Kennywood is perhaps best known for its unique collection of historic, family-friendly attractions that you can not find anywhere else. Noah's Ark, Auto Race, Kangaroo, Merry-Go-Round, and Turtle all carry especially notable historical significance. Kennywood's collection of classic family rides are great for the young and the young at heart. Guests of all ages will enjoy these attractions. Plus, Thomas the Tank Engine comes to Kennywood in 2018, bringing a Sodor-themed area with four new rides and the rebirth of an old favorite.
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Ride Name |
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Description |
Auto Race |
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Now the last remaining ride of its kind in the world, the Auto Race, once called the Auto Ride, was manufactured by Traver Engineering around 1930. Individual cars meander along a wooden track while riders enjoy the surrounding scenery. This is a great ride for children outgrowing Kiddieland.
Height Requirement: Under 46" must ride with a responsible person. |
Garfield's Nightmare |
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Originally opened as the Old Mill in 1901, this ride is Kennywood's longest surviving ride. In 2004, Garfield took over this ride which offers riders a look through his life-turned upside down! 3D effects, black lights, and representations of the deepest fears of America's favorite cat will greet riders in this dark ride.
Height Requirement: Under 46" must ride with a responsible person. |
Ghostwood Estate |
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New for 2008, this ride combines the traditional haunted house with a shooting gallery. Up to four riders at a time board trackless cars that meander along a magnetic route. Riders are armed with ghostblasters to rid the mansion of spirits. By shooting at the targets, riders eliminate the spirits. Riders get some added competition by competing for the highest score of their group.
Height Requirement: Under 46" must ride with a responsible person. |
Gran Prix |
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This attraction is Kennywood's classic bumper cars attraction. Riders travel anywhere they like on the rectangular floor, bumping unsuspecting passerby. Just no head on collisions, please! Reverchon manufactured this ride.
Height Requirement: 48" (Between 48-52" must have a partner) |
Journey With Thomas |
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New for 2018, the Olde Kennywood Railroad meets Thomas the Tank Engine! Guests can hob aboard one of America's most beloved trains for an experience straight out of Sodor! Utilizing engines from the 1939 World's Fair, Thomas takes riders on a scenic ride through the groves of Kennywood high on a bluff overlooking the steel mills of the Monongahela River.
Height Requirement: Under 46" must ride with a responsible person. |
Kangaroo |
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The Kangaroo is the last remaining ride of its kind in the world! Once called the Flying Coaster, up to four riders board one of eight cars as riders are taken around a circle and up and off a ramp to experience amazing airtime sensations. The best part is repeating the sensation over and over.
Height Requirement: Under 46" must ride with a responsible person. |
Kenny's Parkway |
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Kenny's Parkway is the name of the park's ski lift that connects the third level parking lot with the front gates. Containing ninety-nine seats, this nearly twenty-minute ride is Kennywood's longest ride and the only ride located outside of park gates. This ride only operates during the busiest days at the park when Level 3 parking is in use.
Height Requirement: 46" (You must have a partner to ride) |
Merry-Go-Round |
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Kennywood's Grand Carousel is one of the most unique and elaborate rides of its kind in existence. Over sixty jumping and stationary horses as well as a lion, tiger, and chariots allow for a large number of riders per cycle. This ride opened in 1926 and was built by William Dentzel, a legendary merry-go-round designer. Be sure to also experience the classic and timeless sounds provided by the ride's antique 1918 Wurlitzer Band Organ. This ride is a National Historic Landmark.
Height Requirement: Under 46" must ride with a responsible person. |
Noah's Ark |
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Remodeled for 2016, riders enter this last-of-its kind fun house through a large blue whale with a squishy pink tongue. Along the way, riders encounter many animals, water features, moving floors, spinning barrels, and distorted rooms.
Height Requirement: Under 46" must ride with a responsible person. |
Paddle Boats |
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Paddle Boats appeared in Kennywood during th 1980's, continuing a long withstanding tradition of boating on the park's lagoon since it was established in 1898. Up to two riders at a time board individual boats, and they then free to peacefully paddle around the Lagoon for 30-minute intervals. This ride requires an additional fee.
Height Requirement: Under 46" must ride with a responsible person. |
Paratrooper |
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Originally called the SkyDiver, the Paratrooper first appeared in Kennywood during the 1960's. One or two riders board one of ten umbrella-shaped cars. As the ride spins and picks up speed, the entire ride lifts to a 45-degree angle that will leave lasting views and lasting memories for guests of all ages.
Height Requirement: 36" |
Turtle |
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The Turtle is only one of two rides of its kind left in operation in the entire world. Up to five riders board one of six turtle-shaped cars that travel over a series of hills and dips around a circular-shaped track. This ride is perfect for guests of all ages.
Height Requirement: Under 46" must ride with a responsible person. |
Wave Swinger |
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First appearing in the 1980's, the Wave Swinger allows over forty riders at a time to board individual swings that spin around while gently tilting up and down in a wave-like motion.
Height Requirement: 46" |
Whip |
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The Whip, opened in 1918 and manufactured by W.F. Mangels, is Kennywood's oldest surviving flat ride. Riders board one of sixteen cars that "whip" very quickly around either end of the track of this ride.
Height Requirement: Under 46" must ride with a responsible person. |
4-D Theater |
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New for 2015, this high-tech theater transforms up to eighty-eight riders at a time into the short film they are watching, complete with gusts of air, vibrating seats, smells, water elements, and several other surprises. The featured show alternates with the season: current showings are The Lego Movie 4D Experience (Summer), The Friday the 13th 4D Experience (Phantom Fright Nights), and The Polar Express 4D Experience (Holiday Lights).
Height Requirement: Under 46" must ride with a responsible person. |
NEW FOR 2018: THOMAS TOWN!
In 2018, Thomas the Tank Engine comes to Kennywood! The island of sodor meets Kennywood in the area surrounding the Olde Kennywood Railroad, which will be re-themed to become Journey with Thomas! Additionally, Thomas Town will feature four new rides:
- Cranky's Drop Tower- A fjunior-sized drop tower. Riders must be at least 42" to ride.
- Harold's Helicopter Tour- Riders can control the height of their own helicopter as they slowly spin in a circle.
- Flynn's Firefighter Training-Riders use water blasters to extinguish "fires" as they spin in a circle, up and down.
- Diesel Drivers- Riders climb aboard the diesels of Sodor for a drive.
Children must be at least 36" tall to ride all Thomas Town rides by themselves unless otherwise noted.
Additionally, Kennywood is home to 14 Kiddieland rides just for kids. Ride selection:
- Crazy Trolley- A miniature flying carpet ride. (P) (Must be 42" to ride alone)
- Dizzy Dynamo- A pint-sized combination of a classic tea cups ride and tilt-a-whirl. (P)
- Elephant Parade- Children spin around with the ability to make their own elephant fly up and down.
- Kenny's Karousel- A miniature carousel.
- Lil' Phantom- A miniature roller coaster. (P)
- Orbiter- A miniature version of the Paratrooper.
- Pounce Bounce- A miniature drop tower attraction. (P)
- Red Baron- A ride similar to the Elephant Parade, only with airplanes.
- SS Kenny- A miniature version of the Cosmic Chaos. (P) (Must be 42" to ride alone)
- Steel City Choppers- Children ride pint-sized motorcycles around in a circle.
- Turtle Chase- A miniature version of the Turtle. (P) (Must be 42" to ride alone)
- Wacky Wheel- A miniature Ferris wheel.
- Whirlwind- A miniature version of the Wave Swinger.
- Whippersnapper- A miniature version of the Whip.
Parents can ride with children on any ride denoted with a (P). Children must be able to walk independently to ride. Children must be at least 36" tall to ride all Kiddieland rides by themselves unless otherwise noted. |