Knoebel's: A Family Amusement Park in Pennsylvania

Knoebels Amusement Park located off PA Route 487 in Elysburg, Pennsylvania is a treat for the entire family. I just spent last weekend there with my husband and two small children, and even though I am a mother now, I felt like a kid again at Knoebels.

I have a lot of family in that area of Pennsylvania, and as a child, we spent a good portion of our summers at Knoebels. Our family reunion was also held at the park yearly, so I've certainly become a bit of an expert on the place, as I've been a visitor many times a year for the past almost thirty years.

Growing up, Knoebels was the type of place where our parents felt safe letting us go off on our own at a very young age. They would slather us with sunscreen, hand us a booklet of ride tickets and a couple dollars for food or drinks and we wouldn't see them again until it was time for dinner. I know the park like the back of my hand and still found myself just naturally moving towards the direction of the places I was headed. It's really become a place of comfort for me and bringing my children there for the first time was so amazing.

The park is larger than you would expect it to be and there is something for everyone in the family. The rides are the main attraction, of course, as it is an amusement park, but the food, shows and family-fun are also highlights of Knoebels. The prices are insanely inexpensive for an amusement park, our family spent only $500 total for an entire weekend, including food and hotel costs.

The rides range from roller coasters to an entire section of kiddie rides. My favorite roller coaster is the Phoenix, a wooden coaster that has been a Top Ten Roller Coaster many times over. Another ride that is a must for me is the Paratrooper, which is a classic amusement park ride lifting you high over the sights and then bringing you back down again. My oldest son, who is three years old, absolutely loved every ride we put him on but his favorite is the Panther Cars, which are old fashioned looking cars that ride around on a simple circular track. The whole family enjoyed a ride on the Pioneer Train, which is a one and a half mile train ride through the woods, where we saw chipmunks and squirrels playing together.

The park offers free admission and parking and rides are so cheap! Most rides average about a dollar each, although some cost a bit more or less. They also offer a Ride All Day Pass, which costs $29.50 for adults or $37.00, which includes riding the roller coasters. Children's passes are $19.50 or $24.50 for unlimited roller coaster rides. Food prices are ridiculously inexpensive, and all types of food choices are available from French fries and funnel cakes to burgers and sandwiches. The park's only restaurant, the Alamo, is available for air-conditioned relaxation along with a delicious home-style meal.

Knoebels also has a large pool with water slides. Crystal Pool rates are $6.00 for adults, $4.00 for children. If you wanted to include the water slides in your pool package the price would be $12.50 for adults and $10.50 for children to swim and slide all day long!

Lodging nearby Knoebels is available but you can also chose to stay at the Campgrounds. A one night's stay at the campground includes parking for one vehicle and is priced at $36 a night. They offer other packages for weekly stays and cabin rentals. The Campground has a small convenience store and pets are permitted to stay with you if they are on a leash.

I highly recommend a trip to Knoebels for your entire family. It's fun, inexpensive and there is so much to do! Kids have a blast and parents can feel confident that this is a place that will help create beautiful memories.