As life gets back to normal and we are able to enjoy our regularly scheduled summertime escapades with our families once again, we need to take into consideration that rules and guidelines may have changed since we last visited our go-to spots. To assist with your planning, we have gathered info on the area’s favorite amusement parks along with the pertinent information you need to make your outing stress-free and fun!
So, tune in and be informed before you go out the door by referring to our handy list:
Hershey Park, Hershey, PA
The sweetest place on earth, or at least in Pennsylvania, is keeping their deals satisfying by still offering a Sneak Peek to the park for two hours the evening before your admission begins! Simply show your ticket at the gate and you can experience a park preview before your “all out” day of fun starts.
New for this season: once tickets have been purchased online, guests must reserve a date for their visit by completing a simple online form from now until May 30, 2021. Starting May 31, however, these reservations will no longer be required and tickets may be purchased online for any day that suits your family.
For a complete updated list of safety requirements at the park, click here. Currently masks are no longer required for vaccinated guests but remain optional.
Dutch Wonderland, Lancaster, PA
This delightful destination is bringing the fun back to summer but with some safety precautions in place before you get to the park gates. All guests, including Season Passholders, must reserve a date online after purchasing their tickets, making it a two-step process.
Book your tickets first when you click here, and then promptly make your reservation by using the Visual ID Number on the back of your Season Pass card or regular online ticket. The park will maintain capacity limitations per day but by planning early, you will not be turned away.
Come see why Amusement Today named Dutch Wonderland 2019’s Best Family Park, but first check in for a complete listing of health and safety protocols; click here to be “in the know” before delving into this adventure.
Sesame Place, Langhorne, PA
Somebody come and play as Elmo and his friends welcome your family back for a spectacular, splashing good time! Tickets must be purchased and reserved in advance online to maintain capacity limitations. To learn more about the reservation-based admission system, please click here.
Do not forget the Dining Add-ons to enhance your family visit and time spent with Sesame Place’s favorite furry friends. Purchase the add-ons in advance as well.
The arrival process could take longer than normal as the park staff adheres to safety measures, so allow some extra time when arriving with excited kids! The park will operate under current state and government regulations; you can view the park’s latest guidelines here.
Knoebels, Elysburg, PA
This family operated amusement park is thrilled to welcome their guests back for the 2021 season and is STILL honoring FREE parking, admission, entertainment and picnic facilities. In order to maintain safe social distancing, capacity is being managed via the parking areas. Currently the park is permitted to operate at 75% capacity, and while this is more than doable, rides and attractions may close briefly for the staff to sanitize.
By planning ahead, Ride Passes can be purchased here in advance on select days. If you intend to enjoy the Crystal Pool, it is recommended to purchase pool passes ahead of time for weekends when it gets crowded as there are capacity limitations. For the latest information on Knoebels safety protocol, check here.
Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom, Allentown, PA
The giggles and smiles are coming back in style as Dorney Park welcomes you back! While the rides and the water fun remain the same, a few new regulations have been put into place for the safety and well-being of their guests. First, NO tickets will be sold at the gate, so all ticket purchases, including Season Passholders or one-day tickets, must be bought online in advance. This ensures limited capacity throughout the park.
Second, if you plan to have a fun day at Wildwater Kingdom, you need to make a reservation in addition to purchasing a ticket to the water park. It is also highly recommended that a parking pass be purchased in advance of your arrival as well.
Although discontinuing temperature checks at the front gate, Dorney Park is still requiring guests to wear face masks while enjoying the rides. To adhere to all of the park’s guidelines, click here.
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson Township, NJ
Enjoy three parks under one banner – Six Flags Amusements, Hurricane Harbor, NJ, and Safari Drive-Thru Adventure – with robust Covid-19 safety precautions in place. All tickets/reservations must be purchased online prior to arriving at the park as well as pre-paying for a parking pass.
Additionally, the park is requiring guests use only credit cards or mobile payments; cash will not be accepted except to purchase a prepaid Visa card onsite.
It seems the king of amusement parks has taken into consideration every aspect of guest comfort and safety by implementing and promoting new protocols such as distancing riders on the amusements, keeping 6-feet of social distancing in all queues, and reducing congestion at the entrance gate by staggering reservation times. For a complete list of their safety procedures, click here.
Before you hurriedly grab your kids and head off to your favorite amusement park or water park, remember to check what is new and exciting as well as the safety guidelines that are in place for each venue. While most policies will be similar, there could be differences between masks being required or being optional.
Be prepared and enjoy the outing. Summer is shaping up to be closer to our return to normal, so enjoy it!
For a full list of amusement parks and waterparks, view our guide here.