🎢 The Oldest Amusement Parks Still Operating (and Why Families Love Them)

Sherrie A
May 1
2 min read

Estimated Reading Time: 4–5 minutes

🎠 Step Back in Time for Some Old-School Family Fun

Today’s amusement parks are full of neon lights and virtual rides—but there are a few historic parks where old-fashioned magic still lives. These parks have been making memories for generations, and they’re perfect for family trips that combine thrills and nostalgia.

Here are the oldest amusement parks still operating—and why your family will love them!

🎡 1. Lake Compounce – Bristol, Connecticut

📅 Opened: 1846

🎢 Why Visit	🌟 Must-Do Ride
Oldest continuously operating amusement park in the U.S.	Boulder Dash wooden roller coaster
Classic rides + modern waterpark	Giant Wave Pool for cooling off!

🎡 2. Cedar Point – Sandusky, Ohio

📅 Opened: 1870

🎢 Why Visit	🌟 Must-Do Ride
"America’s Roller Coast" with 70+ rides	Millennium Force – the first giga coaster
Kid-friendly Snoopy Land for little ones	Kiddie Kingdom for mini-adventures

🎡 3. Idlewild & SoakZone – Ligonier, Pennsylvania

📅 Opened: 1878

🎢 Why Visit	🌟 Must-Do Ride
Storybook-themed rides and water park	Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood trolley ride
Perfect for preschoolers + young kids	Captain Kidd's Adventure Galley in SoakZone

🎡 4. Seabreeze Amusement Park – Rochester, New York

📅 Opened: 1879

🎢 Why Visit	🌟 Must-Do Ride
Family-owned, old-fashioned charm	Jack Rabbit wooden coaster (built 1920)
Water slides and lazy river for summer days	Kiddie Rides for toddlers

🎡 5. Kennywood Park – West Mifflin, Pennsylvania

📅 Opened: 1898

🎢 Why Visit	🌟 Must-Do Ride
National Historic Landmark park	Phantom’s Revenge roller coaster
Traditional potato patch fries + storybook rides	Kiddieland rides for young adventurers

🎠 Printable: Amusement Park Bingo

🎡 Park Sight	✅ Spotted It?
Wooden roller coaster	☐
Classic car ride	☐
Cotton candy stand	☐
Carousel horse	☐
Water ride splash zone	☐

🎉 Bonus: Snap a selfie with the oldest ride you find!