Kids of All Ages Love Pennsylvania's Knoebel's Grove Amusement Resort!

Like other states, Pennsylvania has its share of amusement resorts and attractions, but any tourist would be sorry if they passed up a chance to visit Knoebel's Grove Amusement Resort. This family-centered park is a local favorite, and any June-August you will find an assortment of age ranges: from babies and toddlers in strollers, teens in groups, or elderly couples sharing an ice cream cone. Admission and parking are free. The park itself is situated in a pine and hardwood forest, off the beaten path in Elysburg, PA.

Knoebel's doesn't boast the newest, wildest rides, but it does have a good variety. Visitors may pay by the ride or by one "all day" ride ticket price. Usually the "all day" price is a better deal. The kiddie rides include the ever popular car, train, and plane rides. Other kiddie rides are the ball pit, the bouncing "space walk", the sky slide, the kiddie bumper cars, and the kiddie ferris wheel. For the older set, Knoebel's recently put in the Flying Turns ride which imitates a classic ride similar to a bobsled. Other "thrill" rides include the Phoenix wooden roller coaster, the water Flume, the Skloosh (another water ride), and the Cosmotron (sight and sound experience in the dark). Also, there are rides such as the ferris wheel, bumper boats, Italian trapeze, and the Grand Carousel (where you can still catch the brass ring) that the whole family will enjoy.

Besides the rides, visitors may opt to play miniature golf or enjoy a game of lazer tag. There are three museums to explore: the mining museum, the Knoebel's history museum, and the carousel museum. These are small museums, but offer a unique look at local history. There is the option to camp at Knoebel's campground or stay in a camping cabin and take an extra day or two to enjoy what Knoebel's has to offer.

Because summer gets hot, Knoebel's also offers the Crystal Pool. There are high diving boards, waterslides, and a kiddie area. The pool is huge, but can still get pretty full during the summer. There is admission for the pool, or you can purchase a pool/ride combo pass.

Scattered around the park are pavilions that groups may reserve for picnics. Many families and companies hold parties or reunions at these pavilions, and Knoebel's has food catering packages they offer. There are also a good number of restrooms around the park, and a few (small) nursing/changing stations for mothers.

Finally, there are a lot of gift and food shops around the park. The food is mostly the usual park fare such as cotton candy, french fries, pizza, and funnel cakes. There is a sit-down restaurant on the park grounds also. The pizzeria is very good, high-quality pizza, but the wait is usually at least 30 minutes if you order a pie. The gift shops sell typical items like t-shirts, candy, and other trinkets.

All in all, Knoebel's is a great place to take in local country PA culture. It is a nice place for a family outing or picnic. Plus, with the free admission, it is possible to have a good time without spending a lot of money.