Kennywood means summer in Pittsburgh. The park is only open in the summer months and locals rejoice during this time in all sorts of outdoor fun with Kennywood being the pinnacle of their amusement. The park is a great place for families, but also has enough nostalgic charm to remind adults that acting like a kid can be immensely satisfying.
Three Must-See Attractions at Kennywood
Jack Rabbit is a great wooden coaster from the 1920s, perfect ride for that old charm. Phantom's revenge is the park's fastest coaster, reaching an impressive 85 mph. To cool off, ride the Pittsburg Plunge (spelled wrong on purpose) where you drop 50-foot into a giant pool of water.
Best and Worst Time to Go to Kennywood
Watch for rain in the forecast. Rain means the crowds stay away, even though Pittsburgh summer rains tend to be showers that might only last for 5 minutes or less, so you will be enjoying the park crowd-free for most of the day. Worst days are weekends in June, July, and August because school is out and everyone wants to be at Kennywood.
Discounts at Kennywood
Purchasing tickets at Giant Eagle (the regions most popular supermarket chain) can save you $10-$12 on tickets for any day in May, June, and September and weekday tickets in July and August. There are also select Buy-One-Get-One days in July, just check the Kennywood website.
Food at Kennywood
Potato patch fries are the signature dish at Kennywood. Pittsburghers salivate just at the mention of them. Fresh cut fries smothered in cheese whiz (this is PA, so whiz rules here) and topped with crispy bacon bits, all for $7-$8. Other food is typical theme park food or hot dogs and greasy pizza ranging between $5-$10.
Parking at Kennywood
There is a large parking lot directly across Kennywood Boulevard and it is free to park when you enter through gate A. If you want a spot closer to the entrance gate you can pay $7-$9 for preferred parking by entering at gate B.
Transportation Alternatives at Kennywood
The park is a bit far from the city center in West Mifflin, but you can take the P7 bus route which travels along the traffic free busway and will get you to all the rides in about 45 minutes from downtown.
Author's bio: Ryan Deto, originally from California, has been exploring the streets of Pittsburgh for more than four years. He has been published in "LA Weekly" and has traveled to more than a dozen countries and more than 40 states throughout America.