Why Height Requirements Matter Before You Visit

Kennywood does not issue wristbands at the entrance based on height. Ride operators measure guests at each attraction using measuring sticks at the queue entrance. Shoes count toward your height; hats do not. If your child is borderline, bring them in shoes with a slight heel — that quarter inch can matter. The park has a Height Station at the Safety Center near the Main Entrance and a second measuring station at Guest Services by Noah's Ark, so you can get an official measurement before you commit to a queue.

The good news: Kennywood Junction, the park's new family area that debuted in 2025, has five rides with no minimum height requirement at all. That means even the smallest visitors have dedicated attractions.

Roller Coasters — Height Requirements

• Steel Curtain — 48 inches. The park's marquee coaster with nine inversions and a record-setting loop. This is the one most teens are chasing.
• Phantom's Revenge — 48 inches. The wooden-steel hybrid that hits 85 mph through a ravine. One of the fastest coasters in the world.
• Thunderbolt — 52 inches. The classic wooden coaster that runs through a natural valley. Higher than most expect for a classic woodie.
• Jack Rabbit — 36 inches with a supervising companion, 46 inches to ride alone. Kennywood's oldest coaster (1920) and one of the most accessible.
• Racer — 46 inches. The classic racing coaster that runs both forwards and backwards.
• Exterminator — 46 inches, riders between 46 and 59 inches must ride with a responsible companion. This spinning dark coaster in the back of the park surprises people with how intense it is.
• Lil' Phantom — 36 inches with companion, 42 inches to ride alone. The junior coaster designed for younger riders ready to graduate from the kiddie area.

Thrill Rides — Height Requirements

• Volcano — 54 inches. The park's highest height requirement. This launched ride is not for anyone short.
• Black Widow — 52 inches. The giant pendulum swing that goes inverted.
• Swing Shot — 48 inches. The tower ride with a free-fall component.
• Aero 360 — 48 inches. The flipping ride that goes fully over.
• Pitt Fall — 48 inches. The drop tower.
• Bayern Curve — 46 inches.
• Musik Express — 42 inches.
• Whip — 42 inches.
• Enterprise — 42 inches.

Water Rides — Height Requirements

• Raging Rapids — 46 inches to ride alone; 36 inches with a supervising companion.
• Log Jammer — 42 inches.
• Pittsburg Plunge — 46 inches.

Family Rides — Low or No Requirements

• Ferris Wheel — No height minimum. Any height can ride.
• Noah's Ark — No height minimum. The world's last operating funhouse of its kind is a walk-through attraction, no restriction.
• Turtle — No height minimum. The 1927 classic tumble bug ride is family-friendly.
• Old Mill — No height minimum. The world's oldest operating dark ride (1901) floats guests through a flume channel.
• Kangaroo — 36 inches. The rare vintage flat ride, restored for Kennywood's 125th anniversary.
• Merry-Go-Round — No height minimum.

Kennywood Junction Rides — No Minimum Height

The five rides in this new (2025) family zone have no minimum height requirement:

• Kenny's Cargo Drop — cargo crane themed drop ride
• Parker's Cloud Cruisers — helicopter circle ride
• Fire Bustin' Brigade — fire engine ride with water spray
• Coal Haulin' Convoy — locomotive ride
• Olde Kennywood Railroad — the classic train that circles part of the park

Height Tiers at a Glance

The clearest way to plan: figure out your shortest rider and find their tier.

• Under 36 inches: Kennywood Junction rides only.
• 36 inches: Jack Rabbit (with adult), Lil' Phantom (with adult), plus all of the above.
• 42 inches: Lil' Phantom solo, Musik Express, Log Jammer, Whip, Enterprise.
• 46 inches: Racer, Exterminator, Bayern Curve, Raging Rapids solo.
• 48 inches: Steel Curtain, Phantom's Revenge, Swing Shot, Aero 360, Pitt Fall.
• 52 inches: Thunderbolt, Black Widow.
• 54 inches: Volcano — the final unlock.

Tips for Measurement Day

If your child is close to a threshold, visit the Height Station at the main entrance first. Getting measured there means no surprise denials after a 45-minute wait. The park is consistent about enforcement, and operators do not make exceptions even for very close calls. On hot days, kids can lose a small amount of height from posture changes — measure early while they are fresh and upright.