About Knoebels

Knoebels Amusement Resort in Pennsylvania is a historical amusement park that first opened in 1926 with a simple pool and a merry-go-round. Today it is filled rollercoasters, kid-friendly rides, games, delicious food, swimming, camping, golf, and entertainment. Knoebels Amusement Resort prides itself in being “America’s largest free-admission amusement park”; this also includes free parking, daily entertainment, and picnic facilities.

Knoebels Amusement Resort is conveniently located only 1 hour from Wilkes-Barre. Consider a hotel in Wilkes-Barre for a short drive if you’re not from the area.

Knoebel’s Rides

There are three different types of rides at Knoebels Amusement Resort: kiddie rides, family rides, and thrill rides. While admission and some entertainment is free, rides do have a cost. Kiddie rides include kiddie coasters, a carousel, a giant ball pit, a huge slide, and more. Each ride has specific minimum and maximum heights for riders, and all cost between $1 and $1.75.

Knoebels Amusement Resort has 20 exciting family rides. You can find iconic rides like the tilt-a-whirl, a tea cup ride, and bumper cars. Minimum heights are required for lone riders; heights depend on the ride. Rides cost anywhere from $1.50 to $2.

The park offers 21 Knoebels Amusement Resort thrill rides for those who need something a bit more exciting! Minimum rider heights need to be 42” to 52” depending on the right. Large coaster, spinning and swing rides, water rides, and a haunted coal mine car are sure to thrill! Rides are anywhere from $1.75 to $3 each.

Things to Do at Knoebels

Knoebels Amusement Resort has many attractions. Some are free and some do have a cost. Some of the free attractions include:

Americana: A steam-powered tools display
Bald Eagle habitat: Includes educational sessions and feed times
Fascination – A carousel museum with memorabilia from carousels dating back to 1870, carousel figures, scenery panels, and other memorabilia
Knoebels Amusement Resort History Museum – Learn more about the history of the park
Kozmo’s Play Area – A playground for kids where parents are also welcome to play and explore
Mining museum – See genuine tools and artifacts from the mining days
Time Machine Theatre – Kids can dress in costume and join show the show while the Time Machine Theatre story tellers tell fables.

There are a few attractions that do have a cost including laser tag, miniature golf, and an XD movie theater.

Knoebels Arcade Games

Knoebels Amusement Resort has all of the iconic amusements you could hope for: derby car racing, a fish pond, and all the shooting, rolling, and throwing games. Games cost anywhere from 50 cents to $5, and of course you can win some classic amusement park prizes.

Knoebels Amusement Resort also has three game locations. Take a trip to Fascination where you can play a game that is like a combo of skeeball and bingo. Playland Arcade and Roaring Creed Arcade have a great mix of classic arcade games and modern video and electronic games.

Knoebels’ Swimming Pool

Knoebels Amusement Resort offers the Crystal Pool: a large zero-depth entry pool with several sliding boards and deep end diving boards. There is a kiddie play area with fountains and waterfalls, slides, a seesaw, and plenty of shallow water to splash in. There is also a climbing net and a sunbathing deck.

Knoebels Amusement Resort also has 4 water slides. You can slide down the two Slide Winder slides on an inner tube (individuals must be 42” if riding with an adult or 48” if riding alone). The two Twister Slides provide a nearly vertical drop into the water below.

Knoebels’ Restaurants and Dining

No need to be worried about being hungry at Knoebels Amusement Resort! The park boasts two full-service restaurants. The Alamo Restaurant serves dinner platters, sandwiches, Italian dishes, and has a kids’ menu.

On the golf course, there is the Nickel Plate Bar & Grill where you can grab a burger and a beer.If you’re looking for something quicker, there are 10 counter service locations selling pizza, fried, grilled food, international meals, and more.

Additionally, Knoebels Amusement Resort has 16 snack and refreshment stands selling everything from funnel cakes and candy apples to fudge and kettle corn.

Knoebels Amusement Resort Golf and Camping

If you think the fun stops at rides, games, food, and swimming, think again! Knoebels Amusement Resort also offers the 18-hole Knoebels Three Ponds Golf Course and the Knoebels Park Campground.

The campground at Knoebels Amusement Resort is located in a quiet, forest setting near the amusement park. It offers sites for tents, RVs, and campers. It also has rustic log cabins available for rent that sleep up to 6 or 16 people.

The campground offers electric hookup, convenient water filling stations, a playground, laundry facilities, a trading post store, and a campground swimming pool It is open from mid-April through the end of October.

Knoebels’ Tickets and Pricing

If you’re looking for a fun place to have an group event, Knoebels Amusement Park hosts catered outings, birthday parties, and school and youth groups.

If you’re going to be riding rides and playing games, it might be best to purchase either one of Knoebels Amusement Resorts’s Ride All Day Passes or a book of ride tickets. Rates vary day by day. You should check the website to view a map of the rates for the day(s) you are interesting in going to Knoebels Amusement Resort. The park does offer discounts for veterans and those active in the military.

Knoebels Amusement Resort Reviews

In general, Knoebels Amusement Resort gets great reviews. Guests have noted that it is clean and typically not crowded. Lines for rides aren’t too long, especially if you go on a week day.

They feel the ride tickets and food are reasonably priced. Many rave about the food and they even cater to those who are gluten free. There are large shade trees, plenty of benches, and the Knoebels Amusement Resort is dog-friendly.

The only complaints seem to be about the staff. Guests have complained that staff is grumpy and customer service is lacking. But all in all, most people love Knoebels Amusement Resort. They appreciate the free admission, parking, and entertainment. The prices are reasonable and the park is beautiful. Kids and adults alike want to return year after year.

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Knoebels Amusement Resort

Knoebels Amusement Resort

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