Highlights From the Beautiful 2024 Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival

The 2024 Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival is now open in Franklin Square. A must see every summer in Philadelphia. We had such a great time last year that I’ve been eagerly awaiting this year’s festival. We checked out the festival on opening night on Thursday and it didn’t disappoint. It’s beautiful.

This also may not be obvious, but it’s a really fun outing for kids too. Wide open spaces for them to run, and LOTS to see. My daughter was just 1 year-old last year and loved all of the lights and animal lanterns and bubbles. This year she was 2, and it was even better. The moment we walked in through the gate she gasped with delight. We were hoping for the return of two highlights from last year too, the smoke bubbles, and the light-up star stepping “stones”. Both were there, and she again LOVED them. It was a blast watching her enjoy both.

Plan to eat there. Don’t eat ahead of time. There’s a lot to offer as far as food and drink options. Asian cuisine, and American comfort food too. You can get anything from a spring roll and spicy noodles to a pretzel, chicken nuggets and a burger.

They also have a Dragon Beer Garden and many drink and dessert options throughout Franklin Square including fruit smoothies and ice cream sundaes. There’s really something for everyone, and affordably priced too.

In addition to the incredible 2024 Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival sights and sounds, all of the favorite parts of Franklin Square are available too. Philly Mini-Golf, the fountain show, and classic Marx Liberty Carousel (for a discounted rate during the festival). We checked out all of it and rode the carousel (or the horseys, as my daughter put it) multiple times. She was thrilled.

Do not miss this festival. Open every evening in Franklin Square, with the exception of the July 4th holiday. Make a plan to check it out in person some time before August 18th. The Franklin Square Playground will be fully open and free both daytime and during the evening hours, accessible from 7th Street. The lanterns are able to be viewed for free during daytime, while a ticket is required for nighttime entrance after 6 pm (no re-entry). The park will close daily at 5 pm to prepare for the nightly Festival. Advance tickets are strongly recommended.

Monday through Thursday tickets:
·       $25 for adults
·       $16 for children (ages 3-12, 2 and under are free)
·       $23 for youth (13-17), senior (65+), and active military (with I.D.)
Friday through Sunday tickets (timed tickets required):
·       $28 for adults
·       $16 for children (ages 3-12, 2 and under are free)
·       $26 for youth (13-17), senior (65+), and active military (with I.D.)

Find more information and purchase tickets for the 2024 Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival HERE. HERE are some photos from last year's festival too. Make it an annual tradition. We have. :)

Knoebels Amusement Park is my favorite place in the entire world. Seriously. You know those bumper stickers that say "I'd rather be_____". I'd always rather be in Knoebels. It's the best. My childhood vacations were spent camping at Knoebels Amusement Resort. We had full run of the park, and the water park, and definitely tested the limit of how many times someone could ride a speed slide in one day. My siblings and I have the best memories there, and I've already started taking my daughter as often as I can. If you've never visited, add Knoebels to your summer plans. It's bound to become a tradition in your family too.

Just walk in. Knoebels is America’s largest free admission amusement park. Free admission. Free parking. Free picnic facilities. Free entertainment. Go in and out of the park as you please. Oh, and you can bring in whatever food and drink you like into the park. Pack a picnic. They have picnic tables and host family reunions and birthday parties and the like. On weekdays you can pay for rides as you go, or buy an all day ride pass. Which brings me to the June special. Every Tuesday this month, Knoebels is offering full day ride passes buy one, get one free. Both kids passes and adults.

There are some really incredible rides at Knoebels. If you love roller coasters, Knoebels has a few great classic old wooden coasters, including The Pheonix which is my favorite. It's won many awards over the years, including the World's Best Wooden Coaster. The Pheonix was originally built in San Antonio, Texas in 1947 as 'The Rocket". Knoebels moved it in 1985 to its present site, and it remains one of the best and most famous coasters in the world. The dips are amazing.

Oh, and the Knoebels Haunted Mansion gives the Disney ride a run for its money too. "A Terrifying Adventure In Darkness." Ride if you dare. I used to ride this as a kid with my eyes closed and holding my ears closed too. Nowadays I happily open my eyes, and love every single detail.

An honorable mention: Fascination is a game and not a ride, but it's so much fun. Find the Fascination pavilion at Knoebels and play a BINGO-esque game by rolling a ball down a sort of ski-ball shoot, hoping to get 5 in a row. The coverall game is the most exciting part, and stressful in the best way. Watch out though. Playing costs $0.50 a game, and it's insanely addicting. You may end up having to re-mortgage your house trying to win a prize worth a whopping $3.

This place is awesome for the littles. First of all, with free admission, you aren't paying for anyone in your party that isn't going to get their money's worth on the rides. You can have have babies and toddlers and even grandparents accompany the group, and never pay a penny for any of them. There's such a benefit to no admission fee, and a choice between an all day ride pass or buying individual tickets as you go along. Whatever the folks in your group are up to doing, you can determine which route is best.

There are LOTS of rides to offer even toddlers though, and it makes for a super fun day for even your tiniest family members.

Trudy is 2 years old and was even able to drive her own bumper car this year. It was low impact and she had the best time. We did it more than once and she laughed a lot.

As an adult now (with a wallet), I've found that Knoebels is even better than I thought it was as a kid. When you realize (and appreciate) the value of this place over literally every other amusement park out there, it can't be beat. Hot dogs for $2.75, candy apple for $4.50, potato cake for $2, and the ever popular Travelin' Taco for $6.50. You can't beat it.

There's lots to choose from. Check HERE for Knoebel's guide to new food additions this year. Oh, and if you eat nothing else while you're there, get a banana split at Ole Mill Ice Cream. Every single option is great, but that banana split lives in my brain year-round. With no park admission fee, you could stop by Knoebels any time throughout your vacation, just to get a bite to eat. Just one more reason why Knoebels is the best place on earth.

Knoebels is great for kids, adults, and dogs too. That's right, dogs are welcome to join you on your Knoebels adventure. You can bring your furry friends with you to the park. You just have to keep your dog leashed and with you at all times and you must clean up after them. Sounds pretty reasonable to me. Oh, and this seems like common sense, but your dog can't go on the rides with you...

HOWEVER, Knoebels does allow the dogs one big swim in their GIANT pool at the end of the season. It's called the Doggie Dive, and it's a fundraiser for local animal rescue organizations with 100% of the proceeds donated to the cause. This year, the Doggie Dive is happening on September 8th. More info HERE. It's real cute.

There are plenty of affordable hotels close to Knoebels in nearby in Elysburg, or Shamokin (believe it or not, there's a great Bed and Breakfast there), OR just set up camp right at Knoebels. Their campground is where I spent many summers growing up. With no admission fee to the park, the flexibility of being able to walk in and out of the park all day is so incredibly nice, especially as a teenager. We ran all over the place and ended each action-packed park or pool day with s'mores by the campfire, only to do it all over again the next day. Seriously, the best kid vacation ever. Adults too! The rates are affordable, and the accommodations range from tents to luxury cabins. Find more information about Knoebels Campground HERE. Just one more reason why Knoebels is the best place on earth.

Knoebels Crystal Pool is located inside the park, and it's gigantic. Nearly 900,000 gallons of water with water slides and lots more to enjoy.  They have Day and Season Passes available, and like everything at Knoebels, it's very affordable.

https://www.knoebels.com/swim/swim-slide#sp-cb2

Unfortunately (although, I totally understand why) dogs aren't allowed in the pool area until the very last Doggie Dive at the end of the season. Book your dog's spot in this year's Doggie Dive happening on September 8th. Even without a dog of your own it's a very entertaining thing to witness. More info HERE.