Sight guide · Pittsburgh · United States
Visiting Kennywood
Founded in 1898, this traditional amusement park about 15 km southeast of downtown is a National Historic Landmark with classic wooden coasters such as the Thunderbolt, Jack Rabbit and Racer alongside modern rides like the Phantom's Revenge.
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Quick answer
Kennywood is a theme park in West Mifflin, Pittsburgh. Allow full day; it is expensive. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Theme park
- Area
- West Mifflin
- Time needed
- Full day
- Cost
- Expensive
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- kids, active and history
- Best months
- April and October–November
About Kennywood
Founded in 1898, this traditional amusement park about 15 km southeast of downtown is a National Historic Landmark with classic wooden coasters such as the Thunderbolt, Jack Rabbit and Racer alongside modern rides like the Phantom's Revenge. Its Potato Patch fries are a local institution.
Tip: Kennywood is seasonal, with holiday lights events in winter; check the calendar and buy tickets online for lower prices.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: Full day.
- Cost: Expensive.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: West Mifflin.
Best time to visit Kennywood
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for the quietest of the good months:
- November: 11°C (52°F) highs, about 12 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- April: 17°C (63°F) highs, about 14 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- October: 18°C (64°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit Pittsburgh has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Kennywood is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen Duquesne Incline and Andy Warhol Museum.
- No. 15 of the 18 sights in our Pittsburgh things-to-do list.
- One of the picks in historic sites in Pittsburgh.
- A family favourite in Pittsburgh with kids.
If you like Kennywood
- Duquesne Incline — Mount Washington, 1 hour
- Carnegie Museums of Natural History and Art — Oakland, 3–4 hours
- Senator John Heinz History Center — Strip District, 2–3 hours
- Carnegie Science Center — North Shore, 3–4 hours
Staying near Kennywood
Where to stay in Pittsburgh compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Kennywood?
Plan full day.
+Is Kennywood free?
No, it is expensive. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit Kennywood?
April and October–November, the quietest of the good months. Kennywood is seasonal, with holiday lights events in winter; check the calendar and buy tickets online for lower prices.
+Do I need to book Kennywood in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is Kennywood good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh is a good-value family destination, with the inclines, dinosaurs at the Carnegie, the Science Center's submarine, the National Aviary and Kennywood.