Prices of pretty much everything seem to be rising. It’s no different for amusement and water parks.
One general admission ticket to Kennywood is $74.99 and includes all rides except the Steel Curtain this year. While it may provoke some sticker shock, the price to enter the West Mifflin park is in line with other amusement and water parks.
But $74.99 is just the start: It does not include parking. While there are some free spots, most parking spaces at Kennywood are $20. And families will need to build food into their amusement park budget. For example, the price for a cheeseburger at the newest dining spot, Carousel Burger Co., is $14.99. A fountain drink runs $4.99. Children will likely want a souvenir or two, and the park’s Speedy Pass and cabana rentals are extra if you want to take advantage of them.
There are ways around paying that much for one day at Kennywood. As with many amusement parks, online discounts are offered. Email offers are also sent throughout the season. The price can decrease if guests choose a specific day to visit or bring a large group.
Weather is a factor. Rain checks are available, but there may be stipulations, so be sure to read the fine print.
Discounts are available through AAA — a ticket to Kennywood is $32.50 for its members through May 19.
“AAA partners with hundreds of organizations to provide discounts to members so that they can save on their summer adventures,” said Tiffany Stanley, spokesperson for AAA East Central. “And not just for attractions but for movies and travel and dining.”
Discounts vary depending on the time of the season. The discounts are higher earlier in the season, and they can’t be used for other special or private park events.
A spokesman for Giant Eagle said the company will not be offering discounts this year as it had in past years.
Season passes can pay for themselves after two or three visits. Season passes for Kennywood range from $109.99-$239.99 per person and include entrance into Kennywood, Sandcastle, Idlewild and SoakZone, as well as Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster.
Some of the most expensive passes allow for entrance into other parks. The less expensive ones have blackout dates.
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Kennywood did not respond to requests for comment.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region’s diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people and a weekly column about things to do in Pittsburgh. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of “A Daughter’s Promise.” She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
What the other amusement parks cost
Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio, $74.99.
Includes: All rides, parking and some food. Cedar Point Shores waterpark is an additional $49.99.
Six Flags, New Jersey, $99.99.
Includes: All rides. Parking is $45. Food is additional.
Idlewild & Soak Zone, Ligonier, $64.99.
Includes: All rides and character meets. Parking is free. Food is additional.
Sandcastle waterpark, West Homestead, $59.99.
Includes: All rides. Parking is $20. Food is additional.
Dutch Wonderland, Lancaster, $69.99.
Includes: All rides and character meet and greets as well as a preview of the park the day before from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Parking is $20. Food is additional.
Waldameer Water World, Erie, $52.
Includes: All rides and slides. Parking is free. Food is additional.
Hershey Park, Hershey, $86.95.
Includes: All rides and slides. Parking is $35. Food is additional.
Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom Park,Orlando, Fla. $109.
Includes: All rides in that park. Parking is $30. Food is additional.