We were kindly invited to the I-X Indoor Amusement Park in Cleveland OH this past weekend. We loaded up the kiddos and headed out for the two hour drive.
First, 2 hours away is the perfect amount of time to drive with or without a carload of children who sometimes (ALWAYS) fight. Just when you think you can't take anymore and are ready to hurl yourself out the door-- you're there. It's perfect for a day trip. Long story short-- CLEVELAND is totally DO-ABLE.
Upon pulling up to this former WWII tank factory you realize this is the real deal. 50 Acres! This isn't the mall's rinky dinkity rides either. Adult rides, an incredible ferris wheel ,kiddo rides and little rides too! I-X Indoor Amusement Park is MASSIVE.
We arrived at 4:00 PM and this seemed the time that EVERYONE and their mother, brother and sister arrived as well. Editor Kim Inkenhaus and family arrived at 10AM that morning and upon greeting us that day said, " YOU BROUGHT ALL THE PEOPLE WITH YOU!" So, it is our experience that the early bird gets the worm ( Or the Inkenhaus Family) won't wait in line and also won't fear losing your three children in the throngs of people. We had a GREAT time regardless and the faces say it all!
Upon arrival there were a few things I had not done my research on.
A quick review of their website would have prepped me for arrival more.
1. Parking is $8.00 so have cash on hand ready to pay. I'm always terrible about having cash on hand but you'll need it for food, parking and games as well as a few minor attractions that are not included in the admission fee. You can use your card to pay for admission however.
2. No snacks and drinks. This is considered contraband and I indeed had it because the "car snacks" were in my diaper bag from the trip. They had to be thrown away. I was able to keep the sippee cup however. I felt cool because I actually had "contraband" for the first time in my life.
3. There are HUGE blow up inflatable decorations that are scattered throughout. We're talking ceiling high. My Peyton was so flipped out by them we had to dose out xanax. I'm just kidding. I had to carry her though until she was used to them though. So heads up if your kids, like mine are a bit freaked by stuff like that.
4. Backpacks and large bags are NOT allowed-- for obvious security reasons. I of course for the first day in 365 days HAD a backpack. It's my traditional amusement park mommy gear and keeps my hands free for lifting kiddos. I explained to the security personnel that it was my diaper bag and had no problem getting in. I don't think that anyone using it for any other purpose would. Their rules are strict.
5. A few things that were slightly alarming to me because I live in an obvious bubble of some sort.
- The security was HIGH, there were not only tons of security guards walking around but actual Cleveland Police with bullet proof vests, tasers, guns and SNIFFER DOGS. (that's what I call them)
- We also walked through metal detectors upon entrance.
- Our bags were searched and we also noted signs that said, "NO GANG COLORS."
Dorothy we aren't in Kansas anymore.
However upon giving it some thought-- Kennywood isn't much different these days, now is it? I'd prefer to be safe and the security, while alarming, was somewhat comforting.
The park itself is indoors and is crazy big, loud and stimulating! It is a smorgasboard of awesome! The kids even used that word. I promise!
This is a normal amusement park with everything you can think of in a traditional park. Food, games, vendors, shows and more. What's the BEST-- you aren't subjected to the outside weather! YEE HAW! I HATE walking in the heat and of course...the rain. That's no fun!
Tons to choose from as far as refreshments and everything was fairly reasonable. Our Icee was $3.00 and was a bigger than you get at the movie size. SCORE! Our lemonade-- full of pure sugar ( just how I like it) was $7.00 for a huge one and $5.00 for a refill. Nice deal! We took advantage of it! Pretzels were 3 for $10 as well and were a healthier snack choice for a large family like mine! 
The park is nicely laid out, easy to navigate and perfect perfect perfect for young families as well as older ones. My kids are ages 8, 5 and 2. We stuck to Tot Land and KidsVille. Both had varying levels of smaller amusement rides and the kids loved them! The other area had more adult rides and it was well out of the way from the kid stuff! The kid area also had a petting zoo and with a $1.00 purchase you can have dixie cup full of feed. Feed early, bring wipes and your camera. My Mady never laughed so hard as when the sheep gobbled from her hand.
There are extra amusement offerings that cost a few dollars more. The "fun house attractions" are a dollar per person and the pony rides and bungee jumpoline cost additional cash as well.
What IS included with your admission are the attraction shows. Shanghai Circus and the Big Cat Show. The Early Birds ie: The Inkenhaus Family got to see the amazing circus and said it was phenomenal. 
We only got to see the Big Cat Show and we were amazed at the selection of the animals there! They even had a Liger. A LIGER!! DID YOU HEAR ME??
I thought this was only Napoleon Dynamite material but alas I learned that they are bred only in captivity. Tigers and lions would never mate in the wild. Duh! One lives in Africa the others in Asia places. ( I'm no expert. I just clap at shows!) Either way, they'd just maul each other in the wild in a gladiator type fight.
The show was fun, entertaining and educational as well. The trainer was very Jack Black-ish and even threw in a few off color jokes for humor. If the cats weren't enough Jack Black trainer pulled up the rear with his ARSEnal of humor.
We very much enjoyed our time at I-X and recommend it as a day trip to all Pittsburghers! It closes April 15th so plan NOW or visit next season!
The I-X Indoor Amusement Park is held at the I-X Center in Cleveland, Ohio on Route 237, adjacent to Cleveland Hopkins Airport. It is easily accessible from I-480, I-71 and the Ohio Turnpike. For more information call 1.800.897.3942 or visit us online for deep discounts at www.ixamusementpark.com.
COST:
General Admission $24;
Children under 48’’ $21;
Seniors 60+ $10 Saturdays and Sundays and FREE Weekdays;
Children 3 and under FREE.
$21 Advance tickets available at MARC’S and AAA.
Bring in any Diet Pepsi or Mountain Dew can to the I-X Center Box Office after 3PM (Weekdays Only), buy one general admission ticket at full price and get the second one FREE.
Restrictions apply. Pick up discount coupons at area Taco Bell restaurants.
Dates and times vary. For a listing of all dates and times please visit the official I-X Indoor Amusement Park website at www.ixamusementpark.com
Follow the I-X Indoor Amusement Park onFacebook and Twitter!
Macaroni Kid of Pittsburgh LLC was compensated with media tickets for this review but the opinions and ideas of the editor are all of their own.
