What is the best Day to Go to Kennywood 2024? (+ Tips and tricks)

Don’t want to deal with crowds and long lines at Kennywood? 

We get it—nothing is more frustrating than spending your day at an amusement park waiting in long lines instead of enjoying the thrills and attractions. We understand the desire to make the most out of your visit reducing waiting time and increasing attraction time! That's why we've created this comprehensive guide to help you choose the best day to visit and maximize your fun.

With insider tips and tricks straight from the park experts, you'll discover the best times to avoid the crowds and make your Kennywood experience unforgettable. We're here to ensure your day is filled with joy, not waiting!

How long do you need at Kennywood? 

Kennywood is home to over 40 attractions, including thrilling roller coasters, classic rides, and family-friendly options. To fully enjoy everything the park has to offer, we recommend setting aside a full day. This allows you to experience the major rides, enjoy some delicious park food, and take in the unique atmosphere without feeling rushed.

Whether you're a thrill-seeker or visiting with family, a full day ensures you won't miss out on any of the fun and excitement that Kennywood has to offer.

How busy is Kennywood? How long are the wait times in line?

The busyness of Kennywood can vary significantly depending on the day and time of year, but lines are usually not long. On summer weekends, you can expect the park to be at its busiest, with longer wait times for popular attractions, but nothing to worry about. However, if you visit on a weekday during the spring or fall, you'll likely find shorter lines and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Understanding these patterns can help you plan your visit to minimize wait times and maximize fun. Keep reading for more detailed tips on choosing the best day to visit Kennywood and enjoy your favorite rides without the long waits!

How to choose the best day to visit Kennywood?

Kennywood operating days and hours

During June, July and most of August, Kennywood is open every day! This means that you can visit on both weekends and also weekdays, which are often less crowded. Weekdays are perfect for short queues, so make the most out of your summer holidays and visit from Monday to Friday! From September to January, the park is only open select days, but the park is also less crowded during this time of year.

We also recommend being at the park as soon as the gates open, when most people still haven’t arrived. Check our operating hours before coming to arrive as early as possible. This way, you will have all the park to yourself!

Weekdays vs weekends

Weekdays at Kennywood generally offer shorter lines and fewer crowds, while weekends can be busier. If you prefer a quieter experience with less waiting, visiting on a weekday can help you make the most of your time at the park.

Seasons and special event

Phantom Fall Fest

September marks the beginning of the spooky season at Kennywood, with daytime and nighttime activities for those looking for some scares. Kids can enjoy fun activities, and adults can feel true horror by entering the scare zones and hair-raising houses. Because of the event’s popularity, the park can become a bit more crowded, so we highly recommend visiting on Friday nights, and before the 31st of October.

Holiday lights

The holiday season takes over Kennywood from November to New Year's, bringing a festive spirit to the park. Walk along more than three million twinkling lights and enjoy festive foods and holiday drinks as you enjoy Kennywood’s best attractions. The best day to visit during this season  is Sunday.

Celebrate America

Honor Independence Day with Kennywood's Celebrate America event. Enjoy patriotic entertainment, fireworks, and family-friendly activities that make this celebration truly special. It may be a good idea to visit if you are looking to truly feel the American spirit in the crowds.

Weather

Is Kennywood open when it rains? Yes! The park is open even with steady rain. However, we have an inclement weather policy, meaning that we may close the park or certain attractions in the case of lightning, low temperatures and high winds. These policies are enforced in order to keep our staff and guests safe at all times.

Want to know a secret? Cloudy days and mild rain scare away many visitors, so, if you dare to get a little wet, rainy days can be the best for short waiting times!

What day is Kennywood least crowded?

Based on what we mentioned above, the best days to visit Kennywood are often summer weekdays or fall weekends.

Tips and tricks for your enjoying the park without waiting too long

Arrival hour

Arrive early! Getting to the park when it opens allows you to head straight to the most popular rides before the crowds build up. Early morning is the best time to enjoy shorter lines and cooler temperatures, especially in summer.

Ticket buying

Purchase your tickets online in advance. This not only saves you time at the entrance but often provides discounts and special offers. Plus, you can avoid any potential sell-outs on busy days.

Special passes

Consider investing in a Speedy Pass. This pass lets you skip the regular lines on select rides, making it a valuable option for maximizing your time, especially on busier days. Check our crowd calendar to find out when it is worth getting a Speedy Pass.

You can also acquire a Season Pass to visit the park more than once. This way, you can split the attractions between several days, making sure you can hop onto every single one of them!

Most demanded rides

Head to the most popular rides first. Attractions like Phantom’s Revenge and Spinvasion tend to have the longest lines. Riding these early in the day can help you avoid the peak wait times.

Lunchtime

Head to the most popular rides first. Attractions like Phantom’s Revenge and Spinvasion tend to have the longest lines. Riding these early in the day can help you avoid the peak wait times.

So… when to go to Kennywood? 

Every day is a good day to visit Kennywood! Though there are days that are busier than others, our guests typically mention how lines are short and waiting times are reasonable. However, if you want to enjoy the least crowded days, follow these tips!

• Early Spring is the most quiet season at the park

• If you are coming in summer, weekdays are typically much less crowded than weekends

• Though the park is still open, people don’t usually come on rainy days!

• Even during special events, some days are less crowded than others. 

• You can always get a Speedy Pass to ensure shorter lines!

We’ll be waiting for you!

Have you made your choice? Now it's time to get your tickets and prepare for an unforgettable day at Kennywood! With our tips and insider knowledge, you're all set to enjoy everything our park has to offer without the hassle of long lines and crowded spaces. We can't wait to welcome you for a day filled with fun, thrills, and lasting memories. See you soon!

FAQs

Does Kennywood let you bring food?

Yes! Though you can acquire food and beverages within the park, even allergy-safe food, you are allowed to bring your own from home. Make sure that all the food and drinks you bring fit within one bag up to 15" x 15" x 15" or a soft cooler up to 12" x 12" x 12".

Does Kennywood still take cash?

We are now cashless! You can take cash to the park and use our Cash-to-Card kiosks to move the money onto a card you can use all around the park to reduce payment times at admission offices, gift shops, and restaurants.