Knoebels Amusement Park – Affordable Family Fun for All Ages {Review & Giveaway}

Disclosure: My children and I received Ride All Day Handstamps with Wooden Coasters at Knoebels to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

knoebels amusement park affordable family fun

If there is one thing I learned during my visit to Knoebel’s Amusement Park – well, it certainly is unlike any amusement park I have ever been to – and I mean that in the best way possible!

Earlier this week, a group of friends and I packed our kids into a few cars and decided to take a fun day trip with the kids.  As if a day at the amusement park is not already fun enough, I can tell you that bringing along friends honestly took this day trip to a whole other level, and  I am beyond excited to tell you about our experience at this hidden gem.  If you are anything like me and love a good family-friendly outing, you absolutely must add Knoebels to your bucket list!

IMG_4908

Nestled away in the quiet town of Elysburg, PA, Knoebels may well be the coolest and most affordable amusement parks I have visited. With free parking, free admission and pay-what-you-ride options, this park offers fun for kids and adults of all ages – even on a budget.  Just under 3 hours from Delaware County, PA, I will say that this definitely is a bit of a road trip. For the most part (other than some possible traffic here and there along the way), the drive is  fairly simple and our GPS lead us right to the entrance of the park without a glitch.  Since the majority of the drive involves highway driving, there are several rest stop options along the way for bathroom and snack breaks or to just stretch your legs or switch drivers. In our case the road trip was a lot of fun since the kids (and Moms) had each other to chat with all the way to and from. And trust me when I say this – this road trip is certainly worth the drive!

Knoebels sign

Arriving at the park, I was immediately drawn to the fact that the area surrounding the park is lined with trees, providing shade and relief from the hot summer sun.  Parking is spacious and staff is on hand to direct parking – which by the way happens to be free!

Entering the park, you will find that the grounds are wide and spacious yet far from intimidating.  The entrance is lined with rows of picnic pavilions which can be reserved free of charge and would be perfect for family reunions, school outings, corporate picnics or group events.  The park also offers catering options as well as park, pool or golf fun with discounted ride plans and packages.  Families are welcome to pack food and bring it along to eat – and the covered pavilions would be the perfect place to enjoy your picnic lunch.  Prior to our arrival I had been told that the park is known for its affordable award-winning food, so we decided to take advantage of the great eats and purchase food at the park during our visit.  The food was both affordable and delicious – with an unbelievable number of options to choose from.

IMG_4937

Walking through the park, rides are scattered about with a nice variety of thrill rides intermingled with casual, family friendly amusements.  Mixed in are rows of carnival style games, a mini golf course, a pool and plenty of food stands – each offering something different from the next! Whether it’s cheeseburgers and fries, pizza or Mexican that you are craving or sweets such as funnel cake, popcorn, candy apples, ice cream or fudge or more diverse options such as alligator bites or potato cakes, you will find it all here – and then some!

IMG_4926

As you make your way through the park, you will also find areas with entertainment such as interactive shows, dance parties and mini concerts.  Along with a nice selection of thrill rides, wooden coasters and two (yes, TWO) Log Flumes, you will find yourself surrounded by some of the most classic and coolest rides you will ever experience.

Knoebels kid rides

For little ones, there is a kiddie area chuck full of long time favorites such as a 100-year-old Grand Carousel, Hand Cars, Bumper Cars, Kiddie Boats, a Kiddie Whip and a Sky Slide just to name a few.

Thrill rides

Daredevils and older kids like mine will go crazy for attractions such as Impulse, with its Four upside down twists and a 90 degree free fall, Stratos Fear, a 148 foot tower which releases riders into a free fall reaching speeds of up to 47 mph, and Flying Turns, the world’s only wooden bobsled rollercoaster! In addition to all of the above, you will also find family favorites such as the Giant Wheel, where you can take in some breathtaking views from 110 feet above the park, the Pioneer Train, which  passes underneath the Twister rollercoaster, through a tunnel and deep into the Knoebels woods, and Scenic Skyway, which will allow you to enjoy a relaxing 14-minute chairlift ride to the top of the mountain and back. All in all, there are more than 60 rides that are sure to keep the entire family busy from sun up to sun down – and each one is as awesome as the next!

IMG_4900

For me, the opportunity to ride the Black Diamond was definitely a fun blast from the past!  Previously know as the Golden Nugget on Hunt’s Pier in Wildwood NJ, the Black Diamond now lives at Knoebels with a whole new haunted coal mine theme and I was over the moon for the chance to ride it with my kids during my visit.

Unlike wait times at other local amusement parks, the lines for the most part were extremely short and our kids were able to ride several attractions more than one time in a short span.  I was told that weekends can be more crowded especially during special events, but our visit during the week could not have been more perfect!  Although the parking lot appeared quite packed when we arrived never once during our visit did it feel crowded or stuffy.  The spacious nature of the park kept crowding to a minimum and we found it very easy to move around the park. The staff and workers could not have been nicer! Knoebels definitely prides itself on its relaxed, easy-going and casual vibe, and this was definitely one of my favorite things about our visit.

IMG_4922

For those looking to stay overnight or make a weekend of your visit, Knoebels owns two local campgrounds, one which is attached to the park and the other, Lake Glory, which is a short drive from the park (and offers shuttle service to and from Knoebels for guests).  Offering affordable accommodations at both sites, guests can sleep in tents, park their camper or rent a cabin or cottage.  Staying at the park will allow for a much longer day of fun and I am definitely going to look into this option next time we visit.

IMG_4879

It’s no surprise at all that Knoebels just celebrated its 90th Anniversary on July 4, 2016.  For the past 90 years, the Knoebel family has put its heart and soul into building and maintaining this awesome family-oriented and dog friendly park.  Most days you will find members of the Knoebels family working at the park and mingling with the crowds.  I had the opportunity to meet a few of the family members during my visit and let’s just say they are kind, down-to-earth and obviously very proud of this pride and joy they have built.  Whether working at the ticket stand assisting guests or riding about in a golf cart checking on the day to day activities of the park, the Knoebel family truly puts their heart and soul into making a day at their park an experience that your family will never forget.

Just look at these smiles…

knoebels phoenix

When I tell you this park took me back to my childhood, it truly made my heart swell.  If there is one single word I would use to describe the park, I would have to say “nostalgic”.  It was an experience I am so happy to have shared with my own children.

IMG_4881

Knoebels 2016 Season will continue to run daily through Labor Day then weekends through October 30th. If you plan to visit and order your day passes online prior to visiting, use promo code Kozmo at checkout for additional savings (valid online only).  Along with the fall season comes fun events such as Doggie Dive, Grandparents Day,  Covered Bridge Festival, Phoenix Phall Phunfest, Hallo-Fun Weekends and more!  You can check out all of the fun that is yet to come HERE.

Now that you have heard all about what Knoebels has to offer who is ready for a day trip?  Thanks to the very generous folks at Knoebels, one very lucky Delco Deal Diva reader is going to win a 4 pack of tickets to Knoebels.  Tickets are good for One “Ride All Day” Handstamp with Wooden Coasters (Pool & Haunted Mansion excluded) during the 2016 Season.  Simply leave a comment telling me what you love most about Knoebels or which ride you are most looking forward to checking out. Be sure to check out the easy Rafflecopter below for additional entries.  Winner will be selected on September 2, 2016  Good Luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Comments

  1. I’ve been going to knoebels my whole life and I enjoy sharing the experience with my own kids.

  2. Stephanie says:

    I want to try the wooden roller coaster with my kids!

  3. We just discovered knobels this summer. Great fun for my 3 boys…and my husband and I too! We will definitely go back

  4. We would love to try the wooden roller coasters!!

  5. Jennifer Yost says:

    I am most excited about The Whip! I have loved that ride since I was a little girl and I can’t wait to take my son!

  6. Allison Stevens
    Twitter:
    says:

    Fun! We are newer to the area and haven’t gone yet! Looks fun:-)

  7. I haven’t been there since I was a teen – it would be really fun to go back!
    Amy Brooks recently posted…Mother Teresa’s Advice For TeachersMy Profile

  8. Knoebels is great because there are rides for everyone, and if someone in your group isn’t into rides, they aren’t forced to pay admission.

  9. Kristine Clay says:

    I haven’t ever been but the coal mine ride looks so fun!

  10. Alison Pratt says:

    Have never been and looking at all the rides, we want to try them all!!!!

  11. I used to leave by there growing up and lived it , haven’t taken my kids there yet

  12. jeremy mclaughlin says:

    My sons would love to ride the wooden roller coasters.

  13. My brother was just there and had a blast!

  14. Looks like an awesome park. I love a good wooden coaster!
    LaNeshe recently posted…Bento Box Back to School LunchesMy Profile

  15. I have heard that the food is amazing, the best park food around! I would love to visit and try it.

  16. Brooke Shapiro
    Twitter:
    says:

    looking forward to going here

  17. I really want to go!!!

  18. Never been there, but have heard several great recommendations for it! We would be most interested in the kiddie rides section!

  19. We love that they have little rides too – great that the whole family gets to do exciting things!

  20. It all looks fun. I love a log flume!!

  21. Laura Unger says:

    I love love love all of the shade! It makes the whole experience so much more enjoyable and they really have a lot of great rides for little kids!

  22. Marla Hoffman says:

    I’ve always wanted to go – I hear the food is great as well as the rides!

  23. Looks like a great place, my kids would love it.
    Trina O’Boyle recently posted…REAL FOOD Menu Plan – Organizing for the School Year!My Profile

  24. I love everything about this place. It’s a family favorite.

  25. Michele Raine says:

    We have never been to Knoebels! We would love to ride the roller coasters and take my youngest on the carousel.

  26. Jay Nestor says:

    I think that my children would really enjoy it! Roller coasters are a big hit in our family so I am sure it would be a blast!

  27. Lynn Anderson says:

    I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!

  28. Ashley Shimp says:

    When I went loved that there was stuff to do for all ages!! Great food and entertainment!

  29. I have never been to knoebels but would love to go! I have only heard wonderful things about it!

  30. We love Knobel’s because there is something for everyone. My husband and daughter love to eat their way through the park.

  31. Was looking into taking the girls here one weekend this past summer and never made it! Hopefully make it soon. Your review made up my mind we will definitely have to visit!

  32. Jennifer Perez says:

    We love Knoebels!! We we there this past week as well and it was great!! It was our 2nd year camping for a week and we’re hoping to make it our yearly tradition with the kids. No other amusement park can compare. As a mom who doesn’t really get on many rides and is more concerned about her kids having a good time this is the park for me. I hate going to the other ones and having to pay for myself and husband to enter when all we do is stand in line and wait for the kids to get on kiddie rides. It’s not worth the cost of entry..lol. Even comparing the cost of a bottle of water at Knoebels vs the other large parks is crazy. Knoebels isn’t trying to gouge you like the others. We love it there:). This year we want to try to go up for the Fall fest they have. I bet it’s beautiful up there when the trees are changing colors!!!

  33. Tara Gianfrancesco says:

    We haven’t been to Knoebels yet! I would love to go!! Looks like a great time!!

  34. I can’t even count how many times I’ve been to Knoebels!! It’s such a great place and has a little something for everyone. My favorite part is the carousel and trying to collect as many gold rings as you can. I never even knew that was a thing until I went to Knoebels… So cool!

  35. Lisa Calvello says:

    We always hear great things about Knobels. My favorite ride is the log flume.

  36. Nicole Small says:

    I love the log flume. I would love to give!

  37. We loved flying turns (i think thats the name) and the bumper cars.

  38. Lauren O'Doherty says:

    Absolutely love this park! Went every summer growing up. Would love to share the fun with my kids!

  39. Melissa Redkar
    Twitter:
    says:

    I really enjoyed my visit to Knoebels! I felt like I was 13 again! The food is amazing, you can get almost anything you wish to eat! The ice cream cones were some of the largest I’ve ever eaten and the prices were unbelievably reasonable! The park is clean, and the staff were cheerful and helpful! The rides were so much fun and I especially loved the fact that I got to ride them with my own kids. The wooden roller coasters were outstanding! I went on a few of them multiple times! It’s a bit of a hike from Delco, but so worth it! I’d visit again with family and friends!

  40. Natalie
    Twitter:
    says:

    Love the pay as you ride pricing and the camping experience.

  41. Mary Lou Lawless says:

    Had a blast!!! The ride is long but worth it. Watching the kids run from ride to ride without a care in the world was awesome. So Family Friendly!!!! Can’t wait for our next visit.

  42. Stephanie Thomas says:

    Would love to try it!!

  43. Brianna ciocco says:

    We have never been there but it looks like a blast. My husband & 5yr old daughter would love to go here. And camping would be awesome too!

  44. Knoebels Amusement Park is really fun places to go!
    There are various types of amusement park rides, 110 feet giant ferris wheel, roller coaster, carousel, trains, swing rides,etc.. All can make the children interact with their parents better.
    Thanks for your sharing!
    Ashley recently posted…What to Consider When Investing in Building an Amusement Park?My Profile

  45. As I am search information about amusement parks, I have heard Knoebels Amusement Park for many times, and I am planning a visit to this famous park with my kids.
    Linda recently posted…Amusement Park Rides for Sale in CanadaMy Profile

  46. I think it is a good idea for families to have a trip to Knoebels Amusement Park and it is really attractive!
    Thnks for your great sharing! 🙂

  47. Knoebels Amusement Park is a family fun place to visit and the amusement equipment there is fairly attractive!
    It is really worthy of go travelling there!
    Thanks for your sharing!

  48. I always want to have a trip to knoebels Amusement park. It is popular in our city.

  49. Comprehensive amusement park for all ages must be more attractive to us! It is more interesting.
    Rosa Fairground recently posted…Amusement Park Rides to BrazilMy Profile

  50. Thanks for your sharing, I know much more information about the Knoebels Amusement Park.
    You must have a fun trip and I am fairly willing to visit the park one day to experience these rides.
    Sinorides recently posted…10 Tips For Amusement Rides Importers When Buying Amusement Rides From ChinaMy Profile

  51. Happy family paradise
    Adventure Land of the Adventurer – Stimulating Playground
    I experienced a crazy experience with my friends.
    Thinking of this, I can’t help but go again!

  52. Thanks for your kind sharing. It must be an exciting trip. It’s easy to drive and we can see great landscapes.
    While I have to say, car parking free is really fascinating to me. Free tickets are great!

  53. Wow, it seems great to enjoy a day in this park. I want go to this park with my family.

Leave a Reply to Anne Cancel reply

*

CommentLuv badge

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.