Cedar Fair parks across the country are preparing to open for the 2021 season — some for the first time since 2019 — with new or updated health and safety protocols to keep guests safe and combat the spread of COVID-19.
While vaccines are readily available in most areas of the country, the ongoing pandemic requires continued diligence in the fight to slow the spread of the virus.
Listed below are the Cedar Fair parks that have released their health and safety procedures for the 2021 season as well as those that have not yet publicly released their reopening procedures. These protocols vary from state to state as dictated by local and state regulations.
Note: the information below is subject to change. We recommend visiting the park’s website before you go to check for any changes.
California’s Great America
Opens Saturday, May 22, 2021
© California’s Great America
As of this posting, California’s Great America attendance is limited to California residents.
Reopening health and safety protocols are not yet available online (as of this posting). See California’s Great America 2021 park updates here.
Canada’s Wonderland
Opens Saturday, May 14, 2021
© Canada’s Wonderland
Reopening Health and Safety Protocols:
- Reservations required: Yes
- Park capacity: Limited
- Face mask policy: Face coverings will be required for guests two years and older in all areas unless otherwise designated.
- Temperature check: Yes
- Health screening: Yes
- Ride capacity: Limited capacity
See all Canada’s Wonderland reopening protocols here.
Carowinds
Opens Saturday, May 22, 2021
Reopening Health and Safety Protocols:
- Reservations required: Reservations will be required for season passholders before visiting Carowinds and Carolina Harbor. Single-day ticketholders will only need to make reservations before visiting Carolina Harbor.
Update From Carowinds:
Single Day Tickets purchased prior to April 26, 2021 don’t need a reservation for Carowinds only. Reservations are needed if guests wish to visit Carowinds and Carolina Harbor. New single day ticket purchases will choose Carowinds or Carowinds and Carolina Harbor. The ticket is dated and therefore, a reservation comes with their ticket.
- Park capacity: Limited
- Face mask policy: Face coverings are required indoors unless eating or drinking, and outdoors when social distancing cannot be maintained.
- Temperature check: No
- Health screening: Yes, at front gate.
- Ride capacity: Limited on certain attractions.
See all Carowinds reopening protocols here.
Cedar Point
Opens Friday, May 14, 2021
Reopening Health and Safety Protocols:
- Reservations required: Yes, Cedar Point reservations are required.
- Park capacity: Limited
- Face mask policy: Face coverings are required indoors unless eating or drinking, and outdoors when social distancing cannot be maintained.
- Temperature check: No
- Health screening: Yes, at front gate.
- Ride capacity: No limitations.
See all Cedar Point reopening protocols here.
Dorney Park
Opens Saturday, May 22, 2021
Reopening health and safety protocols are not yet available online (as of this posting). See Dorney Park 2021 park updates here.
Gilroy Gardens
Opens Saturday, May 22, 2021
Reopening health and safety protocols are not yet available online (as of this posting). See Gilroy Gardens 2021 park updates here.
Kings Dominion
Opens Saturday, May 22, 2021
Twisted Timbers (Kings Dominion)
Reopening Health and Safety Protocols:
- Reservations required: Yes, Kings Dominion reservations are required.
- Park capacity: Limited
- Face mask policy: All guests and associates will be required to wear face coverings while in the park.
- Temperature check: No
- Health screening: Yes, at front gate.
- Ride capacity: No limitations.
See all Kings Dominion reopening protocols here.
Kings Island
Opens Saturday, May 15, 2021
Reopening Health and Safety Protocols:
- Reservations required: Soak City water park only
- Park capacity: Limited
- Face mask policy: Face coverings are required indoors unless eating or drinking and outdoors when social distancing cannot be maintained. Face masks are recommended for outdoor rides and required for indoor rides.
- Temperature check: No
- Health screening: Yes, at front gate.
- Ride capacity: No capacity limitations for most rides.
See all Kings Island reopening protocols.
Knott’s Berry Farm
Opens Friday, May 21, 2021 (Soak City water park opening date to be determined)
Note: As of April 26, 2021, Knott’s Berry Farm’s “attendance is limited to party sizes that will not contain more than 3 households and are California residents only, per state guidelines. Proof of residency may be required upon entrance.”
Reopening Health and Safety Protocols:
- Reservations required: Yes, Knott’s Berry Farm reservations are required.
- Park capacity: Limited — purchase tickets and passes in advance and make your reservation to ensure entry.
- Face mask policy: All guests and associates will be required to wear face coverings while in the park.
- Temperature check: No
- Health screening: Required for all guests and employees.
- Ride capacity: N/A — some rides and attractions closed.
See Knott’s Berry Farm reopening protocols here.
Michigan’s Adventure
Opens Saturday, May 29, 2021
Reopening health and safety protocols are not yet available online (as of this posting). See Michigan’s Adventure 2021 park updates here.
Valleyfair
Opens Saturday, May 22, 2021
Reopening health and safety protocols are not yet available online (as of this posting). See Valleyfair 2021 park updates here.
Worlds of Fun
Opens Saturday, May 22, 2021
Reopening health and safety protocols are not yet available online (as of this posting). See Worlds of Fun 2021 park updates here.
We will do our best to update this post as new information becomes available. But we still recommend checking park websites often as these procedures are subject to change at any moment.
Canada’s Wonderland will not be opening for May 14, as the current stay-at-home order has been extended until May 20 and the park has not had a chance to yet begin staff training. Given the local circumstances it is highly possible that they will be able to reopen during the summer.
Hi Ted, do you have a source for this info? The park’s website still indicates that it will reopen on May 14.
Simply, a theme park cannot be open during a stay at home order.