Kennywood: Popular Pittsburgh amusement park

Operating for almost 120 years, Pittsburgh's Kennywood is one of the oldest amusement parks in America. It was originally opened by the Monongahela Street Railway Co. in 1898 as a small trolley park, but has drastically grown throughout the years from its humble beginnings. Today, the park boasts 31 rides, a 4-D theater and has been named a historic landmark.

Kennywood offers family-friendly fun for all ages and has been a popular destination for locals and visitors alike for more than a century. Here's a guide to help plan your trip to the historic park for a full day of fun.

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Tickets and Hours

There are several Kennywood season passes available with prices ranging from $54.99 to $124.99. A one-day pass can be purchased for $47.99. Tickets can be bought in advance online or at the entrance gate.

The park is typically open daily from the month of May to August with a few extra events sprinkled in throughout the month of September. Park hours are from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Rides open at 11 a.m.

Kennywood opens for special events throughout the year including Holiday Lights, where the amusement park transforms into a winter wonderland with millions of sparkling lights during the month of December and then Phantom Fright Nights, a Halloween tradition where all things scary take over the park at night during the month of October. For something a little more kid-friendly and a little less scary, Kennywood has Happy Hauntings during the day — Halloween fun designed for children ages 10 and under.

Kennywood offers a park schedule and a park map on its website.

Location and Directions

Kennywood is only a short drive from downtown Pittsburgh at 4800 Kennywood Blvd., West Mifflin.

From I-376 

Take Exit 77 (Edgewood-Swissvale)
Keep right to Swissvale
Turn left on Monongahela Avenue
Take an immediate right on Braddock Avenue
After 1.3 miles keep left on Ridge Avenue
Turn left on River Road
Drive straight for a mile to destination
 
Parking

There is plenty of free parking available at the park, but if you want to park near the entrance you can pay $7 for preferred parking.
 
Rides and Attractions

Pittsburgh's Kennywood is comprised of 31 rides that are a mixture of classic and thrill rides, water rides and kiddie rides. The classics include nostalgic favorites like bumper cars, a merry-go-round and paddle boats. Guests can also get their adrenaline pumping on one of the park's six roller coasters or relax and enjoy a show at the 4-D theater.

Tip: To bypass the lines for Kennywood's six roller coasters you can purchase a VIP Coaster Tour.

Along with the park's rides and shows, guests will also find countless games and arcades to enjoy.
 
Dining

Kennywood has 30 concession and refreshment stands dotting the park that sell delicious snacks and sweet treats. Guests can enjoy freshly popped popcorn, swirls of cotton candy, homemade fudge and candy apples.

There are also several restaurants and cafes that are perfect to grab a bite to eat between rides. Eateries range from pizza parlors and burger joints to The Swhinery BBQ, where you'll find award-winning ribs and brisket.

Cox Media Group