A former SeaWorld theme park is about to begin a new chapter.
SeaWorld has undergone significant changes since opening its first park in San Diego in 1964. The company currently operates three SeaWorld-branded parks in California, Florida, and Texas, alongside Busch Gardens, Sesame Place, and several water parks.
Over the decades, its attractions have also changed considerably. While marine animal encounters and live shows remain part of the SeaWorld experience, the company has increasingly invested in roller coasters and other thrill rides to attract visitors.
However, one of SeaWorld’s former properties has spent more than two decades undergoing closures, ownership changes, and ultimately abandonment. The site was once home to thousands of visitors enjoying killer whale performances, roller coasters, and water attractions.
Now, following a multimillion-dollar purchase and an extensive redevelopment project, officials have confirmed that part of the former theme park will finally reopen next week.
SeaWorld’s Former Ohio Property Gets an October Opening Date
The City of Aurora has announced that Aurora Park at Geauga Lake, a new public recreation destination occupying part of the former SeaWorld Ohio property, will officially open on October 25, 2026.
The grand opening will run from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 1100 Squires Road in Aurora, Ohio. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., with family-friendly activities and refreshments also planned.
“What a great day this will be for Aurora and Northeast Ohio,” Mayor Ann Womer Benjamin said in the city’s October 12 announcement.
“Following years of decline and abandonment, this beautiful property will again be open for public enjoyment, thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make this happen!”
The opening follows the city’s $5.3 million acquisition of Geauga Lake and 48 surrounding acres in December 2024. Aurora subsequently broke ground on the redevelopment in October 2025.
Construction has focused on restoring access to the lakefront, much of which has remained inaccessible to the general public since the area’s former amusement parks closed.
The first section of Aurora Park at Geauga Lake will feature a newly constructed welcome plaza, landscaped lawns, and a renovated Sunset Pier, where visitors can enjoy views across the water.
Several pieces of SeaWorld history will also remain. The former ticket and gatehouse pavilions have been restored and incorporated into the new park rather than demolished.
According to the city’s October announcement, the grand opening will also give visitors an opportunity to explore the restored structures and newly landscaped grounds.
The development represents a significant change for a property that once ranked among Northeast Ohio’s most recognizable entertainment destinations.
What Happened to SeaWorld Ohio, and What’s Coming Next?
SeaWorld Ohio opened in Aurora in 1970, six years after the company’s original California location debuted. Built across Geauga Lake from an existing amusement park, it offered dolphin encounters, aquatic animal exhibits, and performances featuring Shamu the killer whale.
Its location presented challenges. Unlike SeaWorld Orlando and SeaWorld San Diego, the Ohio park operated seasonally, with cold winters restricting its annual operating calendar.
In 2001, SeaWorld sold the property to Six Flags, which combined it with the neighboring amusement park to establish Six Flags Worlds of Adventure.
The combined attraction brought marine life exhibits, thrill rides, and water attractions together at one destination. However, its ownership changed again in 2004 when Cedar Fair acquired the property.
The former marine park section subsequently closed, while Geauga Lake continued operating its amusement rides until 2007. Wildwater Kingdom, which occupied part of the former SeaWorld property, remained open until September 2016.
Following that final closure, much of the property sat vacant as officials considered potential redevelopment opportunities.
The new public park will eventually offer several recreational facilities, although many remain in the planning or construction stages.
An accessible play area is planned for a subsequent portion of the first phase. The city has also outlined plans for kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals, providing recreational access to Geauga Lake.
Additional proposals include a public beach, walking trails, sports courts, an amphitheater, and an outdoor swimming pool. The former wave pool site could also be repurposed as part of the development.
Mayor Womer Benjamin previously expressed hopes that the beach could be completed within the next two years, although the city has not announced an official opening date.
Another change concerns the site’s former aquarium building. While previous redevelopment proposals considered preserving the structure, the mayor confirmed in an October 2026 community update that the deteriorating building was being demolished.
Meanwhile, city officials have discussed displaying memorabilia from the property’s amusement park history, including the restoration of the original SeaWorld clock.
The wider project is expected to unfold across multiple phases, meaning the October 25 opening will provide access to only part of the planned park.
Did you ever visit SeaWorld Ohio or Geauga Lake?
