Though we're still in the heart of winter, it's not too early to start looking ahead to spring. That's exactly what theme park enthusiasts in western Kentucky and southern Indiana are doing. Roller coaster and water park fans in Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, Ohio, and Missouri are fortunate that we have a lot of parks within pretty easy driving distance. Most have already announced the opening dates for their dry parks and water parks and are counting the days to the 2025 operating season.

Here's a look at some popular regional amusement parks and when they plan to open for the season.

HOLIDAY WORLD & SPLASHIN' SAFARI

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In 2024, Holiday World unveiled a brand new family-themed coaster called Good Gravy! and that ride will certainly be a marquee attraction in 2025 as well. After a season pass holder sneak preview the weekend before, Holiday World will open for the season on Saturday, May 10th. The park's award winning Splashin' Safari water park will open for the season a week later- on Saturday, May 17th.

KENTUCKY KINGDOM

The popular Louisville theme park is gearing up for an exciting 2025 with the announcement of a new Kentucky-themed land, which promises three new rides.

While Kentucky Kingdom hasn't announced its official 2025 opening date, we know it will be sometime in May and the park is urging its fans to stay tuned.

BEECH BEND PARK & SPLASH LAGOON

Beech Bend Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky will open for the season on Friday, May 9th. Splash Lagoon, the destination's popular water park, will open on Saturday, May 17th.

KINGS ISLAND

Kings Island, just north of Cincinnati in Mason, Ohio, opens earlier than most parks in our region. Park officials have already declared that "anticipation is building" for the season grand opening on Saturday, April 19th.

Soak City, Kings Island's water park, will open on Saturday, May 24th and guests will have their first chance to ride the new RiverRacers, the state of Ohio's only side-by-side dual racing water coaster.

SIX FLAGS ST. LOUIS

Six Flags St. Louis, located officially in Eureka, Missouri, will open for the season on Saturday, April 5th. The water park will open on Saturday, May 24th.

DOLLYWOOD

The regional theme park with the earliest season opening date is Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. This year marks Dollywood's 40th anniversary and celebration plans include a 40th Anniversary highlight show, a new drone and fireworks extravaganza, and a new daily 'opening ceremony.'

Dollywood's water park Splash Country will open on Saturday, May 10th.

LOOK: 13 North American amusement parks growing the most in popularity

Stacker used Themed Entertainment Association and AECOM data to list the 13 North American theme parks with the most visitor growth from 2021 to 2022.

Gallery Credit: Stacker