Knoebels Amusement Resort
Our family has always loved Knoebels. We took our children there summers when we lived in Pennsylvania. As our kids got older and brought romantic interests into the family, we introduced them to Knoebels as well. And the tradition continues, although not all at the same time, every one of my grandchildren experienced Knoebels in 2026. Waylon and Weston got to enjoy the park three times this year and with all of their Hagmayer/Hole cousins. It’s just too great a place not to share the experience.
Knoebels Amusement Resort
What is Knoebels Amusement Resort, you ask? Knoebels is the largest free admittance park in America. Nestled in the mountains of Elysburg, Pennsylvania is Knoebels Amusement Resort and over 100 years of history. On land acquired by his grandfather in 1828 called “Peggy’s Farm”, Henry Knoebel opened a pool with a restaurant and carousel, the year was 1926 and Knoebels Park was born.
This 45 acre plot of land boasts free parking, free entrance, free entertainment, and free pavilions. It opens at noon daily from mid-May until Labor Day and limited weekends prior to and after season. During the week you can purchase a wristband for unlimited rides or purchase a ticket book. During the weekend, the ticket books are the only option.
Knoebels Amusement Resort Fire Truck ride
They have a very generous military policy, and our boys received free tickets in the past as active duty and still do as veterans. To receive these books of free tickets military personnel must show ID at Guest Services.
The children’s section is wonderful; there are very old rides and more up to date modern rides. The children gleefully enter the ride after meeting the height qualification, get buckled in and prepare to go. The staff is generally friendly, ranging from college students to retirees. The rides last a nice amount of time and are safe and entertaining. Once the ride stops the operator opens the gate for parents (grandparents, aunts or uncles) to enter and retrieve their child. The day Sara and Ben’s family came along with Zach and Sarah’s family we were often putting five children on a ride, securing their safety belts, snapping photos and exiting then swooping in, unbuckling and retrieving happy children. This area has great paths and ample tree coverage to allow for cooler temperatures and a pleasant day whether you are riding rides, herding children or guarding babies and strollers. Speaking of strollers, there does not seem to be any limitation to the size or need of strollers and wagons. I saw a number of people with wagons for their dogs or for their supplies..not a child in sight. Pets are to be leashed, kept under control and cleaned up after. They are not permitted indoors, just outdoor spaces but not covered dining spaces.
For dining options, you can bring food in or you can choose to eat at the park. There are a plethora of choices for meals, even including indoor dining. But the best are the treats. They offer selections like fresh squeezed lemonade, soft serve ice cream, hand dipped ice cream, waffles and ice cream, soft pretzels and funnel cakes, just to name a few.
Waffles and Ice Cream @Knoebels Amusement Resort
There are also rides for the grownups, whether you love the thrill of a rollercoaster, the refreshment of getting wet, the joy of a carousel or the view from the 110 foot giant Ferris wheel, there is something for everyone.
Giant Ferris Wheel at Knoebels Amusement Resort
In addition to rides there is free entertainment in the form of puppet shows, interactive children’s theater, a circus act, a brass band and a schedule of visiting bands. There are games and gift shops, a blacksmith, and an eagle exhibit. Additional free items include a mining museum, a history museum and a carousel museum. For an extra fee you can sluice for gems, enjoy laser tag or mini golf.
My personal favorite is the carousel at Knoebels. Those with a sense of adventure and a competitive nature can hop on an outside horse and literally try for the brass ring. I prefer to find a lovely pony (preferably one that goes up and down) and just enjoy the motion, the music and the pleasure of a carousel ride.
Outside carousel horse at Knoebels Amusement Resort
Gary and I visited Knoebels twice this year. It was a joy to be at Knoebels with 7 out of 8 grands, to hear the giggles and squeals, see the smiles and just enjoy them making memories and trying new things. Turns out Everett loves rollercoasters, Weston and Waylon don’t mind heights nearly as much as their daddy, and Mammy will ride anything if asked by a grandchild. Everett and Catherine got me on the swings, which is not nearly as innocent as it sounds. The next trip Waylon got me on the kiddie coaster…I might have screamed and prayed the entire time. Even Gary got in on the fun and talked me into the log flume.
enjoying the log flume at Knoebels Amusement Resort
If you are ever in Pennsylvania, this is a MUST on the summer stop list. You cannot go wrong with a day at Knoebels.
Check out TC’s video for some great park highlights.