Give it a Whirl
The season has begun for amusement park enthusiasts. Compare area parks side by side and take your pick!
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Kennywood Park in West Mifflin, accessed by the Swissvale Exit 7 from Interstate 376, also known as the parkway.FEATURES: The historic landmark features the new Ghostwood Estate. Secret agents "in-training" can test their skills at BreakOut, an interactive laser experience. Also featured are the U-Do-It Slush Factory, as well as live entertainment.HOURS: Gates open daily at 10:30 a.m., and the rides begin at 11 a.m. now through Aug. 24 and Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, 6, 7, 13 and 14. Special events are planned for weekends in the fall.ADMISSION: FunDay admission is $32. A junior pass for those under 46 inches tall is $19. Senior citizens age 55 and older pay $15. Children age 2 and younger are admitted free. After 5 p.m., NightRider tickets are $17, or $9 for senior citizens. Sky Coaster tickets are extra.INFORMATION: Call 412-461-0500 or visit the Web site, www.kennywood.com.•
Idlewild Park, Route 30, Ligonier.FEATURES: New for this year is the Bigfoot Mudslide, a new family fun slide.HOURS: Gates and Story Book Forest open at 10 a.m. All other sections, including SoakZone, Jumpin' Jungle and Racoon Lagoon, open at 11 a.m.The park is open Memorial Day Weekend and May 31 and June 1 and then June 4 through Sept. 1 and for special events Sept. 27 and 28 and weekends in October.ADMISSION: FunDay Pass is $26.95; senior citizen (age 55 and older) pass is $17.95; children age 2 and younger are admitted free. A season pass is available for those age 3 and older for $64.95.INFORMATION: Call 724-238-3666 or visit the Web site, www.idlewild.com.
• <B>Waldameer Amusement Park</B>, at the entrance to Presque Isle State Park in Erie.FEATURES: Amusement park rides, water park slides, live shows, a modern arcade and traditional midway games.HOURS: The park is open Memorial Day weekend and May 30 through Aug. 24. Closed Mondays. Hours vary but are generally from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. this weekend and weekdays through June 20, and then 1 to 10 p.m. weekends starting June 1 and every day starting June 21.ADMISSION: Waldameer passes are $19.45 for those over 42 inches tall and $11.95 for those under 42 inches.Water World passes are $14.95 for those over 42 inches tall or $10.45 for those under 42 inches.Combination passes for both parks are $$21.95 and $15.95, respectively.Individual ride tickets are also available for everyone.There is no admission fee just to enter the amusement park. Parking is free.INFORMATION: Call 814-838-3591 or visit the Web site, www.waldameer.com.• <B>Geauga Lake's Wildwater Kingdom</B>, 1100 Squires Road in Aurora, Ohio.FEATURES: Tidal Wave Bay, Splash Landing, Liquid Lightning and Riptide Run.HOURS: Opens at 11 a.m. weekends and Memorial Day through June 7, when the park will be open daily through Aug. 24, plus Labor Day weekend. Closing time is 7 p.m. weekdays June 9 to 27 and 8 p.m. other open days.ADMISSION: $23.95 for guests 48 inches or taller in bare feet, and $15.95 after 4 p.m. each day. Junior admission, for guests under 48 inches in bare feet, as well as senior citizen admission for guests age 62 and older, is $11.95. Parking is $5.INFORMATION: Call 330-562-8303 or visit the Web site, www.geaugalake.com.• <B>Cedar Point</B> in Sandusky, Ohio.FEATURES: Thrill rides include Chaos and maXair. Also featured are 15 roller coasters and children's rides.HOURS: Opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m. through June 6 and weekdays through Aug. 15. Open Saturdays in June, July and through Aug. 16 until 11 p.m. Various other hours through Nov. 2.ADMISSION: Funday tickets are $42.95 for those ages 3 to 61 or 48 inches tall and taller, and $15.95 for those age 3 and older, under 48 inches in shoes or age 62 and older. Children age 2 and younger are admitted free.Soak City passes are $29 and $15.95 respectively. Combination two-day passes are available.INFORMATION: Call 419-627-2350 or visit the Web site, www.cedarpoint.com.• <B>Hershey Park</B>, 100 W. Hersheypark Drive, on the other side of Harrisburg.FEATURES: Shows, strolling bands and Hershey characters, along with rides like rollers coasters, water rides and family rides. Chocolate World tours are also available.HOURS: Open daily now through Sept. 1 and weekends Sept. 6 to 27. The park opens at 10 a.m. with various closing times.ADMISSION: $47.95 for ages 9 to 54, $28.95 for ages 3 to 8 and senior citizens ages 55 to 69; $19.95 for those age 70 or older, and free for children age 2 and younger.INFORMATION: Call 800-437-7439 or visit the Web site, www.hersheypa.com.
