15 Best Amusement Parks in Pennsylvania

By VacationIdea Staff on March 3, 2023 - Updated

Courtesy of leeyiutung - Fotolia.com

Pennsylvania might not be the first state to come to mind when you're thinking about visiting amusement parks, but it offers a surprising abundance of amusement and theme parks that provide fun for the whole family. Many of these parks date back to the early 1900s, but they still feature plenty of modern rides and attractions to keep you and your family entertained for the whole day. You'll find everything from roller coasters to water slides to kid-friendly rides, so if you're planning a trip to Pennsylvania, you should schedule in a visit to at least one of these exciting amusement parks.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.Kalahari Resorts Poconos

Underwater to treetop adventures await visitors at the Kalahari Resorts Poconos. The resort is home to a massive 22,000-square-foot indoor water park filled with wet and wild attractions enjoyable all year round. Visitors can zoom through multiple water slides, surf on a 5-foot wave simulator, or float along with the current of the lazy river. Parents will especially appreciate the indoor and outdoor spas along with a zero-depth entry pool for young kids. During the summer, visitors are also invited to soak up the sun in the resort’s outdoor waterpark and water attractions. Families looking to stay dry, however, can stop by the Gorilla Grove Treetop Adventures. There, just as many fun and thrilling activities await such as a 36-hole miniature golf course, zip lines, and multiple suspended ropes courses. Read more about The Poconos and plan your vacation.

250 Kalahari Boulevard, Pocono Manor, PA, Phone: 877-525-2427

2.Idlewild & Soak Zone

The oldest amusement park in Pennsylvania, Idlewild & Soak Zone is consistently rated as one of the best children's amusement parks in the world. The park is divided into several exciting zones, including an interactive storybook forest, a jungle-themed play area with slides and a ball pit, and a Western-themed historical village with a blacksmith, a saloon, and a general store. Most of the rides can be found in the areas known as Olde Idlewild and Raccoon Lagoon; highlights include a Ferris wheel, a classic merry-go-round, and a mini roller coaster that runs over a charming forested hillside.

2574 US-30, Ligonier, PA 15658, Phone: 724-238-3666

3.Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom

One of the most popular amusement parks in Pennsylvania, Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom boasts more than 100 rides and attractions for visitors to enjoy. The selection of rides ranges from thrilling classics like the Scrambler to kid-friendly options like a Snoopy-themed train, ensuring that there's something for every member of the family. There are also eight roller coasters, including one of the longest steel roller coasters in the world. The price of admission also includes entry to the waterpark, which features a wave pool, a children's play area, and plenty of tube slides and body slides.

3830 Dorney Park Rd, Allentown, PA 18104, Phone: 610-395-3724

4.Dutch Wonderland

Sitting on a 48-acre property outside of Lancaster, Dutch Wonderland is a family-friendly amusement park designed with young children in mind. There are plenty of rides to choose from, including a merry-go-round, a flying trapeze ride, and a mini steel roller coaster that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Costumed characters can often be seen wandering through the grounds, and multiple themed shows are held all throughout the day. Other highlights of the park include a tropical-themed waterpark, a 5-acre island dotted with robotic dinosaurs, and private cabanas that can be rented by groups of up to six guests.

2249 Lincoln Hwy, Lancaster, PA 17602, Phone: 866-386-2839

5.Fun Fore All

With a wide range of both indoor and outdoor attractions, Fun Fore All is an exciting activity center that's open year round. There are more than 70 arcade and carnival-style games for visitors to play; some of the games offer the chance to win prizes, and individual tickets must be purchased for each game. Outdoor rides include a kiddie coaster and a high-flying hot air balloon ride, and the park also offers an outdoor go-kart track and bumper boat ride. Packages are available for birthdays and groups of more than 15 people, and special discounts are offered on select attractions Monday through Friday.

8 Progress Ave, Cranberry Twp, PA 16066, Phone: 724-779-1800

6.Hersheypark

Built in 1906 to entertain the employees of the Hershey Chocolate Company, Hersheypark is conveniently located right next to Hershey's Chocolate World. The park offers more than 70 exciting rides and attractions ranging from a kid-friendly carousel to thrilling roller coasters, and it also has a waterpark with multiple pools and slides, a Southwestern-themed area with a food court, and an 11-acre zoo that's home to over 200 animals. Food trucks can be found on the park's boardwalk every Friday during the summer, and free live music shows are often held on summer weekends.

100 Hersheypark Dr, Hershey, PA 17033, Phone: 717-534-3900

7.Kennywood

Originally a small trolley park that was opened in 1898, Kennywood is now a large amusement park with almost 50 exciting rides. The park is a designated National Historic Landmark; many of the rides and attractions date back to the early 1900s, but there are also plenty of newer attractions like a freefall ride known as the Skycoaster and an exciting sky rocket with an optional virtual reality component. An excellent selection of children's rides can be found in Kiddieland, and the park also features plenty of water rides that are perfect for cooling off on a hot summer's day.

4800 Kennywood Blvd, West Mifflin, PA 15122, Phone: 412-461-0500

8.Knoebels Amusement Park

Proudly family owned and operated since 1926, Knoebels Amusement Park holds the honor of being the largest free-admission amusement park in the United States. Two of the most exciting attractions in the park are the vintage wooden roller coasters known as the Phoenix and the Twister, but there are more than 60 other rides for visitors to enjoy as well. If you're looking for a gentler activity, you can jump in the pool, play a round of golf, or visit one of the park's gift shops. Food options include a restaurant, a bar, and several concession stands, and picnic facilities are available on-site.

391 Knoebels Blvd, Elysburg, PA 17824, Phone: 570-672-2572

9.Lakemont Park

Home to the oldest surviving roller coaster in the world, Lakemont Park is an historic amusement park located on a 51-acre property in Altoona. There are more than 30 rides in the park, including several roller coasters and water slides. Most of the rides are included in the price of admission, but guests must pay an additional fee if they want to enjoy the paddleboats, the go-karts, or the mini-golf course. The park is open every summer between mid-May and Labor Day, and it's also open during the Christmas season for a special holiday lights show.

700 Park Ave, Altoona, PA 16602, Phone: 814-949-7275

10.Sesame Place

Featuring a wide range of rides and attractions based on the popular children’s TV program, Sesame Place can be found on the outskirts of Philadelphia. Most of the themed rides are suitable for all ages, and there is also a waterpark with a lazy river, a splash park, and plenty of slides. Other highlights include a great selection of gift shops, a buffet-style meal that allows visitors to mingle with Sesame Street characters, and live musical shows. The park is only open between the end of April and the beginning of January, and it hosts special parades and shows for Halloween and Christmas.

100 Sesame Rd, Langhorne, PA 19047, Phone: 215-702-3566

11.Waldameer Park

Sitting at the base of Presque Isle, Waldameer Park is a family-owned amusement park with over 100 different attractions for visitors to enjoy. Thrill rides include multiple roller coasters and a 140-foot drop tower, but there is also an excellent selection of kiddie rides and water slides. There are plenty of other things to keep you entertained when you've had your fill of the rides; the most popular activities include grabbing a bite to eat from one of the concession stands, playing the park's many midway-style games, or catching one of the three daily shows held at the on-site theater.

3100 W Lake Rd, Erie, PA 16505, Phone: 814-838-3591

12.Costa's Family Fun Park

There’s a lot to do at Costa’s Family Fun Park! From go-karts to gem mining, families can find some of the best summer activities the Pocono Mountains have to offer. Swing your heart out at the park’s batting cages, golf practice range, and miniature golf course, or beat the heat with water attractions like water slides and bumper boats. The fun park even offers high-tech attractions like virtual reality rides and a laser tag arena. No admission fee is required to enter the park. Instead, guests only need to purchase tickets for activities they want to participate in. Alternatively, multi-activity wristband packages are also available for those looking to visit multiple attractions.

2111 Route 6, Hawley, Pennsylvania 18428, Phone: 570-226-8585

13.Lahey Family Fun Park

Located just five minutes from Scranton, Lahey Family Fun Park is favored amongst locals for its numerous attractions and outstanding facilities. The park boasts of its award-winning miniature golf courses, both of which are beautifully nestled into the wooded mountainside. Visitors can also find nine massive batting cages within the park, featuring state-of-the-art softball and baseball pitching machines. For a bit more excitement, play around in the bumper boat's arena or speed through the quarter-mile go-kart track. Last but not least, the park also offers a long list of games in the newly renovated arcade, which is open all year round.

500 Morgan Highway, Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania 18411, Phone: 570-586-5699

14.DelGrosso's Amusement Park

Offering an excellent selection of family-friendly rides, DelGrosso's Amusement Park has been in operation for more than 100 years. In addition to rides like a kiddie carousel and a classic scrambler ride, the park offers plenty of midway-style games like a balloon bust and a ping-pong toss. The park also includes a waterpark with slides and a kid-friendly pool; more than 20 private cabanas are available for rent, each of which can accommodate up to six people. There is no admission fee to enter the park, and visitors can choose to purchase either an unlimited day pass or tickets for each ride individually.

4352 E Pleasant Valley Blvd, Tipton, PA 16684, Phone: 814-684-3538

15 Best Amusement Parks in Pennsylvania

Kalahari Resorts Poconos, Photo: jiradet_ponari/stock.adobe.com
Idlewild & Soak Zone, Photo: Courtesy of sashkalenka - Fotolia.com
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, Photo: Courtesy of Ritu Jethani - Fotolia.com
Dutch Wonderland, Photo: Courtesy of Jennifer Elizabeth - Fotolia.com
Fun Fore All, Photo: Courtesy of creativefamily - Fotolia.com
Hersheypark, Photo: Courtesy of Tomasz Wozniak - Fotolia.com
Kennywood, Photo: Courtesy of hiromine - Fotolia.com
Knoebels Amusement Park, Photo: Courtesy of Jason - Fotolia.com
Lakemont Park, Photo: Courtesy of annette shaff - Fotolia.com
Sesame Place, Photo: Courtesy of Ritu Jethani - Fotolia.com
Waldameer Park, Photo: Courtesy of Julie N - Fotolia.com
Costa's Family Fun Park, Photo: Costa's Family Fun Park
Lahey Family Fun Park, Photo: Lahey Family Fun Park
DelGrosso's Amusement Park, Photo: Courtesy of SHS Photography - Fotolia.com
Cover Photo: Courtesy of leeyiutung - Fotolia.com

More Ideas: Lafayette Inn

Located on College Hill in an elegant Georgian mansion, the Lafayette Inn is a quaint and charming bed and breakfast-style inn in the heart of Easton, Pennsylvania. Originally built as an investment property in 1895 by Elizabeth Wagner Leary, whose family helped establish Easton three generations earlier in the mid-1700s, the beautifully maintained mansion now offers luxurious overnight accommodations with private bathrooms and in-room conveniences, a delicious full American breakfast every morning and a host of amenities and guest services to enhance the experience. Set in a quiet, historic residential neighborhood, the Inn features an elegant parlor with comfortable seating and a crackling fireplace where guests can relax, along with a table for playing games and a grand piano, and the mansion is surrounded by a wrap-around porch and patio with ample seating and a manicured grass lawn. Guest services include complimentary drinks and snacks throughout the day, a cheese and wine reception every Friday and Saturday evening, and free passes to the YMCA. The Lafayette Inn is a short walk from the Lafayette College campus and the shops, galleries, restaurants, and museums of downtown Easton.

Guest Accommodations

The Lafayette Inn features 18 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites with country-style décor and antique furnishings. Individually decorated to exude their characters, rooms and suites have double, queen or king-size beds in deluxe linens, and private bathrooms with walk-in showers or shower-bath combinations, thick towels and spa bathrobes, and branded toiletries. Accommodations are available in Traditional Rooms, Deluxe Rooms or Premier Rooms & Suites and all feature modern amenities such as flat-screen televisions with cable channels and DVD players, hairdryers, and complimentary wireless Internet.

Traditional Rooms feature queen-size pillow-top beds with deluxe linens, private bathrooms with walk-in showers, thick towels, and branded toiletries, and sitting areas with work desks and chairs, window seats, ample closet space and modern amenities. Cots may be added to Traditional Rooms for additional guests, and modern amenities include flat-screen televisions with cable channels and DVD players, hairdryers, and complimentary wireless Internet.

Deluxe Rooms feature high ceilings and original windows, single kings or queens or two double pillow-top beds with deluxe linens, and en-suite bathrooms with walk-in showers, thick towels, spa bathrobes, and branded toiletries. Modern amenities include flat-screen televisions with cable channels and DVD players, hairdryers, and complimentary wireless Internet.

Premier Rooms & Suites offer extra levels of luxury and space and feature king-size pillow-top beds with cherry wood frames and deluxe linens, and en-suite bathrooms heated flooring, with walk-in showers, thick towels, and branded toiletries. These rooms and suites have spacious living and dining areas, fully equipped kitchens, and access to an outdoor balcony or deck. Modern amenities include flat-screen televisions with cable channels and DVD players, hairdryers, and complimentary wireless Internet.

Dining

A full hot breakfast is served in the dining room every morning includes freshly brewed coffee, tea and other hot beverages, the Inn’s famous homemade granola, cereals, fresh fruit, yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, hot entrées, and freshly baked bread, bagels, muffins, scones, and pancakes, and a selection of juices.

Friday and Saturday afternoons offer casual cheese and wine gatherings where guests can relax and socialize over a glass of wine or soft drink.

Amenities and Recreation

Amenities and guest services at the Lafayette Inn include an elegant parlor with comfortable seating and a crackling fireplace where guests can relax, along with a table for playing games and a grand piano, a wrap-around porch, and patio with ample seating and a manicured grass lawn. A full hot breakfast is served in the dining room every morning, there are complimentary drinks and snacks available throughout the day, and Friday and Saturday afternoons offer casual cheese and wine socials. Late check-ins and express check-outs are possible, there is high-speed Internet access around the property, and there is a team of professional, friendly staff on hand to help with restaurant reservations and tour bookings.

525 W Monroe Street, Easton, PA 18042-1737, Phone: 610-253-4500

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More Ideas: Sleepy Hollow Bed & Breakfast

Sleepy Hollow Bed & Breakfast is a charming Cape Cod-style bed and breakfast in Pennsylvania that offers comfortable accommodations and a home-away-from-home ambiance in beautiful surroundings. Open year-round and set on six acres of beautiful grounds, Sleepy Hollow Bed & Breakfast features seven well-appointed and quaintly decorated guestrooms and suites with country-style décor, private bathrooms, cozy fireplaces, and modern amenities.

Guests enjoy a complimentary breakfast every morning in the dining room or out on the patio in warmer weather, and the front porch of the house with its rocking chairs makes for a perfect spot to relax and take in the views. Located a mile from downtown Elysburg and a short drive from the Knoebels Amusement Park, the bed and breakfast inn is an ideal base for exploring the area or enjoying a quiet weekend getaway.

Guest Accommodations

Sleepy Hollow Bed & Breakfast features seven well-appointed and comfortably decorated guest rooms and suites with country-style décor and furnishings, and king or queen-size pillowtop beds dressed in luxurious linens and plush pillows. Lodgings also have private en-suite bathrooms with shower/bath combinations or whirlpool tubs for two and separate showers, sitting areas with comfy armchairs, gas fireplaces, and modern amenities such as flat-screen televisions with cable channels, air-conditioning, fridges, microwaves, and complimentary wireless Internet.

The Nest Suite features a queen-size pillow-top bed dressed in luxurious linens and plush pillows, and an en-suite bathroom with a whirlpool tub for two and separate shower, thick towels and branded bath products. A cozy sitting area has a gas fireplace, flat-screen television with cable channels, air-conditioning, fridge, microwave, and complimentary wireless Internet.

The Americana Room is a two-floor room with separate sleeping and living areas. The upper floor has a bedroom loft with a queen-size pillow-top bed dressed in luxurious linens and plush pillows, while the lower level features a living room with comfortable seating and modern amenities, along with a bathroom with a whirlpool tub for two and separate shower, thick towels and branded bath products. The room has a private entrance and deck with table and chairs and lovely garden views.

The Bird House is located on the first level of the Inn and features a queen-size pillow-top bed dressed in luxurious linens and plush pillows, and an en-suite bathroom with a whirlpool tub for two and separate shower, thick towels and branded bath products. A sitting area has a futon for additional guests, along with a flat-screen television with cable channels, air-conditioning, fridge, microwave, and complimentary wireless Internet.

The Roost boasts a private entrance and outdoor sitting area with charming views, along with a queen-size pillow-top bed dressed in luxurious linens and plush pillows, and an en-suite bathroom with a whirlpool tub for two and separate shower, thick towels and branded bath products. A sitting area has a sleeper sofa for two children, along with a flat-screen television with cable channels, air-conditioning, fridge, microwave, and complimentary wireless Internet.

Located on the second level of the Inn, the Butterfly Room offers a queen-size pillow-top bed dressed in luxurious linens and plush pillows, and an en-suite bathroom with a whirlpool tub for two and separate shower, thick towels and branded bath products. A sitting area has a futon for additional guests, along with a flat-screen television with cable channels, air-conditioning, fridge, microwave, and complimentary wireless Internet, and this room enjoys a shared balcony with lovely garden views.

The Mallard Room has a private entrance on the ground floor and features a queen-size pillow-top bed dressed in luxurious linens and plush pillows, and an en-suite bathroom with a whirlpool tub for two and separate shower, thick towels and branded bath products. There is also an outdoor seating area for relaxing.

The Hummingbird Room is located on the second level and offers a queen-size pillow-top bed dressed in luxurious linens and plush pillows, and an en-suite bathroom with a whirlpool tub for two and separate shower, thick towels and branded bath products. Modern amenities include a flat-screen television with cable channels, air-conditioning, fridge, microwave, and complimentary wireless Internet.

Dining

A hearty, gourmet breakfast is served every morning in the dining room or on the patio and includes freshly baked bread and pastries, seasonal fruit, cereals and yogurt, a variety of signature dishes, and freshly brewed coffee, tea, and juices.

Amenities and Recreation

Amenities at the Sleepy Hollow Bed & Breakfast include a gourmet breakfast is served every morning and outdoor areas such as the front porch and patio with tables and chairs where guests can relax and soak up the tranquil ambiance of the gardens.

Local Attractions

The town of Elysburg has several exciting attractions and activities, including the Caboose Lodge and Catawissa Railroad Museum, the Coal Bowl Bowling Center, several historic covered bridges, and the Knoebels Amusement Park.

Sleepy Hollow Rd, Elysburg, PA 17824, Phone: 570-672-2828

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More Ideas: The Artist’s Inn

Located in the heart of Lancaster Country, PA, the Artist’s Inn is a stately 1850s mansion that offers charming accommodations, modern amenities, and warm and welcoming Pennsylvanian hospitality. The colonial stone inn features spacious guest rooms and suites in three locations, namely the Main House, the Carriage House, and the Cottage, all of which have comfortable sitting areas and working fireplaces, private bathrooms with showers and baths, and modern in-room amenities.

Guests can enjoy a homemade gourmet breakfast every morning and relax in the common which has plush armchairs and a fireplace. The Artist’s Inn is ideally located for exploring the sights of Lancaster Country, which range from farmers markets, festivals, museums, and theaters, to concerts, historic sites, nature hikes, and other entertainment.

Guest Accommodations

The Artist’s Inn features beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites located the Main House, the Carriage House, and private cottage. The Main House features two guest rooms and one luxury suite with en-suite bathrooms, the Carriage House offers three bedrooms and two bathrooms, and the Cottage is a romantic getaway for two.

All guest accommodations are comfortably furnished with country-style décor and period furnishings and have king or queen-size pillow-top beds dressed in high thread count linens and comforters, and en-suite or shared bathrooms have walk-in massage showers and whirlpool baths, or massage shower/bath combinations, plush towels, spa bathrobes and slippers, and branded bath products. Sitting areas have comfortable armchairs, working fireplaces, writing desks and chairs, and modern in-room conveniences include air-conditioning, flat-screen televisions with cable channels, DVD players, alarm clock radio with iPod docking stations, sound machines, hairdryers, irons and ironing boards, and complimentary wireless Internet.

The Carriage House is a whole-house vacation rental and features a fully equipped eat-in kitchen and sunroom with beautiful views of the Weaverland Valley, spacious living and dining areas, three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The house has a covered porch and back patio with a barbecue grill.

The Cottage features two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a spacious living area with a gas stove/fireplace, queen-size sofa bed for additional guests and modern amenities, along with a dining room and a fully-equipped eat-in kitchen is stocked with fresh goodies. An outdoor porch has a barbecue grill and a table and chairs, and the entire cottage enjoys air-conditioning and high-speed wireless Internet.

Dining

A hearty, gourmet breakfast is served every morning in the dining room and includes freshly baked bread and pastries, seasonal fruit, cereals and yogurt, and freshly brewed coffee, tea, and juices. A variety of non-alcoholic beverages and handmade chocolate chip cookies are available throughout the day.

Amenities and Recreation

Amenities include a common area with a fireplace and comfy sofas and armchairs where guests can relax after enjoying a complimentary gourmet breakfast, which is served in the dining room every morning.

Local Attractions

The Artist’s Inn is set in Terre Hill, a tiny town nestled amongst the rolling farms of the Amish and old-order Mennonites. Despite being small, the little town packs a punch when it comes to things to see and do, ranging from exploring local markets, biking around the area, watching racing at the Maple Grove Raceway, and enjoying one of the many festivals that are held throughout the year.

Located in the historic borough of Ephrata in northeastern Lancaster County, the Artist’s Inn is ideally situated for exploring the sights of Lancaster Country, which range from farmers markets, festivals, museums, and theaters, to concerts, historic sites, nature hikes, and other entertainment. The inn is within a few minutes from the Green Dragon Farmers Market and the Ephrata Cloister, and a close drive to Bird-In-Hand, Hershey, Lititz, Lancaster, and Intercourse, and an hour’s drive from Philadelphia, Valley Forge, and Gettysburg.

117 E Main St, Terre Hill, PA 17581, Phone: 717-445-0219

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