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Best Theme Parks in Pennsylvania 2026

Pennsylvania has more theme parks per square mile than almost any US state — Hersheypark, Kennywood, Dorney Park, Knoebels, Dutch Wonderland, and Sesame Place all within a few hours of each other.

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SeptemberBest Time to Go
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Theme parks in Pennsylvania

Hersheypark

Hershey
Hershey Entertainment
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14 coasters in a wooded Pennsylvania setting. Candymonium, Skyrush, and Fahrenheit headline a world-class collection. Located next to Chocolate World — a full day trip from Philadelphia or DC.

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Kennywood

West Mifflin
Palace Entertainment
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A National Historic Landmark and Pittsburgh institution. Phantom's Revenge, Steel Curtain, and three legendary wooden coasters (Thunderbolt, Racer, Jackrabbit) in a ravine setting unlike any other park.

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Dorney Park

Allentown
Cedar Fair
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Allentown's home park, 90 minutes from NYC and Philadelphia. Steel Force, Possessed, and Talon round out a solid coaster lineup. One of the best park values in the Northeast.

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Knoebels

Elysburg
Independent
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Free admission, free parking, pay-per-ride. The Phoenix is consistently voted one of the top wooden coasters in the world. A forest setting, excellent food (real pierogies), and an atmosphere unlike any other park.

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Dutch Wonderland

Lancaster
Palace Entertainment
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Lancaster's family theme park, purpose-built for young children. Best for kids under 10 in Pennsylvania Dutch country — combine with an Amish tour for a full day trip.

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When to visit Pennsylvania theme parks

Pennsylvania is a sleeper hit for theme park fans. Hersheypark in Hershey is an underrated gem — 14 coasters with a beautiful wooded setting and the sweetest branding in the industry. Kennywood in Pittsburgh is a National Historic Landmark with iconic old-school wooden coasters and a die-hard local following. Dorney Park and Knoebels round out a lineup that few states can match. Knoebels in particular is one of the most beloved parks in the country among enthusiasts — free admission, no upsells, just an honest midway with excellent wooden coasters in a forest setting.

All Pennsylvania parks are seasonal (roughly May through October or November). Crowds peak in summer at Hersheypark (driven by chocolate tourism and DC/Philadelphia families). Kennywood consistently runs lighter crowds and is one of the best-value parks in the Northeast. Knoebels is uniquely uncrowded even on weekends — the pay-per-ride model keeps casual visitors away, but enthusiasts love it.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best theme park in Pennsylvania? +
For adults and coaster enthusiasts, Hersheypark is the top pick — 14 coasters, beautiful setting, and an excellent overall park experience. Kennywood is the choice for those who value history and atmosphere alongside great rides. Knoebels is the pick for pure ride quality at the best value — Phoenix is a top-10 wooden coaster nationally. For families with young kids, Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster is built specifically for them.
Is Hersheypark worth visiting? +
Yes. Hersheypark is consistently underrated nationally despite being a top-tier coaster park. Candymonium (B&M hyper coaster) and Skyrush (Intamin wing coaster) are among the best rides in the mid-Atlantic. The park setting in Pennsylvania's Hershey area is beautiful, and combining the park with Hershey's Chocolate World (free) makes for a full day. Best visited on a weekday in September.
How far is Kennywood from Hersheypark? +
Kennywood in West Mifflin (Pittsburgh suburbs) is approximately 4 hours from Hersheypark in Hershey. The two parks are at opposite ends of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. A PA theme park road trip might start with Knoebels or Dorney Park in central PA, then Hersheypark, and save Kennywood for a separate Pittsburgh-area trip.
Is Knoebels free admission? +
Yes. Knoebels has no gate admission fee and no parking charge. You pay per ride (typically $1.25–$5 per attraction), buy a ride book, or purchase an all-day pass (around $50). This model makes it easy to visit for 2 hours or 10 hours without feeling like you need to "get your money's worth." The Phoenix wooden coaster, the Twister, and the Grand Carousel are the must-rides.