Operating Hours:
The entrance gates at Kennywood open daily at 10:30 a.m. (rides begin to open at 11:00 a.m.) from mid-May through the third week of August. Closing times vary depending upon weather and crowd conditions, but closing time is generally around 10:00 p.m.The 2008 season at Kennywood opens on May 3 for select dates only (May 3 and May 8-11) before opening on a daily basis beginning May 14, 2008. The daily schedule continues through August 24. After that, Kennywood is open August 29 - September 1, September 6-7 and September 13-14, 2008.
Exceptions to Regular Operating Hours:Thursday, May 8 and Tuesday, May 20 are Education Days, with Kennywood closing early at 6:00 p.m. On Friday, August 29, Kennywood will not open until 5:00 p.m.
Admission & Tickets:
Admission to Kennywood is via a one-price FunDay pass. The basic cost of the FunDay (ride-all-day) pass is $32.00. For those shorter than 46 inches, a Junior FunDay pass is $19.00. Those 55 and older pay just $15.00 for a Senior FunDay pass. Children 2 and younger can enter and ride for free at any time. General admission without rides is not available.Night Rider Evening Price: Admission after 5:00 p.m. is $17.00 (available at the gate only). Seniors 55+ get in after 5:00 p.m. for just $9.00.
Not Included in the Ticket Price: The Sky Coaster at Kennywood is not included in the price of admission.
Location / Directions:
Kennywood amusement park is located in West Mifflin, just 12 miles southeast of downtown Pittsburgh on PA 837 along the Monongahela River. From Interstate 376 (which runs from downtown Pittsburgh to Monroeville) you'll get off at the Swissvale Exit (No. 7). Then, just follow the well-marked arrow signs to Kennywood. Preferred parking is $5 per vehicle; the rest of the parking lots are free. PAT bus 61C also stops in the Kennywood parking lot when the park is open.Rides & Games:
Kennywood amusement park features thirty-two major rides, including Ghostwood Estate (a new dark ride for 2008 to replace the retired Gold Rusher), Cosmic Chaos, SwingShot, Skycoaster, Phantom's Revenge steel coaster, three classic wood coasters, and the Exterminator indoor coaster. Three water rides, traditional amusement rides, and Kiddieland with 14 "just for kids" rides (including the SS Kenny) continue the fun. Kennywood also has plenty of games, arcades and gift shops.Entertainment:
One stage presents live acts daily, plus more entertainers can often be found strolling around the park. The Garden Stage in the center of the park is gone, replaced by the All American High Dive Show. The popular Celebrate America Festival (designated as the Celebrate Pittsburgh festival in 2008 in honor of Pittsburgh's 250th birthday) provides old-fashioned fun during the first week of July, with crafts, parade and fireworks. The Fall Fantasy Parades wind through the park each evening from mid-August through Labor Day weekend.Best Times to Visit:
According to the folks at Kennywood, the lightest crowds tend to be on Sundays in May or June, and most weekdays throughout the summer. Memorial Day and the 4th of July are also, surprisingly, not very busy. If you don't mind a few raindrops, then try the park on days when the weather forecast calls for some rain. If the majority of the rides end up having to close for weather for a continuous two hours, Kennywood will offer a free return visit ticket (you'll have to ask at Guest Relations).Kennywood Tips:
Shorten your time in line. Arrive early and head directly to the back of the park, working your way to the front. You'll spend less time standing in lines that way. As expected, water ride lines tend to be shorter early in the morning and late in the evening.
Save money on admission.
- Kennywood offers special guest appreciation days when FunDay passes are available for $15.00 (seniors 55+ just $9.00). Check the Kennywood Web site for details.
- WTAE-TV day (July 10, 2008) includes $10 off the regular price of any FunDay ticket (the $9.00 price for Seniors after 5 pm is NOT reduced by $10.00 on WTAE Day).
- Participating Giant Eagle stores sell reduced price FunDay admission tickets for $22 ($10.00 off the regular FunDay ticket price) - good for any day in May, June or September, or weekdays in July and August. This promotion ends when supplies run out (usually by June).
- You can also save $8.00/person off any regular FunDay admission during Celebrate Pittsburgh week, June 30 - July 6, 2008 with a coupon from participating Giant Eagle locations. One good coupon good for entire family. Coupons available approximately mid-June. Celebrate Pittsburgh week at Kennywood is a takeoff on the traditional Celebrate America week, in honor of the Pittsburgh 250 celebration.
- Bring along a can of Pepsi, Diet Pepsi or Mountain Dew to the park, and you'll receive a $5 discount off regular full-price admission. Valid weekdays only. This offer is good for ANY can. It doesn't have to be specially marked.
Double the fun. Can't decide if you want roller coasters or waterslides? A Kennywood/Sandcastle same-day combo pass can be purchased for $32.00 - the same price as a FunDay pass to Kennywood.
Save time at the gate. FunDay tickets can be purchased and printed online. When you get to Kennywood, just head straight to the e-ticket entrance and you're good to go!
