We try to visit Pittsburgh’s amusement park, Kennywood, at least once a year. It something both Jimmy and I grew up doing and now it’s so fun to do it with our little ones!
We decided to surprise the kids on Friday. Jimmy took a half day at work and then we told the kids we had errands to run. We got in the car, started driving, and suddenly, we were on a bridge and Sadie could see roller coasters!
This was Dakota’s first time visiting Kennywood, which was so neat. It felt like just yesterday we were taking Mordecai for his first Kennywood trip!
On top of the surprise of actually going to Kennywood, Jimmy’s sister and brother-in-law decided to surprise the kids by joining us. Aaaand when we were walking into the park, one of Sadie’s friends ran up behind her. What were the chances of that!! We ended up hanging out with her friend and their family until they left around dinnertime.
It was so helpful having my sister-in-law and her husband with us because we all actually got to ride some rides! It’s usually tough with someone having to stay back with a baby or toddler who can’t ride everything but we had enough hands on deck that we could all enjoy some thrills!
We rode the merry-go-round (with Dakota!! so fun!), the Turtle, Kangaroo, walked through Noah’s Ark, visited Kiddieland (Mordecai was two inches too short to ride everything 🥲), Sadie and I rode the Jack Rabbit rollercoaster, Jimmy rode a few rides, everyone except me and the littles rode the Pittsburgh Plunge, and Jimmy and I rode my favorite coaster together: the exterminator!
I’ll tell ya what, I am getting old though! Just watching Sadie on the swings made me dizzy. And I need to go to the chiropractor after all those jerks and spins on the roller coasters haha. Totally worth it, though! When the kids are older (like not napping age?!), I’d love to buy season passes and go a few times a month!
Okay, how about some pictures?!
Dak’s first Kennywood ride! She was totally nonplussed 😂
Sadie and her friend were pumped to ride the merry-go-round together!
My boys 🫶
The mini whip! We felt so bad Mordecai was too short to ride most of the kid rides. He was such a good sport and smiled so hard at Sadie every time she went past him. He never took his eyes off her!
Holding hands while waiting in line 🥹
He stole my hat! Boy was it hot out. I don’t think I stopped sweating the whole day and I’m not someone who sweats much lol 🥵
We had a moment to ourselves after riding a coaster together. Swoon!
My sister-in-law’s husband went off to get a drink and came back with this hat. We were cracking up at the kids wearing it!
Dakota was unimpressed by the merry-go-round but loved the chicken hat?!
And that’s a wrap! We ended up staying at the park until about 9:00 pm and went home tired and happy. Can’t wait until we can go again 😊
Living My Full Life 
based on your pics, it looks like everyone had an amazing time!! I’m so glad you all went, and having extra adult help is a huge +! It’s been a few years since I have gone, maybe I can talk dad into going with you all soon!
love you,
Madre
It was fun to have extra hands and spend time with everyone! We would LOVE to go with you guys!
Love you so much!
What a fun tradition, and even more fun that you two used to go as kids. I LOVE a good amusement park. I can’t handle some of the rides like I used to, but I will still go on them. It just means I have to nurse an hour long headache after. HA.
Yes! We’re always like “I wonder if we were ever there the same day and didn’t know it!” haha. It’s fun to think about things like that.
And YES, I can so relate. I was so off kilter the rest of the day after the rides but it was so worth it!
Looked like a awesome family time!
You and your siblings use to live going to Kennywood every year!
Love ❤️ You,
Dad
🙂
It was a great time! So many memories growing up!