Amusement park guide

Amusement park guide

First opened in 1898 as a trolley park at the end of the Monongahela Street Railway, Kennywood Park in West Mifflin, Pa., boasts an 80-acre property with more than 30 big rides and more than a dozen Kiddieland attractions. Admission: $33.99/Funday Pass, $20.99/Junior Funday Pass (Under 46") and $16.99/Senior Funday Pass. For entrance after 5 p.m., there's an $18.99/Night Rider Pass and a$9.99/Senior Night Rider Pass. Kennywood's summer schedule will begin May 13.

“Obviously people have been coming to Kennywood for over 100 years,” said Kennywood Spokesperson Mary Lou Rosemeyer. "And the reason is, it’s just plain fun. It’s fun for little kids, teenagers, parents and for grandparents. And it makes memories. Kennywood is really the best of both worlds: the old time favorites, as well as what’s new, exciting and cutting edge.”

What’s new?
“Actually, what’s old is new,” Rosemeyer said. “We’re bringing back an old favorite, the Baron Curve. It’s part of the tradition here, and it’s been so much fun. You sit in cars facing forward, and you go around a bobsled type track faster and faster and faster. It’s really one of the all-time favorites. So that’s coming back and has been totally redone and repainted. Also, the old Kennywood Railroad is getting a big facelift and changing themes. It’s now going to be a trip back through Kennywood’s history. We also have new entertainment this summer with a group of BMX stunt riders called Maximum Velocity.”

What’s old?
“Certainly the coasters are one of the first things,” Rosemeyer said. “We have the very best array of classic wooden coasters that exist in the country. Three that were originally built in the 1920s, and those coasters remain at the top of coaster enthusiast lists from around the world. And there’s only one Kangaroo left in the world, and that’s at Kennywood.”

What’s thrilling?
“Thrill seekers do gravitate to the coasters, of course, like The Cosmic Chaos, which is an amazing ride,” Rosemeyer said. “There’s also Aero 360, which has the thrill of a roller coaster looping without the coaster because you go around and around. We have enough thrill rides to fill in a whole day.”

What’s fun?
“Garfield’s Nightmare, which was originally The Old Mill and has been around since 1902, is a ride that people just continue to enjoy,” Rosemeyer said. “And of course The Turtle is one you just can’t help but laugh through. And that’s one of the very few left in the country."

What’s tasty?
“The park food is another biggie that brings people back year after year,” Rosemeyer said. “Potato Patch French fries are always a favorite. In fact, people come to Kennywood solely for those fries and funnel cakes. We have fabulous ice cream and custards. There is really something for everyone here. Every type of food that you like we have, and we have them at very reasonable prices.”