Top Philadelphia Area Amusement Parks
We might not have Disney, but there's still plenty of fun to be had at Philadelphia area theme parks. From the world's largest amusement park to plenty of thrills on local boardwalks, there's a nearby attraction for every taste. Check out the list below for some of the top parks near Philly.
AC's awesome Steel Pier extends 1,000 feet over the Atlantic Ocean and is full of rides and attractions. Owned by the Catanoso family, this warm weather amusement park was recently renovated and now includes 25 kid-friendly and "extreme" rides (see the terrifying Sling Shot) as well as games, kiosks and even a pub.
Price: General Admission, $39.99 or online, $29.99; Junior Admission (under 48 inches), $29.99 in person and online; Senior Admission, $29.99; Physically Challenged Admission, $29.99
One of the area's most reasonably priced parks, Clementon and its sister water park, Splash World, offer tons of water slides, a giant wave pool, a lazy river, several roller coasters and a number of kiddie rides that make it an ideal spot for the whole family. Park frequenters are especially enthusiastic about its potential for little ones.
Price: Full Day Tickets, $24.95 Online or $34.95 Walkup; After 3 p.m., $24.95 Online or $26.95 Walkup
America's first construction-themed fun park recently opened in our area, and it's already a hit with the younger generation (and their parents!). The 14-acre amusement park offers 23 attractions for the construction-obsessed, including life-size digger and construction equipment that's been modified so that children can operate it.
Price: Online Regular, $52.99; Online Regular 4 or More, $49.99; Online After 4 PM, $39.99; Online Jr/Sr, $37.99
This Allentown amusement park boasts some of the world's tallest and longest roller coasters, including Steel Force, Hydra and the old-school Wild Mouse. But if you're looking for more family-friendly fun, there's also a slew of kiddie rides, including the Antique Carrousel and the Cedar Creek Cannonball, an old fashioned replica steam engine. Trying to keep cool in the summer heat? Head to Wild Water Kingdom for more than three dozen slides, pools, rivers and water play areas.
Price: Regular Admission: $59.95 (ages 9-54); $37.95 (ages 3-8); $37.95 (ages 55-59); $23.95 (age 70+); FREE for 2 and under
This chocolate-centric theme park has been around since 1906, when Milton S. Hershey himself founded the place for his employees. These days, the park's attractions span the gamut from chocolate tours, a boardwalk and a zoo to wild roller coasters and water rides. Make a weekend of it as you explore both the parks and the nearby Pennsylvania countryside.
This seaside amusement park is conveniently located in Wildwood, one of the Philly area's most popular beaches. Family owned and operated since 1969, the park features more than 100 rides set on three amusement piers as well as two beachfront waterparks.
Another Jersey Shore attraction, the Ocean City Boardwalk boasts two movie theaters, mini golf courses, roller coasters, go-carts, twin giant Ferris Wheels and more. Thursdays are "Family Night," with live entertainment and special events on every block, and the boardwalk frequent hosts concerts featuring big name as well as Radio Disney artists.
Price: $58.00 online, $63.00 at the gate
All your favorite "Sesame Street" characters come to life at this adorable theme park just outside Philly. From character brunches and barbecues to water rides and kiddie coasters, this Langhorne amusement park has lots of fun in store for the Sesame Place fan.
Price: General Admission, $66.99; Children Under 54", $39.99; Children 2 and Under, FREE
The world's largest amusement park (yes, really) draws in the crowds each season due to its ideal location between New York and Philadelphia. Whether you're hoping to get up-close-and-personal with the animals in the park's Wild Safari or test your stomach on the just-opened Zumanjaro Drop of Doom (the tallest drop tower in the world!), this massive South Jersey theme park has rides galore, plus enough shopping, dining and live entertainment to keep you busy for days.