Kennywood



Theme Park:Kennywood (since 1899)
Address:4800 Kennywood Blvd
15122 West Mifflin
https://www.kennywood.com/
Operated by:Herschend Entertainment


Kennywood in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, is one of America’s oldest amusement parks, with a history dating back to 1898. Originally opened as a trolley park near Pittsburgh, Kennywood has grown considerably over the decades while preserving much of its historic character. Today, century-old attractions stand alongside modern roller coasters, making the park a fascinating mix of amusement park history and contemporary rides.

Kennywood is particularly known for its collection of classic wooden roller coasters. Jack Rabbit, Racer and Thunderbolt have entertained generations of visitors and remain an important part of the park today. They are joined by modern attractions such as Phantom’s Revenge and Steel Curtain, along with an impressive collection of classic rides and family attractions, including several that have become increasingly rare elsewhere.

More than 125 years after opening, Kennywood still has the unmistakable charm of a traditional American amusement park. Historic architecture, classic rides and generations of park history can be found throughout the property, while the modern attractions ensure that Kennywood continues to evolve.

 
Reviews

Kennywood: A classic amusement park


 
 
 

Highlights of the Theme Park

 




 

Jack Rabbit

A very fun wooden coaster

 


 

Phantom’s Revenge

A blast of a ride

 


 

Racer

The old-school racing coaster

 


 

Sky Rocket

A compact launch coaster

 


 

The Exterminator

The great indoor coaster

 



Knott’s Berry Farm



Theme Park:Knott's Berry Farm (since 1940)
Address:8039 Beach Blvd
90620 Buena Park
https://www.knotts.com
Operated by:Six Flags


Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California, is one of America’s oldest and most distinctive theme parks. Its story began in the 1920s with Walter and Cordelia Knott’s roadside berry farm, which became increasingly popular for its berries and Cordelia’s famous chicken dinners. To entertain the growing crowds waiting for a table, Walter Knott began building Ghost Town in 1940 – laying the foundation for the theme park that would eventually grow around it.

Today, Knott’s Berry Farm combines its historic roots with an impressive collection of roller coasters, thrill rides and family attractions. Ghost Town remains at the heart of the park, while areas such as Fiesta Village and the Boardwalk add their own character. Major attractions include GhostRider, Xcelerator, HangTime and the classic Timber Mountain Log Ride, alongside numerous smaller rides and live entertainment.

Despite its location in the middle of Southern California, Knott’s has retained much of the character that grew out of the original family business. Ghost Town, the historic attractions and the connection to the Knott family remain just as much a part of the park as its modern roller coasters.

Fun Fact: The park was home to the first modern roller coaster to go upside down.

 
Reviews

Getting Scared at Knott’s Berry Farm



 
 
 

Highlights of the Theme Park

 




 

Ghost Rider

The large wooden coaster

 


 

HangTime

The surfin’ coaster

 


 

Jaguar!

A very fun family coaster

 


 

Timber Mountain Log Ride

A very entertaining flume ride

 


 

Sierra Sidewinder

A nice spinning coaster

 


 

Silver Bullet

The great Inverted Coaster

 


Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk


Theme Park:Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (since 1907)
Address:400 Beach St
95060 Santa Cruz
https://beachboardwalk.com/
Operated by:Santa Cruz Seaside Company


Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in Santa Cruz, California, is one of America’s classic seaside amusement parks. Opened in 1907 along the shores of Monterey Bay, the Boardwalk has welcomed generations of visitors and remains closely connected to the traditional beach and amusement park culture of the California coast.

At the heart of the park is the Giant Dipper, the historic wooden roller coaster that has been operating since 1924 and remains one of the Boardwalk’s most recognizable attractions. It is joined by a varied collection of thrill rides, family attractions and classic amusement park rides, including the historic Looff Carousel. With the beach just steps away, the rides and surrounding boardwalk naturally blend into the lively atmosphere of the Santa Cruz waterfront.

More than a century after opening, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk still feels like a true California seaside amusement park. Historic rides, the beach and the Pacific Ocean are all part of the experience, giving the Boardwalk a charm that has grown over generations.

 

Reviews

A short visit to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk



 
 
 

Highlights of the Amusement Park

 




 

Giant Dipper

A true classic

 


 

Rock-O-Plane

The interactive looping ride

 


 

Undertow

A fun spinning coaster