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.
No really, Knoebels is the best place on earth. Here’s why:
No Admission Fee
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.
The Rides and Especially The Phoenix
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.
Great For Little Kids
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.
The Food
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.
Your Dog Is Welcome Too
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.
You Can Camp At Knoebels
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.
