Pennsylvania Amusement Parks

By Sandy Baker

Sandy Baker

Sandy is a professional freelance writer and author. She specializes in health topics with a focus on Celiac disease, sleep apnea, and autism.

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Pennsylvania amusement parks have a long history in the state. Kennywood is a national, historic landmark. Idlewild is the third oldest amusement park in the United States. However, these parks offer plenty of modern updates.

Top Pennsylvania Amusement Parks

Planning a family vacation or even a one-day trip to any of these amusement parks can be exciting. With so many options to select from, people from all over the world make plans to visit Pennsylvania for its parks.

Conneaut Park: First opened in 1892 as Exposition Park, Conneaut Park, in the western portion of the state, takes you back in time. It's claim to fame is the Blue Streak wooden roller coaster, but this park offers something for everyone. Games, numerous rides and even ballroom dancing occur here.
Idlewild Park: Located in Ligonier, Idlewild Park and Soak Zone are popular family options. The park includes numerous smaller areas within, each with its own theme. This includes Story Book Forest, Olde Idlewild, Mister Roger's Neighborhood of Make Believe and Soak Zone. The park offers games, an assortment of rides, excellent shows and affordable attractions.
Kennywood Park: Kennywood Park is just outside of Pittsburgh. It is an ideal amusement park because of its family appeal. The park offers a variety of rides and shows. It has a nostalgic atmosphere, but also has modern rides and is ever improving.
HersheyPark: HersheyPark in Hershey has been one of the top rated parks in the state for years. Its theme is Hershey candy, but the park offers a variety of rides. HersheyPark is one of most popular choices for thrill seekers since it offers several thrill rides throughout. The park offers 60 rides.
Sesame Place: In Philadelphia, Sesame Place is a treat for the under five crowd, though older children and adult will have fun. There are 15 water attractions here and smaller roller coasters for the little ones. Its theme is Sesame Street.
DelGrosso's Amusement Park: Delgrosso's Amusement Park is a top notch, but smaller amusement park in the Allegheny Mountains. The park received recognition for its food. This modern park features miniature golf, a water park, go karts and more than 30 rides.
Lakemont Park: In Altoona is Lakemont Park. This park features a ride called Leap-the-Dips, which is the world's oldest operating roller coaster. The park has a variety of rides and in the center portion features Island Waterpark. There is an 18 hole mini golf course here, too. During the fall and winter months, the park transforms into Santa's workshop.
Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom: The Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom park has been serving thrill seekers for 125 years. It is in Allentown. The park boasts more than 100 rides and attractions. In addition, Camp Snoopy is here. The water park is large and considered one of the best.
Dutch Wonderland: The Dutch Wonderland park is a kingdom for kids, featuring a medieval theme. It is in Lancaster. The park has more than 30 rides, some of which are for younger kids. The park also has water rides and games throughout.
Knoebel's Amusement Park: This is another free admission park. At Knoebel's Amusement Park you will find two, large roller coasters and several other family oriented rides. The park also features two campgrounds. Smaller rides are available for younger guests.

More Amusement Park Fun

As you consider any of these Pennsylvania amusement parks, do not overlook some of the state's other parks.

Visitors love Sandcastle Waterpark. This park, in Pittsburgh, features 15 waterslides and a wave pool. In the evening, it turns into a 21 and older club complete with dancing and drinks.
Splash Lagoon in Erie is a popular choice for those looking for an indoor water park.
Waldameer Park and Water World in Erie offers 75 rides and attractions. The water park features a variety of wet fun including slides and pools.
Bushkill Park is in Easton and has been in operation since 1902. It features 9 old fashion rides.
Visitors may want to Bangor Memorial Park and Weona Park for local family fun.