Pittsburgh’s Premier Hub for Family Entertainment – jumps into July with a series of fireworks shows and enhanced events. The parks’ Independence Day celebrations feature extended hours, extra entertainment, foam parties, and two nights of fireworks at Kennywood and Idlewild plus plenty of patriotic fun.
All three parks will honor active duty and retired military members and veterans with free admission during the extended holiday weekend from July 1 – 4. This offer is also extended for military members visiting Idlewild through July 16, and for those visiting Sandcastle through July 31. Service members must have a valid ID and will also be able to purchase up to four discounted tickets for family and friends at a reduced rate at the main gates only.
Celebrate America at Kennywood includes firework displays, in partnership with Zambelli Fireworks, July 3 and 4, at 9:30 p.m., filling the night sky with a spectacular show of colorful and extravagant illuminations. Guests can enjoy the park’s first-ever foam party on July 2, musical performances throughout the weekend, and the can’t-miss Wiener 100 Dachshund Race scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Saturday. Plus, more night rides! Kennywood will expand its hours and stay open until 10 p.m. on July 1, 3 and 4.
At Idlewild & SoakZone, the Best Kids’ Park in the World, Celebrate America includes firework displays, in partnership with Zambelli Fireworks, July 3 and 4, at 9:30 p.m. lighting up the Laurel Highlands like never before, a foam party for kids on July 1, patriotic musical performances on July 2 including performances by the Jeannette Community Band and the Penn Township Flute Choir, and special activities for kids. Ricky Racoon will bring the pint-sized party, dancing with his fans, all extended weekend long.
The holiday weekend may fly by, but it is just the start of family fun. Neighbor Days at Idlewild celebrates the legacy of Fred Rogers with new and refined entertainment, live shows, and meet & greets with children’s beloved characters from their favorite shows. Jammin’ July at Sandcastle kicks off its third season of free local entertainment headlining Pittsburgh’s most unique concert venue right along the Monongahela River every Saturday. And at Kennywood, Bites and Pints is still serving up delicious culinary delights and adult beverages, featuring cuisines from 9 different countries. All three events run throughout the month of July.
The best way to experience all the 4th of July Weekend festivities, the month of exciting events and each park’s signature attractions is with a Season Pass. Platinum passes give you unlimited visits to Kennywood, Idlewild & SoakZone and Sandcastle all year long. Single-day tickets are also available as low as $34.99 for Sandcastle, as low as $34.99 when you buy four or more for Idlewild and as low as $39.99 for Kennywood.
For more information on each park and to purchase tickets or season passes, please visit Kennywood.com, Idlewild.com, and Sandcastlewaterpark.com.
Clint Gamache is the owner of ThrillGeek. He started ThrillGeek to share his love of theme/amusement parks and pop culture with the world. You can find him at Halloween Horror Nights. Also, be sure to follow him on Twitter @iamcg83