5 of the Best Amusement Parks in Pittsburgh

Kennywood

📷 Kennywood

The first amusement parks in Pittsburgh, Kennywood, is perhaps the most recognizable amusement park in Eastern PA, a favorite of both Yinzers and newcomers alike.  For good reason! The park is packed with roller coasters, parades, rides, and good eats that keep visitors entertained for hours on end.  Thrill-seekers can try out the Black Widow and Thunderbolt! For those looking for something a bit more low-key, Diesel Drivers and Flynn’s Fire Training offer more experiential rides safe for all ages.  Whatever you do, be sure to leave room for one of the many authentic Pittsburgh snacks available throughout the park.  Our pick? The Potato Patch Fries of course.  Who doesn’t love a crispy stack of potatoes topped with crispy bacon and cheddar?  Check out their website for information on day and seasonal passes!

Sandcastle

We love a long Pittsburgh summer, but we also love a good cooldown when the temps reach into the 90s–enter Sandcastle Waterpark.  Lazy River’s, a wave pool, tiki huts for when the wave pool gets to be too much…you name it and Sandcastle likely has it.  This waterpark just got a facelift and we are so here for it. Follow the colorful boardwalk signs and check out one of their new snack shacks or try out one of their renovated rides for the full experience!  In terms of food, Cocomo Joe’s is a popular option.   Their fruity beverages are the perfect refreshers on a hot summer day.  That and the overall tropical vibes don’t hurt either.  Join the park on May 21 for opening season festivities and events!

Idlewild & SoakZone

📷 Idlewild

Idlewild combines amusement with waterpark in a way that has visitors FLOCKING every  year–and the 2022 season is the longest one yet! Ride the balloon race for a view of the entire park or strap in for Paul Bunyan’s Loggin’ Tobaggon, both great options amongst so many.  The website is easy to explore for the best activites to do with kiddos or for more intense rides and coasters so be sure to plan out your visit before coming.  Busy summer? Visit in October for the park’s Hallowboo, a kid-friendly theme night with costumes, treats, and entertainment!

Fun Slides Carpet Skatepark

📷 Fun Slides Carpet Skatepark

First question: where was this 15 years ago?  Second question: …is there an age limit?  Fun Slides Carpet Skatepark located off of Perry Highway is the rainy day activity we’ve all been waiting for!  Great for birthdays, school gatherings, or just a family fun day, the skate park offers a safer yet equally thrilling alternative to skating rinks and parks. Throw on a pair of “Fun Slides” over any closed-toe shoe and explore the indoor facilities obstacles and skate ramps.  The park also offers interactive games like hockey and dodgeball.  The ultimate test? Try out their Super Ninja Challenge–like Wipeout but A LOT less painful. Check out their hours below to schedule your next visit!

Altitude Trampoline Parks

📷 Altitude Trampoline Parks

If you were lucky and grew up with a trampoline in your backyard, congrats–you were the cool kid.  Not so cool?  No need to fear. The newly opened Altitude Trampoline Park in Bridgeville is all of our childhood dreams come true.  Play a game of dodgeball or race your friends across trampolines before diving head first into the foam pit.  Altitude is the best place to show off your newest acrobatic skills all while enjoying some great tunes!  Attend their theme nights such as Weekend Wind Down or Luau Friday for an added bonus to an already amazing experience.  Find more details on their website!