The park began as a picnic grounds on the property of William Darlington in 1878.
It is frequently cited by Amusement Today as the 'Best Children's Park' in the country.
Story Book Forest, opened in 1956, was designed to preserve classic nursery rhyme lore for children.
The park's carousel is a classic 1930s-era ride that has been meticulously maintained.
The Loyalhanna Creek runs alongside the property, influencing the park's natural, wooded aesthetic.
The park was once owned by the Pittsburgh-based Mellon family before shifting to corporate ownership.
It was one of the first parks in the country to integrate a large-scale water park with an existing traditional theme park.
Many of the park's original structures from the early 20th century are still standing and functional.
Idlewild & SoakZone is a historic amusement park located in the Laurel Highlands, consistently recognized for its focus on young children and families. Founded in 1878, it ranks as one of the oldest operating amusement parks in the United States. The park integrates a traditional amusement area with the SoakZone water park, which features slides, wave pools, and interactive splash pads. A major attraction is the Story Book Forest, a meticulously themed area where children interact with characters from fairy tales and nursery rhymes. The park utilizes a scenic train ride to transport visitors between different sections of the grounds. The Rollocopter and the Flying Aces are specific ride features that cater to younger thrill-seekers. The park environment prioritizes shaded pathways and woodland settings throughout its 140-acre campus.
The entrance to Story Book Forest provides a classic, picturesque backdrop reminiscent of a fairytale village.
Bring waterproof footwear and extra towels to minimize the time spent returning to lockers between the water park and amusement rides.
Arrive early in the day to secure a shaded picnic table in the Hootin' Holler area for your home base.
Check the park app for real-time ride wait times and scheduled character appearances in Story Book Forest.
Do not attempt to complete every ride in one visit, as the park is spread out over significant terrain that requires extensive walking.
Operates seasonally from late spring through early autumn; typically closed on weekdays during the start and end of the season.
Proper swim attire is required in all water attractions; shirts and shoes must be worn when exiting the water park area into the general park.
