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Closed until Apr 29, 2023
Knoebels Amusement Resort
Knoebels Amusement Resort
4.5
Temporarily closedClosed until Apr 29, 2023
About
We take great pride in being a place the whole family can enjoy! We are America's largest free-admission amusement park and offer free parking, free daily entertainment and free picnic facilities. While at the park, take a dip in our 900,000 gallon Crystal Pool filled with refreshing mountain stream water. The pool area includes watersides, diving boards and a play area for young children. Stay overnight at one of two campgrounds that include cabins and over 800 campsites for tents and campers. In addition to nearly 60 rides, award winning food, swimming, games, and shopping, you can add a round of golf at Knoebels Three Ponds Golf Course right next door to the park.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,430 reviews
Excellent
1,883
Very good
398
Average
79
Poor
30
Terrible
40
Denise K
Binghamton, NY4 contributions
Sep 2022
We had a GREAT day at Knoebels. But we didn't like the fact that many rides and eateries were not open due to staff shortage. Understandable. However, there were kiddie rides that were open with a closed one right next door that the operator could have moved back and forth between the rides. The day we went, Sept 1, was not that crowded so it was doable.
Also the kiddie show that involved volunteers from the audience, required the volunteers to put on costumes ...some with head pieces. NOT a good idea with all the germs that could be passed! Cute show tho and the volunteers were great!
Again, no complaints about the day except that many rides were not open and we still had to pay full price. Maybe next time they can state there will be closures on the website, or when purchasing tickets so we can decide if we want to pay full price for less rides. This is a nice kid friendly park with LOTS to do!
On a side note, my son in law lost his phone on the big wooden roller coaster. We knew it was there...somewhere....just couldn't find it under the big coaster. When we arrived home he turned his GPS phone finder on, called the phone the next morning, a worker heard it ringing, answered it and they are returning it! We appreciate that! and THANK YOU to all the friendly workers for helping to make this a great day! We will go back again next year.
Also the kiddie show that involved volunteers from the audience, required the volunteers to put on costumes ...some with head pieces. NOT a good idea with all the germs that could be passed! Cute show tho and the volunteers were great!
Again, no complaints about the day except that many rides were not open and we still had to pay full price. Maybe next time they can state there will be closures on the website, or when purchasing tickets so we can decide if we want to pay full price for less rides. This is a nice kid friendly park with LOTS to do!
On a side note, my son in law lost his phone on the big wooden roller coaster. We knew it was there...somewhere....just couldn't find it under the big coaster. When we arrived home he turned his GPS phone finder on, called the phone the next morning, a worker heard it ringing, answered it and they are returning it! We appreciate that! and THANK YOU to all the friendly workers for helping to make this a great day! We will go back again next year.
Written September 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
George B
Philadelphia, PA47 contributions
Jun 2022
Great Family Park with many great old time features; no fee parking and no entrance fee are the 2 most notable. Foodservice for an amusement park is astounding with great variety and quality!! What other park would offer a baked potato with various toppings? Quality is found in hand dipped ice cream (not frozen custard that melts in 3 minutes) and milkshakes made with fresh dipped ice cream.
On the negative side (thus only 4 rather than 5 star rating) I will mention that 2022 marks the second consecutive year where our favorite ride, Flying Turns, has been closed! We were told this year that it was due to a 'labor' shortage. With that labor shortage (excuse) in mind I thought it interesting that in both days we were in the park I never saw a game of chance closed and in most cases these were staffed by 2 people!!!!!
On the negative side (thus only 4 rather than 5 star rating) I will mention that 2022 marks the second consecutive year where our favorite ride, Flying Turns, has been closed! We were told this year that it was due to a 'labor' shortage. With that labor shortage (excuse) in mind I thought it interesting that in both days we were in the park I never saw a game of chance closed and in most cases these were staffed by 2 people!!!!!
Written July 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Diana H
York, PA7 contributions
Sep 2022 • Friends
I was there with the Weis family picnic and as always good food and good times. The threat of rain and storms I believe scared people alway so the park crowd wasn’t bad and we rode several rides. Knoebel’s continues to be my favorite park for many reasons including the reasonable price to ride and food is always inexpensive and good.
Written September 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
AZPA35
Philadelphia, PA3 contributions
Jun 2022
We have visited Knoebel’s for years but this year was disappointing. Many rides we hoped to go on were closed. Many staff members are disinterested and unhelpful and prices have gone way up! One of the main highlights of Knoebel’s has been the affordability but no longer. It costs our family of six $18 to ride the Ferris wheel!? Crazy!
We also decided to try staying at the cottages for two nights despite the ridiculous price of $265 a night plus tax. Booking was a nightmare and we were not given a choice of cottage. Even at this high price clean and safe was our only expectation, and it was not met. The Bergal cottage was musty, and filthy. Not up to code by any stretch. Beds sagging and wrapped in plastic. Bed pillows left on the floor. No AC. Disgraceful that Knoebel’s would rent it to anyone. And at such an outrageous price too for a dump. It really ruined our opinion of Knoebel’s. We won’t be back.
We also decided to try staying at the cottages for two nights despite the ridiculous price of $265 a night plus tax. Booking was a nightmare and we were not given a choice of cottage. Even at this high price clean and safe was our only expectation, and it was not met. The Bergal cottage was musty, and filthy. Not up to code by any stretch. Beds sagging and wrapped in plastic. Bed pillows left on the floor. No AC. Disgraceful that Knoebel’s would rent it to anyone. And at such an outrageous price too for a dump. It really ruined our opinion of Knoebel’s. We won’t be back.
Written June 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Shelly Z
1 contribution
Aug 2022
Normally, we love this place! But, since 2021 we have noticed this place going down hill fast. Took my six grandkids to Knoebels to enjoy the day. Bought 6 bands for them to ride. Cost me over 300.00. I realize thats is about the going price. The problem arises when the lines are so long that you are waiting for an hour to get on a ride. The kids got about 8 rides. 3 dollars a ride x 8 made me realize that the 53.00 band was a waste of money. Should have just bought tickets. Then the park closes at 8 pm. It is still light out and you don't get to enjoy the lights in the park. The place used to open until 10 pm years ago. The park should especially be open until 10 on Fridays and Saturday nights. The real nightmare however, began in the parking lot. Everyone is trying to leave at 8 pm. There was only on man directing traffic out of that place. We literally sat in the parking lot over an hour trying to get out! There was an elderly couple sitting in their vehicle who I was worried about getting out of there. If they would be open until 10 the parking lot would not have been so bad, because parents with younger children tend to leave earlier. We will not be back until they are open 10 again and have better traffic control!! I hope alot of their customers do this too. It might make them change if they lose enough money.
Written August 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Megan M
Doylestown, PA1 contribution
Oct 2020
Before yesterday, I would (and did!) recommend Knoebels to everyone. But my family of five attended the "Hallo-Fun" festival there yesterday and it was the worst scene I could imagine. Incredibly overcrowded, zero space to social distance, insanely long lines and the only ride I saw being cleaned AT ALL was one barely anyone goes on (the Scenic Skyway ski lift). Before we went, I read their COVID updates on the website, as well as recent reviews (from late summer) and it truly seemed like they were being responsible, which is the only reason we decided to surprise our kids with a trip to Knoebels for Halloween. But it was the most panicked I've felt during the entire pandemic. The whole time we were there I wondered if we should leave. We did the best we could to keep our own personal space, but it was a challenge. Ironically, on some rides the attendants were careful about spacing non-family members between cars or seats — but what good does that do after we've all spent at least an hour in a packed line waiting for the ride? Most guests wore face masks properly, which was the only comfort. Many guests we stood in line with, and whose conversations we overheard, were as concerned, angry and disappointed as we were. We even heard workers commenting on how crazy the crowd was. I spent $163 on five wristbands, thinking we'd be able to ride all the open rides and maybe some even a few times. The wristbands have always proven a great value for yes. But yesterday? HARDLY. We got on eight rides in the seven hours we were there. We didn't even take a break to eat. DO NOT GO TO HALLO-FUN. Unless Knoebels decides to get with it and actually limit the crowd side in their park, I do not recommend going. It is unsafe and a waste of money and time.
Written October 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
dtedte
Saugerties, NY33 contributions
Aug 2020
The park is great, with lots of fun rides nestled in trees. It's also free to enter, although the rides are charged on a per ride basis by tickets (like the old school carnivals). Food is good, not amazing, but much better than what many other parks offer. It's high but much more reasonable as well.
I have to knock a few stars off for the fact that many of the rides are closed. Some of it seems Covid-19 drive, but others it is unclear. And while I give some sympathy points for Covid-19, it is still fact that you are paying the same price you paid in prior years. Like I think a half of the thrill rides were closed, including some of their big ones (Impulse, Black Diamond, Flyer, etc.)
Likewise, although not necessarily their fault, Covid-19 mask enforcement could be a bit better. Almost everyone had masks, but I would say just under 50% of folks at any given time were wearing them appropriately or even at all.
I have to knock a few stars off for the fact that many of the rides are closed. Some of it seems Covid-19 drive, but others it is unclear. And while I give some sympathy points for Covid-19, it is still fact that you are paying the same price you paid in prior years. Like I think a half of the thrill rides were closed, including some of their big ones (Impulse, Black Diamond, Flyer, etc.)
Likewise, although not necessarily their fault, Covid-19 mask enforcement could be a bit better. Almost everyone had masks, but I would say just under 50% of folks at any given time were wearing them appropriately or even at all.
Written September 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chris P
Elmira, NY34 contributions
Aug 2022
We are a family with an 8 and 6yr old. We love our day trips and rides. Koebel's has the best variety of rides with relatively short lines for young kids. We've been to Hershey, Darien lake, ocean city parks, and Knoebel's is the best in the kid rides category. Go during the week and get the wrist bans, weekends unfortunately you have to carry ride ticket booklets (which are annoying). Rides are good, food is reasonably priced, and overall good time. For teens and grown ups the thrill rides are limited but for all you families with younger kids this is a must visit.
Written August 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Paul K
New Tripoli, PA26 contributions
Sep 2021
Have been going for 20+ years and had our first less than 5 star weekend. Still great but go in with your eyes open. Less rides and food stands that they are known for..... same amount of visitors. Long lines for everything. No exaggeration here. 1 hour plus for pizza lunch. (why would you put pizzas in as they are ordered.? Why not fill the ovens first thing in the morning and all day. Obviously only thing people would be getting there was pizza). Had a good dinner with a large, easily handled crowd at the Oasis on Friday night. Saturday and Sunday nights the Oasis was CLOSED! The best, most interesting ride in the park (my opinion), the Black Diamond has been closed since early July for some reason but ...... 6 people working in the gift shop with not much to do. (Open) Ride Operators did their best to move the lines without short-changing the ride duration.
Hopefully, employment issues are gone by next season and things are back to "Knoebels normal".
The highpoint: Camped at the campgrounds. The usual excellent, accommodating service and place!
Hopefully, employment issues are gone by next season and things are back to "Knoebels normal".
The highpoint: Camped at the campgrounds. The usual excellent, accommodating service and place!
Written September 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
tina v
Seaford, NY42 contributions
May 2022 • Family
First visit to Knoebels. I’ve heard great things over the years and this year we were invited to join some friends to camp. Our group rented two cabins. The one I stayed in held up to 16. We had an absolute blast. It was four families with 2-3 kids each. The camp ground is very nicely done. Clean and well kept. The cabins are simple. Beds and tables. Outside you have a covered porch with more picnic tables. A fire ring is provided. You can purchase wood on the property. Trash gets picked up several times a day from what I could see. The bathrooms and showers were also plentiful and kept clean. We went into the park once. The kids had the all you can ride bracelets and the adults purchased some tickets to ride a couple of rides. Very fun. It is nostalgic. Really brought me back to my childhood. I would highly recommend this family run resort. Prices are very reasonable and everyone had such a good time. When you can get 9 preteen and teen kids to say they had the best time and most of it was spent outdoors I say that’s success! We’re already booked for next year.
Written May 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
John M
Hyattsville, MD
Does the campground have a grill at the camp sites
No, they do not. They do welcome you to bring your own gas or charcoal grill with you though. And of course, small camp stoves are permitted too.
Each site does have a fire ring, but they do not contain a cooking grate so you would have to bring your own if you want to cook directly over the fire. They do sell them in the onsite camp store for a modest price (I believe they were somewhere between $15-20 when I was there in August).
Rebecca M
Madison, NJ14 contributions
Are average sized parents able to ride the kiddie rides along with their children? We have a pretty advanced brand new 2 year old whom we think would probably love riding some rides, but might be a little nervous about going by herself at first. Anyone else's young 2 year old enjoy the rides? Or would be well advised to wait another year?
FamilyGuy
9 contributions
I also have a 2 year old and was able to accompany her on a few rides then she wanted to ride by herself. You should be fine.
Liz D
Sinking Spring, PA30 contributions
Is there a separate line for people who pre-purchase wrist bands?
LisaS687302
Ashland, PA57 contributions
No, there is only one line.
Do they serve alcohol
Kimm0330
Elizabethtown, PA39 contributions
No they don’t.
Raphael Figueiredo
Niteroi, RJ914 contributions
Hi! I'll be staying in Harrisburg/Hershey and I'd like to visit Knoebels. Is there a way to take a cab from there to my hotel? Does anyone know if the park can help me calling someone to take me back?
JKC
New York City, NY7 contributions
Planning a trip to Knoebels tomorrow, but worried about rain forecast. Is it still worth going to? Will rides be closed due to weather?
Keith G
Lewistown, PA30 contributions
Some rides will be closed during the rain. If to buy books of tickets for rides they never expire so you can use them on another trip if the weather turns bad
If I have tickets I never used are they still good I had them for over two years.
Morgan S
Harrisburg, PA33 contributions
Tickets are good forever!
can you get a all day hand stamps on the weekends in August
Justin W
York, PA4,429 contributions
No. Wristbands in June, July, and August are Monday through Friday only. May, September, and October sell wristbands on weekends.
Can you get a all day hand stamp on the weekends in August.
TravelingMom876
Scranton, PA63 contributions
I don’t believe they do hand stamps on the weekend. But, if the park is busy, you are better off using tickets, especially if you per purchase for a discount at Weiss.
How much for an all day pass in July children are 9 10 12 and another 12
Keith G
Lewistown, PA30 contributions
Go to the Knoebels website...they list prices and the wrist bands are only good during the week.
Knoebels Amusement Resort (Elysburg) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Knoebels Amusement Resort
- Knoebels Amusement Resort is open:
- Sun - Sun 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
- Sat - Sat 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Hotels near Knoebels Amusement Resort:
- (0.68 mi) Latorre House Bed and Breakfast
- (8.07 mi) Pine Barn Inn
- (4.76 mi) Beagle's Bed & Breakfast
- (2.52 mi) Sleepy Hollow Inn Bed and Breakfast
- (1.79 mi) J & D Campground
- Restaurants near Knoebels Amusement Resort:
- (0.00 mi) Starbucks
- (0.00 mi) Patio Grill
- (0.00 mi) The Wharf
- (0.16 mi) Old Mill
- (0.26 mi) Alamo Restaurant
- Attractions near Knoebels Amusement Resort:
- (0.14 mi) Knoebels Carousel Museum
- (0.20 mi) Laurence L. Knoebel Bridge
- (0.26 mi) Knoebles Mining Museum
- (0.26 mi) Knoebels History Museum
- (0.26 mi) Knoebel's Grove Bridge