5 Pennsylvania Amusement Parks To Check Out This Summer

PENNSYLVANIA — Theme park operators who lost millions of dollars last year during the COVID-19 pandemic are hoping to recoup their losses with an economic boon this summer.

Amusement parks have been operating at full capacity since Memorial Day, and with a mask mandate set to be lifted on June 28, the industry is preparing for a rebound.

“This year, everyone in the United States will be open and people will have options,” Robert Niles, editor of Theme Park Insider, recently told The Washington Post. “I think we will see the pre-pandemic experience return later in the summer.”

While you won't need to wear your mask outdoors or in most pool areas, some indoor facilities may ask you to wear your mask if you're not vaccinated.

Fun fact: Pennsylvania has more amusement parks than any state in the country.

Here's a list of some of PA's most popular thrill-seeking destinations:

Knoebels Amusement Park - Elysburg, PA

This free admission, pay-as-you-go park is truly a gem of Central PA. Featuring more than 60 rides, swimming, camping, live entertainment and picnic facilities, it's perfect for those on a budget that still want the full theme park experience without the crazy crowds. Good for all ages and open year round.

Cost: Varies
Website: https://www.knoebels.com/

Sesame Place - Langhorne, PA

Bring the family to the country's only theme park based entirely on the Sesame Street television show. Featuring land and water rides, shows, food and photos with your favorite characters. Note that reservations are currently required for all guests.

Cost: $80-$90 per ticket. Children 23 months and younger are free.
Website: https://sesameplace.com/philad...

Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom - Allentown, PA

Once a fish hatchery and summer resort, Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom is a popular park with more than 100 rides, games, attractions and restaurants. Thrill-seekers will definitely want to check out "Steel Force," a steel rollercoaster with a 200-foot drop, and "The Possessed," which launches passengers back and forth, dangling beneath 700 feet of u-shaped track. Reservations are required for entrance to the Wildwater Kingdom.

Cost: $30-$40 for day pass
Website: https://www.dorneypark.com/

Hersheypark - Hershey, PA

Originally developed as a relaxation area for employees of Hershey's Chocolate Factory, this family theme park is situated 15 miles east of Harrisburg and boasts more than 70 attractions, 14 roller coasters and an 11-acre water park. Fully vaccinated guests can enjoy the park without a mask, but those who haven't been vaccinated are being asked to wear face coverings. The park is not asking for proof of vaccination.

Cost: $43 - $75 for day pass; $150 - $235 for season pass.
Website: https://www.hersheypark.com/

Kennywood - West Mifflin, PA

Built in 1898, this Pittsburgh-area destination provides an old-fashioned amusement park feel with plenty of exhilarating rides. Its newest coaster, The Steel Curtain, opened in summer 2019 and set the record for tallest roller coaster in Pennsylvania, most inversions in the U.S., and the tallest inversion in the world. This park has also been a national landmark since 1987.

Cost: $25-$55 for day pass; $85.99-$159.99 for season pass.
Website: https://www.kennywood.com/

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