Idlewild and SoakZone

One of the country's premier parks for families with young children, Idlewild is loaded with charm along with the genuine nostalgia of an attraction that dates back to 1878. Olde Idlewild, one of seven areas at the park, features classic attractions such as a carousel from the 1920s, a 1947 Caterpillar--one of only two remaining that still use a canopy, and the circa-1938 Rollo Coaster, a wooden coaster.

Even the more "modern" areas of the park hark back to an earlier era. The Story Book Forest, which opened in 1956, gives children a chance to enter the world of fairy tales. And Raccoon Lagoon is loaded with kiddie rides. Themed to the landmark PBS children's show, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood a trolley transports families to the Land of Make Believe where characters from the beloved show such as King Friday XIII, Daniel Striped Tiger, and Henrietta Pussycat are available for meets and greets.

Don't forget your bathing suits. In addition to the dry rides, Idlewild offers a good collection of water slides and other water park attractions in its SoakZone area, including a Little Squirts children's pool and a tipping bucket. The park also presents musical shows and an ongoing schedule of special events such as fireworks and Christmas in July. In October, Idlewild presents a scare-free Halloween festival, HALLOWBOO!

Ligonier (50 miles from Pittsburgh), Pennsylvania
(724) 238-3666

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Admission to the park includes all rides, attractions, and shows, including SoakZone water park rides. Children 2 and younger are admitted free. Reduced rates are available for seniors (55 and older). Season passes are available.

Idlewild is open May through October.

From Pittsburgh:
Route 376 Parkway East to PA Turnpike to Exit 67, Irwin. Route 30E to Ligonier.

From Altoona:
Route 220 S, Route 22 W, Route 219 S. Route 30 W to Ligonier.

The park features a great assortment of rides, shows, water rides, events, and attractions geared to younger children, including:

• Mister Rogers' Neighborhood of Make-Believe
• The classic, circa-1938 Rollo Coaster.
• Story Book Forest, featuring characters from nursery rhymes and fairy tales.
• SoakZone water slides and attractions

New for 2013
Lazy river
A new ride is coming to the water park.

New for 2011
Wave Pool
SoakZone, Idlewild's water park (which is included in admission), will be getting a new wave pool in 2011.