The main event: Cedar Point

It's no secret that Cedar Point has earned Sandusky the nickname "America's Roller Coast."With 75 rides, including 17 action-packed, exhilarating roller coasters (more than any park in the world), huge outdoor and indoor water parks, four resort hotels, a luxury RV campground with cottages and cabins, two large marinas, an outdoor activity center, award-winning live shows, gift shops, delicious dining venues, four giant kids' areas and more, it's logical to say that the 364-acre peninsula located along scenic Lake Erie is a premier family vacation destination.The following info and tips were compiled by Cedar Point representatives and locals to help you determine what to expect and how to make your first, second or 100th trip less stressful and more enjoyable.When to goMore than 3 million guests visit Cedar Point during summer, so it can be difficult to plan the "right" day. Cedar Point recommends visiting during May, June and late August through Labor Day, and on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays, when attendance is lower. Contrary to popular belief, holidays, including Memorial Day and Labor Day, do not always draw large crowds, so consider this when planning your trip.Tickets• Ages 3-61, 48" or taller: $47.99 for the day.• Ages 3 and older under 48", or age 62 and older: $22 for the day.• Children 2 and under are free.• Starlight tickets (after 5 p.m. when park closes at 10 p.m. or later, or after 4 p.m. when park closes before 10 p.m.): $29.99.If you're visiting on a weekend (Fri.-Sun.), you may want to purchase your tickets ahead of time (by calling 419-627-2350 or visiting cedarpoint.com) so you don't have to wait in line at the park. Discounted tickets can be purchased at the following Sandusky locations: Discount Drug Mart (124. E. Perkins Ave.) and Meijers (4702 Milan Road).Discounts• Active military or retired military personnel and immediate family members: $37.99.• Groups of 15 or more (call 800-448-2428 in advance): $32 in May and June; $33 beginning July 1. School and youth groups can qualify for lower rates (with reservations).• Rock & Ride Package (one admission to Cedar Point and one admission to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland): $57.Be sure to check cedarpoint.com for the latest deals and discounts, as they change regularly.Look to the skiesWeather is inconsistent in Ohio, especially along the lake. It could be sunny and cloudless one moment and pouring rain the next. Cedar Point rides will close due to weather conditions, particularly rain, high winds and/or lightening. The reason for closure of a ride varies with each one. Rides affected the most are roller coasters and the high rides.All rides will close during a lightening or severe thunderstorm. Rides will open when the storm passes. No matter what the reason, there are no rain checks or refunds, so be sure to keep an eye on the local weather forecast up until the hour you arrive.What to wearPlanning what to wear to the park could be a determining factor in the outcome of your entire trip. One thing to remember is that even though the weather forecast tells you it's going to be 80 degrees and sunny, take caution. It's always colder in Sandusky, especially at Cedar Point, since it's surrounded by the lapping waters of Lake Erie.Dressing for comfort is key. You can't go wrong in any type of cotton clothing that dries quickly after water rides or a pair of comfortable jeans (watch wearing holey jeans that could snag and tear more when caught on benches, gates or when getting on or off the rides). Any broken in, well-worn tennis shoes will be by far the most comfortable shoes you can wear, because you'll be doing a lot of walking. Flip-flops or comfy sandals are okay, but keep in mind for many of the rides that go upside down or on leg-dangling rides like the Raptor, you'll be asked to remove them and put them in a cubby so they're not lost on the ride. If you're visiting during the early summer months, early morning hours or when temperatures are below 75, wear a layer or two that can be easily taken off and stowed away, like a light long-sleeved shirt to ward off the chill.What to bring Pack lightly for a day trip — the less, the better. Unless you plan to rent a locker (located just inside the main gate near the Top Thrill Dragster, they can be rented for $10 for a small locker and $12 for a large, with $5 refundable deposit when key is returned. Single-use rental fees are $2 for small and $3 for large, with $5 refundable deposit when key is returned. Single-use rental fees are $2 for small and $3 for large, and you pay each time the locker is opened), try to carry the minimum with you in the park for the following reason: Cedar Point assumes no liability for any lost or stolen items, whether your items are taken from a locker or placed in a cubby while you're on a ride. For those who plan to stay at the park for the day and park in the parking lot, remember you can visit your car as many times as you want. It's best to load your trunk up with a few changes of clothes for anyone in your party, including extra shoes or socks, a towel or two if you plan to ride a water ride, Tylenol (the park does get loud), a cooler of bottled watered and beverages and food (the best idea for those who want to spend more cash on amusement and less on meals). Cedar Point necessitiesAside from comfortable clothing, you may want to bring the following items: a disposable camera to capture special moments, a stroller to rest the kids' little feet and a bag of nutritious goodies and drinks to maintain their hydration. Sunscreen is highly encouraged, because you're on the shores of the lake and it's much easier to incur the effects of too much sun or windburn, even on a cloudy day.ParkingParking is $10 per day per vehicle and $15 for oversized vehicles (those that require more than one parking space). Make sure you jot down the row you're in (marked on towers by numbers and letters) unless you plan to wander around searching after the park closes.