ENJOY THE RIDE
MAKING
MAKING
MEMORIES
Whether you’re a thrill seeker, water-park fanatic or
you just enjoy taking the kids to see some of their
favorite characters, Idlewild and SoakZone is still
one of the best ways to beat the heat and spend a fun summer
day with the family.
A longtime staple of the Western Pennsylvania family
summer outing, the theme park was recently named “Best
Children’s Park” by Amusement Today for the ninth consecutive
year and “Best Park for Families” by the National
Amusement Park Historical Association.
“We are honored to have been voted ‘Best Children’s Park’
for nine consecutive years,” said Jeff Croushore, Idlewild
and SoakZone’s director of marketing. “Our team works
very hard to deliver quality family-fun moments to all who
visit. We could not have achieved such a great recognition if
it wasn’t for those team members and their commitment to
making people smile and to delivering memories that last a
lifetime.”
What’s new for 2019? This year Idlewild will welcome the
return of Round Up after the completion of a refurbishment
project.
The park plans to re-open the attraction in July.
New food options include Wafels & Dinges — a
homemade Belgian waffle with a variety of toppings, the
8 | Destination Westmoreland 2019
Dole Whip Party Pineapple and the Chicken Bacon Ranch
Tater Bowl.
There is a unique charm to Idlewild and SoakZone. Blessed
with a beautiful location within Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands,
its laid-back atmosphere invites you to relax.
“The shady trees, lakes and the Loyalhanna Creek passing
through its center makes it seem like more of a state park
than any other amusement park you’ve ever seen,” Croushore
said.
At Idlewild, you won’t find many screaming roller coasters
or other thrill rides, but instead classic rides that the entire
family can enjoy together.
One of the biggest attractions at Idlewild and SoakZone is
Story Book Forest. It features a winding path through a real
forest, and guests visit cottages and other character scenes
from fairy tales and nursery rhymes. It provides a great opportunity
for parents and grandparents to revisit their youth
as they introduce their own little ones to Mother Goose,
Goldilocks, Jack and Jill, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,
and many more.
The park also boasts Jumpin’ Jungle, an ultimate playground
area where kids climb, slide, jump and crawl their
way through obstacles.
There are also many picnic areas where families can eat
Idlewild and SoakZone
still delivering family fun
BY JESSE HUBA
Tribune-Review
DAN SPEICHER | TRIBUNE-REVIEW