Kennywood facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Kennywood

Location	4800 Kennywood Boulevard, West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, United States
Status	Operating
Opened	May 30, 1899
Owner	Parques Reunidos (Palace Entertainment) (Candover Investments)
Slogan	“Welcome to the Family”, "Kennywood, The Way to Unforgettable Fun", "Make a New Memory at Kennywood Park", "Around the Corner and out of This World", "America's Finest Traditional Amusement Park", "The World's Finest Traditional Amusement Park", "Kennywood's Open"
Operating season	April/May to December
Area	80 acres (32.4 ha)
Attractions
Total	45
Roller coasters	8
Water rides	2

Kennywood is a super fun amusement park located in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. This town is just southeast of Pittsburgh. The park first opened its doors on May 30, 1899. It started as a place for people to visit at the end of the Mellon family's streetcar line.

In 1906, F. W. Henninger and Andrew McSwigan bought the park. They later created the family-owned Kennywood Entertainment Company. In 2007, this company sold Kennywood and four other parks. They were sold to Parques Reunidos, a big entertainment company from Spain. Kennywood has many old buildings and rides from the early 1900s. It is one of only two amusement parks in the U.S. called a National Historic Landmark. This means it is a very important historical place. Kennywood is also one of only thirteen original streetcar parks still open today.

Where is Kennywood?

Kennywood is about 8 miles (13 km) from Downtown Pittsburgh. It is located in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. The park sits along Pennsylvania Route 837. This road is also known as Kennywood Boulevard. The closest major highway is Interstate 376, at Exit 77.

Long ago, this land was the site of a big battle. On July 9, 1755, the Battle of the Monongahela happened here. British General Edward Braddock was badly hurt in this battle. This ended his trip to capture Fort Duquesne during the French and Indian War. George Washington was a colonel with Braddock. He fought in the battle before they had to retreat. Later, the land above the Monongahela River was part of a farm. It belonged to Anthony Kenny. Around the time of the American Civil War, people loved to have picnics here. They called it "Kenny's Grove."

How Kennywood Started

Andrew S. McSwigan, one of Kennywood's early owners.

"Kenny's Grove" was a popular picnic spot near Pittsburgh. It was a tree-filled part of Anthony Kenny's farm. In 1898, the Monongahela Street Railways Company leased this land. They wanted to create a trolley park at the end of their line. This would help them earn more money from streetcar fares on weekends.

George S. Davidson, the company's chief engineer, designed the park. He was also its first manager. In 1899, a carousel, a casino hall, and a dance pavilion were added. A bandstand was built in 1900. The Old Mill ride was built in 1901. The park's first roller coaster, the Figure Eight Toboggan, came in 1902.

After less than ten years, the streetcar company did not want to run the park anymore. Andrew S. McSwigan, the manager, teamed up with Frederick W. Henninger and A. F. Meghan. They leased and operated the park as Kennywood Park Limited starting in 1906.

Wonderland building, around 1906.

Kennywood started as a place for working-class families to have fun. It grew in the first half of the 1900s. It became a popular spot with thrilling rides and places for recreation. These included swimming pools and dance halls.

Today, the park has a classic, old-fashioned feel. It has many loyal fans. In 2007, Kennywood Entertainment Company also ran other parks. These included Sandcastle Waterpark, Idlewild Park, Story Land, and Lake Compounce. Lake Compounce is the oldest continuously operating amusement park in North America.

On December 12, 2007, Kennywood Entertainment announced a big change. They would sell Kennywood Park and four other parks. The buyer was Parques Reunidos, a company from Madrid, Spain.

Kennywood now uses slogans like “Welcome to the Family” and "America's Finest Traditional Amusement Park." In the past, it was called "The Roller Coaster Capital of the World." The park has three old wooden roller coasters that still work. It also has three newer steel coasters: Phantom's Revenge (2001), Sky Rocket (2010), and The Steel Curtain (2019). There is also one indoor coaster, the Exterminator (1999).

Park Highlights Over the Years

Kennywood has changed and grown a lot since it first opened. Here are some of the cool things that have been added or changed over the years:

• Early Days (1898-1949): The park officially opened in 1899 with a Merry-Go-Round and Dancehall. The first roller coaster, Figure Eight Toboggan, arrived in 1902. The famous Jack Rabbit wooden coaster opened in 1920. The Racer coaster, known for its unique track, debuted in 1927. Kiddieland, a special area for younger kids, was created in 1924. The Noah's Ark walk-through attraction was added in 1936.
• Mid-Century Fun (1950-1999): The Thunderbolt roller coaster, a renovated version of the Pippin, opened in 1968. The Log Jammer water ride, a big investment for the park, was added in 1975. Kennywood was named a National Historic Landmark in 1987. The thrilling Steel Phantom coaster opened in 1991. The Lost Kennywood area, with its own unique theme, was added in 1995. The Exterminator indoor coaster opened in 1999.
• New Millennium Excitement (2000-Present): The Phantom's Revenge steel coaster, a rebuilt version of the Steel Phantom, debuted in 2001. The popular Phantom Fright Nights Halloween event started in 2002. New rides like Swing Shot (2006) and Cosmic Chaos (2007) were added. The Sky Rocket launched coaster opened in 2010. The Black Widow giant swing ride arrived in 2012. Thomas Town, a themed area for younger children, opened in 2018. The record-breaking Steel Curtain coaster opened in 2019.

Awards and Recognition

Kennywood is a well-loved park and has received many honors. The park has been called the "Favorite 'Dark Attraction Park'" by DAFE. This group stands for Darkride And Funhouse Enthusiasts. In 2004, Theme Park Magazine readers voted Kennywood the second "Favorite Park." It was only behind Cedar Point. In 1987, Kennywood was named a U.S. National Historic Landmark. This shows its importance in American history.

What to See and Do

The main gates to Kennywood.

Kennywood has many exciting rides and areas to explore.

Themed Areas

• Kiddieland: This was one of the first areas in the world just for kids' rides. It has many small versions of popular rides. These include the Turtle, Wave Swinger, and Merry-Go-Round. It's located near the river-view side of the park.
• Lost Kennywood: Added in 1995, this area looks back at Kennywood's past. It even has a replica of a rival park's entrance. Rides here include the Pittsburg Plunge and the Exterminator. The entrance spells Pittsburgh without an 'H'. This is how the city's name was sometimes spelled long ago.
• Thomas Town: This area opened in 2018 and is based on Thomas the Tank Engine. It's an extension of Kiddieland. It has four new rides and a re-themed train ride.
• Steelers Country: This area is all about the Pittsburgh Steelers football team. It features the Steel Curtain roller coaster. This coaster has the tallest inversion in the world. It also has a Steelers-themed restaurant and experience.

Roller Coasters

Kennywood uses the hilly land to create unique coasters. The Thunderbolt and Jack Rabbit wooden coasters have their lift hills in the middle. This is unusual. The Phantom's Revenge also uses the land well. Its second drop is longer and steeper than the first.

Name	Image	Opened	Type	What makes it special?
Jack Rabbit		1920	Wooden	One of the oldest coasters still running. Famous for its "double dip" drop. Riders only have a seatbelt for safety.
Racer		1927	Wooden	A racing coaster where two trains share one continuous track. You start on one side and end on the other!
Thunderbolt		1968	Wooden	Started as Pippin in 1924, then got a big update. It was called the "King of Coasters" in 1974. Its lift hill is in the middle of the ride.
Lil' Phantom	None	1996	Kiddie	A fun, smaller coaster for kids. It's like a classic coaster but for younger riders.
Exterminator		1999	Steel	A spinning coaster that's also a dark ride. It has cool themes and scenery inside.
Phantom's Revenge		2001	Steel	A super fast steel coaster. Its second drop is longer and steeper than the first. It uses the park's hills for an exciting ride.
Sky Rocket		2010	Steel	This coaster launches you from 0 to 50 mph (0 to 80 km/h) in just three seconds. It was the first coaster at Kennywood since 1991 to go upside down.
Steel Curtain		2019	Steel	A record-breaking coaster themed to the Pittsburgh Steelers. It's 220-foot-tall (67 m) and goes 75 mph (121 km/h). It has nine inversions, which is a lot! It also has the world's highest inversion at 197 feet (60 m).

Other Exciting Rides

Kennywood has many other types of rides, called "flat rides." These rides spin, swing, or move in other cool ways.

Special Attractions

• Upcharge Attractions: Some rides cost extra. The Skycoaster (1994) is a 180 feet (55 m) tall swing. It lets one to three riders free-fall at about 75 mph (121 km/h) over the park's lagoon. The Paddle Boats (1981) let you paddle around the lagoon.
• Dark Rides: These rides take you through themed scenes, often in the dark.
  • Ghostwood Estate (2008): You ride in "Ghost Buggies" and shoot laser blasters at ghosts. It has cool animatronics and computer effects.
  • 4-D Theater (2015): This theater shows movies with special effects. You might feel wind or water! It shows "Thomas & Friends 4-D" during the day.
  • Noah's Ark (1936): A walk-through attraction where you explore an ark. It was rebuilt in 2016 to look more like its original design, including the famous whale's mouth entrance.
  • Old Mill (1901): The oldest ride at Kennywood. It's a dark ride that has had many different themes over the years. It used to be "Garfield's Nightmare."
• Water Rides:
  • Pittsburg Plunge (1995): A big water ride that makes a huge splash! It's named after how Pittsburgh was spelled long ago.
  • Raging Rapids (1985): This ride simulates a white-water rafting trip. You float through canyons and under waterfalls.
• Transportation Rides:
  • Journey With Thomas (1945): A miniature train ride along the cliff. It tells stories about the park's history. It was re-themed to Thomas the Tank Engine in 2018.

Kiddieland Rides

Kiddieland has many rides just for younger children.

Park Landmarks

• The Lagoon: A beautiful water area in the middle of the park. You can ride paddle boats here. The Steel Curtain coaster even goes over it!
• The Victorian Windmill: A large, decorative windmill at the front of the park. It lights up at night. It's one of the oldest structures in Kennywood.
• Dancing Waters: A water fountain near the Gran Prix ride. It used to have lights and music, like a mini Las Vegas show.
• The Lost Kennywood Fountain: A spectacular fountain in Lost Kennywood. It has a light show in the evenings.
• The Mushroom Fountain: A vintage drinking fountain shaped like a giant mushroom. It has four spigots at different heights.
• The Lion Fountain: A drinking fountain shaped like a lion. It looks like the lion is going to bite your head when you drink!
• The Clown-Headed Garbage Cans: Garbage cans in Kiddieland with colorful clown heads. You put trash in their mouths.
• Leo, The Paper Eating Lion: A special garbage can shaped like a circus trailer with a lion's head. Leo talks and roars as he vacuums up paper.
• The Kiddieland Fountain: This fountain marks an entrance to Kiddieland. It's a nice, shaded spot to relax.
• Laffin' Sal: A mechanical laughing woman statue. She has been a Kennywood tradition since 1931. She moves around the park and her laugh can be a bit spooky!
• Cowboy Joe: A famous fiberglass statue of a cowboy. He sits on a bench, and park visitors love to take pictures with him.

Entertainment and Events

Kennywood loves to entertain its guests. You can find musicians, live shows, and costumed characters.

• Shows and Mascots: The park has different shows throughout the season. You might see BMX stunt shows or other fun acts. Kenny Kangaroo, the park's mascot, has been around since 1974.
• Nationality Days: These are special annual events that celebrate different local cultures. You can see ethnic dancers and enjoy unique food.

Phantom Fright Nights

Phantom Fright Nights is a special Halloween event at Kennywood. It happens on Friday and Saturday nights in October. The park usually opens in the evening and closes late at night. This event started in 2002. It has become very popular.

Before 2002, Kennywood would close after Labor Day. But then they decided to turn almost half the park into a giant Halloween party! In the first year, there were four haunted houses and a few rides open. It was a big success. Now, more areas and rides open for the event each year. Many people come to Fright Nights.

For Phantom Fright Nights, the park gets a complete spooky makeover. Costumed actors walk around, scary music plays, and fog covers the park. All the lights change to different colors. The merry-go-round horse at the entrance is replaced by a giant, glowing Phantom figure. Classic horror movies are sometimes played on screens. Some areas, like Kiddieland, become outdoor haunted attractions. Other buildings turn into traditional haunted houses. Rides get new lighting and fog effects. The entrance tunnel is filled with fog, and characters with chainsaws might surprise you!

Kennywood suggests that children under 13 might find Phantom Fright Nights too scary. But parents can decide if their children are ready to go.

Haunted Attractions at Fright Nights

• Indoor Haunts:
  • Villa of the Vampire
  • Mortem Manor
  • The Haunted Ark
  • Shady Grove Memorial Hospital
• Outdoor Haunts:
  • Kennyville Cemetery
  • Dark Shadows
  • Voodoo Bayou
• Haunted Midways:
  • Gory Park
  • Death Valley Haunted Ghost Town
  • Fear Festival

Kennywood in Movies and TV

Kennywood is famous! It has been mentioned or shown in many TV shows, movies, and books.

On Television

• In an episode of CSI, a character who loves roller coasters talks about Kennywood's Steel Phantom.
• After the Pittsburgh Steelers won the Super Bowl in 2006, player Mike Logan joked, "Forget Disney World, I want them to open up Kennywood!"
• Micky Dolenz from The Monkees says Kennywood was where he first performed publicly. He was there with his elephant for his "Circus Boy" show in the 1950s.
• A scene from Kennywood was shown in the Nickelodeon show Zoey 101.

In Movies

• In the 1993 movie Striking Distance, a Kennywood poster can be seen in a police station.
• Footage of Kennywood's Musik Express and Wonder Wheel was in the 1994 movie Only You.
• The 2009 movie Adventureland was filmed at Kennywood.

In Books

• Kennywood inspired "Joyland Park" in L.J. Smith's book The Forbidden Game: The Kill.
• It also inspired "Dreamland" in Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer's novel Wild Ride.

In Music

• In 1899, Kennywood had its own song, the "Kennywood Park Waltz."
• In 1987, singer Freddy Cannon recorded "Kennywood Park." It was a new version of his hit song "Palisades Park" but with Kennywood attractions.

In Documentaries

• In 1988, the local PBS station, WQED, aired Kennywood Memories. This documentary was about the park's history.

Images for kids

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  Aero 360 ride

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  Auto Race ride

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  Black Widow ride

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  Cosmic Chaos ride

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  Gran Prix bumper cars

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  Merry Go Round

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  Musik Express ride

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  Pirate ride

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  Swing Shot ride

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  Turtle ride

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  Wave Swinger ride

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  The Whip ride

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  Pittsburg Plunge in Lost Kennywood

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  Raging Rapids ride

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  Journey With Thomas train

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  Ghostwood Estate dark ride

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  Noah's Ark walk-through

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  The Victorian Windmill

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  Dancing Waters fountain

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  The Lost Kennywood Fountain

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  The Mushroom Fountain

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  The Lion Fountain

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  Clown-Headed Garbage Can

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  Leo, The Paper Eating Lion

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  The Kiddieland Fountain

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  Laffin' Sal statue

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  Cowboy Joe statue

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  A sign reading "Is Kennywood Open?"