I love Knoebels. I love it so much that I often hesistate to post about it, because I believe it’s one of Pennsylvania’s best kept secrets. I heard a rumor recently that Hershey was trying to buy them, and my heart sank. I just know they’ll ruin it!

My little guy Kevin & one of his cousins on The Whip at Knoebels.

What I love about Knoebels, let me count the ways. First, there is no admission fee. You just walk in. If you want to ride the rides, you either buy tickets and pay per ride, or you buy an all day pass. And if you never ride a ride, you don’t pay. They also allow you to bring your own food. These two things combined make it a very family friendly and budget friendly summer activity. It also is a very family-like atmosphere. Obnoxious behavior and alcohol and stuff like that are not allowed. They have many small rides for young kiddos. I think we put Kevin on rides there before he was two.

And now you can save even more money. If you have a Wegman’s, they have special coupons or vouchers to save on the all day pass. And if you have a Weis Market, they have special coupons to save on the tickets. The tickets never ever expire. I think my parents have some in a kitchen drawer that have been there since the 70s. My grandmother went there when she was young. Knoebels is a family tradition for us. Make it a family tradition for your family–you won’t regret it.

It is a bit far, a good three hours from the Philly area, but worth it. Also, decent, affordable accomodations are nearby.