Saturday, March 21, marks the first day of the 2026 season at Kings Dominion. For those planning to visit the amusement park, be aware that a temporary chaperone policy is in effect through April 5.
All guests 17 years old or younger must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or chaperone who is 21 or older. The policy is in response to a possible “teen takeover” scheduled for opening day.
Chaperones can accompany up to 5 minors. They must remain with minors throughout their visit.
The new rule will be enforced daily. Any minor found without a chaperone will be immediately subject to removal, including season pass and membership holders.
The “teen takeover” trend has garnered media attention recently. An incident at DC’s Navy Yard last weekend led to multiple arrests.
Kings Dominion is currently working with the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office to ensure that all park visitors remain safe. There will be an “increased law enforcement presence in and around the park and surrounding areas to ensure a safe environment for families, residents, and visitors,” according to a release from the sheriff’s office.
“While we encourage everyone to come to Hanover County and enjoy all that our community has to offer … we want to be clear: disorderly conduct, fighting, trespassing, or any criminal behavior will not be tolerated,” the release said.
In 2023, Kings Dominion instituted a chaperone policy that required children 15 or under to be accompanied by an adult after 4 p.m. The park said the policy was due to “increasing incidents of unruly and inappropriate behavior across our industry and at other major entertainment venues.”
Feature image courtesy Kings Dominion
