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Please note that we did receive tickets to Kennywood. However, all opinions are our own.
Kennywood
My family just came back from a wonderful vacation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where we were given the wonderful opportunity to visit Kennywood theme park. This was our first trip to the popular Pittsburgh theme park, and we came away very impressed. Today, we want to let you know all the fun things you can do at the park and how to save money on tickets. But first, you can see our video from our day at Kennywood!
History of Kennywood
Kennywood, often called “America’s Finest Traditional Amusement Park,” has actually been around for over 120 years!
The park opened on May 30, 1899 as a trolley park attraction overlooking the Monongahela River. Trolley parks in the United States were picnic and recreation areas at the end of (or along) streetcar lines. These trolley parks, which predated amusement parks and first started in the 1800s, were often a way for streetcar companies to get people to use their services on the weekends.
In the case of Kennywood, the Monongahela Street Railways Company (which was in part owned by famous banker Andrew Mellon) wanted to create a fun place for mill workers and their families, as well as increase profits on the weekends. Near Pittsburgh (known as Pittsburg without an “h” at the time), there was a tree-filled part of a farm owned by Anthony Kenny. Known as “Kenny’s Grove,” this area had been a popular place for picnics since the Civil War. The railways company decided to lease Kenny’s Grove to start a trolley park.
George S. Davidson, the company’s chief engineer, both designed the park’s original layout and was the park’s first manager. After opening in 1899, number of additions soon followed in the next few years:
- A carousel (where Johnny Rockets restaurant is now located)
- A casino hall (used for eateries and gathering places, not gambling!)
- A dance pavillion
- A bandstand
- The Old Mill (which is the world’s oldest continuously operating dark water ride)
- The first roller coaster, the Figure Eight Toboggan
Beginning in 1906, two businessmen, A.S. McSwigan and F.W. Henninger, would take over operating the park (as Kennywood Park Limited), and their families would continue to run Kennywood for about a hundred years. Today, Kennywood is owned by Parques Reunidos, an international entertainment company based out of Madrid, Spain.
In addition to Kennywood, there are around a dozen other former trolley parks still operating today as amusement parks, including Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, Clementon Park, Seabreeze Amusement Park and Quassy Amusement Park.
Due to its historic importance, Kennywood is designated as a National Historic Landmark, one of only 2 amusement parks with this distinction (the other being Rye Playland Park). There are also a number of historic landmarks found within the park.
The Kennywood Park Casino is one such landmark. It is now the Parkside Cafe, a popular restaurant located in the center of the park.
Another landmark you won’t want to miss is the Windmill. The Windmill was built in 1921 in the middle of the lagoon. It was copied from a similar windmill attraction in Coney Island Amusement Park in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Victorian windmill structure is wooden on a stone foundation. In 1940, it was moved to the front of the park. You can find the Windmill in an oil painting by John Kane, the famous primitive style artist. This painting, “Scottish Day at Kennywood,” can be seen in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
Kennywood Rides
Thrill & Water Rides at Kennywood
Aero 360
Thrill Level:4
Height Requirement: 48”
This is definitely not a ride for those afraid of heights – Aero 360 reaches a height of 80 feet!
In this thrilling attraction built in 2000, riders on a couple of giant Kennywood Arrows swing back and forth like a pendulum, eventually making a full circle.
Steel Curtain
Thrill Level: 5
Height Requirement: 48”
If you’re a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, then this roller coaster is a definite MUST! And even if you don’t follow football, you will love this amazing new ride.
The Steel Curtain is the premiere attraction of the brand-new Steeler Country section of Kennywood. This black and gold coaster is, of course, themed to the Pittsburgh Steelers NFL team. The seats are designed to look like laced footballs, and the front of the trains say either “19” or “33,” referencing how the Steelers franchise was founded in 1933. As a lifelong Steelers fan, I can’t even begin to describe how exciting it was to experience this for the first time!
Roller coaster fans will be excited to learn that the Steel Curtain is also a record-setting coaster:
- Tallest roller coaster in Pennsylvania (220 feet)
- Most inversions in North America (9)
- Tallest inversion in the world (197 feet)
Black Widow
Thrill Level: 5
Height Requirement: 52”
Black Widow is an incredible pendulum-type ride that is extremely thrilling! Guests sit in a huge circle, facing outward, with legs dangling. This circle then swings in a pendulum motion – all while rotating counterclockwise! Depending on where you’re sitting, you’ll enjoy (or endure, for the fainter of hearts!) different sensations, which means you can ride this attraction over and over and get a new experience each time. The top height reached is 146 feet above ground, and guests will be moving at a top speed of 68 miles per hour.
Phantom’s Revenge
Thrill Level: 5
Height Requirement: 48”
In this popular roller coaster, the biggest drop (which is, interestingly, the second drop) is 230 feet, at 85 mph! You’ll also feel as if you’re getting dangerously close to another great Kennywood coaster, the Thunderbolt. Prior to renovations in 2000-2001, this steel coaster was known as Steel Phantom.
This ride has made several appearances in the media. A scene of the lift hill appeared in an episode (appropriately named “Roller Coaster”) of the television show Zoey 101. The Steel Phantom version of the ride made an appearance on an episode of the television show Without a Trace. In an episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (“Turn of the Screws”), main character Gil Grissom reveals he holds the marathon riding record on the Steel Phantom.
The Exterminator
Thrill Level: 4
Minimum Height: 46” (if between 46” and 59”, must ride with a responsible person)
The Exterminator is so much more than your typical roller coaster. Not only is it a roller coaster in the dark, but the individual cars spin! This spinning Wild Mouse coaster first opened in 1999.
Jack Rabbit
Thrill Level: 3
Minimum Height: 42” (if between 42” and 48”, must ride with a responsible person)
The Jack Rabbit has been a fan favorite for almost a century – it first opened in 1920! This wooden roller coaster is best known for its double-dip 70-foot drop.
Racer
Thrill Level: 2
Minimum Height: 46″
This wooden coaster first opened in 1927 and is the only single-continuous track coaster in the United States. As the track is side by side, riders can “race” each other.
Sky Rocket
Thrill Level: 4
Minimum Height: 52″ (if between 52” and 55”, must ride with a responsible person)
This steel launch roller coaster, which first opened in 2010, takes guests from zero to 50 mph in less than 3 seconds! This thrilling ride also has 3 inversions, with a maximum drop of 70 feet. Guests looking for an even more exciting experience will be sure to love the Sky Rocket Virtual Reality (VR) Experience. For just $5 (per guest per ride), you can enjoy a futuristic world synced to the roller coaster using Samsung Oculus Gear virtual reality technology. To pick up a pass for this optional add-on, just stop by the VIP Coasters Tour booth, which is across from the Sky Rocket queue line entrance.
Swing Shot
Thrill Level: 4
Minimum Height: 48″
Swing Shot is a giant swing taken to the extreme! Guests will quickly head for the sky, then reverse direction and plummet towards the ground in speeds of over 50 mph – producing a feeling of weightlessness! This ride, which first opened in 2006, reaches a height of 90 feet.
Thunderbolt
Thrill Level: 4
Minimum Height: 52″
Thunderbolt is a definitely a can’t miss roller coaster! It was even called the Ultimate Roller Coaster and King of Coasters by the New York Times in 1974. This wooden coaster was known as Pippin when it originally opened in 1924, but after a major renovation it reopened with its current name in 1968.
The Cosmic Chaos
Thrill Level: 4
Minimum Height: 48″
On this ride, guests sit facing outward around a giant disk. The disk then spins in a circle along a U-shaped track and ultimately reaches a height of 50 feet.
The Bayern Kurve
Thrill Level: 3
Minimum Height: 46″
This ride has one of my favorite themes of all of Kennywood’s attractions – you sit in cars that look like bobsleds and zip around a track! At full speed, guests are at a 45 degree angle to the ground.
Musik Express
Thrill Level: 2
Minimum Height: 50″
Another visually impressive ride, Musik Express is a quickly paced circular ride with flashing lights and fun, blaring music. Guests travel clockwise while also moving up and down. This ride made an appearance at the beginning of the 1994 film Only You.
Pirate
Thrill Level: 2
Minimum Height: 39″
This pirate ship swings back and forth until it eventually reaches a height of 60 feet and a position that’s at a 75-degree angle to where it started. Guests on this fun ride, which opened in 1982, get to experience a feeling of weightlessness.
Skycoaster
Thrill Level: 5
Minimum Height: 42″
If you’ve ever wanted to fly, this attraction is for you! 1-3 flyers are suited in a nylon harness, attached to a cable, and pulled to the top of the launch tower. From there, at a height of 180 feet above the ground, guests release themselves with a ripcord and free-fall at a speed around 75 mph. Definitely an intense experience!
Please note that this ride requires an extra free not included in park admission.
The Volcano
Thrill Level: 4
Minimum Height: 54″
Guests in 20 swinging gondolas travel clockwise on a large wheel. The wheel eventually lifts to a 90-degree angle, spinning riders upside down at a height of 65 feet!
Pittsburg Plunge
Thrill Level: 2
Minimum Height: 36″ (if between 36” and 46”, must ride with a responsible person)
First off, you read that right – there’s no “h” in the Pittsburg Plunge! This is because between 1890 and 1911, Pittsburgh was actually spelled without an “h” on the end. The Pittsburg Plunge attraction, the centerpiece of the Lost Kennywood section of the park, uses the spelling of that era.
This water ride is a “Shoot the Chute” type ride, which generally involves a flat-bottomed boat sliding down a ramp or inside a flume into a lagoon. This style of ride usually has larger boats than your typical “log flume” ride, as well as one single drop (instead of multiple drops). The first ride of this style was built in 1884 in Rock Island, Illinois.
Guests riding the Pittsburg Plunge, as well as spectators enjoying this impressive ride, can expect a huge splash!
Raging Rapids
Thrill Level: 2
Minimum Height: 42″ (if between 42” and 48”, must ride with a responsible person)
On this fun water ride, it’s easy to imagine you’re enjoying a white-water rafting trip beneath waterfalls and through canyons. You can also be sure that you’ll get wet – and, trust me, this is exactly what you’ll want on so many hot summer days!
Classic & Dark Rides at Kennywood
Wave Swinger
Thrill Level: 2
Minimum Height: 46”
Open since 1984, this is a gorgeous circular swinging ride that looks even more beautiful all lit up at night!
Noah’s Ark
Thrill Level: 3
Minimum Height: If under 46”, must be accompanied by a responsible person
“Noah’s Ark” is a type of walk-through funhouse attraction popular around 100 years ago. This type of ride is in the shape of the boat described in the biblical story in Genesis, complete with scenes of Noah and the animals, as well as typical fun house gags.
The first Noah’s Ark opened at Venice Pier in California in 1919. The last Noah’s Ark ever built is the one inside Kennywood, which opened in 1936. The Noah’s Ark in Kennywood is actually the only one still in operation today.
Although the ride was remodeled in 1996, it was again remodeled in 2015-6 to return to its previous state.
If you love classic amusement park rides, quirkly family fun, or if you’ve just ever wanted to walk through the mouth of a large whale, then you won’t want to miss Noah’s Ark.
Be advised, though, that despite its charming exterior, you will experience jumps, shakes and (fun) scares!
Whip
Thrill Level: 2
Minimum Height: if under 46”, must ride with a responsible person; no infants allowed
The Whip is the oldest flat ride in Kennywood – it opened in 1918! On this attraction, 16 cars travel along an elliptical track and “whip” as they go around the bend at both ends.
4-D Theater
Thrill Level: 2
Minimum Height: None, but no infants permitted
Currently, there are 2 different 4-D movies you can enjoy at Kennywood’s 4-D Theater!
Families will love Thomas & Friends 4-D: Bubbling Boilers®. In this movie, which is currently shown between 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Thomas is covered in a mysterious oily liquid and soon finds himself slipping out of control – including crashing into an old mine!
The second movie, which is presently shown from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, is San Andreas 4-D Experience®. This action packed experience involves a search and rescue pilot (as played by Dwayne Johnson) and his estranged wife trying to save their daughter during the largest California earthquake ever. Both the on-screen and in-theater effects are thrilling!
Turtle
Thrill Level: 1
Minimum Height: if under 46”, must ride with a responsible person; no infants allowed
This iconic ride has been a fan favorite since 1927! Six turtle-shaped cars travel counter-clockwise in a circle over a series of 3 hills and dips.
This attraction is a Tumble Bug amusement park style ride (and actually was first called the Tumble Bug before it got new turtle-style exteriors). There are only 2 full-sized Tumble Bug style rides that are still operating in the United States today (the other one is in Conneaut Lake Park).
Paratrooper
Thrill Level: 2
Minimum Height: 36″ (if between 36” and 46”, must ride with a responsible person)
Paratrooper opened in 1959 and was originally called the Skydiver. On this attraction, ten umbrella-covered cars rotate in a circle counter-clockwise on a long arm. The arm raises the cars in a horizontal position, up to a 45-degree angle.
Gran Prix
Thrill Level: 2
Minimum Height: 48″ (if between 48” and 52”, must ride with a partner)
Gran Prix, built in 1973, is a classic bumper car ride with 2 passenger cars. Pittsburgh Steelers fans will appreciate that a black-and-gold #31 car was added in tribute to former Steeler (and huge Kennywood fan) Mike Logan. After the Steelers won the Super Bowl in 2006, Logan announced a variation of the famous “I’m going to Disney World” post-Super Bowl comment, stating that forget Disney World – he wanted to go to Kennywood.
Ghostwood Estate
Thrill Level: 2
Minimum Height: if under 46”, must ride with a responsible person
Ghostwood Estate is a fun, interactive dark ride through a haunted home. Guests travel in buggies through an eight room estate and use ghost blasters to shoot at targets, which activate different props. These props add to your score, which is displayed in each buggy, so that you can compete against others if you’d like.
Garfield’s Nightmare
Thrill Level: 1
Minimum Height: if under 46”, must ride with a responsible person
This family friendly attraction is the oldest ride at Kennywood! It was originally constructed in 1901, though it has been through numerous renovations and theme changes over the years. In its current form, guests enjoy scenes from the Garfield comic strips and cartoons, displayed in bright 3D fluorescent colors under black light.
Paddle Boats
Thrill Level: 1
Minimum Height: if under 46”, must ride with a responsible person; no infants allowed
Guests can have fun paddling around the Lagoon in the heart of the park! This ride continues a Kennywood tradition dating back to 1898.
Please note that this attraction costs $5 per boat for 30 minutes and that this fee is not included in the normal cost of admission. Also, anyone who cannot swim must wear a life preserver.
Auto Race
Thrill Level: 1
Minimum Height: if under 46”, must ride with a responsible person; no infants allowed; parents can be backseat drivers
This ride is perfect for children who are outgrowing Kiddieland. Guests ride electrically-powered cars along a wooden track with twists and turns. Auto Race has been a Kennywood favorite since 1930!
Kangaroo
Thrill Level: 2
Minimum Height: if under 46”, must ride with a responsible person; no infants allowed
This fun ride is the last of its kind. Eight cars travel in a circle, with one steep hill in the way. Each car “bounces” off the top of the hill (hence the Kangaroo name!), then slowly descends back down to the track, which produces a feeling of flying. Kangaroo was originally called the Flying Coaster and opened in 1962.
Merry-Go-Round
Thrill Level: 1
Minimum Height: if under 46”, must ride with a responsible person
If you love merry-go-rounds, then this one – the largest carousel at Kennywood – will not disappoint! It features 50 jumping horses, 14 stationary horses, a lion, and a tiger.
This carousel was originally comissioned by the U.S. Government for the 1926 Philadelphia Sesqui-Centennial Exposition. After it failed to be completed in time, Kennywood purchased it, and the attraction opened in 1927. A 1916 Wurlitzer style #153 Military Band Organ (the oldest of its kind in existence) provides the music. The Merry-Go-Round is a Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation Historic Landmark.
Thomas Town Rides at Kennywood
Journey with Thomas
Thrill Level: 1
Minimum Height: if under 46”, must ride with a responsible person
This Thomas-themed train ride is a delight for guests of all ages! You can catch views of the Monongahela River as well as the area’s oldest steel mill, the Edgar Thomson Works.
Cranky’s Drop Tower
Thrill Level: 3
Minimum Height: 42″
This is a fun drop tower ride themed to Cranky the Crane. This is a great option for kids who are starting to try more thrilling rides.
Harold’s Helicopter Tour
Thrill Level: 1
Minimum Height: if under 36”, must ride with a responsible person; no hand held infants allowed
Guests ride in their own Harold the Helicopter, which travels around in a circle and can be piloted up and down.
Flynn’s Fire Training
Thrill Level: 1
Minimum Height: if under 36”, must ride with a responsible person; no hand held infants allowed
This is one of my personal favorite rides at Kennywood! Guests become junior firefighters who are tasked to help put out flames as they ride in their own Flynn the Fire Engine.
Diesel Drivers
Thrill Level: 1
Minimum Height: if under 36”, must ride with a responsible person; no hand held infants allowed
Guests can take a fun ride on Diesel engines like Diesel and Iron Bert!
Kiddie Rides at Kennywood
Red Baron
Thrill Level: 1
Minimum Height: children must be at least 36″ but under 56″; no hand held infants allowed
On the Red Baron, another personal favorite of mine, kids can ride World War II replica planes in a circle and use a level to control how high or low they fly.
Crazy Trolley
Thrill Level: 1
Minimum Height: if under 42”, must ride with a responsible person; no hand held infants
Hop on board this Kennywood trolley – but be aware that you’ll be lifted off the ground, up and down, for a crazy ride! This attraction was added in 2001.
Dizzy Dynamo
Thrill Level: 2
Minimum Height: if under 36”, must ride with a responsible person; no hand held infants; all children must be able to walk in order to ride
On this ride, originally named the Mini Bouncer, riders sit in 8 cars mounted to a circular platform. The platform starts to spin as well as each individual car (in alternating directions), and then the whole ride tips over! This attraction definitely earns the “Dizzy” in its name.
Elephant Parade
Thrill Level: 1
Minimum Height: children must be at least 36″ but under 56″; no hand held infants allowed
On this cute attraction that originally opened in 1987, kids fly in a clockwise direction on elephants and use a lever to move up and down. If you’ve ever seen the Dumbo ride at one of the Disney parks, then you’ll be familiar with this popular type of ride.
Kenny’s Karousel
Thrill Level: 1
Minimum Height: children must be at least 36″ but under 52″; no hand held infants
One of Kiddieland’s original rides, this merry-go-round has been delighting guests since 1927. Kids can ride on one of 16 jumping horses, 10 stationary horses or 2 chariots.
Lil’ Phantom
Thrill Level: 2
Minimum Height: if under 36”, must ride with a responsible person; no hand held infants; all children must be able to walk in order to ride; parents can ride with their children
This junior roller coaster is the perfect option for kids who are ready to try a roller coaster but aren’t quite tall enough for the big ones.
Orbiter
Thrill Level: 1
Minimum Height: children must be at least 36″ but under 48″; no hand held infants
Fly around Kiddieland in a miniature spaceship! In this attraction, which originally opened in 1982, the spaceships travel around in a circle and lift and tilt.
Pounce Bounce
Thrill Level: 2
Minimum Height: if under 36”, must ride with a responsible person; no hand held infants; all children must be able to walk in order to ride; parents can ride with their children
On the Pounce Bounce, guests are taken up to a height of 50 feet, then gently dropped and pulled back up in a bouncing motion. This ride is a great option for kids too small or not quite ready for Cranky’s Drop Tower in Thomas Town.
SS Kenny
Thrill Level: 2
Minimum Height: if under 42”, must ride with a responsible person; no hand held infants; all children must be able to walk in order to ride; parents can ride with their children
The park’s mascot, Kenny Kangaroo, is the official skipper of this fun ride! Guests sit inside a tugboat, which rocks them back and forth while also spinning. This attraction was added in 2007.
Steel City Choppers
Thrill Level: 1
Minimum Height: children must be at least 36″ but under 56″; no hand held infants
Kids ride around in a circle on brightly colored miniature motorcycles during this fun attraction.
Turtle Chase
Thrill Level: 1
Minimum Height: if under 36”, must ride with a responsible person; no hand held infants; all children must be able to walk in order to ride; parents can ride with their children
Turtle Chase is the junior version of the fun Turtle ride at Kennywood. On this attraction, which first opened in 1950, guests travel in a circle, enjoying small hills and dips.
Wacky Wheel
Thrill Level: 1
Minimum Height: children must be at least 36″ but under 52″; no hand held infants
This miniature ferris wheel is one of the first kiddie rides that ever opened at Kennywood!
Whippersnapper
Thrill Level: 1
Minimum Height: children must be at least 36″ but under 52″; no hand held infants
The Whippersnapper is another one of the original Kiddieland rides. This is the perfect option for kids who aren’t quite big enough (or ready for) the full-sized Whip ride at Kennywood.
Whirlwind
Thrill Level: 1
Minimum Height: children must be at least 36″ but under 52″; no hand held infants
Whirlwind is the kids version of Wave Swinger. This attraction was originally known as Kiddie Swings.
