Total Solar Eclipse of the Park: Amusement Parks in the Path of April's Celestial Event

For many coaster enthusiasts, springtime means the phased opening of amusement parks around the United States on an annual basis. This year, many others are looking forward to spring for a different reason – a total solar eclipse that will cross the United States on April 8, 2024.

While many might not consider a total solar eclipse as a rarity, seeing as the last one in the United States took place fairly recently – in 2017 – the April 2024 eclipse will mark only the 3rd total solar eclipse that is visible from the contiguous United States in the past 100 years. With it being such a unique occurrence, the concept of “eclipse tourism” has become a big industry for towns and cities along the “path of totality.”

With this April’s eclipse moving from southwest to northeast across the United States beginning at about 1:30pm central time (2:30pm eastern time), several parks in the eclipse’s path have already announced plans to host special events during the afternoon of the eclipse as the park descends into a brief period of daytime darkness.

Taking a look at maps of the eclipse’s path, we wanted to list a few parks in the radius of totality where you might be able to catch a glimpse of the total solar eclipse (through approved protective eyewear, of course).

San Antonio, Texas – Approximate Starting Time of Totality: 1:32pm Central Time

Park: Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Park Hours on April 8: 11:00am-4:00pm
Event: Solar Eclipse at the Park
Cost: Starts at $9.99 for the “I Was There” Package including Eclipse Glasses and Access to Lil’s during the Eclipse (additional packages that include t-shirts, and VIP access are also available for $29.99 and $49.99), Park Admission Not Included

On the far east edge of the path of totality, San Antonio’s Six Flags Fiesta Texas notes that there will also be a fireworks display and drone show also included as part of the eclipse festivities.

Park: SeaWorld San Antonio
Park Hours on April 8: 11:00am-4:00pm
Event: Eclipse Party at SeaWorld
Cost: $29.99 for Park Admission (Event Activities Included) – Passholders Free

At SeaWorld San Antonio, guests are encouraged to arrive early to ensure they can grab their SeaWorld eclipse-themed viewing glasses (available for the first 2,500-5,000 guests). SeaWorld notes that guests will have the opportunity to ride coasters (including Catapult Falls – jury’s still out if we’re calling this a coaster credit or not!) against the backdrop of the eclipse! This special event will also feature unique presentations from SeaWorld’s collaborators at Southwest Research Institute explaining the details of the eclipse, along with unique viewing opportunities with the park’s Animal Ambassadors.

Arlington, Texas – Approximate Starting Time of Totality:1:40pm Central Time

Park: Six Flags Over Texas
Park Hours on April 8: 11:00am-4:00pm
Event: Solar Coaster
Cost: $19.61 (Free for Passholders)

Six Flags Over Texas notes special viewing locations and limited ride opportunities during their “Solar Coaster” event. Tickets are available for $19.61 (the park’s opening year), and can be found on Six Flags Over Texas’ website when selecting a “search by date” ticket.

Hot Springs, AR – Approximate Starting Time of Totality:1:50pm Central Time

Park: Magic Springs
Park Hours on April : Closed

Magic Springs originally announced plans last fall to open for the eclipse for “Total Eclipse of the Park,” but the park has since altered their plans and will not be open for the Eclipse, as noted in a Facebook comment.

Santa Claus, IN – Approximate Starting Time of Totality: 2:03pm Central Time

Park: Holiday World
Park Hours on April 8: Closed
Event: Holiday World Eclipse Viewing
Event Hours: 10:00am-3:00pm
Cost: Free!

While the park is not operating on April 8, they’re extending their “Free Parking” to the off-season and is inviting visitors to experience the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse from the Legend Parking Lot! There will be plenty of parking, plus food trucks, music, and free viewers. Restrooms will also be available.

Columbus, OH – Approximate Time of Totality: 3:10pm Eastern Time

Park: Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
Park Hours on April 8: 10:00am-5:00pm
Event: Solar Eclipse Solar-Bration
Event Hours: 12:00pm-4:00pm
Cost: Included with Zoo Admission (Adult: $25.99, Child: $18.99)

The Columbus Zoo invites guests to join them for a celestial experience. As the Zoo sits in the path of totality for the solar eclipse, it will experience about two minutes of darkness, similar to dawn or dusk. This singular event will be a truly unforgettable experience.

You may wonder, “How will the animals react to the eclipse?” To answer that question, members of the Columbus Zoo’s Animal Care team, along with researchers from The Ohio State University (OSU) School of Environment and Natural Resources, will conduct an observational study during the eclipse. This will be the first such study conducted at the Columbus Zoo to see how the animals behave during this celestial phenomenon.

Of note, Columbus Zoo’s Amusement Attractions – including Tidal Twist and the Sea Dragon – are not listed as operating that day as of this writing.

Sandusky, OH – Approximate Time of Totality: 3:11pm Eastern

Park: Cedar Point
Park Hours on April 8: 12:00pm-6:00pm
Event: Total Eclipse of the Point
Cost: Starting at $99 -includes admission, parking, viewing glasses, a lanyard, and two souvenir buttons. VIP Experience Already Sold Out. (Separate Ticketed Event, Season Passes Are Not Valid)

Cedar Point bills Total Eclipse of The Point as a once-in-a-lifetime celestial celebration as the park sits directly in the path of totality. Visit the park before anyone else to experience the thrill of select rides on The Boardwalk and Kiddy Kingdom or savor specialty food and drinks at the Grand Pavilion Restaurant & Bar, all while enjoying a live DJ, kids’ activities, games and more.

From the sandy shores of the beach to the elevated viewing decks at Grand Pavilion, Cedar Point is the place to be for this historic event.

(Author’s Note: We bolded and underlined “select rides on the Boardwalk and Kiddy Kingdom” for our own emphasis. You know which rides aren’t in these locations? Steel Vengeance, Millennium Force, Maverick, and Top Thrill 2, among others. We do not want to read a single complaint from those who experience this event at Cedar Point and get mad when they cannot ride these attractions.)

Erie, PA – Approximate time of Totality: 3:16pm Eastern

Park: Waldameer
Park Hours: Closed

As of this writing, Waldameer will not be open during the Solar Eclipse. Waldameer opens for the season on May 8. According to VisitErie.com, the closest location to view the eclipse to Waldameer will be Scott Park in Erie.

Darien Center, NY – Approximate time of Totality: 3:19pm Eastern

Park: Six Flags Darien Lake
Park Hours: Closed

Six Flags Darien Lake will not be open during the Solar Eclipse. The park opens for the 2024 Season in May. The park’s Lodge on the Lake Hotel, typically open seasonally in May when the park is open, will be open on select nights for a minimum two-night stay. All guests must check out by April 9.

Montreal, Quebec, Canada – Approximate Time of Totality: 3:27pm Eastern