If you’re looking for the best amusement parks in Pennsylvania, you’re in the right place!
Pennsylvania is home to an abundance of amusement and theme parks, each with its own unique traditions and attractions.
Some of them have been operating since the late 1800s, making them not only entertaining summertime destinations but historic landmarks as well.
Growing up in Pennsylvania in the 1970s, I had the chance to visit many of these amusement parks with my parents.
And now that I’m a parent, I’ve had a chance to revisit many of these same parks with my own daughter.
So the following list of the 10 best amusement parks in Pennsylvania is based upon my own personal experiences at them.
At some point in the past several years, I’ve literally “been there, done that, and bought the t-shirt” at each park mentioned!
I’ll provide a brief description of each amusement park, and include a link to their official website, so that you can check out the most up-to-date hours, admission prices, and special events at each destination.
I’m listing my top 10 amusement parks in Pennsylvania alphabetically, to avoid the “such-and-such should have been number one” debates – if it’s on this list my family had a good time there, and I think your family will, too!
1. DelGrosso’s Amusement Park in Blair County
DelGrosso’s Amusement Park has been a central PA tradition for more than 100 years! The only things you pay for at DelGrosso’s are ride tickets, games, food and drinks, and souvenirs – admission and parking are free. The park features all the classic rides and midway games, the food is fantastic, and the Italian-themed water park (there IS an admission fee for the waterpark) is outstanding.
2. Dorney Park in Allentown
Dorney Park features 64 rides (including 6 roller coasters) and a large waterpark (Wildwater Kingdom) with 19 water rides of its own. Other highlights of this Allentown-area attraction include the Planet Snoopy kiddie rides area, and a build-your-own funnel cake bar!
3. Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster
Dutch Wonderland is a “Kingdom for Kids” near Lancaster, and is geared primarily to families with small children. The park features 32 rides, a tropical-themed water play area called Duke’s Lagoon, and a 5-acre section called Exploration Island with 15 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs.
4. Hersheypark
Hersheypark is PA’s largest and most-visited theme park, located in a town that bills itself as “the sweetest place on Earth!” Spanning more than 120 acres and containing more than 70 rides (including 14 roller coasters), Hersheypark is the largest theme park in North America NOT located in Florida or California. Hersheypark also includes a zoo, a waterpark, and a plethora of dining and shopping options.
5. Idlewild Park near Ligonier
Idlewild Park in Westmoreland County is Pennsylvania’s longest-operating amusement park. Idlewild and it’s water park section known as the “Soak Zone” is consistently rated as one of the best children’s amusement parks in the world. The park is divided into numerous sections, including Storybook Forest, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, and Olde Idlewild, and features all the classic rides.
6. Kennywood near Pittsburgh
Kennywood is a Pittsburgh tradition dating back more than 100 years. The park features a mix of classic midway rides, along with 7 rollercoasters and a 12-ride Kiddieland. The new Steelers Country at Kennywood is the first ever theme park area devoted to a professional sports franchise.
7. Knoebels in Elysburg
Knoebels bills itself as “America’s Largest Free Admission Amusement Park“. The 45-acre park also includes free parking and more than 60 rides. 6 rollercoasters, a coal mining museum, a bald eagle enclosure, and a massive swimming pool are some of the other highlights at Knoebels.
8. Lakemont Park near Altoona
Lakemont Park near Altoona is the smallest amusement park to make my top 10 list, and it does so primarily because it is home to the world’s oldest-surviving roller coaster, the Leap-The-Dips. The park also features a handful of additional rides, mini golf, paddle boats, batting cages, and go-karts.
Important note – Lakemont Park will not operate any rides in 2024 (and possibly beyond) “because it has become financially unsustainable“, according to the company that runs Lakemont Park under a long-term lease from Blair County.
9. Sesame Place near Philadelphia
Sesame Place features a wide range of rides and attractions based on the popular children’s TV program Sesame Street. Located roughly 30 minutes north of Philadelphia, you’ll family-friendly rides geared to younger kids, water attractions, and live shows by actors in Sesame Street costumes.
10. Waldameer Park in Erie
Waldameer Park features kiddie rides, water slides, 6 roller coasters, and all the classic midway rides you’d expect to find at a first-rate amusement park. The name “Waldameer” can be translated roughly from German as “Woods by the Sea”, and this exceptional free-admission park on the edge of Lake Erie has been entertaining visitors since 1896.
Related Attractions
My 2023 Pennsylvania Fairs Guide provides the dates and locations for nearly 100 regional fairs throughout the state, offering an assortment of carnival rides, fair foods, and other fun and games throughout the summer and fall.
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