Pittsburgher question - Kennywood or Idlewild?

[MsLeFever]

We are new to the area and want season passes somewhere fun.

I've been to Kennywood but not Idlewild. My kids are 8 and 4. DS is pretty brave and looking forward to being tall enough to ride coasters this summer, DD is SUPER cautious about rides. I'll probably be the only adult taking them to the parks since DH will be working during the summer.

so - will Kennywood be too limiting since DD can't (won't) ride "big" rides?
Is there enough at Idlewild to occupy my son and me or will we be bored?

thanks for the advice!

 

[wvjules]

I'd pick Kennywood. Your younger one would still have rides to ride but if you went to Idlewilde your older one would be bored.

 

[N.Bailey]

I vote for Kennywood. We took our kids there when they were pretty young and we always had a good time. I think your 4 year old will have a blast too.

 

[Hannathy]

second the Kennywood if interested in rides. Idlewild is a nice park but in a different way no big thrill rides but a more homey feel, they had a nice play area last time I was there and also a water park and story book forest. so I guess you need to decide the type of place Kennywood is just amusement park attractions or do you want to go and swim sometimes (if you have season passes) And use it more like a pool season pass or are you looking for an amusement park. Kennywood does have a lot of medium rides and the old amusement type rides. They have a version of Kali River rapids that I think is better than the Disney one-not as good of theming and visual effects BUT a better ride. Kennywood has great coasters including the Jack Rabbit which is a great first coaster after moving up from the kiddy ones My son loved it the summer before Kindergarten(so did his 11 yr old sister) Kennywood is huge, Idlewild only has a handful of rides. It would be nice to go to once though esp if your kids watched Mr. Rogers neighborhood, my DD loved the trolley ride thru "the Neighborhood" You could spend days at Kennywood to ride all the rides.

 

[Marseeya]

Kennywood!

I'm not sure where you live, but Idlewild is over an hour away from Pittsburgh. Kennywood's just a hop skip and a jump.

Aside from that, though, Kennywood has so much more to offer, even if you're youngest is too small for the thrill rides.

I've been thinking of seeing if anyone in the area wants to do an informal Dis Meet at Kennywood this summer. Depending on how many people are interested, we could get a picnic grove -- you didn't used to have to reserve the more rustic ones.

 

[MsLeFever]

I'm not sure where you live, but Idlewild is over an hour away from Pittsburgh. Kennywood's just a hop skip and a jump.

I've been thinking of seeing if anyone in the area wants to do an informal Dis Meet at Kennywood this summer. Depending on how many people are interested, we could get a picnic grove -- you didn't used to have to reserve the more rustic ones.

OH - I didn't know that Idlewild was so far away! I'm just west of the city - near the airport.

DIS meet would be fabulous - I'm so in!

thanks all!

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

My kids are 7 and 2. My DS likes Idlewild about once a year because they have a small waterpark also. But would probably not want to go back more than that. DD loves Idlewild, but she's 2.

There is alot for both of them to do at Kennywood. There are height restrictions, so everyone may not get to go on everything. We try to go to Kennywood 3-4 times a year. We live about 45 minutes way from it but I grew up , 5 minutes from there so it almost seems like a 2nd home. Unless something has changed though, there is no season passes available for Kennywood.

There is a waterpark about 10 minutes from Kennywood called Sandcasle. We get season passes for there. They are $50.00, very reasonable, they pay for themselves in just 3 visits. DS and DD both love it there. Any other questions, feel free to PM me.

 

[salmoneous]

My nephews love Kennywood, even though they are afraid to ride the "big rides". Plenty of rides for them to go on. Plus, even though they always chicken out, they seem to enjoy being around the big rides and dreaming about when they will go on them.

 

[theprincess]

I too have to vote for Kennywood.

 

[of the seas]

KENNYWOOD!!! We go every summer. Your 8 year old will probably be able to ride the smaller roller coasters like the Jack Rabbit. They both would love the Whip!!