Worth the Drive: Plenty of fun to find within miles of Northeast Pennsylvania
May 24—Pile in the car.
Several destinations just a short drive from Northeast Pennsylvania are boosting spirits and kicking off the warmer weather with events, activities and amusements for the whole family.
Here are three Pennsylvania amusement parks that would be worth the drive for a day of fun with family and friends — just remember to check with venues before you go for the most up-to-date information on hours and specials.
Knoebels Amusement Resort
Knoebels' Haunted Mansion is celebrating 50 years of providing guests with thrills and chills this year.
The 50-year-old haunted attraction takes you on a journey through the cursed home of explorer Ishmael Hepple. On your ride you will encounter Ruth, the explorer's wife; Crowley, who entertains the guests in the dining room; and the Clock Monster, who pops out to say hello.
Concession stands throughout the park are offering special menu items to help celebrate this milestone birthday.
Also this season the resort will be debuting a new ride called the Bayern Kurve. According to a PennLive article from February, the ride is one of three still in operation and was originally built in 1963 by a German company A. Schwartzkopf. A Knoebels spokesperson said it "will be the park's fastest ride."
Where: 391 Knoebels Blvd., Route 487, Elysburg
Distance: From Scranton: 71 miles; from Wilkes-Barre: 54 miles.
Admission: Be sure to visit their pricing and planning web page before you visit because some days at the park are ticket-only, knoebels.com/pricing- planning. Ride all-day passes for over 48 inches tall are $50 online/$55 at the park, and under 48 inches tall are $33 online/$38 at the park. The park will be open seven days a week beginning Thursday, May 25.
Details: 800-487-4386 or knoebels.com
Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom
Just a short drive down the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike is Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown.
In addition to the park's many rides and attractions, they are also hosting three special events this summer — a Fourth of July celebration, the Grand Carnivale and the Food Truck Rally.
The Carnivale (on select dates between July 22 and Aug. 6) will feature live music, international food, games, crafts and an evening event called the Spectacle of Color Parade that will feature floats, performers and music.
The food truck event is scheduled for Aug. 26 and 27 and will feature food trucks from around the Lehigh Valley region.
Know before you go: The park will be open seven days a week beginning Friday, May 26. Dorney Park is a cashless park. According to their website, payments can be made by debit card, credit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Cash-to-card kiosks are available at the park to purchase prepaid debit cards.
Where: 4000 Dorney Park Road, Allentown
Distance: From Scranton: 73 miles; from Wilkes-Barre: 61 miles
Admission: Online ticket prices start at $39.99. Visit the ticket page for more information on pricing and discounts at dorneypark.com/ daily-tickets. The park also charges a parking fee of $25 (online).
Details: 610-395-3724 or dorneypark.com
HersheyPark
New this year at HersheyPark is the Wildcat's Revenge roller coaster. The wood and steel hybrid coaster, according to an April PennLive article, replaces the Wildcat coaster that was retired in July 2022. According to the park's website, the coaster has a max speed of 62 mph, reaches a height of 140 feet and its ride time is two minutes and 35 seconds.
The Wildcat's Revenge is scheduled to make its debut on Friday, June 2.
Know before you go: The park will be open seven days a week beginning Friday, May 26. HersheyPark is cashless. Credit cards, debit cards and mobile payments using Google Pay, Samsung Pay and Apple Pay are accepted. Cash-to-card kiosks are available throughout the park.
Where: 100 W. Hersheypark Drive, Hershey
Distance: From Scranton: 112 miles; from Wilkes-Barre: 96 miles
Admission: One-day regular tickets (ages 9 to 61), $58.99 online/$84.95 at the park, one-day junior tickets (ages 3 to 8) and senior tickets (ages 62 and over) $54.99. Ticket price includes the water park, the Boardwalk and ZooAmerica. The park also charges a parking fee of $20 online/$25 at the park. For more information visit hersheypark.com/info/hours/
Details: 717-534-3900 or hersheypark.com
Brian Fulton, library manager, oversees The Times-Tribune's expansive digital and paper archives and is an authority on local history. Contact Brian at bfulton@timesshamrock.com or 570-348-9140.
Brian Fulton, library manager, oversees The Times-Tribune's expansive digital and paper archives and is an authority on local history. Contact Brian at bfulton@timesshamrock.com or 570-348-9140.
