We all know that right here in South Central PA, there are several amusement parks to enjoy — but across the state, there are even more! Whether it’s for spring break, a summer trip, or just some impromptu fun, there’s never a bad time to check out everything the Keystone State has to offer. And if amusement parks are what you’re looking for, then have no fear; we’ve got you covered!
Whether you want thrills or family fun, we’ve got it right here.
Hersheypark, Hershey: Originally created by Milton S. Hershey as leisure grounds for employees of Hershey’s Chocolate Factory, today the amusement park has 15 roller coasters, a water park, and a zoo. The park closes after Christmas and typically reopens for the season again in the spring.
Dutch Wonderland, Lancaster: Known as the “Kingdom for Kids,” this family-friendly park has over 35 attractions, rides, and events, including Duke’s Lagoon water play area, interactive shows and character meetings. The park typically closes after Christmas and opens again in the spring.
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, Allentown: Open since 1884, they have over 60 rides, shows, and attractions. There is also Planet Snoopy for the littles, a build-your-own funnel cake bar, a water park, and much more! Typically closes after Christmas and opens in May.
Sesame Place, Langhorne: The only theme park in the world dedicated to Sesame Street! This is a perfect amusement park for families, with family-friendly rides, water attractions, live Sesame Street shows, and more.
Camelbeach Outdoor Waterpark, Tannersville: Located in the Poconos, this outdoor water park has attractions for everyone — whether you want thrilling slides or to relax in a lazy river. You can also learn to surf on their flowrider! Typically opens during the summer.
Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark, Tannersville: The sister site to Camelbeach, this water park is indoors and operates year-round! They have 13 different slides, a fun area for toddlers to splash in, private cabanas, and more.
Kalahari Resorts, Pocono Manor: Come here for the ultimate family vacation! With America’s largest indoor waterpark, a huge game room, 4-D theatre, glow-in-the-dark miniature golf, escape rooms, and much more, you’ll never get bored.
Great Wolf Lodge, Scotrun: Part of a chain of indoor water parks, the Pennsylvania location offers year-round family fun. Stop by for the day to enjoy the water park, or make it a vacation with one of their suites.
Knoebels, Elysburg: The country’s largest FREE amusement park, Knoebels has over 60 rides and attractions, shows, and fun events. Pricing options include pay-per-ride ticket books and ride-all-day passes. The park typically closes after Christmas and reopens again in spring.
DelGrosso’s Park and Laguna Splash, Tipton: Open since 1907, DelGrosso’s is a family-oriented amusement park and includes over 30 rides, an Italian-themed water park, and legendary food! Typically closes at the end of September and opens in May.
Lakemont Park, Altoona: This park has FREE admission, and tons of fun stuff to do. There are roller coasters — including the world’s oldest roller coaster! — a water park, miniature golf, go-karts, and much more. Typically closes after Christmas and opens in the spring.
Idlewild, Ligonier: The third-longest operating amusement park in the country, Idlewild is known to be a perfect spot for family fun. There are classic amusement rides, a water park, live entertainment, and more! Kids will especially love experiencing Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and the Story Book Forest! Typically closes in October and opens in May.
Kennywood, West Mifflin: This is a traditional amusement park which combines modern thrill rides with classic options as well. Three of their wooden coasters have been declared landmark rides by the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE), and kids will love the fun at Kiddieland and Thomas Town. There are also live shows, an indoor play zone, and more. Typically closes after Christmas and opens in April.
Waldameer Water World, Erie: Summer fun abounds at this family-friendly park which offers over 100 rides, slides, and attractions. Typically open during the summer.
- South Central PA
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Hersheypark, Hershey: Originally created by Milton S. Hershey as leisure grounds for employees of Hershey’s Chocolate Factory, today the amusement park has 15 roller coasters, a water park, and a zoo. The park closes after Christmas and typically reopens for the season again in the spring.
Dutch Wonderland, Lancaster: Known as the “Kingdom for Kids,” this family-friendly park has over 35 attractions, rides, and events, including Duke’s Lagoon water play area, interactive shows and character meetings. The park typically closes after Christmas and opens again in the spring.
- Southeastern PA
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Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, Allentown: Open since 1884, they have over 60 rides, shows, and attractions. There is also Planet Snoopy for the littles, a build-your-own funnel cake bar, a water park, and much more! Typically closes after Christmas and opens in May.
Sesame Place, Langhorne: The only theme park in the world dedicated to Sesame Street! This is a perfect amusement park for families, with family-friendly rides, water attractions, live Sesame Street shows, and more.
- Northeastern PA
-
Camelbeach Outdoor Waterpark, Tannersville: Located in the Poconos, this outdoor water park has attractions for everyone — whether you want thrilling slides or to relax in a lazy river. You can also learn to surf on their flowrider! Typically opens during the summer.
Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark, Tannersville: The sister site to Camelbeach, this water park is indoors and operates year-round! They have 13 different slides, a fun area for toddlers to splash in, private cabanas, and more.
Kalahari Resorts, Pocono Manor: Come here for the ultimate family vacation! With America’s largest indoor waterpark, a huge game room, 4-D theatre, glow-in-the-dark miniature golf, escape rooms, and much more, you’ll never get bored.
Great Wolf Lodge, Scotrun: Part of a chain of indoor water parks, the Pennsylvania location offers year-round family fun. Stop by for the day to enjoy the water park, or make it a vacation with one of their suites.
- Central PA
-
Knoebels, Elysburg: The country’s largest FREE amusement park, Knoebels has over 60 rides and attractions, shows, and fun events. Pricing options include pay-per-ride ticket books and ride-all-day passes. The park typically closes after Christmas and reopens again in spring.
DelGrosso’s Park and Laguna Splash, Tipton: Open since 1907, DelGrosso’s is a family-oriented amusement park and includes over 30 rides, an Italian-themed water park, and legendary food! Typically closes at the end of September and opens in May.
Lakemont Park, Altoona: This park has FREE admission, and tons of fun stuff to do. There are roller coasters — including the world’s oldest roller coaster! — a water park, miniature golf, go-karts, and much more. Typically closes after Christmas and opens in the spring.
- Western PA
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Idlewild, Ligonier: The third-longest operating amusement park in the country, Idlewild is known to be a perfect spot for family fun. There are classic amusement rides, a water park, live entertainment, and more! Kids will especially love experiencing Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and the Story Book Forest! Typically closes in October and opens in May.
Kennywood, West Mifflin: This is a traditional amusement park which combines modern thrill rides with classic options as well. Three of their wooden coasters have been declared landmark rides by the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE), and kids will love the fun at Kiddieland and Thomas Town. There are also live shows, an indoor play zone, and more. Typically closes after Christmas and opens in April.
Waldameer Water World, Erie: Summer fun abounds at this family-friendly park which offers over 100 rides, slides, and attractions. Typically open during the summer.
