It will cost thrill-seekers a little more money next year at Ohio's top amusement parks.

        Two northern Ohio parks are raising rates for next season, and Paramount's Kings Island in Mason raised ticket prices Aug. 1.

        Kings Island's general single-day admission price for ages 7-59 rose to $41.99 from $39.99, said spokeswoman Jennifer Bowers. For ages 3-6, 60 and over, and people under 48 inches tall, the price jumped from $19.99 to $20.99; season passes for a family of four rose from $279.99 to $289.99.

        Ms. Bowers said the amusement park raised rates primarily to build new attractions and remain competitive. Kings Island is building a thrill ride with a theme to the movie Tomb Raider.

        “We have to continue to build new and innovative ride experiences, among other other experiences in the park — our shows, the cleanliness, overall beauty of the park, the landscaping, all those things,” she said.

        The park isn't planning any price hikes for 2002, she said.

        Cedar Point in Sandusky announced Tuesday that its adult tickets will be $42, a $3 increase from last season. The park is adding a roller coaster and an ice-skating show.

        Six Flags Worlds of Adventure in Aurora, southeast of Cleveland, will charge $40, up from $38 last season. The park hasn't announced whether it will add anything for 2002, but it has applied for permits to bring two killer whales to its marine park.

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