Health & Fitness
A Western Pennsylvania Summer Tradition: Kennywood!
Our once-a-year visit to Kennywood Park.
If you grew up around here like I did, then it is very likely you have been to Kennywood. I took my girls for our annual visit yesterday, and it was a fantastic day! We were not able to go with our community last week, but we still managed to run into a lot of people we knew. That is a testament to both the popularity of Kennywood and that we know a lot of people!
We have a tradition in our little family that we always ride the Kangaroo first. It started when my girls were tiny and has continued. This year we were at Kennywood before any of the rides opened, so we lucked into being the very first people in line for the Kangaroo! It's such a simple ride, and yet the thrill has never dwindled from my first ride about 30 years ago.
This year was a special visit for us because my middle daughter, Mia, decided to be brave and ride everything her sisters rode. She's autistic and very cautious, so this was HUGE! And after (almost) every ride, she would come off of it beaming and shouting, "That was awesome!" Only one ride got a, "I did NOT like that ride!" which I fould quite impressive.
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Mia braved everything from the Sky Rocket to the Phantom's Revenge. She even rode Aero360, which is terrifying just to watch! I cannot summon the courage to ride that one!
It was a hot and sunny day, so the girls enjoyed their three rides on the Raging Rapids and their countless trips on the Pittsburgh Plunge! And, of course, the Log Jammer gave them a welcome reprieve from the melty weather.
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I think it is a testament, also, to the people who run Kennywood, that it is such a huge tradition for families around here. They care about the experience we have. They maintain the grounds beautifully; they constantly update and change rides and games to suit their audience; and they keep the traditional rides that other parks retire.
My oldest, Sophia, and I realized a little sadly that we didn't have our annual funnel cake or fried oreos. They are such wonderful sweet treats! Even being there for 12 hours was just not enough to get to everything. At least the girls got there Dippin' Dots and I got my twisty cone with sprinkles!
Thank you, Kennywood, for another great visit. If you have not gotten there yet, what are you waiting for? I bet if you close your eyes, you can smell those Potato Patch Fries....
