestled in Doswell, Virginia, not only offers heart-pounding amusement park rides and exciting new attractions but also a delightful array of entertaining shows, delicious dining options, and favorite rides Memorial Day through end of December each year!

Kings Dominion Height Requirements for Kids and Families

Kings Dominion is Virginia's best theme park for families to visit for endless fun.  Enjoy favorite things for every member of your family from delicious food, fun thrill rides, live shows, and special offers and events.  If you are considering visiting King's Dominion amusement park in Doswell, Virginia plan ahead to maximize fun and memories for your whole family. Read these tips for future visits with kids here.

The best age to visit Kings Dominion can vary based on individual preferences, interests, and the types of attractions one enjoys. Kings Dominion offers a diverse range of rides and attractions suitable for different age groups.

Here are some considerations when planning a great time at Kings Dominion.  Whether it's a first time visit for hot summer days or return trips for veteran thrill seekers this guide helps plan your rides to Kings Dominion and at Soak City Water Park.

Pros of Visting Kings Dominion with Various Ages of Children:

  1. Young Children (Ages 3-7):

    • Kings Dominion has a dedicated area called Planet Snoopy, which is specifically designed for younger children. It features kid-friendly rides, attractions, and interactions with Peanuts characters. This age group may particularly enjoy the gentler rides and the overall family-friendly atmosphere.

  2. Tween and Teenagers (Ages 8-17):

    • Tweens and teenagers often find Kings Dominion appealing due to the variety of thrilling roller coasters and rides. The park offers a mix of high-intensity and family rides, making it suitable for a broad age range. Older children and teenagers may also enjoy the water park, Soak City.

  3. Young Adults and Adults (18+):

    • Kings Dominion caters to adults with its array of roller coasters, thrill rides, and entertainment options. If you enjoy adrenaline-pumping experiences and entertainment shows, you may find the park enjoyable.

  4. Families:

    • Families with a mix of age groups can find something for everyone at Kings Dominion. The park's diverse offerings, including family rides, water attractions, and live entertainment, make it suitable for a family outing.

Ultimately, the best age to visit Kings Dominion depends on individual preferences and the type of experience you are seeking. It's a good idea to review the park's attractions and entertainment options to determine if they align with the interests and age range of your group. Additionally, checking for height and age requirements for certain rides can help ensure that everyone in your party can fully enjoy the park.

Family Care Center at Kings Dominion:

Looking to cool off in some AC with the little ones? The Planet Snoopy Family Care Center has it all. The newly expanded 1,100 square foot facility is located next to the restroom in Planet Snoopy and also features a room for parents to feed their children and a microwave to warm up your child’s bottle.

Navigating Height Requirements at Kings Dominion: What You Need to Know

Kings Dominion is an amusement park that offers thrills and excitement for visitors of all ages. From towering roller coasters to interactive attractions, there's something for everyone. However, when planning your visit, it's crucial to be aware of height restrictions on certain rides to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for you and your family.

Understanding Height Requirements:

  1. Safety First: Height restrictions are in place to ensure the safety of all riders. These guidelines are set by ride manufacturers and are strictly enforced by park staff. They're designed to prevent any potential risks during the ride.

  2. Variety of Rides: Kings Dominion boasts a wide range of attractions, each with its own set of height requirements. From mild to extreme thrills, there's a ride suitable for every member of the family.

  3. Measuring Stations: Before heading to a ride, make use of the measuring stations located throughout the park. These stations allow guests to check the height of children to determine which rides they can safely enjoy.

Understanding the Height Restrictions at Kings Dominion:

  • Height Minimum: Different rides have varying minimum height requirements. For instance, a gentle carousel might have no height restriction, while a high-speed coaster may require riders to be a certain height to participate.

  • Accompanying Riders: In some cases, a child who doesn't meet the height requirement can ride if accompanied by a responsible adult. However, this varies from ride to ride and is subject to specific guidelines.

  • Safety Measures: Even if a child meets the height requirement, they must still abide by safety rules, such as wearing seat belts or harnesses as directed by ride attendants.

  • Riders can get a color-coded wristband to help identify rides for younger family members.

Tips for a Seamless Experience:

  1. Plan Ahead: Before your visit, familiarize yourself with the height requirements for each ride. This helps in managing expectations and avoids disappointment when certain attractions might be inaccessible.

  2. Measure in Advance: If you're unsure about your child's height, measure them at home to get an accurate idea before arriving at the park.

  3. Be Patient and Understanding: While height restrictions might lead to some rides being off-limits, remember that they exist to ensure everyone's safety.

  4. Plan your Attire:  Skip the flip flops, Kings Dominion is a LOT of walking.  You will want comfortable clothes that are breathable for long lines and warm days during your great adventure.  

 Under 46 inches height requirement for rides:

1. Carousel - Grab the reins of your favorite horse and prepare to ride the classic Carousel with your family and friends. It is a tradition for many families to enjoy a ride together on the Carousel when they visit Kings Dominion. This attraction indulges your sense of nostalgia.

One of the last wooden carousels left operating in the world. The ride features 66 beautiful carved horses, including Ruby, our special 40th Anniversary horse, featuring old-fashioned melodies played on a classic band organ.  Guests must be 46" tall to ride alone OR accompanied by a supervising companion.

2. Peanuts Road Rally This road rally is the real deal to tiny drivers, delivering big-rig fun.  Guests may be no taller than 54 inches to ride.

3. Peanuts Turnpike - Young drivers slide behind the wheel of their very own automobile and take a spin around the neighborhood. Guests may be no taller than 54 inches to ride.

4. Snoopy's Junction - This kid-sized replica of an authentic steam locomotive is on track to deliver a fantastic time to young guests and those young at heart. Conductor Snoopy and his trusty assistant Woodstock will drive you around a relaxing loop filled with colorful scenery and lively tunes. Guests must be 36" tall to ride alone OR accompanied by a supervising companion.

5. Boo Blasters on Boo Hill - Interactive dark ride experience. Riders have a special weapon called a Boo Blaster to zap Boocifer and all the Ghosts away. Has 72 animated props throughout the ride.  Minimum height of 42 inches.

6. Charlie Brown's Wind Up - As the swings start turning and lifting high in the air, little batters can send the ball flying to the moon, where they’ll join its path as they fly through the air -- with feet dangling free as a bird. And just like professional ball players run around the bases, pint-size players will speed around and around in their colorful swings, waving to their adoring fans all the while.  Guests must be 36" tall to ride alone OR accompanied by a supervising companion.

7.Eiffel Tower - Ride to the top of one of Kings Dominion's signature attractions for a birds-eye view of the park and surrounding area. One of the park's original and signature attractions.  The Eiffel Tower stands 315 feet and is a one-third replica of the original Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.

8. Joe Cool's Driving School - Experience the fun of the hectic highway as you drive a pint-sized car around the Planet Snoopy Expressway. Guests must be 40" tall AND no taller than 60" to ride.

9.  Kite Eating Tree - Kite-Eating Tree ride, they’ll start grinning as wide as the tree canopy. This miniature drop ride will lift kiddos up, up, up to tree-top levels of 20 feet and then, with unexpected jiggles that might just cause unexpected giggles, bounce them gently up and down until they return to the ground.  Guests must be 36" tall to ride.

10. Lucy's Crabbie Cabbies - Move out of the way! It’s time for the kids to take over the driver’s seat in these mini bumper cars. Guests must be no taller than 54" to ride.

11. Lucy's Tugboat - boat rides deliver quite the zany ride on the high seas -- up and down the sweeping waves, spinning here and there, all the while not quite knowing where she’ll land. Make sure to bring your sea legs on this crazy adventure!

12. Peanuts 500 - this stock car race still demands a hefty amount of strategy to get the glory of a win. Lap after lap, kiddos are sure to have a blast during their entire time on Snoopy’s oval speedway, all the way to the checkered flag. Guests must be 42" tall to ride alone OR accompanied by a supervising companion.

13. Sally's Sea Plane - crazy airplane adventure that rotates and rises into the air.Guests must be 36" tall to ride alone OR accompanied by a supervising companion. 

14. Snoopy vs. Red Baron - Young fighter pilots can join the mission, choosing one of the colorful, miniature fighter planes and hopping on board. Once in the pilot seat, kiddos will take the controls and determine their own experience on the Snoopy vs. Red Baron ride -- dip or climb, mild or wild!  Guests must be 36" tall AND no taller than 54" to ride.

15. Snoopy's Rocket Express - While on Snoopy’s Rocket Express, you and your space crew will get out-of-this-world views of Woodstock Whirly Birds, Snoopy’s Junction, The Great Pumpkin Coaster, and Joe Cool’s Driving School. From liftoff until landing, all space explorers on Snoopy’s Rocket Express will be grinning to the moon and back. Guests must be 42" tall to ride alone OR accompanied by a supervising companion.

16. Snoopy's Space Buggies - sit back and enjoy the ride on Snoopy’s intergalactic vehicles as they bounce up and down along the way on a super-fun trip through outer space. Guests must be 36" tall to ride alone OR accompanied by a supervising companion.

17. Woodstock Whirlybirds - Take hold of the rotating wheel and spin as fast or slow as you want; that determines just how mild or wild your ride is. Guests must be 36" tall to ride alone OR accompanied by a supervising companion.

18. Americana ferris wheel - The first ferris wheel that was introduced at Kings Dominion and an attraction that families have enjoyed riding together for generations.  Riders can enjoy the ferris wheel alone at 48 inches but need a companion if under 48 inches.

19. Apple Zapple - Families will enjoy riding this fast-paced roller coaster with sudden turns and drops.  Riders can enjoy alone at 54 inches or ride with a companion at 44 inches.

20. Arachnidia - Arachnidia will have you spinning in more ways than one as you spin both clockwise and counterclockwise during this intense, centrifugal-forced ride. If you experience arachnophobia, you’ll be in for a real thrill as you take on the twists, turns and spins throughout the ride that will have you over your fear of spiders in no time!   48 inches to ride alone or 36 inches with a companion rider.

21. Bad Apple - Riders whirl, twirl and spin on this attraction.Guests must be 50" tall to ride alone OR 42" tall and accompanied by a supervising companion.

22. Blue RIdge Tollway - drive through the forest on these classic gas-powered antique cars. An all-time favorite and must-do attraction for families. 42 inches to ride alone or smaller with a companion.

23. Flying Ace - Strap on your aviators and get ready for a high-flying adventure with Snoopy on Flying Ace. Guests must be 48" tall to ride alone OR 44" tall and accompanied by a supervising companion.

24. Flying Ace Balloon Race - This adventurous ride is just about as close as you can get to the majestic feeling of riding in a hot air balloon, without actually stepping into a wicker basket and taking flight. Flying Ace Balloon Race will create fun memories for the whole family.Guests must be 42" tall to ride alone OR accompanied by a supervising companion.

25. Flying Eagles - start spinning at a high speed, so much so that you’ll start to spin outward and rise above the ground. Once in the air, you take matters into your own hands by operating the carriage’s controls in order to command the eagle’s flight. Guests must be 44" tall to ride alone OR 36" tall and accompanied by a supervising companion.

26. Great Pumpkin Coaster - the most perfect first roller coaster there ever was!  Take Linus with you in search of the Great Pumpkin throughout the year, as you venture through two turns, hills, and great dips on this junior steel roller coaster. Guests must be 40" tall to ride alone OR 36" tall and accompanied by a supervising companion.

27. Linus Launcher - You’ll lie face-down and side-by-side with your own buddy on one of Linus’ “blankets” -- all while your feet are dangling off the back end. As the ride starts, hold on tight, because you’ll quickly pick up speed and rise high above the ground. Guests must be 42" tall to ride alone OR 36" tall and accompanied by a supervising companion.

28. Reptilian - While you glide through the jungle waters on Reptilian at high speed, you’ll also be riding on the only ride of its kind in the Americas!  Guests must be 46" tall to ride alone OR 40" tall and accompanied by a supervising companion.

29. Shenandoah Lumber Co.- One of the most popular attractions at Kings Dominion. Fun for the entire family.Excursion experience includes navigating your way over a thrilling 40-foot waterfall. Guests must be 46" tall to ride alone OR 36" tall and accompanied by a supervising companion.

33. White Water Canyon -  This dizzying water adventure features large, family-size rafts for six people. Once aboard, riders are at the mercy of a 1,800-foot long journey across powerful waves and torrents, concluding at a cascading waterfall. Each drenching ride is unique, so there’s no telling what your erratic escape will entail!Guests must be 46" tall to ride.

34. Woodstock Express - One of the fastest rides in Planet Snoopy.  Parents who grew up going to Kings Dominion like me will know and remember this ride as Scooby-Doo!  Woodstock Express Roller Coaster in the heart of Planet Snoopy will take you on a wild and crazy trip just like Woodstock’s flights – up, down, and all around.  Guests must be 46" tall to ride alone OR 40" tall and accompanied by a supervising companion.

Above 48 inches height requirement for rides:

1. Backlot Stunt Coaster - acceleration of 0 to 40 miles per hour in – wait for it – three seconds. Yes, seconds. The helter-skelter chase proceeds through a parking garage via a series of crazy helixes and then up, down and all-around a fleet of police cars, around high-banked turns, and much more – all the while trying to dodge repeated gunfire. Worn out yet? We’re just getting started! Backlot Stunt Coaster is your ultimate destination for non-stop, white-knuckle action from start to finish.

2. Berserker - This vessel swings back and forth in a pendulum motion, gaining speed and altitude with each cycle. Eventually, it reaches the top of the 360-degree loop and pauses, suspending riders upside down for a breathless moment before completing its rotation. Maximum height of 76 inches to ride.  

3. Deliriium - 40 riders facing outwards rotate on a central pendulum and swing to a height of 115 feet, reaching a maximum arc angle of 120 degrees.  Guests must be 54" tall to ride.

4. Dodgem - The thrills and zany adventures that only bumper cars can deliver have been at Kings Dominion since way back in 1975, but the pure joy and adrenaline of bashing and bumping the competition.

5. Dominator - Scream through five inversions at speeds up to 67 miles per hour on the longest floorless steel roller coaster in the world, including one of the largest vertical loops in the world. Guests must be 54" tall AND no taller than 78" accompanied to ride.

6. Drop Tower - Feel your heart drop when you plunge a staggering 27 stories from a height of 305 feet at a speed of 72 miles per hour on the longest Gyro height drop in the world. 

7. Flight of Fear - Get ready for an adrenaline rush like no other when you catapult from zero to 54 miles per hour in just four seconds on this heart-pounding adventure in total darkness through four inversions. The ride was one of the first linear induction motor LIM-launched coasters in the world. Guests must be 54" tall to ride.

8. Grizzly - Adventure-seekers are sent roaring through 3,162 feet of track through a dense forest on this popular wooden roller coaster. The double-figure-eight layout makes for an exhilarating ride!

9. Project 305 - The ride stands 305 feet at its highest point with a first drop of 300 feet at an 85-degree angle.Roller coaster enthusiasts rave about the ride's high-speed twists and turns.  Voted "Best New Roller Coaster of 2010" by Amusement Today.

10. Racer 75 - Twin racing trains compete for the finish on this traditional out and back wooden thrilling roller coaster. Guests must be 36" tall to ride.

11. Tumbili - Tumbili, Virginia’s first 4D Spin floorless Coaster, is a thrilling roller coaster that suspends riders on either side of the track as the cars flip continuously throughout the ride. Featuring state-of-the-art magnetic technology that induces and controls spinning, this 4D Spin Coaster will give riders the feeling of weightlessness as they cruise along the track tumbling and spinning head over heels in the rainforest tree canopy. Guests must be 48" tall AND no taller than 77" to ride.

12. Twisted Timbers On the outskirts of Candy Apple Grove, riders will need to hold on tight because this ride has a twist!  Guests must be 48" tall to ride.

13. Wave Swinger - This giant swing attraction takes riders up in the air more than 30 feet for a soothing, wave motion experience. Guests must be 48" tall to ride.

14.Wind Seeker - Feel the exhilaration of a bird in flight as the ride’s mighty arms extend outward at a 45-degree angle and the swings reach incredible speeds of 30 miles per hour. The Windseeker’s dizzying height of 300-feet (yes, that’s 27 stories) promises views of almost the entire park and out as far as 18 miles on a clear day.   Guests must be 52" tall to ride.

15. Anaconda -  The first looping rollercoaster in the WORLD to feature an underwater tunnel.  Riders 144 feet into the depths of the Anaconda. You'll be rocketed through 2,700 feet of track at speeds up to 50 miles per hour through an underwater tunnel, vertical loops, sharp twists, and turns.

What is the best first coaster to ride with your child?

Any of the rides in Planet Snoopy are geared towards really little visitors, but I would recommend Snoopy's Junction or Sally's Sea Plane!  For the first real roller coaster to ride as a young child, Great Pumpkin Coaster will have your child hooked in no time!

Height Requirements for Soak City Rides:

Soak City is Kings Dominion's 20-acre waterpark packed with extreme water slides, interactive splash pad areas,45-foot multi-level play structure, lazy river, massive wave pools and live entertainment. Beat the hot days in Virginia with unique attractions and lots of fun waiting for you and your family at Kings Dominion & Soak city!  

Amazing fun awaits your family whether you are looking forward to the new slide complex, relaxing in the lounge chairs, enjoying some delicious food and drinks, or splashing in the kids area, you and your family will have a splashtastic blast in the Soak City 20-acre water park.  

 Come find out more about the best parts of Soak City for the thrill seeker in you!

Under 46 inches in Soak City

1. Lazy Rider - On this classic lazy river, you can nestle down into a colorful, cushy inner tube, put your shades on, lie back and let the gentle current do all the work of advancing you down and around the river. You’ll meander down the 1,000-foot long waterway to a destination of pure relaxation and enjoy some delightful scenery along the way. Children under 42” tall must wear a life vest and be accompanied by a supervising companion.  Children under 48” tall must wear a life vest.

2. Free Stylin' - An inner tube ride in which guests experience a variety of curves. Guests must be 40” tall ride. Guests between 40" & 52” tall must wear a life vest.

3. Lighthouse Landing -  Nothing says fun in the sun quite like exploring your way through an interactive multi-level aqua play structure! Guests of all ages can explore their way to the top of Lighthouse Landing, an interactive multi-level aqua play structure featuring over 200 elements, 8 twisting slides, and much more. Plus, Lighthouse Landing will feature not one but TWO gigantic water-tipping buckets to give you a real splash! Guests must be 40" tall to ride alone OR accompanied by a supervising companion.

4. Lil' Barefoot Beach - A spacious splash-filled pool just for the little ones that's big on fun! There is no minimum height requirement to play in this water play area.

5. Sand Dune Lagoon - Little ones can make waves and have a splash-tastic time at Sand Dune Lagoon, a 36” deep kiddie wave pool featuring 1-foot-tall waves and interactive splash elements. Sand Dune Lagoon will take you to a tropical paradise under the sun with a waterfall and sea creatures nearby to help set the scene. Guests must be between 42" - 54" OR accompanied by a supervising companion.

6. Splash Island - small slides designed for young children and multiple jets of streaming water that spray up from the ground as well as overhead. Little ones can let their imaginations run wild as they get soaked underneath large cascading flowers, take a trip down a slide, or pump and direct water that shoots out from one of the many splash pad creatures. Splash Island also offers options for parents and family members looking to relax and soak up the sun in the adjacent lounge area while they watch the children play. 

7. Tidal Wave Bay Wave Pool - Filled with hundreds of thousands of gallons of water, Tidal Wave Bay offers hours of swimming adventure. Children under 42” tall must wear a life vest and be accompanied by a supervising companion.  Children under 52” tall must wear a life vest.

8. Zoom Flume - Families enjoy this rafting adventure together. Four riders at a time climb aboard the raft and “zoom” down the curving and tilting raging water path. Guests must be 42" tall to ride.

Above 48 inches in Soak City:

1. Aqua Blast - Aqua Blast sends riders twisting and spiraling through an enclosed chute featuring four intense 360-degree loops across 449 feet of slide before they’re dropped out into a pool of water.

2. Hurricane Heights -  Hurricane Heights is a 65-foot tall slide complex featuring three thrilling new attractions. Must be 48" tall to ride.

On Paradise Plunge, thrill-seekers will step into one of three chambers and wait anxiously for the floor to drop out from underneath their feet, sending them in a high-speed, almost vertical free fall through a series of loops and s-curves in a translucent flume.

Aqua Blast will send riders twisting and spiraling through an enclosed chute featuring four intense 360-degree loops across 449 feet of slide before they’re dropped out into a pool of water.

A wet and wild adventure will await guests on Thunder Falls as they climb into a single tube before being launched down a series of intense drops and turns.

3. Pipeline Peak-  Four totally enclosed slides. Night Slider and Power Plunge are body slides beginning at the top of a 77-foot platform. Rip Slide and Turbo Twister are inner tube slides starting from a 45-foot platform.  Guests must be 48” tall to ride.

4. Thunder Falls - The twin slides of Thunder Falls shoot you down a series of high speed drops and bank as you hold on tight to your tube. Using a series of slide path designs, these tube slides offers a variety of exciting twists, turns and drops that are sure to put a smile on your face.  Guests must be 48" tall to ride.

Above 52 inches in Soak CIty

1. Baja Bends - A twisting fiberglass water slide.  Guests must be taller than 52" to ride.

Kings Dominion Tickets 

  1. Single-Day Tickets: These are tickets that grant admission to the park for one day.

  2. Season Passes: Season passes typically allow unlimited visits throughout the operating season. They also come with additional perks and benefits like free parking.

  3. Group Tickets: Amusement parks often offer discounted rates for groups, such as schools, companies, or large parties. You will need a party of 15 to purchase these at Kings Dominion.

  4. Fast Lane Passes: Some parks offer add-ons like Fast Lane or VIP passes that allow holders to skip regular lines for certain attractions.

There are various Season Pass Options at Kings Dominion:

1. Silver Pass - Valid through Labor Day

2. Gold Pass -  Gives you an extended season pass with unlimited fall and halloween haunt visits and free general parking.

3. Presitge Pass - Gives you unlimited visits through halloween haunt as well as free preferred parking.

 Supercharge your Gold or Prestige Pass with the All Park Passport. This season pass add-on extends the validity of your Kings Dominion pass to all Cedar Fair parks. Not only that, but your favorite Gold and Prestige Pass benefits can also be redeemed for easy access at other parks in the Cedar Fair family.

Ways to Save at Kings Dominion

Online Discounts: Purchasing tickets online in advance may offer discounts compared to buying them at the gate.

Military Discounts: Some parks provide discounted tickets for military personnel and their families.

Remember, pricing and ticket options can change, so it's advisable to check the official Kings Dominion website or contact their customer service directly for the latest information.

Dining Plans at Kings Dominion:

Kings Dominion's meal plans offer an array of choices, catering to varying preferences and visit durations. Whether it's a single meal or a season-long feast, these plans provide convenience and value for visitors exploring the park's adventures.

Before purchasing any meal plan, it's advisable to check the current prices and inclusions directly through Kings Dominion's official website or contact their guest services for the most updated information.

So, gear up for a day of thrills and spills at Cedar Fair Parks Kings Dominion, complemented by a palate-pleasing adventure through their diverse meal plan options!  Save money by purchasing a single day dining pass or season pass dining to stay well fed during your day of so much fun.  There are also picnic areas outside in the parking lot if you are looking for ways to cut costs as well.  

Kings Dominion's refillable drink cups offer a convenient and cost-effective way to enjoy unlimited beverages during a visit or throughout the operating season. By adhering to the rules and utilizing the strategically placed refill stations, visitors can stay refreshed while exploring the park's attractions. Yes, present your All Season Souvenir Bottle or your Season Pass if you have the Season Pass Drink Plan at any Cedar Fair park to enjoy the same refill benefits. You can use these on any public operating day, and the programs are valid for the regular season, as well as Halloween events and WinterFest

At Kings Dominion, safety is a top priority. Understanding and adhering to height restrictions is essential to guarantee a fun-filled and secure visit for the whole family. By being aware of these requirements and planning accordingly, you can make the most out of your time at the park while keeping safety at the forefront.

Remember, while some rides may have restrictions, there's always an abundance of attractions suited for every member of the family to enjoy together!

Erin Smith

Mom of 3 sharing tips for parenting, DIY and crafts, recipes for kids, and lifestyle tips for families on the go.  

http://www.xoxoerinsmith.com
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