Summary
Founded in 1898 as a small trolley park near Pittsburgh, Kennywood Amusement Park is now celebrated as one of America’s finest traditional amusement parks. Its blend of vintage wooden coasters and contemporary, high-speed steel coasters makes it a treasured destination for roller coaster enthusiasts. While Kennywood boasts many modern attractions, it still exudes a nostalgic charm and is recognized as a designated national historic landmark.
Kennywood Operating Days and Hours
The entrance gates at Kennywood open daily at 10:30 a.m. (rides begin to operate at 11:00 a.m.) from late May through the third week of August. Closing times are subject to change based on weather and visitor traffic, but generally, the park closes around 10:00 p.m.
The park operates on Saturdays and Sundays only during the early weekends of May and the first three weekends of September, which may involve limited operations.
Exceptions to Regular Operating Hours: There are two Education Days in mid-May with earlier opening and closing times.
Phantom Fright Nights: These special event nights typically commence on the last Friday of September and occur Friday and Saturday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. until the last weekend of October, occasionally including Sundays.
Holiday Lights: From November 23 to December 23, Kennywood features Holiday Lights on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, plus nightly from December 26 to December 30. Hours are 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Kennywood Admission and Tickets
Admission to Kennywood is offered through a one-price FunDay pass. As of 2018, the basic cost of the FunDay pass was $54.99. Seniors aged 55 and older could access a discounted Senior FunDay pass at $26.99. Children aged 2 and younger can enter and enjoy rides for free at any time. General admission without rides is not available. A FunDay 4 Pack is also up for grabs at a price yielding over $10 savings on the regular daily admission. Passes can be acquired online or at the park entrance.
Military Discounts: Active duty, retired military personnel, and veterans, along with their family members, can obtain discounted tickets at the admission booth by presenting military or veteran photo identification.
Night Rider Evening Price: Admission after 5:00 p.m. is significantly reduced, but this option is only available at the gate. It is approximately two-thirds the price of a regular ticket for each age category.
Kennywood Season Passes: Kennywood provides excellent value with Season Passes available in three tiers. All passes include unlimited summer admission, half-price entry on select Phantom Fright Nights, complimentary Holiday Lights access, Bring-a-Buddy Days discounts, and food and retail discounts. The Silver Pass is priced at just over $100 with renewal costing $10 less. The Senior Pass provides even greater savings.
Kennywood Location and Directions
Kennywood amusement park is situated in West Mifflin, just 12 miles southeast of downtown Pittsburgh, along PA 837 by the Monongahela River. From Interstate 376, which connects downtown Pittsburgh to Monroeville, exit at Swissvale Exit (No. 7), and proceed to follow the clearly marked signs leading to Kennywood. Preferred parking costs $5 per vehicle, while other parking lots are free. The PAT bus 61C also serves the Kennywood parking lot when the park is open.
Kennywood Rides and Games
Kennywood amusement park boasts dozens of thrilling rides, including notable attractions such as Black Widow, Sky Rocket, Ghostwood Estate, Cosmic Chaos, SwingShot, Skycoaster, Phantom’s Revenge steel coaster, as well as three classic wooden coasters and the Exterminator indoor coaster. Furthermore, the park offers three water rides alongside traditional amusement rides, plus Kiddieland, featuring 14 rides designed specifically for younger guests. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of games, arcade activities, and gift shops.
Entertainment
Kennywood showcases live performances including “Step Right Up” and “88Keys: Dueling Through the Decades,” offering cirque-style variety acts along with dueling piano music. Additionally, during the later summer season, children can look forward to a live train-themed show within the brand-new Thomas Town.
Special events such as Community Days, which celebrate different local communities with picnics, and Heritage Days, focused on diverse ethnic traditions, are highlights throughout the season. The Celebrate America Festival brings nostalgic festivities during the first week of July, featuring crafts, parades, and fireworks. Furthermore, the Fall Fantasy Parades captivate park-goers each evening from mid-August through Labor Day weekend.
Phantom Fright Nights are available on Fridays and Saturdays through October. The Holiday Lights event, featuring over 1.5 million lights and the state’s tallest Christmas tree, runs on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from late November to December 23.
Best Times to Visit
According to Kennywood, Sundays in May or June, along with most weekdays throughout summer, experience the lightest crowds. Interestingly, both Memorial Day and the 4th of July are typically not as busy as expected. If minor rain showers do not deter you, consider visiting on days with rain in the forecast. Should the majority of rides close for more than two hours due to weather, Kennywood offers a free return visit ticket, available upon inquiry at Guest Relations.
Kennywood Tips
Shorten Your Wait Times: Arrive early and start your adventure at the back of the park, gradually making your way towards the front. This strategy generally minimizes time spent waiting in lines. Water rides particularly tend to have shorter lines early in the morning and late in the evening.
Check out the Kennywood height restrictions in advance to prepare your child for what to expect during the visit.
Save Money on Admission:
- The Premium Kennywood Season Pass often pays for itself in less than three visits.
- Purchase a season pass for the upcoming year at the end of the current season to enjoy the benefits during the remainder of the current season.
- Seek ticket discounts from participating Giant Eagle locations for various events.
Double the Fun: If you are undecided between roller coasters and waterslides, start your day at Sandcastle before transitioning to Kennywood by purchasing a Kennywood Night Rider ticket at Sandcastle Guest Relations, valid for entry after 5:00 p.m.
Save Time at the Gate: FunDay tickets can be purchased and printed online. Upon arrival at Kennywood, simply head straight to the e-ticket entrance for a seamless entry experience.
