Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, Missouri, has announced new policies for chaperones and park re-entry. These changes take effect immediately, starting Friday, September 19, 2025. The updated rules require all guests aged 17 or younger to be accompanied by an adult who is at least 21 years old. This marks a significant adjustment from the previous age limit of 15 for unaccompanied minors.
Additionally, the park has introduced a limit on the number of younger guests one adult chaperone can supervise. These measures aim to enhance safety and improve park operations, especially during the upcoming Halloween Haunt event.
Key Takeaways
- New chaperone policy: Guests 17 and under require an adult aged 21 or older.
- Chaperone limit: One adult can accompany a maximum of five guests aged 17 or younger.
- No re-entry after 6 p.m. during Halloween Haunt.
- Policy changes follow an evacuation on September 13.
- Tickets from September 13 are valid for future visits until November 1, 2025.
Revised Chaperone Requirements
Under the new chaperone policy, Worlds of Fun now mandates that any guest 17 years old or younger must be with an adult. This adult must be at least 21 years old. The previous policy allowed guests aged 16 and 17 to enter the park without an adult. This change raises the age requirement for unaccompanied entry by two years.
The updated rules also specify a limit on the number of younger guests one adult can supervise. One chaperone may accompany no more than five guests aged 17 or younger per day. This is a new restriction, as the previous policy did not set a maximum number of minors per adult.
Fact Check
The previous chaperone age limit was 15 or younger. The new policy raises this to 17 or younger, meaning more guests will require an adult.
Chaperones must fulfill several responsibilities during their visit. They are required to accompany their party during entry into the park. They must also remain inside the park throughout the entire visit. Furthermore, the chaperone must be available by phone at all times during their stay.
Worlds of Fun stated that security personnel will stop any unaccompanied teenagers who appear to be younger than 17. These individuals will be asked to show identification to verify their age. It is important to note that the park will not accept digital photos of IDs; physical identification is required.
New Re-Entry Restrictions
In addition to the chaperone policy, Worlds of Fun has implemented a strict no re-entry rule for its Halloween Haunt event. This policy is designed to support the safety and flow of park operations during the popular fall attraction.
Guests who exit the park after 6 p.m. will not be permitted to re-enter the park on the same day. This specific re-entry restriction will be in effect during all operating hours for Halloween Haunt. Visitors planning to attend the event should be aware of this rule to avoid any inconvenience.
“To support the safety and flow of park operations during Halloween Haunt, guests who exit the park after 6 p.m. will not be permitted to re-enter the park on the same day,” Worlds of Fun stated in its announcement. “This no re-entry policy is in effect during all Halloween Haunt hours.”
Background on Policy Changes
These policy changes come shortly after an incident at Worlds of Fun on Saturday, September 13. The park was evacuated that evening following reports of possible gunshots. Emergency services, including the Kansas City Police Department (KCPD), responded to the scene around 9:20 p.m.
Upon investigation, KCPD later determined that there was no evidence of any gunfire. The noises that were initially reported as gunshots were instead attributed to fireworks. This clarification helped to resolve the initial alarm among visitors and staff.
Context of the Incident
The September 13 evacuation was triggered by reports of possible gunshots, which police later identified as fireworks. During the police response, several fights among juveniles occurred.
During the police response on September 13, several fights broke out among juveniles within the park. Officers intervened to break up these altercations. KCPD has since confirmed that an aggravated assault investigation is underway related to these incidents. However, no injuries were reported in connection with the fights.
Detectives are actively reviewing additional witness statements and any video evidence that has been submitted. Officers remained at the park throughout the remainder of Saturday night to help manage the crowd and ensure a safe departure for all guests.
Ticket Information for Affected Guests
Worlds of Fun has addressed the situation for guests who purchased tickets for September 13. All tickets for that specific date have been returned to the original purchasers. These tickets will remain valid for another visit to the park.
Guests can use their original tickets on any regular operating day through November 1, 2025. To redeem these tickets, guests simply need to present them at the park entrance. This measure ensures that visitors affected by the evacuation do not lose the value of their admission.
- Original Tickets: Valid for re-entry.
- Validity Period: Through November 1, 2025.
- How to Use: Present at park entrance on any regular operating day.
The park aims to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for all visitors. These new policies are part of ongoing efforts to manage park operations effectively and respond to recent events. Guests are encouraged to review the updated rules before planning their visit, especially during the Halloween Haunt season.
