LIGONIER, Pa. — Idlewild & SoakZone, the World’s Best Kids Park and Pennsylvania’s longest-operating amusement park, opens for its 148th Season on Saturday, May 17. Families can look forward to a summer packed with park-wide improvements, brand-new entertainment, extended fun in the Idlewild water park, SoakZone, and visits from one of the biggest attractions of the year, literally.
The season officially kicks off this Saturday at 11 a.m. with a special giveaway for the first 300 Season Passholders that make their way to the Passholder Perks center. New for 2025, park guests will notice several enhancements throughout Idlewild. Details include:
- Rollo Coaster Upgrades – the beloved 1938 wooden coaster, continues its multi-year upgrades with 3,500 pounds of new track lumber, 20,000 pounds of re-poured concrete footers, plus new ADA accessible ramps, decking and railing at the station;
- Story Book Forest – The heart of Idlewild continues its multi-year refresh with even more new pavement being added throughout the forest, making it even easier for families to make their way through their favorite fairytale stories;
- Wild Mouse Enhancements – the park’s thrilling steel coaster, is undergoing a full electrical system upgrade. This season, it will operate with an increased capacity for riders and will now run five Wild Mouse cars;
- Carousel Improvements – Idlewild keeps the nearly 100-year-old Carousel fresh with newly painted horses. This year, six horses have been fully updated and are ready for riders;
- Breakfast Bites & Sweet Delights – this all-new food stand located in the Hootin’ Holler themed area will serve breakfast sandwiches, mini waffles, funnel cakes for breakfast, then for dessert, the Old-Fashioned Dip Cone, made famous at Idlewild’s sister park, Kennywood, will be offered daily; and
- New Drink Refill Station – the Mineshaft Kitchen will be upgraded with a new fast fill soda machine offering families a quick refill between rides and slides.
In addition to all that is new at Idlewild for the 2025 season, the park has also added new events and entertainment and extended the SoakZone season. Details include:
- SoakZone Water Park – This year, families can enjoy the water park from Saturday, May 24 through Sunday, September 7, extending the water park season beyond Labor Day for the first time ever, plus extended hours on select summer Saturdays;
- New Shows – All season long, visitors will be entertained by a variety of rotating new shows including Hello Summer!,a rockin’ summer road trip musical at the Hillside Theater, The Rhythm Rangers, a lively strolling brass band, and The Bucket Brigade, a splashy, high-energy percussion troupe touring the park;
- The World’s Largest Rubber Duck (June 27 – June 29) – waddles back to Western Pennsylvania appearing at Idlewild’s Games Field near Raccoon Lagoon Kiddieland. Standing six stories tall, this larger-than-life duck will be the centerpiece of a weekend full of duck-themed festivities and photo opportunities;
- Neighbor Days (Weekends, July 11 – August 3): in partnership with Fred Rogers Productions, Neighbor Days is a celebration of Western Pennsylvania’s own Fred Rogers. Families will have the opportunity to meet characters from beloved PBS KIDS series Donkey Hodie, Alma’s Way and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, while also honoring the timeless charm of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.
- Kids Fest (Weekends, August 9 – 31): A month-long celebration of kid-focused fun and activities, including special character meets and the return of the always popular ‘Wild Foam Parties.
- HALLOWBOO! (Weekends, September 13 – October 26): The park’s signature not-too-spooky Halloween event returns with a Trick or Treat trail through Story Book Forest, rethemed rides and attractions, fun mazes and more.
“Idlewild has been creating family memories for nearly 150 years, and 2025 is no exception,” said Tim Heger, Idlewild & SoakZone General Manager. “We’re thrilled to introduce new experiences while honoring the charm and tradition that generations have loved, from exciting ride upgrades and all-new shows to an extended SoakZone season, plus can’t-miss special events. It’s going to be a summer to remember.”
To celebrate Opening Weekend, Season Passes are on sale for up to $40 off and offer unlimited admission all year, including the guest-popular Halloween event HALLOWBOO!, access to all events and more. For a one-day visit, tickets are on sale for only $34.99 on select days for a limited time. The park will also offer free admission to military personnel and veterans, with discounted admission for military family members over Memorial Day weekend, May 24 – 26.
