So here’s the deal – this Wednesday, we leave from the Jersey shore for our annual excursion to visit my wife’s family in Indiana. We usually drive the 11 hours straight through, but this time we’re breaking up the trip. We’re looking to leave around noonish, get a couple hours down the PA Turnpike, and then stop somewhere for a few hours of family fun before we head back on the road (then grab a hotel wherever we find ourselves around midnight).
So, we need a target. Something enjoyable for three adults, a nine-year-old and a 17-month-old. Any and all suggestions welcomed (and then rejected for arbitrary and capricious reasons so you get all insulted and then we stop hanging out on weekends), so let’s have 'em!
Phoenixville can be cool but with the age ranges consider Dutch Wonderland Amusement Park near Lancaster. They have a slight throw-back feel that the adults could enjoy and rides for both kid ages and the park is small enough to be “fun and done” in 4 hours.
Burpo knows me as one of those American Coaster Enthusiasts total amusement park freaks. Its one of the few subjects where I have really good knowledge. We usually do about 15 different parks a year with at least 3 “new to us” every year. So if my replies lean in that direction you will understand.
(We’ve even been to Diggerland USA in NJ)
Since you mentioned it I’ll give my usual commercial for what I think is the best park in the US.
Yes and no. Knoebels is at least an hour and a half away from the turnpike. But — you can then just hit 80 West which meets the PA Pike/Ohio Pike sort of so you can make up a lot of the time lost. We did that coming from New Jersey and this years CoasterCon. For Hal - Knoebels is free admission and free parking so sometimes we’ll stop there for a quick meal and a couple rides - just get tickets instead of a wristband. Much money saved over a Pay One Price (POP - think 6 Flags) type parks. They also have some unique rides like a carousel with a brass ring and a couple free museums. It is close to Hershey is terms of number of rides so you won’t get to ride everything but its flat and built close enough that you can at least see everything. They also place tame rides near the thrill rides so – while one adult has the toddler on the antique cars everyone else can be on the Phoenix coaster and everyone can still see each other. Maybe check YouTube and give them a look.
Those get a little far off the turnpike too. Western PA, staying close to the Pike, doesn’t have tons to offer that don’t get into traffic or time constraints.
There is Kennywood but being POP it does cost and it is Hershey-sized. A fair bet is Idlewild which is this sort of strange kids park that adults enjoy a lot as well. They are a variety of POP but a little cheaper than Kennywood (owned by the same company but really different in theme and pricing). They are usually ranked as the top kids park in America.
Just near the Pike in the Cranberry area are a couple family fun spots (some rides, mini-golf, etc) and some interesting shopping for the adults.
The ages on the kids throws me a little. Near Idlewild is Fort Ligonier which is a great historic site the 9 year old would enjoy. Somerset also has the memorial to Flight 93. I would say in general terms that the Somerset/Westmoreland area has the best options in the western half of the state.
I’m betting the end of the trip is in Indiana the state and not Indiana the town. :smack:
Which reminds me of a plus for Knoebels and going rte 80 from there ---- you get to drive past the town of Jersey Shore, PA. How many people do you know who can say they’ve been to the one Jersey Shore with no shore?
If the kids like horses, canoeing, pontooning, and/or kayaking I’ll offer to put you up at our place. We are in Apollo, PA with access to many lakes, rivers, and trails. We have a guest bedroom/bath!
For the adventuresome sort I always recommend riding the Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike. Alas, you have young kids and no bikes so that’s out, but it’s something to keep in mind for when they get older. I’ve done it twice and can say that it is really cool riding on a (admittedly deteriorated) highway with no cars on it, and riding through the Sideling Hill Tunnel is like riding into your own grave.
We usually do about 15 different parks a year with at least 3 “new to us” every year. So if my replies lean in that direction you will understand.
