Founded in 1878 as a simple picnic ground along the Ligonier Valley Railroad, Idlewild & SoakZone is the oldest amusement park in Pennsylvania and third oldest in the United States. Named by "Amusement Today" as the second best kid's park in the world, Idlewild features seven theme areas of fun, including the Soak Zone Waterpark, Story Book Forest and Mister Rogers' Neighborhood of Make-Believe.
Operating Hours:
Idlewild & Soak Zone is open May 24-28; June 2 - August 26; and Sept. 1-3, 2007. Park gates at Idlewild open at 10:00am. Story Book Forest opens at 10:00am and all other attractions and areas open at 11:00am. Closing times may vary based on crowd and weather conditions, but generally Story Book Forest closes at 6:00pm and SoakZone at 7:00pm. Other attractions and rides are open until at least 8:00pm or 9:00pm (sometimes later).
Idlewild & Soak Zone is open May 24-28; June 2 - August 26; and Sept. 1-3, 2007. Park gates at Idlewild open at 10:00am. Story Book Forest opens at 10:00am and all other attractions and areas open at 11:00am. Closing times may vary based on crowd and weather conditions, but generally Story Book Forest closes at 6:00pm and SoakZone at 7:00pm. Other attractions and rides are open until at least 8:00pm or 9:00pm (sometimes later).
Admission & Tickets:
Idlewild's FunDay Pass is $25.95 for guests ages 3 to 54 and $16.95 for guests ages 55 or more. Children two and under are free. Season passes, which include discounts on selected park games and food, can be purchased at Idlewild, online, or at area Giant Eagle locations for $59.95.
Idlewild's FunDay Pass is $25.95 for guests ages 3 to 54 and $16.95 for guests ages 55 or more. Children two and under are free. Season passes, which include discounts on selected park games and food, can be purchased at Idlewild, online, or at area Giant Eagle locations for $59.95.
Location / Directions:
Located about 50 miles east of Pittsburgh, Idlewild Amusement Park is located on Route 30 in Ligonier, Pennsylvania. From Pittsburgh, take I376 (Parkway East) to the PA Turnpike to the Irwin Exit (#67). Then east on Route 30 to Ligonier.
Located about 50 miles east of Pittsburgh, Idlewild Amusement Park is located on Route 30 in Ligonier, Pennsylvania. From Pittsburgh, take I376 (Parkway East) to the PA Turnpike to the Irwin Exit (#67). Then east on Route 30 to Ligonier.
Rides & Games:
Popular with families because it rolls amusement park and waterpark into one, Idlewild is broken into several different themed areas.
Popular with families because it rolls amusement park and waterpark into one, Idlewild is broken into several different themed areas.
- Olde Idlewild holds most of the traditional amusement rides, including two roller coasters and an antique merry-go-round.
- Story Book Forest brings favorite story book characters to life in a shady walk-through format.
- Based on the popular children's show, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood of Make-Believe features a trolley ride through the famous neighborhood.
- Soak Zone features 14 wet, wild water slides and a fun water activity area with tipping cones, hydro soakers, and a large Tipping Bucket that dumps out hundreds of gallons of water. There's a swimming pool, plus a water activity for the little ones too. The newest Soak Zone attraction, Captain Kidd's Adventure Galley, features six water slides, crawl tunnels, net climbs, bridges, a giant tipping bucket and plenty of water spray features.
- Geared toward children, Jumpin' Jungle is a giant shady play area full of ropes, ladders, nets, slides and a ball pit. Nearby Raccoon Lagoon is filled with rides and children's shows designed for children.
Entertainment:
There are a lot of daily shows to enjoy at Idlewild, including music, theater and puppet shows. There's even an old wild west Karaoke show where you can join in the fun. Shows generally run from 1:00pm to 9:00pm at various stages throughout Idlewild Park.
There are a lot of daily shows to enjoy at Idlewild, including music, theater and puppet shows. There's even an old wild west Karaoke show where you can join in the fun. Shows generally run from 1:00pm to 9:00pm at various stages throughout Idlewild Park.
Best Times to Visit:
Like most area amusement parks, mid-week days are the least busy times to visit Idlewild & Soak Zone. Overcast and rainy days are also less crowded, but be aware that Idlewild does not offer rain checks or refunds. There is a lot to do in the park, however, and our family has managed to have plenty of fun at Idlewild even when it's raining.
Like most area amusement parks, mid-week days are the least busy times to visit Idlewild & Soak Zone. Overcast and rainy days are also less crowded, but be aware that Idlewild does not offer rain checks or refunds. There is a lot to do in the park, however, and our family has managed to have plenty of fun at Idlewild even when it's raining.
Idlewild Tips:
Save money on admission. Idlewild & Soak Zone offers special FunDay admission discounts during Mister Rogers' Neighborhood Days July 9-13, 2007. In August (August 20-24, 2007 only), Giant Eagle sponsors a Family Carload Sale, which admits up to 8 people in the same car for just $69.95 (with an additional $4 off with a Giant Eagle Advantage Card). Coupons are available at participating Giant Eagle locations.
Bring along a can of Pepsi, Diet Pepsi or Mountain Dew to the park, and you'll receive a $5 discount off one FunDay pass or $10 off two passes. Valid weekdays.
Twice the Fun. Idlewild & Soak Zone offers a next-day pass for just $13.50. Check with Guest Services for details.
