What comes to mind about a fun-filled day with your whole family? Amusement parks and theme parks, of course!
Pennsylvania might not sound like the most fun place. But it is home to the finest amusement parks and theme parks filled with many exciting rides. They have parks filled with thrilling roller coasters, water slides, kid-friendly rides, and many other attractions.
Whether you plan a birthday party or outings with your friends and family, these are the perfect locations.
This article will be of huge help if you are planning a trip to Pennsylvania with your family. It includes all the fun amusement parks in Pennsylvania.
1. Hersheypark
No, this park is not made of Hershey’s Kisses and chocolates (even though that would be very fun). But this park does have a connection with them. It was originally made for the employees of the Hershey Chocolate Company to relax after a long day at work.
It is the most adventurous amusement park in Pennsylvania. They have thrilling rides like Wildcat’s Revenge and Hershey’s Triple Tower. It is filled with various family-friendly rides, a water park, and kiddie rides. Moreover, they have Hershey’s characters and Chocolate Town to keep the kids entertained.
They even have a zoo with more than 200 animals and it’s open for the whole year. And when you need to relax after a day filled with these fun activities, The Broadwalk is the way to go. Food trucks and courts are there with amazing treats. And If you are on a weekend trip, you can even attend the free live music shows.
You can buy souvenirs from the gift shops to make this day more memorable. With all the entertainment, shopping, games, and rides, this park is indeed among one of the best amusement parks in Pennsylvania.
2. Knoebels Amusement Resort
Knoebels Amusement Park is America’s largest free-admission park. This place offers free parking, free entertainment, and free picnic facilities. This amusement park offers something for everyone. It has amazing roller coasters, kid-friendly rides, and swimming in addition to camping and golf.
Some of the best rides here include Phoenix, the best wooden roller coaster in the world, and Twister. If you want roller coasters with a 90-degree fall, then try The Impulse. The Haunted Mansion ride is a treat for all the horror fans.
They have a lot of fun water activities you can enjoy, such as swimming and various water slides. They have camping and golf and even offer picnic facilities. Their Oasis specials, along with the restaurant and concession stands, are the best treat after a fun day.
It is located within the heart of the beautiful Susquehanna River Valley. The sounds of the Roaring Creek cascading through the park offer a perfect and peaceful environment for a relaxing day.
3. Camelbeach Mountain Park
Want to have fun, whether it is summer or winter? Then Camelback Resort is the way to go! It also has a Camelbeach outdoor waterpark, which is all we need in this intense summer heat.
It has more than 37 waterslides as well as other attractions. You have the perfect view of the mountainside from this park. So, if you are an adrenaline junkie and like thrilling waterslides then this is the place for you. You can also just lounge around the poolside to relax on a hot summer day.
With beach sand, cobblestone walkways, and fun water rides, this place is your summer getaway. The Sullivan Sky Ride and the ski lift are open even during summer months. It provides a way for guests to observe wildlife as they move along the mountain.
Their most famous water rides are triple Venom. It is a series of three-speed water slides, each over six stories tall. In addition to these, the rival racer is a new upgrade this season.
So be ready to ride your way out of this summer! After all, it is the best slide in Pennsylvania for a reason.
4. Costa’s Family Fun Park
The Costa’s Family Fun Park has tonnes of rides and activities to offer. Families planning to spend their summer months in the Pocono mountains are in for a great ride. You can get wristband packages to enjoy various rides or pay for every ride you want. There is no general admission to enter the park.
Costas offers activities such as bumper boats, go-karts, miniature golf, water slides, laser tag, and batting cages. These would be perfect for all the adrenaline enthusiasts out there. They also have interactive virtual reality mini-games and a Children’s Playland for the younger kids.
The snack bar offers a variety of family favorites like burgers, chicken tenders, and hot dogs. But do save some room for soft serve or hand-dipped Hershey’s Ice cream.
Whether you came for a vacation during the summer months in the Pocono mountains or just for a weekend, you can visit this park to eat or explore it after spending the day at Lake Wallenpaupack or just traveling along.
5. Delgrosso’s Park and Laguna Splash Water Park
Previously known as Bland’s Park, this family-oriented amusement park is a summer hotspot for locals and tourists alike. Delgrosso’s amusement park has a wide array of rides for all ages. From classic rides like the Ferris wheel and bumper cars to high-speed roller coasters, they have something for everyone.
Laguna Splash Water Park, also located within Delgrosso’s amusement park, offers relief from the summer heat. Various water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, splash pads, and body slides will keep your whole family engaged for hours.
Apart from thrilling rides and water attractions, this park also offers delicious food and live entertainment. Visitors can indulge in park favorites such as pizza, burgers, and ice cream. The live music and performances add more to the fun.
In conclusion, this amusement park provides a relaxing and secure environment for families to have fun and create lasting memories with their loved ones. With its combination of thrills, water fun, and entertainment, this destination is an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
6. Fun for All
Are you looking for a family-friendly weekend where kids can be kids and adults can be kids, too!? Fun Fore All family fun park is located in Cranberry Pittsburgh, PA. It is one of the largest year-round fun parks in the area.
For the winter season, they have a huge video arcade and XD dark rides. And for summer, we have a list of activities we can do. First on the list is mini golf and go-karts is the runner-up for sure. Following these, Fun Fore All also features amazing activities like bumper cars, batting cages, an arcade, carnival rides, a snack bar, and many more options.
This place is clean, the game selection is great, and the staff is very friendly. Also, is it very pocket-friendly? They also host birthday parties. A celebration at a place like this would be every child’s absolute dream. And it has free parking! What more do we need? So with kids or no kids, this place is most definitely worth the visit.
7. Lakemont Park
Ever wanted to go on the world’s oldest roller coaster? Then your destination should be Lakemont Park. It has been open since 1894. It features the world’s oldest roller coaster. It is one of the oldest amusement parks in the United States.
It is also known for Holiday Lights on the Lake and its 51-acre drive-through holiday light display. This place has something for younger people as well as adults. Leap-the-dips and Skyliner are two rollercoasters that seem like a time capsule, purely made of wood.
In addition to these, there are other family attractions like paddle boats, tin Lizzy antique cars, basketball courts, batting cages, mini golf, and many more. And for kids, they have a little leaper, playground, monster trucks, and C.P. Huntington Train.
The water park is also full of activities such as Pirate’s Cove and Treehouse Activity Pool. And there are no admission fees. Also, there is a gift shop waiting for you to buy something.
8. Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom
Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom are two exciting amusement parks adjacent to each other. They provide diverse rides to thrill seekers and water enthusiasts alike. Dorney Park is a haven with rides such as the iconic Steel Force and the stomach-churning Hydra. They also have rides for young kids. Snoopy’s Junction, a snoopy-themed train, is a fan favorite.
Adjacent to this park, Wildwater Kingdom is a water paradise that offers an escape from this heat. The best spot is an interactive water play area filled with a splash lagoon, kid’s cove, and aqua racer. They have special events like Grand Carnivale, The Great Pumpkin Fest, and a spooky Halloween Haunt.
They have dining options throughout the park to satisfy your taste buds and keep you fueled for the whole day. This place is the perfect location to spend time with your family or hang out with your friends.
9. Sesame Place
If you are a fan of the television series Sesame Street then Sesame Place is for you! It is a children’s theme park and water park inspired by the show. It is designated as a Certified Autism Center. And this is the first ever theme park to do so.
The park has more than 25 attractions. They have a ride inspired by our favorite characters from Sesame Street, Elmo, Big Bird, and Cookie Monster. But it’s not about fun only, it also teaches the kids some valuable life lessons such as friendship and kindness through their exciting parades and shows.
It is a place where imagination comes to life. Safety is the priority for the staff of Sesame Place. And don’t forget the food and shops! The line might take a while for the food, but you can buy some cool souvenirs there.
They have tons of water rides and a new roller coaster upgrade called Oscar’s Wacky Taxi! Also, they don’t allow water shoes or footwear in the water park. And if you are a season pass holder, you might get some refills for popcorn and drinks for free. So, bring your entire family to this amusement park for a day filled with fun and memories.
10. Dutch Wonderland
Dutch Wonderland is a theme park spanning over 48 acres and is an attraction for families with young children.”Kingdom for Kids” is the motto of this park. They had a Wonderland mini golf and Cinema until 2015. Dutch Wonderland features 32 rides, including three roller coasters. In addition, they have attractions such as merry-go-round, Choo Choo Charlie, and Dutch Wonderland specials.
They have an interactive water play called Duke’s Lagoon. It is tropical-themed. In addition, they also have an island at the back of the park. It is called the “Exploration Island “. It shows a Prehistoric path with more than 15 animatronic dinosaurs. An attraction, Dino Dig, is part of Exploration Island.
The youngest kids can enjoy their first kiddie coaster here. They have meet-and-greet shows with various mascots and even a dive show! Don’t miss the food stands here. They have everything from Pizza and Pasta, Potato Patch Fries to ice cream and cotton candy. They even offer a variety of locally brewed beverages for the grown-ups.
It is a place where dreams come true, and imagination runs wild. Spending a day here with your family is truly a magical experience.
11. Idlewild and Soak Zone
Idlewild is the oldest amusement park in Pennsylvania. It offers seven theme parks. The most famous themes are The Storybook Forest and Olde Idlewild. Soak Zone and Daniel Tiger’s neighborhood are also really loved by kids.
Jumpin’ Jungle, Hootin’ Holler, and Racoon Lagoon Kiddie Land are amazing for younger kids.
Idlewild has been an entertainment spot longer than any other amusement park in the United States. Instead of the modern thrills they still have classic rides. Your entire family can enjoy the Merry go round and steel Wild Mouse coaster.
You can start your day with the jungle-themed play area and then head to the western-themed historical village. Mini roller coasters and bumper boats will be a highlight for your kids.
You can also take food breaks to recharge yourself for the next adventure. There’s food for every craving and occasion. You can choose from BBQ, salads, nachos and pizza.
To beat this heat, spend a day with your kids and family in the pool. From hydro racer slides to relaxing under a cabana, this place offers an aquatic adventure to all ages.
12. Kalahari Resorts and Convention Center
Kalahari Resorts has multiple locations. Their Pocono Mountains location is one of the best amusement parks. The resort is authentically African-themed. It has the largest indoor water park on the East Coast. The innovative water parks, family entertainment centers, and restaurants make this place magical.
The indoor and outdoor water parks have modern thrills like a VR waterslide. In addition, they have rides such as splash lagoon, laser tag, and go-karts. Parents can enjoy indoor and outdoor spas and a zero-depth entry pool for younger kids.
If you don’t want to get wet, you can enjoy the Gorilla Grove Treetop Adventures. They have rope courses, zip lines, and miniature golf. You can also enjoy many games, such as Escape Rooms and Mini Bowling. You can pamper yourself with relaxing therapy services and live entertainment.
Enjoy delicious food such as steak and Italian cuisine at their signature restaurants. End your day with a sweet treat of hand-dipped chocolate and ice cream. You can also buy gifts and souvenirs to make your visit more memorable.
13. Waldameer Park and Water World
Waldameer Park is a family-owned amusement park with over 100 rides and attractions. It is one of the oldest amusement parks in Pennsylvania. With thrillers and roller coaters such as Steel Dragon and Xscream, this place is really exciting. They also have family classics like Ferris Wheel and Pirate’s Cove for some family-friendly fun.
They have kids’ rides such as Lil’ Toot and Wendy’s tea party. The water world offers a giant wave pool, an endless river, and a heated relaxing pool. They have two kids’ zones as well. You can challenge your friends with their midway games. Or play at the Arcade with brand new games every season and win exciting prizes.
Their quick-service concession stands offer a variety of delicious food, snacks, and desserts. You can choose from tasty burgers, pizza, and curly fries. They offer delicious funnel cakes, homemade fudge, and ice cream for your sweet tooth.
The three gift shops have many t-shirts, hoodies, toys, and souvenirs to remember for a long time. The warm and inviting atmosphere of this park makes it an unforgettable experience.
Last Updated on by Sathi Chakraborty, MSc Biology
