So you're thinking about hitting up some Pennsylvania amusement parks this summer? Smart move. Growing up near Pittsburgh, I've spent more hours in these parks than I'd care to admit – from school trips to Kennywood to embarrassing first dates at Hersheypark. Let me tell you, Pennsylvania's got this wild mix of old-school charm and cutting-edge thrills you won't find anywhere else on the East Coast.
What makes these places special? It's not just roller coasters (though we've got world-class ones). It's that combo of nostalgia and innovation. Where else can you ride wooden coasters from the 1920s and VR simulators in the same afternoon? And here's the kicker – no two parks feel alike. Each has its own personality, like that weird uncle who collects vintage toys but also races motorcycles.
Hersheypark: Chocolate Town's Thrill Factory
Okay, full disclosure: I gained five pounds last visit just from free samples. Located at 100 W Hersheypark Dr, Hershey, PA 17033, this place blends chocolate madness with insane rides. Their new Wildcat's Revenge hybrid coaster? My stomach still hasn't forgiven me.
| Hersheypark Essentials | ||
|---|---|---|
| Tickets (Online) | $76.95 (Adult), $49.95 (Junior) | Cheaper if purchased 3+ days ahead |
| Hours | May-Sep: 10am-10pm (varies) | Winter: Limited operation |
| Must-Rides | Candymonium (hypercoaster), Storm Runner (launched) | Wildcat's Revenge (hybrid) |
| Insider Tip | Park near Chocolate World entrance for easier exit access after closing crowds | |
Last summer, I watched a grown man cry on Skyrush – that's how intense the airtime is. But honestly? The Boardwalk water section saved us during that brutal July heatwave. Pro tip: Their "Fast Track" pass is worth it only if you visit June-August weekends. Otherwise, save your cash.
Kennywood: Steel City's Historic Gem
This Pittsburgh icon (4800 Kennywood Blvd, West Mifflin, PA 15122) feels like stepping into a time machine. Rides like the Jack Rabbit (built in 1920!) still deliver stomach-dropping thrills. Their Potato Patch fries? Life-changing. But I gotta be real – some areas feel dated. The bathrooms near Steel Curtain need serious upgrades.
Kennywood's operating hours mess with people. Opens late May, closes after Halloween events. Summer weekdays: 10:30am-10pm. Fall weekends: Noon-10pm. Trick? Buy "Eat'n'Drink" wristbands online – unlimited fries and lemonade for $30.
| Coaster | Type | Thrill Level |
|---|---|---|
| Phantom's Revenge | Steel terrain | Extreme (228ft drop!) |
| Thunderbolt | Wooden (1948) | High - classic airtime |
| Steel Curtain | Record-breaking inversion | Extreme - 9 inversions |
One Tuesday last August, I counted 17 consecutive rides on Phantom's Revenge with zero line. Summer weekdays = secret hack.
The Underdog Parks You Shouldn't Overlook
Everyone knows Hershey and Kennywood, but these spots deliver unique vibes without Disney-level prices:
Knoebels: America's Largest Free-Admission Park
Yep, 391 Knoebels Blvd, Elysburg, PA 17824 charges ZERO entry fee. You pay per ride ($1-4) or buy all-day wristbands ($47). It's like stepping into 1950s America with modern coasters slapped in. Their wooden Phoenix coaster? Pure joy. Downside? Food's mediocre except the famous pulled pork.
Waldameer & Water World
Sitting by Lake Erie (220 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505), this combo park nails affordability. $42.99 gets you both sections. Ravine Flyer II wooden coaster's worth the trip alone – feels like you'll fly into the lake. Warning: Water park gets jam-packed by 11am July weekends.
PA Amusement Parks Comparison: At a Glance
| Park | Best For | Adult Ticket Range | Unique Perk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hersheypark | Thrill seekers, families | $70-$100 | Chocolate tasting tours |
| Kennywood | Coaster enthusiasts, history buffs | $40-$60 | National Historic Landmark status |
| Sesame Place | Toddlers/preschoolers | $70-$90 | Character meet-and-greets |
| Knoebels | Budget travelers, vintage lovers | Free entry/$47 rides | Classic dark rides |
Crunching the Numbers: Saving Money at PA Parks
Let's talk cash. Theme parks bleed wallets if you're not careful. After tracking expenses over six visits:
- Gas stations near Hersheypark charge 40% less for sunscreen than park stalls
- Kennywood's parking fee jumps from $10 to $25 on fireworks nights
- Dorney Park's "Bring-a-Friend" days offer half-price tickets if you hold a season pass
Pennsylvania Amusement Parks FAQs
Q: Which park has the most roller coasters?
Hands down Hersheypark with 14 coasters. Kennywood follows with 9 but packs more historic value.
Q: Are there any Pennsylvania amusement parks open year-round?
Nope. Hersheypark has Christmas events, but most close October-April. Knoebels runs weekends in October for Halloween.
Q: What's the best time to avoid crowds?
Tuesdays/Wednesdays in June or late August. Never go on Memorial Day or 4th July weekends unless you enjoy 2-hour lines.
Q: Can I bring my own food?
Knoebels allows coolers. Others restrict outside food except baby formula/allergy needs. Hershey lets you exit/re-enter for car picnics.
Beyond Coasters: Water Parks & Kid Zones
Forgot swim trunks last summer at Dorney's Wildwater Kingdom. Big mistake. Their lazy river spans nearly a mile. Sesame Place (100 Sesame Rd, Langhorne, PA 19047) deserves mention – it's basically toddler heaven with wet/dry sections. My niece hugged Elmo for 10 straight minutes there.
Water Park Features Compared
- Dorney Park: 25 water slides, massive wave pool
- Hersheypark's The Boardwalk: 16 water attractions including wave pool with floating Reese's cups
- Waldameer's Water World: 7 slides plus kid play zones
Seasonal Events Worth Planning For
Halloween transforms these places. Kennywood's Phantom Fright Nights? Terrifyingly good. Hersheypark's Dark Nights features haunted houses designed by horror pros. But my favorite is Knoebels' Christmas event – riding Ferris wheel in snow with hot cocoa hits different.
The Transportation Lowdown
Uber/Lyft near parks costs kidney prices. Better options:
| Park | Public Transport | Parking Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Hersheypark | Amtrak to Harrisburg + $15 shuttle | $25 regular, $40 preferred |
| Kennywood | Pittsburgh Bus #61 to park entrance | $10-$25 (event pricing) |
| Sesame Place | SEPTA train to Langhorne Station | $30 standard |
That time I got stuck in Hershey parking lot for 90 minutes? Never again. Now I park at Chocolate World and walk.
Final Thoughts: Why PA Parks Rule
You can keep your Orlando mega-resorts. There's something magical about Pennsylvania amusement parks – maybe it's Kennywood's rickety Phantom tunnel or Hershey's chocolate-scented sidewalks. They've got personality. And thrills that don't require second mortgages.
My advice? Hit Knoebels first for vintage charm, then Hershey for modern insanity. Pack snacks, wear broken-in shoes, and ride Steel Curtain at sunset – trust me on that last one. Happy coaster chasing!
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