Idlewild Park in PA

[ADAMANDLISA]

We were thinking of camping a couple of days near Idlewild and I was wondering if there is enough to do at the park for a 2 and 3 year old?

Also, what's the best campground in the area?

Thanks all!

 

[bunny]

Your kids are the perfect age for that park. I have been going there all of my life. I love it there. It is not expensive and has a real family vibe. As far as camping, I would suggest Mirror Lake campground. http://www.mirrorlakervcamping.com/ It is close to Idlewild and has big sites. It is also very quiet at night. We really enjoyed our stay there.

 

[Crystal824]

I agree your kids are a great age for that park. I have no idea about camping though. We only live about a half hour from the park so that was never an issue for us.

 

[ADAMANDLISA]

Your kids are the perfect age for that park. I have been going there all of my life. I love it there. It is not expensive and has a real family vibe. As far as camping, I would suggest Mirror Lake campground. http://www.mirrorlakervcamping.com/ It is close to Idlewild and has big sites. It is also very quiet at night. We really enjoyed our stay there.

I will definitely check this campground out. Thanks for the link!

I agree your kids are a great age for that park. I have no idea about camping though. We only live about a half hour from the park so that was never an issue for us.

Thank you!



It's between Idlewild and Knoebels. We've never been to either one and I'm having a really hard time deciding. I was leaning towards Idlewild because of the season passes being so cheap---it's also closer and we could go again this year.

 

[scottmel]

I have been to Knoebels and Idlewild. Went to K;s once and that was more than enough for me. No shade, hot, seemed more like a "fair" than an amusement park. No comparision in my book. Idlewild has lots of trees, shade, nicer rides....

 

[ADAMANDLISA]

I'm glad you mentioned the fact that Idlewild has more shade! This will be very helpful with the baby!

 

[ADisneyQueen]

We went here for a day last year. It was a nice park, especially the fairytale area with the displays. I will caution you though, that we did not like the waterpark area. It was July, but the water was not heated. It was ice cold and we couldn't stand it. I would go but not plan on swimming unless things have changed.

 

[Miller-family]

We love Idlewild! Grew up 30 minutes away and visited many times as kids! We now are taking our own kids there - making the trip from MD. Park is the cleaniest I have every been to. Story Book Forest will be great for your kids. The Raccoon Lagoon area with the kids rides and Mr. Rogers neighborhood trolley is great. We were there last summer and my then 6 year old cried when we had to leave.

The water in the swimming pool is cool, it's fed from underground springs. But we didn't really mind it. There is a small splash area for kids under 5 and a bigger area for kids under 12(?). My two had a blast in the older kids area. DS wanted to go in the little kids area too, it looked like a lot of fun.

 

[katyjeka]

Hi. We live seven miles from Idlewild, it's a great park for young kids and there is plenty to do. Besides the campground metioned above, which is nice, Jellystone is another campground fairly close to Idlewild. Google, jellystonemillrun. It's 10 minutes further than the other, but they have a great pool area for little ones. Have a great time.

 

[ADAMANDLISA]

We went here for a day last year. It was a nice park, especially the fairytale area with the displays. I will caution you though, that we did not like the waterpark area. It was July, but the water was not heated. It was ice cold and we couldn't stand it. I would go but not plan on swimming unless things have changed.

Thanks for the heads up on the water temp! It's definitely better to be prepared in that situation!

We love Idlewild! Grew up 30 minutes away and visited many times as kids! We now are taking our own kids there - making the trip from MD. Park is the cleaniest I have every been to. Story Book Forest will be great for your kids. The Raccoon Lagoon area with the kids rides and Mr. Rogers neighborhood trolley is great. We were there last summer and my then 6 year old cried when we had to leave.

The water in the swimming pool is cool, it's fed from underground springs. But we didn't really mind it. There is a small splash area for kids under 5 and a bigger area for kids under 12(?). My two had a blast in the older kids area. DS wanted to go in the little kids area too, it looked like a lot of fun.

Thanks for the info! Love the town where you live! Such neat houses. We lived in Hagerstown while DH was stationed at Camp David!

Hi. We live seven miles from Idlewild, it's a great park for young kids and there is plenty to do. Besides the campground metioned above, which is nice, Jellystone is another campground fairly close to Idlewild. Google, jellystonemillrun. It's 10 minutes further than the other, but they have a great pool area for little ones. Have a great time.

I saw Jellystone on there but it's $14/night more than Mirror Lake. Is the campground worth the extra money? If it is, I'd gladly pay!

 

[Peanutsmom]

We live about 20 minutes from Idlewild and have had season passes for the last 3 years. My children have loved it. My oldest has gone since she was 2 years old. There has always been plenty for her to do and enjoy. This park is very well kept, it has a lot of shaded areas and seems very laid back and relaxed. I would not recommend travelling to this park on a Monday if you can avoid it. Monday's are the day that season pass holders can each bring in a guest for free. So .... it can crowded on those days (not Disney crowded ... but still). There are a lot of attractions geared toward the younger set. My husband and I always laugh because the arm bands you get when you pay at the entrance have written on them "Voted #2 Best Kids Park in the World." Wonder who's #1? It truly is a great kids park.

 

[ADAMANDLISA]

We live about 20 minutes from Idlewild and have had season passes for the last 3 years. My children have loved it. My oldest has gone since she was 2 years old. There has always been plenty for her to do and enjoy. This park is very well kept, it has a lot of shaded areas and seems very laid back and relaxed. I would not recommend travelling to this park on a Monday if you can avoid it. Monday's are the day that season pass holders can each bring in a guest for free. So .... it can crowded on those days (not Disney crowded ... but still). There are a lot of attractions geared toward the younger set. My husband and I always laugh because the arm bands you get when you pay at the entrance have written on them "Voted #2 Best Kids Park in the World." Wonder who's #1? It truly is a great kids park.

You got me curious, so I looked it up. Here is a link:

http://www.amusementtoday.com/image/GoldenTicket8002.pdf

It seems Legoland in California is the winner.

 

[katyjeka]

My dh and I feel its worth the extra money. The restrooms are SUPER clean, and they keep the entire campground so nice. The employees are great and the little kids area is awesome.

 

[ILuvCrush]

We go to Idlewild every year... my girls get to dance on stage in july...so we will be there then

It is a terrific park for little kids.... more so than teens!! LOL!!

Jumping Jungle is very shady and lots to do with the little ones (mom and dad can do everything there too) Storybook forest is a lovely walk thru the fairy tales complete with some live animals (henny penny, peter cottontail, billy goats gruff, 3 little pigs) My kids adored it when they were little...

We took the kids to jellystone a few times camping too... it was very nice! lots of activities, pool area was nice, firetruck rides, nice onsite restaraunt if you want a 'real breakfast'

I think you and your DH and kids will have a great vacation there!

Paula