Our Family Guide to Knoebels Amusement Park
Rides, Food, Swimming, Camping & Everything You Need to Know for a Family Vacation
If you're looking for a family getaway that combines amusement-park fun, great food, swimming, classic rides, and a little old-fashioned charm, Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania should absolutely be on your family vacation list.
Knoebels Amusement Resort is unlike many of the big-name theme parks. There is no admission fee to enter the park and parking is free, so your family can walk in, explore, watch entertainment, eat, and enjoy the atmosphere without buying a ticket just to get through the gate. You can then pay for individual rides or purchase a Ride All Day Pass on eligible days.
That's one reason Knoebels works so well for families with kids of different ages. One child can ride kiddie rides while another heads for a roller coaster, and parents aren't paying a giant admission price for someone who may only ride a few attractions.
Address: 391 Knoebels Blvd., Elysburg, PA 17824
Why We Love Knoebels for a Family Vacation
Knoebels feels completely different from the major theme parks.
Instead of giant parking lots and massive resort-style attractions, you'll find a beautiful wooded setting, picnic areas, classic amusement rides, roller coasters, food stands, games, live entertainment, swimming, and lots of places to simply sit and enjoy the day.
The park has more than 100 rides and attractions, including more than 60 in its current lineup.
It's the kind of place where you can spend the entire day riding rides, stop for lunch, grab ice cream, play games, cool off at the pool, and then go back for more rides.
And if you don't want to rush through everything in one day, you can turn the visit into an actual family vacation by staying nearby or on the property.
One of the Biggest Perks: FREE Admission!
Let's start with one of the things families will love most.
You don't pay an admission fee to enter Knoebels.
Parking is also free, and the park offers free entertainment throughout. Instead of paying one large admission price, you choose how you want to spend your money.
You can:
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Pay for individual rides
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Purchase Ride Ticket Books
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Purchase a Ride All Day Pass on eligible days
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Spend the day enjoying the park without riding everything
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Let one family member ride while another takes a break
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Come back to the park without feeling like you wasted a giant admission fee
Mom tip: If your children are still deciding which rides they actually like, the pay-per-ride system can be a huge advantage.
Always check the official calendar and pricing before your trip because Ride All Day Pass availability varies by day.
Check Knoebels Hours & Pricing Before Your Trip
THE RIDES
This is where Knoebels really shines.
Rides are available for toddlers, younger kids, families, and serious thrill-seekers.
The current ride lineup includes classics, family rides, kiddie rides, thrill rides, and coasters.
Here are some of the rides I'd put on your family must-do list.
MUST-RIDE COASTERS
Phoenix
If your family has older kids or adults who love roller coasters, Phoenix is a must.
This historic wooden coaster originally operated as The Rocket in San Antonio before being relocated to Knoebels and reborn as Phoenix in 1985.
It's known for its airtime and classic wooden-coaster experience and has consistently been recognized as one of the top wooden coasters.
Best for: Older kids, teens, and adults who love coasters.
Mom tip: Even if you aren't a huge coaster person, watch your family ride it. It's one of those Knoebels experiences people talk about long after the trip.
Twister
If Phoenix isn't enough, head over to Twister.
This wooden coaster is packed with twists, hills, a double helix and a dark tunnel. Knoebels describes it as its tallest wooden coaster.
Best for: Bigger kids, teens and adults who want a serious thrill.
Flying Turns
This is one of the most unique rides at the park.
Flying Turns is a wooden bobsled-style coaster where the cars aren't locked to traditional rails like a conventional coaster. The ride uses gravity and momentum as the cars move through the track.
Best for: Families with kids tall enough to ride who want something completely different.
Black Diamond
This one is especially fun for families who like dark rides.
Black Diamond combines a coaster-style ride with a dark attraction themed around Pennsylvania coal mining.
Best for: Kids who enjoy spooky or dark rides without wanting a full-on scary attraction.
Impulse
Older kids and thrill-seeking adults should check out Impulse.
This steel coaster features a 90-degree free fall and four inversions. Riders between 48 and 52 inches have additional seating requirements.
Best for: Serious thrill seekers.
BEST FAMILY RIDES
Not everyone wants to spend the day upside down!
Knoebels has tons of family-friendly options.
Giant Flume
Grab the family and prepare to get wet!
The Giant Flume is a classic log-flume-style ride and a great choice on a hot summer day.
Scenic Skyway
This is one of my favorite types of family rides because everyone can slow down for a minute.
The Scenic Skyway takes you above the park and gives you views of the surrounding landscape and treetops.
Mom tip: This is a great ride when everyone needs a break from walking.
Grand Carousel
Don't skip the Grand Carousel.
It's one of those classic amusement-park experiences that feels like stepping back in time.
And yes, even the adults should ride!
Bumper Cars
Perfect for families who like a little friendly competition.
Antique Cars
A great choice for younger children who aren't ready for the big coasters.
Flying Tigers
A fun option for younger kids who want the feeling of flying.
Kozmo's Kurves
This mini coaster is a great introduction to roller coasters for children who aren't ready for the bigger coasters. Knoebels describes it as a family-friendly mini steel coaster.
RIDES FOR THE LITTLE ONES
If you're visiting with younger children, don't worry—they won't be left out.
Look for the kiddie and family sections of the ride lineup and check each ride's current height requirements before promising your child they can ride.
Some options to look for include:
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Kozmo's Kurves
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Flying Tigers
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Antique Cars
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Hand Cars
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Helicopters
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Balloon Race
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Crazy Sub
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Carousel
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Family rides
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Kiddie attractions
One of my favorite things about Knoebels is that the park doesn't feel like it's designed exclusively for one age group.
You can have a toddler enjoying a small ride while your older child is riding a coaster nearby.
THRILL RIDES FOR THE BIG KIDS
If you have a teenager who wants to be scared, dizzy or completely thrilled, Knoebels has plenty.
Check out:
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Impulse
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Phoenix
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Twister
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Flying Turns
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Fandango
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StratosFear
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Rock-O-Plane
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Power Surge
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Downdraft
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Cosmotron
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Satellite
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Paratrooper
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Looper
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Tornado
Fandango, for example, is a swinging and spinning pendulum ride that reaches high above the park.
StratosFear takes riders up a 148-foot tower before a free-fall experience reaching speeds of up to 47 mph.
Translation: The teenagers will not be bored!
DON'T FORGET THE WATER RIDES
If you're visiting during the summer, make sure you plan around the water attractions.
Sklooosh
This is one of the rides you'll want to save for a hot day.
Sklooosh drops riders from approximately 50 feet and creates a huge splash.
Mom tip: Wear clothes that dry quickly, or save this ride for later in the day.
KNOEBELS CRYSTAL POOL
If you're turning this into a family vacation rather than just a day trip, consider adding Knoebels Crystal Pool to your plans.
Knoebels Crystal Pool
The pool has its own admission and is separate from the amusement park's free admission.
Knoebels describes Crystal Pool as a longtime family tradition that began as a local swimming hole and has grown into a major water attraction.
This can be a great way to break up your amusement-park time.
A Great Vacation Combination
Morning: Pool
Afternoon: Rides
Dinner: Knoebels food
Evening: More rides and entertainment
Just make sure to check the current pool schedule because the pool is seasonal.
NOW LET'S TALK ABOUT THE FOOD!
I'm going to be honest...
Do NOT go to Knoebels and eat like you're at a normal amusement park.
The food is part of the experience.
Knoebels has built a reputation around its food and currently lists dozens of dining and snack locations throughout the park. Its food lineup includes fresh-cut fries, roast beef, homemade fudge, hand-dipped ice cream, pizza, pierogies, cheesesteaks, funnel cakes and much more.
OUR KNOEBELS FOOD BUCKET LIST
Fresh-Cut French Fries
This should be near the top of your list.
Knoebels is famous for its fresh-cut fries, and the French Fry Stand is one of the park's classic food stops.
Order: A big serving for the family to share.
Chicken & Waffles
Head to the Alamo for a classic meal experience.
Alamo Restaurant
The Alamo has operated at Knoebels since 1926 and is a climate-controlled, full-service restaurant—making it an excellent escape from the heat.
Knoebels' famous comfort-food lineup includes chicken and waffles.
Mom tip: This is a great lunch stop when everyone needs air conditioning and a real sit-down meal.
Roast Beef Sandwich
The Roast Beef Stand is another Knoebels classic.
The park serves its signature roast beef sandwich, along with mac & cheese bowls loaded with toppings.
If you're a roast-beef family, put this one on the list.
Pierogies
When you're in Pennsylvania, you can't skip the pierogies!
The Round Stand offers several classic Knoebels favorites, including pierogies, tri-taters and cheesesteaks.
Potato Barn
The Potato Barn is exactly what it sounds like — comfort food centered around potatoes.
You can get loaded baked potatoes along with Rib-B-Que and pulled pork sandwiches.
This is a good choice when everyone wants something filling.
Phoenix Junction
Phoenix Junction
This is another good option for a bigger meal.
Knoebels describes Phoenix Junction as serving premium sandwiches featuring beef, chicken and vegetarian options along with appetizers.
Giant Soft Pretzels
Your kids will smell these before they see them.
The Pizza location also offers giant soft pretzels, which make an easy snack to share.
Funnel Cake
No amusement-park trip is complete without funnel cake.
Knoebels also offers deep-fried Oreos.
My advice: Don't buy this early in the day.
Save it for later!
OLD MILL ICE CREAM
Now we get to dessert.
Old Mill
Old Mill Ice Cream offers hand-dipped ice cream, sundaes, banana splits and Knoebels' famous ice cream waffles.
Yes — ice cream waffles.
That's a family vacation food experience right there.
DON'T MISS THE FUDGE
Stop at Stony Gables for homemade Knoebels fudge, candies and roasted nuts.
This is also a great place to grab something to take home.
MORE KNOEBELS FOOD TO TRY
If you're spending multiple days, work your way through the food stands.
Other options include:
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Backyard BBQ
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Bavarian Nut Shop
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Casa de Refrescos
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Cookie Nook
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Dippin' Dots
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Dole Soft Serve
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International Food Court
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Kettle Korn
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Oasis Cafeteria
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Oasis Pizza
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Patio Grill
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Potato Cake Stand
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Round Stand
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Slush N' Such
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Soft Serve Ice Cream
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Starbucks Express
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Totem Treats
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Wharf
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Funnel Cakes
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Lemonade stands
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Italian ice
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Gyros
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Mac & cheese
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Cheesesteaks
The official 2026 dining guide lists a huge variety of options, so even picky eaters should have plenty to choose from.
See Knoebels' Current Dining Guide
YES, THERE IS COFFEE!
Coffee moms, you have not been forgotten.
Knoebels has a Starbucks Express, plus coffee drinks at other locations like Cookie Nook.
Because let's be honest:
Mom can't run a family amusement park day without caffeine.
ENTERTAINMENT
Don't make your entire day about rides.
Knoebels offers live entertainment including music, shows, magicians, storytelling and puppet performances.
Check the entertainment schedule before your trip and choose a couple of performances your family wants to see.
This is also a great way to give everyone's feet a break.
PLAYLAND ARCADE
When the kids need something different, head to the arcade.
Playland Arcade
It's a great rainy-day or mid-afternoon activity and gives kids a break from riding.
Set a spending limit before you go inside.
Mom tip: Give each child a set amount of arcade money rather than letting them keep asking for "just one more game."
MINI GOLF
Knoebels also has mini golf.
Mini Golf
It's another nice activity if you want to slow down for a little while.
Remember, mini golf is a separate attraction, not automatically included with your amusement-park ride pass.
THE KNOEBELS CAMPGROUND
Want to make this a real family vacation?
Stay right at the park.
Knoebels Campground
Knoebels Campground is located right near the amusement park and offers tent camping, RV/camper sites and rustic log cabins.
One of the biggest advantages is convenience.
After a long day of rides, you don't have to load everyone into the car and drive somewhere else.
You're already there.
The campground also offers a complimentary shuttle that takes guests through the campground and to the covered bridge entrance to the park.
Extra Campground Perks
Guests staying on property can receive:
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10% off Ride Ticket Books Monday-Friday
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Special golf discounts
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Saturday morning children's activities
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Crafts
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Games
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Demonstrations
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Easy access to the park
Mom tip: If you're planning multiple days, staying on property can make the trip much less stressful.
LAKE GLORY CAMPGROUND
Another option is Lake Glory.
It's located in Catawissa and offers camping, cabins, and a free shuttle to Knoebels.
This is a great option if you want more of a campground getaway rather than being directly next to the amusement park.
KNOEBELS COTTAGES
If camping isn't your family's thing, Knoebels also has cottages.
The cottages provide another way to turn your park visit into a getaway without sleeping in a tent.
LATORRE HOUSE
For families looking for something quieter and more traditional, Knoebels also has the Latorre House Bed & Breakfast, located close to the park.
The resort describes it as offering mountain views, a patio, and homemade breakfast.
OUR IDEAL 2-DAY KNOEBELS FAMILY VACATION
If I were planning this for a family, I would NOT try to cram everything into one day.
Here's how I'd do it.
DAY 1 — AMUSEMENT PARK DAY
Morning
Arrive early.
Get your ride tickets or Ride All Day Pass if your date qualifies.
Start with the rides your family is most excited about.
Do the popular attractions first.
Late Morning
Take a snack break.
Try:
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Fresh-cut fries
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Pretzel
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Lemonade
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Coffee
Lunch
Choose between a quick-service meal or a sit-down meal at the Alamo.
Afternoon
Continue riding.
Mix the big rides with family rides so everyone gets something they enjoy.
Mid-Afternoon
Grab ice cream.
Old Mill is the perfect stop.
Late Afternoon
Take a break.
Walk around.
Play games.
Check out the arcade.
See some entertainment.
Evening
Go back for your favorite rides.
This is also a great time for another ride on Phoenix, Twister or whichever ride became the family favorite.
Dessert
Funnel cake.
Because obviously.
DAY 2 — POOL + RIDES
If you're staying nearby or camping:
Morning
Sleep in a little.
Have breakfast.
Head to Crystal Pool.
Midday
Cool off in the pool.
Grab lunch.
Afternoon
Return to the amusement park.
Ride anything you missed on Day 1.
Evening
Have dinner at the park.
Grab ice cream.
Enjoy entertainment.
Take one final ride on everyone's favorite attraction.
WHAT TO PACK FOR KNOEBELS
Don't forget:
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Comfortable walking shoes
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Sunscreen
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Sunglasses
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Hats
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Refillable water bottles
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Small backpack
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Portable phone charger
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Extra clothes
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Swimsuits if visiting Crystal Pool
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Towels for pool days
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Waterproof bag
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Plastic bags for wet clothes
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Hand sanitizer
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Band-Aids
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Any necessary medications
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Light jacket for the evening
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Cash/card
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Small amount of spending money for games
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Stroller if you have younger children
And if you're visiting with little kids, bring a change of clothes even if you aren't planning on going swimming.
Between water rides, splashy attractions and spilled drinks, somebody is probably going to end up wet.
FAMILY TIPS THAT WILL MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER
1. Check the Calendar Before You Leave
Knoebels' hours and ride operations can vary.
Check the official calendar for your exact date before heading out.
2. Check Height Requirements
Don't promise your child they can ride something until you check the height requirement.
Knoebels offers official height-measurement wristbands at Guest Services for children who are close to ride restrictions.
3. Use the Park Map
The park map is extremely helpful because Knoebels is spread out.
Use the interactive map to find rides, attractions, and other locations.
4. Don't Try to Do Everything
Seriously.
You don't have to conquer the entire park in one day.
Let the kids choose favorites.
5. Take Food Breaks
One of the best things about Knoebels is that eating isn't just something you do because everyone is hungry.
Food is part of the attraction.
Plan meals and snack stops into your day.
6. Take Advantage of the Shade
Knoebels has a beautiful wooded setting, which makes it feel different from many amusement parks.
Still, summer days can get hot.
Take breaks.
Hydrate.
Find shade.
7. Have a Meeting Spot
With kids running in different directions, choose a family meeting spot in case someone gets separated.
8. Don't Forget the Pool
If you're staying overnight during the summer, Crystal Pool can make the trip feel much more like a vacation.
WHAT IF IT RAINS?
Don't automatically cancel.
Some rides may close during inclement weather, but Knoebels works to reopen rides when conditions improve.
You can also:
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Eat
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Visit the arcade
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Shop
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Grab dessert
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Enjoy indoor attractions
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Take a break
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Check entertainment
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Wait out the weather
Always check current operating information because individual attractions can change throughout the day.
ACCESSIBILITY & FAMILY CARE
Knoebels provides family-care resources, including climate-controlled baby-care centers for nursing and child-care needs.
The park also has a staffed first-aid department, and Guest Services offers official height-measurement wristbands.
If your family needs accessibility accommodations, check Knoebels' accessibility information before your trip.
DON'T FORGET THE KNOEBELS COVERED BRIDGE
For a quick family photo stop, check out the historic covered bridge on the property.
It's a fun piece of history and a great spot for a family vacation photo.
Knoebels Historic Covered Bridge
OUR KNOEBELS FAMILY MUST-DO LIST
If you only have one day, here's the short version:
Rides
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Phoenix
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Twister
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Flying Turns
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Black Diamond
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Impulse
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Giant Flume
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Scenic Skyway
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Grand Carousel
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Bumper Cars
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Kozmo's Kurves
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Sklooosh
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Antique Cars
Food
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Fresh-cut fries
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Chicken & waffles
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Roast beef sandwich
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Pierogies
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Cheesesteak
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Giant pretzel
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Loaded potato
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Ice cream
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Ice cream waffle
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Fudge
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Funnel cake
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Kettle corn
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Lemonade
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Coffee
Extra Fun
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Crystal Pool
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Arcade
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Mini golf
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Live entertainment
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Covered bridge
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Games
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Shopping
WHY KNOEBELS BELONGS ON YOUR FAMILY TRAVEL LIST
There are plenty of amusement parks where you spend hundreds of dollars before your family even walks through the entrance.
Knoebels gives families another option.
You can walk into the park for free, grab some food, ride a few attractions, watch a show, play a game, get ice cream and head home — or you can turn it into a full weekend vacation with camping, swimming and multiple days of rides.
It's nostalgic.
It's family-friendly.
It's affordable compared with many major theme parks.
And most importantly, it doesn't feel like you have to rush.
You can actually enjoy being there.
For families looking for a Pennsylvania getaway that's packed with rides, food, swimming and old-fashioned amusement-park charm, Knoebels is absolutely worth adding to your family adventure list.
MOM ADVENTURES IN NJ & BEYOND TIP
My biggest recommendation? Make this more than just a day at an amusement park.
Plan a weekend.
Stay nearby or camp.
Give yourself two days.
Try different foods.
Let the kids pick their favorite rides.
Spend time at the pool.
Get ice cream.
Take pictures.
And don't be afraid to slow down.
Sometimes the best family vacations aren't the ones where you see everything.
They're the ones where everyone leaves saying:
"That was so much fun. Can we come back?"
BEFORE YOU GO
Knoebels' schedule, ride availability, prices, pool operations and dining hours can change throughout the season. Always check the official website before traveling for your specific date.
Mom Adventures in NJ & Beyond Disclaimer: This guide is based on our family travel experiences, recommendations, and information available at the time of writing. Prices, hours, ride availability, height requirements, food locations, and seasonal operations can change. Always check the attraction's official website before traveling to get the most current information for your family.
Knoebels