Amusement parks are a fun-filled hub for families to enjoy their "lazy, hazy summer days." They offer numerous attractions and activities, including thrilling rides, games, and various other forms of entertainment that kids can enjoy with their parents and grandparents. Visiting amusement parks offers families more than entertainment, allowing them to learn and explore the world.
There are many familiar amusement park favorites that families gravitate to year in and year out, such as the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida and the Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California. However, you'd be surprised at how much fun you'll have at some of the small theme parks that promise the adventure of a lifetime. In this guide, we share four lesser-known theme parks in PA that your family can visit on a budget to make a lifetime of memories and a chance to escape reality.
1. Kennywood
If you're on the hunt for unique amusement parks to check out this summer, visit Kennywood near Pittsburgh. Kennywood is a classic theme park in PA that has delighted guests since 1898 with an exciting mix of classic and modern rides.
Adrenaline junkies will get their fix on Phantom's Revenge, Sky Rocket, Steel Curtain and old-school wooden coasters like Thunderbolt. When you need to cool off, take a plunge on Pittsburg Plunge or brave the spooky surprises in Noah's Ark.
The food at Kennywood is also legendary. You've got to try their famous Potato Patch fries loaded with all your favorite toppings or sink your teeth into a Primanti Bros sandwich with fries and slaw piled on top. And remember to save room for a sweet treat like a funnel cake or dip cone.
Kennywood also hosts special events, like Bites and Pints Food and Drink Festival, Italian Day, and Phantom Fright Nights. With over 40 rides and attractions plus all the mouthwatering food, Kennywood delivers a huge dose of nostalgia and family fun. It's the ideal spot for an unforgettable summer day trip or weekend getaway.
If you're an AAA member, you can save up to 62% at Kennywood this summer.
2. Crayola Experience
The Crayola Experience is a unique theme park located in Easton, PA, less than 100 miles from Harrisburg. It is set up in an old 65,000-square-foot Crayola factory and aims to provide colorful family fun with 20+ immersive and unforgettable experiences. The indoor theme pack provides kids of all ages, as well as parents and guardians, with dozens of hands-on art and technology activities.
Families can express their creativity in fun and colorful ways while exploring some of the following attractions in the four-floor theme park. Some of the top attractions at the Crayola Experience include:
- Scribble Square and Toddler Town: immerse your toddler in hours of fun at Scribble Square, where they draw with chalk or dry-erase markers on the walls or at Toddler Town, where they explore by going up tiny climbers or playing with the multi-colored peg board.
- Color playground: Here, kids giggle and spend their energy climbing the melted wax tower and the Crayola crayon and sliding down the Pip Squeak marker or the crayon box.
- Crayon factory show: Enjoy an immersive and informative theatre show by animated crayon friends Scarlet and Turk, which shows how Crayola crayons are made. Discover some interesting facts about the iconic, colorful tools.
- Wrap it up: Create and wrap your authentic Crayola crayon in your favorite colors and print a personalized label. Take these home as souvenirs or personalize them to gift your favorite little people.
Members can save $5 at Crayola Factory when purchasing tickets with AAA Tickets.
3. Idlewild
If you're looking for a more chill vibe, head to Idlewild and SoakZone, nestled in the beautiful Laurel Highlands.
This storybook-themed small theme park has been crowned the World's Best Children's Park. It is the perfect place for families with little ones who want a magical day without all the overstimulation and crazy lines you find at bigger parks. Kids will be utterly enchanted by Daniel Tiger's neighborhood, Story Book Forest and Raccoon Lagoon, with tons of gentle rides for them to enjoy with parents or siblings.
There are plenty of thrills for bigger kids and grown-ups, too. Take on the classic Rollo Coaster, Wild Mouse, and Paratrooper for some retro amusement park excitement. When you're ready to beat the heat, the SoakZone water park is waiting with awesome slides, pools and splash areas, including Hydro Racers mat slides and Float Away Bay lazy river.
With live shows, nostalgic rides for the whole family, waterpark fun and a relaxed vibe surrounded by nature, Idlewild is a real hidden gem. It's easily one of the top theme parks to vacation at in Pennsylvania for young families looking to slow down and create some special memories together this summer.
If you're an AAA member, you save on your trip to Idlewild this summer with AAA tickets.
4. DelGrosso's
DelGrosso's Amusement Park is a fantastic choice for a classic summer outing with a unique Italian twist. This family-owned park, located in Tipton, has been entertaining families since 1907. The park seamlessly combines classic amusement park fun with a delightful Italian ambiance.
Some of the must-try attractions at DelGrosso's include:
- Laguna Splash water park, featuring attractions themed after Italian landmarks like the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
- Vintage rides such as the carousel, bumper cars, tilt-a-whirl and scrambler.
- The park's newest thrill ride, Crazy Mouse.
- Wacky Worm, a nostalgic kiddie coaster perfect for young children.
No visit to DelGrosso's would be complete without sampling their famous cuisine. The park offers a range of Italian specialties, including meatball sandwiches, panzarottis, pasta dishes, pizza and their signature pasta sauces, which are also available in stores. These recipes have been passed down through generations and offer an authentic taste of Italy.
Throughout the summer, DelGrosso's hosts free entertainment and fun holiday events. In late September, the park celebrates its Italian heritage with the annual Italianfest. This unique amusement park provides an affordable and less crowded alternative to larger corporate parks, making it an excellent option for families seeking an intimate and culturally rich experience.
Visit Unique Amusement Parks in PA With AAA Central Penn
Make your summer vacation to Pennsylvania unforgettable by visiting these theme parks. You can guarantee your peace of mind while vacationing away from home with a AAA membership, which includes perks like travel planning services, roadside assistance, insurance and driver education.
Learn more about our AAA membership services today!
