1 last chance to visit Kennywood, Sandcastle, Idlewild

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1 last chance to visit Kennywood, Sandcastle, Idlewild

JoAnne Klimovich Harrop | Friday, September 4, 2020 8:38 a.m.

JoAnne Klimovich Harrop | Tribune-Review

The Sky Rocket at Kennywood Park in West Mifflin on Aug. 13. This is the final weekend of summer to visit Kennywood.

Labor Day has become the unofficial end of summer. This year, it also marks the final weekend of 2020 to visit Kennywood Park in West Mifflin, Sandcastle Water Park in West Homestead and Idlewild & SoakZone in Ligonier Township.

In past years, there were things to do celebrating Halloween and the holiday season. But the coronavirus pandemic has forced those additional events to be canceled.

“It certainly has been a lot of learning and new experiences operating in a very new and unfamiliar environment,” said Nick Paradise, Kennywood spokesman. “It was not what we anticipated or sought out but we appreciate being able to have opened and are thankful we got to give our guests a summer fun activity when so many summer fun activities were canceled or postponed.”

With just four dates left in our season, which one is the best for you? Here's a Thursday capacity check-in as we continue monitoring in-park attendance as part of our COVID-19 health & safety protocols.

Reserve your visit day now: https://t.co/jONeIaSzr1 pic.twitter.com/bZOJ5UikMF

— Kennywood Park (@Kenny_Kangaroo) September 3, 2020

The three parks opened late this season — in July — because of covid-19. At Kennywood and Idlewild, not all rides were available because of staffing issues. Sandcastle’s Lazy River attraction had a delayed opening because of repair work.

The one variable that often closes these parks is weather, but July and August have been great in terms of warm temperatures and sunny days, Paradise said.

This is the final weekend of summer to visit Idlewild & Soak Zone.

All three have discounted ticket offers.

Kennywood is offering free admission to health care workers on Friday. Saturday is Italian Day, with a limited number of tickets available. Sunday is Oldies Day with entertainment and a $9.99 price for those 55 and older.

Kennywood is open 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday through Monday. Sandcastle’s hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday through Monday and Idlewild from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday through Monday with SoakZone’s hours as 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“Right now we’re projecting to have plenty of availability this holiday weekend,” said Brandon Leonatti, general manager at Idlewild and SoakZone. “We recommend people try to arrive early just to be sure we have room for them to enjoy some final summer rides.”

It’s best to reserve tickets online for all three parks. Some walk-up spots will be available.