I received complimentary passes in exchange for a post about my family’s time at Kennywood Park. All opinions are my own.
Our family has had season passes to a local amusement park for the last three years, but this year, I really felt like the kids were getting too big for most of the rides at that park. I really wanted to take them to an amusement park that had more family-friendly rides and not just kiddie rides. That’s when I thought about taking the family to Kennywood Park.
I had only ever visited Kennywood, years ago when Michael and I were dating, but it was during the Phantom Fright Night events and we didn’t really experience much of the park. I had always been told Kennywood Park was a great summer destination, but other than knowing about the new Thomas Town and Steel Curtain, I didn’t really know much about the park.
Our Visit to Kennywood
We visited Kennywood during the week it decided to be rainy and cloudy – all week long. While normally rain would stop us from visiting somewhere like Kennywood Park, this time, we decided to try to have fun and hope the rainy weather would hold off for the day.
Of course, we were kind of hoping that the dark clouds in the sky would deter the crowds, but we had no idea that we would basically have the park to ourselves that day.
The day we visited Kennywood Park we only dealt with a few drizzles of rain, but it was totally worth it for ZERO lines! I feel like we really got to experience everything Kennywood had to offer. We spent 8-hours inside the park and the longest wait time we had was 5-minutes!
By the time the day was over, our kids had many first. My 7-year old son rode his first, second, third, and 4th “real” roller coaster. My 9-year old conquered some of his roller coaster fears and my 5-year old decided to get a little wild in Kiddieland on the Pounce Bounce ride.
Kennywood Park Hours and Location
My family loves to visit Pittsburgh because the city has so many family-friendly destinations and Kennywood Park is definitely one we love! As one of America’s oldest amusement parks, Kennywood Park has been a favorite park for over 120-years.
Located just miles southeast of the city of Pittsburgh in a town called West Mifflin, the park sits right above the Monongahela River and one of Pittsburgh’s oldest steel mills.
Since the park is opened 7-days a week during the summers, you never know who you may just run into. A few weeks ago, a Steelers player was even handing out Heinz Ketchup inside the park. And, the park even does parades with local news personalities – who we watch every morning!
A Day With Kids At Kennywood Park
One of the things I loved most about Kennywood Park is how the park is family-friendly and fun for everyone – not just kids. Kennywood has so many rides that the whole family can enjoy together and it is a great park to introduce children to their first roller coaster. While we were there, my middle child rode his first roller coaster, the Racer, and then he begged to do more. He then proceeded to ride 4 more coasters at the park including, The Phantom’s Revenge which has a jaw-dropping 232-foot drop.
While I was a little nervous watching my husband take him on that ride, my son loved it! I’m pretty sure he will be ready to ride the new Steel Curtain roller coaster whenever it opens but, as for me, I am definitely going to need a lot of coaxing.
Kiddieland at Kennywood
If you are visiting Kennywood with young children, Kiddieland is a must. Kiddieland is part of the park that is specifically designed for children under 52 inches tall and offers miniature versions of some of the park’s more popular rides including a Lil’ Phantom. We visited Kiddieland during the end of the day when my husband and I were getting exhausted. We were able to sit and relax while we watched the kids ride numerous rides.
Thomas Town at Kennywood Park
Thomas Town is relatively new to Kennywood. Opening last summer, Thomas Town features everyone’s favorite steam engine, Thomas the Train and his friends. Inside Thomas Town, kids can take a picture with their favorite steam engine, ride a few rides, and take a ride on a Thomas the Train Ride. Thomas Town is geared more towards children, but families can take the train ride together and shop for unique Thomas the Train souvenirs before leaving.
Classic Rides
Other than roller coasters, Kennywood has a lot of rides that are great for the whole family to enjoy together including some great classic rides. The classic rides are ones that have been in the park for years and they are geared more towards the whole family. These rides are seriously the heart of Kennywood Park. They are the rides that make memories and they are so fun to ride, that you’ll want to ride them over and over again.
One of my family’s favorite classic rides, which also has a miniature version in Kiddieland, was the Whip. The Whip literally whips you around each turn and causes a great deal of laughter.
Whenever you need a break from the rides, Kennywood even offers great entertainment at various locations inside the park.
Save BIG On Your Admission to Kennywood Park!
We had such a fun time at Kennywood, that I have teamed up with the park to bring you an exclusive discount on Kennywood Park tickets, so you can enjoy the park with your family too! Use this LINK to get tickets to Kennywood Park for just $37.99!
Kennywood is the perfect summer destination for your family this year! To keep up-to-date on the park and to hear about the opening of this year’s most anticipated, Steeler’s Country, follow Kennywood Park on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Last Updated on 2 years by Crystal Carder
24 comments
Interesting content,you have a good way of presenting.
Aww what a cute park! This reminds me of a place in PEI called Rainbow Valley that I visited as a kid, though it’s gone now ? Good memories though ♥
I rode my first roller coaster at Kennywood many years ago. This brought back a lot of memories!
That’s awesome! Does Kennywood still have the rollercoaster you rode your first time?
Never been there but this definitely an amazing place to visit with our kids during this summer breaks. I am sure they will be having a lot of fun!
Yes, if you ever find your family near Pittsburgh, be sure to make the time to visit Kennywood!
Those pictures says it all. You guys had an awesome time there. Well, nothing beats the opportunity of the whole family in an outing and I am so happy for you since you are both enjoying what you do and the perks coming with it! Your kids are so adorable. What can I say..
Kennywood Park looks like so much fun for families, and at such a great price with your discount, how great!
That looks like so much fun! My youngest would LOVE Thomas town.
Haha I used to go to Kennywood when I was in high school! This place is fun!! Sounds like a fun time y’all had here!
This looks like the perfect activity for the hot summer days! What a fun park to visit with the family!
Just by looking at the pictures showed how much joyfulness they have spending time there. I wish I can go there, but I’m living far away from Kennywood. But maybe if I have the chance to go there next time, it would be amazing!
Sounds like you and your family had a blast even despite the rain. I never heard of this park before this post but now I want to go. Great pics too!
I have never heard of Kennywood Park, but it sounds like a fun place to visit with the family! I’ll have to keep it in mind for the future.
It looks like you all had a great time! If I am in the US, I will have to look into going here 🙂
Your kids are so adorable, and I could see in the photos that they really enjoyed the outing.
Kennywood Park is one of my favorite parks.
The pictures look wonderful, seems like you had a very good time.
This looks like fun and I’m glad the kids enjoyed it!
You can see the kids really had a great time..The trains are so cool too.
The pictures are absolutely awesome. It is pretty obvious you had an awesome time with your trip. I am quite jealous actually. And I like the fact that they offer a ticket special discount.
Wow, this place looks incredible. There’s so much to do and see there! Looks like a brilliant place to take the whole family
Wow, Kenny woods really looks amusing, the kiddos obviously enjoyed.. I think I would even enjoy it as well if I was there. Thanks for the honest review.
What a fun place. Looks like the kids had a blast.
That was such a nice park for kids.. They really enjoyed the place, the pictures are so great.. ?