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Kennywood-first timer tips?

  • 1.  Kennywood-first timer tips?

    Posted Jul 12, 2025 01:55 PM

    Hi,

    We are going to Kennywood for the first time, on Wednesday August 6th. Any tips for maximizing a visit to Kennywood? 

    We will be there about an hour after opening so Noon-9pm.

    thanks in advance,

    Jeremy 



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    Jeremy Simons
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  • 2.  RE: Kennywood-first timer tips?

    Posted Jul 13, 2025 07:11 PM

    Hello Jeremy,

    I went last year for the first time, I'm certainly not an expert,  but my.best advice is to not overlook the flat rides in the park. I know the temptation is to focus on the coasters, but they have some non coasters that should not be missed: (Kangaroo, Turtle, Noah's Ark)



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    Robert Reed
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  • 3.  RE: Kennywood-first timer tips?

    Posted Jul 13, 2025 10:28 PM
    Thanks Robert, good tip, I forgot the kangaroo was there!





  • 4.  RE: Kennywood-first timer tips?

    Posted Jul 13, 2025 10:34 PM

    Yep!

    And, while I can't say how it ran in the past, it recently went through a refurbishment and was a pure joy to ride!



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    Robert Reed
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  • 5.  RE: Kennywood-first timer tips?

    Posted Jul 14, 2025 07:34 PM

    I'd recommend coasters earlier in the day when the lines are shorter.  All of them are good, but Phantom's Revenge and Steel Curtain are exceptional.  Don't miss Thunderbolt or Jack Rabbit either, if you like wooden coasters.  Turtle is the world's last tumble bug, Kangaroo is the world's last flying coaster, and Noah's Ark is the last of its kind, so if you want to enjoy unique rides, don't miss those three.  If it's a hot day, the souvenir cup is worth it.  Food options are rather sparse; Potato Patch fries are worth waiting in line for, and the dipped cone is rather good, but there's not too much else worth recommending.  Try to avoid the $15 lemonade stand.



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    John Friedrich
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  • 6.  RE: Kennywood-first timer tips?

    Posted Jul 16, 2025 08:41 AM

    Thank you!



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    Jeremy Simons
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  • 7.  RE: Kennywood-first timer tips?

    Posted Jul 14, 2025 08:07 PM

    Concerning the coasters... Exterminator has probably the worst capacity and the slowest moving line. Last I recall there wasn't much in the way of AC in the building,  so if it is hot, get this ride done early.



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    Robert Reed
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  • 8.  RE: Kennywood-first timer tips?

    Posted Jul 16, 2025 08:42 AM

    Thank you!



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    Jeremy Simons
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  • 9.  RE: Kennywood-first timer tips?

    Posted Jul 21, 2025 11:30 AM

    Passholder here.  Coasters are all very doable, especially on a weekday, but earlier is better, especially as lots of schools will be in attendance due to their Fall Fantasy parades during this week. Exterminator doesn't open until 12 noon, so if that is wanted, do that first.  Agree with Kangaroo, Turtle, and Noah's Ark.  Also, Aero 360 went through a full refurbishment and is a cool ride.  Old Mill is also a landmark, so may want to add to the list.  Bumper Cars (or Potato Smash), has new cars and is fun.  Black Widow is another fun ride, but usually is a pretty long wait. Water Circus show was nice and can be a way to "cool" off if its a hot day (1, 3, and 5pm shows).  Food options, Rogue BBQ is by far the best food in the park.  Cafeteria has good options.  Stay away from the burger place, AC in the building is really the only thing going for it.  Pedros in Lost Kennywood is a seldom visited place because it is rarely open, but if so, is decent.  Double Header cones at Golden Nugget are another must try.  Hope you have a great time.



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    John Novicki
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  • 10.  RE: Kennywood-first timer tips?

    Posted Jul 21, 2025 12:07 PM

    John,

    Thank you for the passholder perspective and information. Sounds like this is going to be a wonderful trip. 

    The double header cones remind me of the ice cream I used to eat in the 80s at the New York State Fair! They were called Walk Away Sundaes.

    Jeremy



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    Jeremy Simons
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