Community

Kennywood, Idlewild, Sandcastle set opening dates

PITTSBURGH -- Kennywood, the Tri-State Area's thrill and entertainment destination, will open for the 2024 season on April 20 with unique and new exciting experiences highlighted by the all-new Potato Patch themed bumper cars and a brand-new event celebrating all things Pittsburgh.

Sister parks Idlewild and SoakZone and Sandcastle Waterpark will open on May 18 and May 25, respectively. All three parks will offer a full lineup of activities throughout the season including popular and new special events and passholder perk days.

• Kennywood offers a one-of-a-kind experience this season with a total transformation of the park's classic bumper car ride, themed to Kennywood's iconic fresh-cut Potato Patch fries. This mouthwatering makeover is only a taste of what's to come -- with park improvements and additions and events, this season will elevate the Kennywood experience guests know and love with extended hours and more days to enjoy the park. Daily summer operation begins Memorial Day weekend and will feature night rides with select 10 p.m. closes, and the all-new Celebrate Pittsburgh event in July highlighting Pittsburgh arts, sports, heritage and more. Plus, all-new passholder perks and specials will be offered all summer long. Phantom Fall Fest and Holiday Lights cap off the upcoming season.

• Idlewild and SoakZone will kick off its 2024 season on May 18, with more family fun than ever before. With dazzling park upgrades and improvements, beloved events like Kids Fest and Halloween favorite, HALLOWBOO! -- starting earlier than ever before, with more than 35 rides, SoakZone water park and exclusive meet and greets, the experience will only get better.

• Sandcastle Waterpark, named one of the top waterparks in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, opens its 35th season on May 25 just in time for Memorial Day weekend. With several park enhancements, the pulse-pounding Bombs Away, Dragon's Den and Boardwalk Blasters plus several family-favorite attractions set along a picturesque boardwalk, park officials say Sandcastle will be better, brighter and fresher than ever. Jammin' July returns with live entertainment poolside in July, plus passholder perk days are set for all summer long.

All three parks are now accepting applications to fill more than 3,000 positions available for the upcoming season. Job opportunities include food and beverage team members, ride operators and lifeguards, among others. Kennywood, Sandcastle and Idlewild & SoakZone offer their employees competitive wages, growth opportunities, flexible schedules and several perks. No experience is required and select positions at all parks start at up to $15 an hour.

Season passes are available for as low as five payments under $20 during the Presidents Day sale.

For information visit Kennywood.com, SandcastleWaterpark.com, and Idlewild.com.