Kennywood is an amusement park that has been running since 1898, and it still offers plenty of thrills for the entire family. You’ll find a mixture of state-of-the-art rides and more traditional attractions that make for a great balance of high-tech excitement and old-fashioned nostalgia.
Climb aboard any of the six roller coasters for some high-speed thrills. Pittsburgh’s hilly terrain lends itself perfectly to the climb and fall of the roller coaster track and many of the rides take advantage of this. The wooden Jack Rabbit is one of the oldest wooden roller coasters in the world. The nearby Thunderbolt, also made of wood, continues to be rated one of the best in the country.
Some of the more modern attractions offer additional twists and turns, spins and splashes, and are sure to get your heart pumping faster. Three water rides are perfect for cooling off during the summer. Those looking to recapture a piece of their childhood will find classic rides dating back decades.
If you’re traveling with children, don’t miss Kiddieland. This is one of the United States’ oldest amusement areas dedicated to children and contains more than a dozen rides. Traditional favorites include Kenny’s Carousel, which dates back to 1924, and the more recent S.S. Kenny, a spinning boat ride.
When you need a break from the thrills, enjoy refreshments at one of the more than 30 cafés and restaurants around the park. You’ll find a range of options, from light meals and coffee, to hamburgers and pizza.
Kennywood is open daily from mid-May to mid-August. The admission charge allows access to the rides all day, while a cheaper Night Rider pass is available in the evenings. The park is located about 10 miles (16 kilometers) southeast of downtown Pittsburgh and free car parking is available. A Port Authority Transit (PAT) bus from downtown Pittsburgh also services the park when it is open.
