We live in Pittsburgh and as you know we are always in search of the best of the best. Sometimes the best of is right in our own backyard, such as today’s adventure.
When I look for things to do I make sure that there’s something for every genre in the family so that once we get there we will be entertained and have fun for the day. Everyone should smile and everyone should have a great day while memories are made. Family friendly destinations are what great memories are made of.
Family time is waiting for you at the best amusement park in Pittsburgh and you will see multiple families in large groups enjoying time together in a park that you can call your own when nostalgia rules and your favorite rides will be there for years to come! Lavishly live travel and fun out loud and find out where the best amusement park in Pittsburgh is so you can visit!
Best Amusement Park in Pittsburgh
We were guests of Kennywood Park, however, all opinions and images are my own based on my experiences. I always provide you with the best of the best and the park is a piece of Pittsburgh history.
Planning to head out as a family is often the largest obstacle because not every venue is family friendly. The best amusement park in Pittsburgh is family friendly, has allergen friendly eats, and can be enjoyed even if the weather is stifling or kind of cool, which is how we roll in Pittsburgh, polar opposites on any given day of the week.
Calling all babies, kids, teens, parents, aunts, uncles, friends, grandparents and anyone I forgot to mention, it’s time to sail through the skies, race on coasters, take on water rides, take some great family photos and enjoy the day at Kennywood Park .
The Famed Tunnel Entrance
Before you enter the park make sure you take one famed photo before entering the park. My suggestion is right before you enter. Everything that is fun is about to happen, so capture the photo. As you pass through the tunnel you’ll smell popcorn and cotton-candy and potato patch fries that’s just the beginning of the excitement!
Kennywood Park Tip: While you are in the tunnel, it echoes, so go ahead, do your thing, I always did as a child and my kids do now, it’s part of the fun of heading into the park and your kids will remember it!
KENNYWOOD PARK
Just to keep things simple, let me overview the park. Kennywood Park is about food, family, and fun and when you combine the 3 you have the ultimate day can a destination day get away! We always have a food and riding plan and while we hardly stick to it, we know that riding and food sometimes don’t mix but you will note our plan does not take that into consideration. Read on!
HOW TO CONQUER KENNYWOOD PARK
Ask anyone who heads to Kennywood Park (those that have been there) about the Kennywood ‘Plan’ and they will all give different versions of what to do first, second, third. We go about it around the food, (go figure, lol)
We head down to the Jack Rabbit, because after a ride on the coaster, we stop, get a drink and popcorn, this is the best stop for popcorn! We move on over to the Racer for a kick ride and like I said, we wager with Potato Patch Fries (personally I think we should use funnel cakes they are right after the log jammer, but we don’t!)
Now it’s Log Jammer time and we can’t wait! Remember that bigger your grip on the log jammer the bigger the splash!
Allergen friendly dining
Is true you can go to Kennywood Park and eat even if you have allergies? Actually, it is true, and most of you did not know but we have been able to eat here for a few years. Now, as many have food allergies, you easily can accommodate yourselves or loved ones by checking with Guest Relations close to Lost Kennywood and always the food managers at each location. After the Log Jammer we head over to the Pizza Warehouse.
Niko ate latex free, nut free, seafood free and without honey, from ice cream to pizza and even potato patch fries because the fries are in a dedicated fryer! Now it is time to walk off lunch and start riding. We head over to the Turtles, Thunderbolt and Lost Kennywood.
Family Rides
Kennywood has plenty of rides to experience as a family from the Turtle to the bumper cars. The bumper cars, Pittsburgh Plunge, and the log jammer are all great way to spend time together.
CURVES AND SPEED
Hold on to your bellies and jump on to The Bayern Kurve!
Dare Devil Rides
Whoever loves coasters should make sure to try Phantom and Thunderbolt and don’t forget the Exterminator these are good for thrills and chills as you drop and plummet and speed through the railways.
We all have our own definition of Dare Devil but these coasters pack a nice punch, each in a different way, right? What is one person’s scare is another person’s thrill, but trust me, there’s something for everyone at our park!
THE KENNYWOOD TRAIN
You know there is something nostalgic about a train ride and the kids know I am going to drag them on this ride no matter what but I love seeing the river and I love hearing the Kennywood Park history. I recommend this as a ride in between everything to give your body a ‘calm’ from riding. Am I showing my age here? lol!
THE FINALE POTATO PATCH FRIES
It does not matter how much you ride or walk, you must try the Potato Patch Fries because a trip to Kennywood Park is simply not complete without these delectables! The fries are thick enough to be substantial but not steak cut to be too big. I truly recommend the Cheddar Sauce! The fries are in dedicated fryers so even if you have food allergies to a lot you might be able to eat here, our son did and he waits for this!
So come out and visit and head out to the best amusement park in Pittsburgh with your family. Kennywood Park is the perfect day destination. You can pack coolers, grab a pavilion (talk to guest relations ahead of time) and you can even bring a backpack (which is a gift, many parks are allowing less and less in the parks!) Plan for a day of fun, smiles, thrills, chills, screams and laughter, because it all will happen!
Lavishly live life out loud, enjoy our day destination as a family and have a great time. I’ll see you on the Racer and I’ll wager you some awesome Potato Patch Fries .. after all, I am a culinary enthusiast who travels!
Pittsburgh has several amusement parks and I love this Kennywood Park and have been there several times with my friends. There are different fantastic amusement equipment there, especially the thrill rides! I love thrill rides very much! 🙂
Thanks for your great share, Dana Vento!
I also live near the Pittsburgh and I have been several amusement parks in Pittsburgh including the Kennywood Park. I must say that the Kennywood Park is my favorite park in Pittsburgh with so many fantastic rides. I have been there many times with my family. 🙂
Kenwood Park huh? Now this is one that I’ve never been to, and I thought I knew them all! It’s a big world out there with a lot of new things to see and discover. That’s why I stay tuned into your blog because you always have something great to share. Keep it up Dana you are AMAZING!!!
Great theme park will have to check it out! And ooh that strawberry sundae look deelicious! Great post I will share this on my socials.
I love reading about your adventures with your kids. It’s always fun to know about things to do in specific towns, whether small or large. I’m drooling over all those food– looks awesome!
Amusement parks are just great! They just have something for everyone! This one in Pittsburgh looks terrific! I’m especially intrigued by the Devil’s Revenge! Would love to give it a try.
Yeah, spending time in the amusement park with family is one of the best ideas to go out. I always love to visit amusement parks with friends. The photos you have posted are amazing and the foods are tempting me. To be frank, I am afraid of coasters, but I always enjoy with other rides. It seems you have spent a nice time there and all photos are good. I think if it is possible I would like to visit this park for my next vacation.
Rides in the parks are real fun,thrill and a matter of real excitement. More the rides, more the fun, which will go in top gear if added with mouth watering special refreshment items. I love to visit amusement parks anywhere.
the place looks nice and adventurous. thank u for the information especially about allergy friendly dining…
It’s good you mentioned about allergen-free food, Dana. That has been a pain in the neck for me whenever I take my kids around town. And now that you’ve mentioned Kennywood Park, I’ll probably bring the kids there over the weekend! Thanks for the recommendation, girl!
I’m always such a fan of log jammers. I think I like it because of the excitement of being splashed by water. I just feel that there’s a special appeal to it.
And yes, can’t agree with you more. Potato patch fries are always a great ender. I’m a potato fries lover – can’t help but finish 2 orders all to myself. No regrets.
I love amusement parks and this seems like a good one. It has all it takes for a weekend visit. I´ll try to visit it on my next trip to Pittsburg