America’s biggest free theme park opens for its 98th season

It is the biggest theme park in the US and it’s opening for its 98th season. Entry is free and inside you’ll find more than 60 rides, even one dating back to 1913.

A popular amusement park in Pennsylvania is ready to open its doors for its 98th season.

Knoebels, the largest free-admission amusement park in the United States, has a slew of exciting rides, including an infamous carousel from 1913.

The amusement park opened in 1926 in Elysburg, Pennsylvania — about two-and-a-half hours northwest of Philadelphia, The Sun reports.

Knoebels is the largest free-admission amusement park in the United States – and it’s ready to open for its 98th season. Picture: Knoebels Amusement Resort

Knoebels is celebrating its opening weekend beginning on Saturday, April 27 after the park released its 2024 calendar showing its hours for each day through the end of the year.

Knoebels advertises fun for all ages, making it a great destination for families.

With many classic rides including a Ferris wheel, the park also has quirky rides they are most known for.

60 rides and attractions

The amusement park has rides for kids, thrill rides, rides for the family, and more.

Knoebels has featured the #1 wooden roller coaster in the world, Phoenix, since 2018.

The park also boasts another two wooden coasters you can try out, as well as three other steel roller coasters.

If heights and fast rides aren’t for you, try the park’s two carousels.

In the park’s Kiddieland, there is a merry-go-round that was built in 1910.

There is also the Grand Carousel, which was built in 1913.

The Grand Carousel is one of the largest carousels in the world with 63 horses and three chariots.

There are over 60 rides and attractions for everyone in the family to enjoy. Picture: Knoebels Amusement Resort

While riding the carousel, people can try catching the brass ring, an on-ride game where riders on the outside row of horses reach and grab steel rings as they go around.

If they grab the brass ring, the winner gets a free ride on the Grand Carousel.

Meanwhile, park’s Crystal Pool is filled with almost 900,000 gallons of mountain stream water.

After a day full of fun, enjoy food from one of the many restaurants at the park.

Knoebels has been chosen 21 times as a champion for best park food in the world, according to the website.

Is it actually free?

Knoebels has a handful of free options for families.

Admission is free, along with parking, daily entertainment, and picnic areas.

“We take pride in being not only a place the whole family can enjoy, but also a place for families with any budget!” the company wrote on its website.

However, the rides themselves are where families will be spending money.

There are two payment options at the park, pay per ride or unlimited rides.

If you want to pay per ride, you can purchase a Ticket Book that never expires.

Prices per ride vary from $US2 to $US5 ($3 and $8 respectively) for the most thrilling attractions.

The park’s massive Crystal Pool. It also has three wooden roller coasters at the park. Picture: istock

They can also be used by more than one person.

Ride Ticket Books range from $US20 to $US400 ($30 to $600) and depending on how many your group needs.

Guests can also purchase Ride All Day passes, which let you enjoy all the rides, except Haunted Mansion, on the day of your visit.

The passes are only valid for the pre-selected day of your choosing.

There are two pass options for spring, a $US42 ($65) pass and a $US29 ($45) pass for riders under 48 inches.

The summer passes differ and prices range from $US14 ($21) for select Wednesday and Friday summer nights to $US52 ($80) for a Ride All Day pass.

The park offers free admission, parking, daily entertainment and picnic areas.

Stay and play

Knoebels offers a variety of accommodations for families who are looking to stay at the property.

Two different types of log cabins are available for rent at the park’s Lake Glory Campground.

Cozy Log Cabins are available for $US170 ($260) or $US305 ($470) a night while Leisure Lodges can be rented for $350 per night.

Families can choose between two different ticket pass options, unlimited rides or pay-per-ride.

More Cozy Log Cabins are found at Knoebels Campground, for $US175 ($270) or $US310 ($480) a night, depending on the size.

This area also offers campsites for tents and two other types of rentals that feature bunk beds or loft-style sleeping.

Families can also stay in cottages at the park, including a log cabin-inspired dwelling featuring five bedrooms and two baths.

Rates for the Cedar Log begin at $US365 ($565) per night and can also be rented by the week for between $US1560 ($2400) and $US1675 ($2600).

The park’s Babbling Brook rental has three bedrooms with a view of a roller coaster behind it.

The Bergel also has three bedrooms and comes in at $US280 ($430) per night.

The Conway sleeps up to 16 with four bedrooms and two baths for $US390 ($600) a night.

And finally, the property also boasts a bed and breakfast, Latorre House, located a mile from the park.

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission