Guide To Idlewild and SoakZone
The kids are out school, you've taken a much-needed week off and now you have nothing to do. Never fear - you're in the home of some of the best amusement parks in the continental US, one of which was named Best Family Friendly Amusement Park three years running. Idlewild and SoakZone have been a Pittsburgh hallmark for decades, as troves of families from all over the country have trouped out to this hidden hideaway - a beautiful, energizing retreat in the woods with wild rides, tons of midway games and the best water park this side of the Atlantic.
Best Adult Ride
www.idlewild.com/attractions
Idlewild has long been regarded as a children's amusement park, with sprinkles of rides available for older kids and teens. But what's a full-grown adult to do when the kids are happily tucked on the Caterpillar? Fortunately, a few big-kid rides do exist, and include the Spider, Super Round Up and The Howler. However, the biggest, baddest ride in all of Idlewild's history is The Wild Mouse, located in Olde Idlewild. A steel track featuring sharp twists, turns and dips will leave you bruised and exhilarated. If that sounds too intense, you might be better off on the carousel.
Best Kid Attraction
www.idlewild.com/story-book-forest
Storybook Forest - hands down - is the best place to take the kids before you dive into the rest of the park's attractions. SBF opens one hour before the rest of Idlewild, so this is your chance to go early to secure the best parking and stake out your picnic spot if you're taking advantage of the open-food policy. Storybook Forest brings all of your favorite characters to life. From Mother Goose to Huck Finn, The Three Little Pigs and Jack and Jill, everyone is ready and waiting to greet your little ones as they stroll from house to house, bench to bench and hug to hug.
Best Waterslide
www.idlewild.com/attractions
Located in the southernmost end of the park, SoakZone is Idlewild's answer to no-nearby-in-proximity coast. It comes complete with a fabulous wave pool, a "standing" floating river and the fan-favorite Pipeline Plunge - a twisting, two-slide pipe that spits the rider out at maximum speeds of 30 MPH and drops at an exhilarating 50 feet. Get in line early, as the morning isn't the most popular time for the waterpark, even when temps peak. Otherwise, you're in for up to a two-hour wait for this popular ride.
Related: Kennywood Amusement Park
Best Restaurant
www.idlewild.com/where-to-eat
The Mine Shaft Kitchen Potato Patch is the most popular and tastiest lunch stop in all of the park. Utilizing Kennywood Park's infamous Potato Patch fries recipe, each basket of deliciously hand-cut, freshly fried and lightly salted golden strips come with optional cheese and bacon topping, BBQ sauce or vinegar. Chicken, hot dogs and pizza are also available, but be sure to grab a basket (or three) of Potato Patch's amazing namesake. If you visit Idlewild.com before your trip, you can take advantage of discount meal tickets purchased through the site.
Best Side Attraction
www.idlewild.com/attractions
Confusion Hill, located in Hootin' Holler, is a 10- to 15-minute walking tour with other park-goers that, well, confuses participants. The actors take the tour through a stooped, sloped and twisting building where dozens of miners purportedly "lived" in the 1800s. Balls and water roll uphill, the actors defy gravity and everyone can walk on walls - or can they? A hyper-sensory experience for everyone, Confusion Hill is a must-stop for anyone willing to talk a little on the crooked side.
Related: Unique Nights Out In Pittsburgh
Nikki Tiani-Moroney is a full time mum of two boys, wife of a professional poker player/photographer/amateur pencil-sharpening competitor and writer from Pittsburgh, PA. When she isn't studiously neglecting her housework in favor of a good book, she's out simultaneously fighting crime and picking up sidewalk litter while savoring an occasional cigarette. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
