🎠 Top Kid-Friendly Amusement Parks with the Oldest Rides Still Operating
- Sherrie A
- May 4
- 2 min read
Estimated Reading Time: 4–5 minutes
🏰 Where History Meets Thrills
Did you know some of the world’s oldest amusement park rides are still spinning today—and your kids can ride them? From classic carousels to wooden coasters that have thrilled generations, these parks bring history to life one ticket at a time.
Here are the top kid-friendly amusement parks where you can still ride historic attractions (with modern safety standards, of course).
🎡 1. Kennywood Park – West Mifflin, Pennsylvania
📅 Opened: 1898🎢 Oldest Ride: The Whip (1920s), Jack Rabbit coaster (1920)
🎠 Why Families Love It |
Kiddieland for toddlers |
Historic rides + modern coasters side-by-side |
Famous Potato Patch Fries 🍟 |
🛠️ Tip: The Jack Rabbit has a double-dip drop kids LOVE—and it's surprisingly smooth!
🎠 2. Knoebels Amusement Resort – Elysburg, Pennsylvania
📅 Opened: 1926🎢 Oldest Ride: Grand Carousel (1913)
🎠 Why Families Love It |
Free admission + pay-per-ride = great for budgeting |
Rides for toddlers up to thrill-seekers |
The Grand Carousel has real brass rings you can grab! 🎯 |
📸 Don’t miss their wooden roller coasters, Twister and Phoenix.
🎠 3. Cedar Point – Sandusky, Ohio
📅 Opened: 1870🎢 Oldest Ride: Midway Carrousel (1912)
🎠 Why Families Love It |
“America’s Roller Coast” with 70+ rides |
Planet Snoopy + Kiddy Kingdom areas |
The Midway Carousel is a gorgeous classic with hand-carved horses 🐴 |
🌊 Bonus: There's a beach + on-site waterpark for sunny breaks!
🎠 4. Lake Compounce – Bristol, Connecticut
📅 Opened: 1846🎢 Oldest Ride: The Wildcat (1927)
🎠 Why Families Love It |
Oldest continuously operating amusement park in the U.S. |
Great waterpark next door |
Interactive kiddie rides and character meet-and-greets |
💧 Pro tip: Combine park access with Crocodile Cove waterpark for a full day!
🎠 5. Seabreeze Amusement Park – Rochester, NY
📅 Opened: 1879🎢 Oldest Ride: Jack Rabbit (1920)
🎠 Why Families Love It |
Classic family park with smaller crowds |
Great for first-time coaster riders |
Live entertainment and lakeside views |
🍦 Don’t leave without trying their vintage-style ice cream!
🎯 Printable: Ride & History Tracker for Families
🎢 Park | ✅ Rode the Oldest Ride? | 📸 Took a Photo? | ⭐ Coolest Part? |
Kennywood | ☐ | ☐ | |
Knoebels | ☐ | ☐ | |
Cedar Point | ☐ | ☐ | |
Lake Compounce | ☐ | ☐ | |
Seabreeze | ☐ | ☐ |
💬 Bonus Question: What ride would you bring back if you could invent your own?
Comments