Stricker's Grove with Emma - 8/9/2026
Today I surprised Emma with an unannounced visit to Stricker's Grove. Crissy and I had let Emma assume that this would be
another regular visit to Kings Island. However, as we approached the freeway exit to Kings Island, I simply drove past and said
to Emma, "I see roller coasters". I didn't know it at the time, but Emma soon texted Crissy asking where we were headed and
Crissy simply replied "You'll find out". About a half hour after passing Kings Island, we arrived at Stricker's Grove and I
simply said to Emma "I see roller coasters".
We parked and entered the front gates just before 1:00 and the front of the park was already full of families and coaster
enthusiasts. Emma and I each grabbed a free drink for ourselves as we waited for the rides to open at 1 o'clock. And just
on time, the gates to the ride area of the park opened and the crowd flowed in.
We began our day of rides with Tip Top followed by Scrambler, Tilt-A-Whirl and Pirate Ship.
Our first coaster of the day was Teddy Bear.
We then had two relaxing rides, Ferris Wheel and the Train.
One of the unique operations of the park is that the rides are closed from 4 to 5, so that both the guests and right operators are
given a chance to have a break for meals. So about 15 minutes before 4 o'clock, I suggested to Emma that we go ahead and start
our lunch to try to beat the crowds.
For lunch, we both had a burger and fries. As we paid, the cashier mentioned to us that the banquet hall was open so that we
could eat inside and enjoy the air-conditioning, which I very much appreciated her telling us. Another small detail of the park
that impressed me was their large selection of condiments available, which even included sauerkraut.
Once we were finished eating, we went back outside and under the large shelter house where we listened to a steel band play.
Just like clockwork, the gates to the ride area opened at exactly 5 o'clock. We made our way directly to Tornado.
Next, we rode Electric Rainbow which felt like it climbed to a higher angle and spun faster than any other ride of this type I've
been on in quite a while. Flying Scooters was next and was a good ride although I felt that it might be running just a little
slower than other rides like this. Emma and I rounded out our day at Stricker's Grove with rerides on Pirate Ship and
Scrambler.
As we made our way towards the parking lot, I noticed a sign on a wall listing three Hollywood movies filmed at Stricker's Grove;
Bones and All (2021) starring Timothee Chalamet, Nutcrackers (2024) starring Ben Stiller and Guilty Secrets
(2024) starring Dee Wallace.
We left the park at 6:20 for the drive back home. The ride operators did an excellent job and were very friendly. The
park was relaxing, beautiful and well maintained. This park had the perfect number and variety of rides to make a wonderful
and relaxing day without feeling rushed to experience everything you want to do. The staff was welcoming, friendly and
informative. Emma and I both had a great time at this interesting park.
Previous | Blog list | Next
|
