Amusement Parks

Nestled alongside the picturesque Monongahela River in the charming West Homestead suburb of Pittsburgh, you’ll discover Sandcastle Waterpark—a haven for beating the summer heat. This aquatic paradise offers a plethora of options, including 15 exhilarating waterslides, 2 inviting pools, a leisurely lazy river, and a dedicated children’s area.

For thrill-seekers, an array of choices awaits. Opt for single or dual rider slides with or without tubes. Brave the solo adventures on Thunder Run, Cliffhangers, or Tubers Tower. Share the excitement with a friend on Dragon’s Den or The Blue Tubaluba. And for those craving an adrenaline rush, conquer the body slides like the Lightning Express or Boardwalk Blasters.

Should the excitement become a bit overwhelming, find serenity in the lazy river or bask in the sun beside one of the refreshing pools. Even the little ones have their own oasis in the children’s section, where they can cool off and revel in the aquatic fun, ensuring an unforgettable day for the whole family.

Nestled just 60 minutes away from Claycomb Chalets, the Pittsburgh Zoo beckons year-round visitors. Immerse yourself in the animal kingdom with an up-close encounter with majestic African Lions, or admire the distinctive stripes of tigers and zebras. With a diverse array of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and birds, the zoo promises a full day of wildlife exploration.

Stroll at your own pace through each captivating exhibit, capturing memorable moments with your camera. Should hunger strike, you’ll find seven convenient dining locations scattered throughout the zoo, along with numerous water fountains to keep you refreshed. And, before bidding farewell, make sure to visit one of their three charming gift shops to acquire a keepsake, ensuring your unforgettable zoo adventure lives on.

Embark on an extraordinary journey at Nemacolin Wildlife Adventure, where you’ll intimately engage with a diverse array of over 40 captivating species. Explore immersive habitats that house majestic lions, a magnificent tiger, awe-inspiring bears, and even a charming sloth, among others.

To elevate your experience, delve into their enriching programs, which offer an array of unforgettable activities. Embark on horseback riding excursions through pristine landscapes, join expert-guided wildlife tours for deeper insights into animal behavior, experience the thrill of dog sledding, or participate in the unique opportunity to craft special treats for the resident animals. Nemacolin Wildlife Adventure promises an adventure like no other, where the wonder of the natural world comes to life in remarkable ways.

Check out their webpage for hours of operation, pricing, and other information.

Nemacolin Wildlife Adventure

Address: 1001 Lafayette Dr.
Farminton, PA 15437

The captivating Living Treasures Animal Adventure Park is just a short mile from Claycomb Chalets. Home to over 60 diverse species, including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds, it promises an immersive wildlife experience. Please take advantage of their intimate encounter events, where groups of 6 can currently book sloth encounters for petting, photography, and even bottle-feeding these charming creatures. Additionally, enjoy up-close interactions with ponies through pony rides. Don’t miss the awe-inspiring Big Cats glass exhibit, where a mere inch of glass separates you from majestic lions and tigers. And before you depart, explore the gift shop for a perfect keepsake to commemorate your visit.

Check out their website for hours of operation, tickets, and current events and offerings.

Living Treasures Animal Adventure Park

Address: 288 PA-711

Jones Mills, PA 15646

Phone: 724-593-8300

Directions

Make a right-hand turn when exiting our driveway and drive to the first stop sign
When you encounter a stop sign, make a right turn onto PA-711
The park will be on your right-hand side in about a half-mile.

Just an hour’s drive from Claycomb Chalets lies Pennsylvania’s grandest cave, Laurel Caverns. This subterranean wonder boasts an impressive network of over three miles of passages, catering to both novice explorers and seasoned spelunkers.

Opt for the upper cave tour if you prefer a relatively easier journey, involving some rock climbing, with a duration of approximately 2 hours. Alternatively, embark on a more challenging adventure in the lower caves, descending 45 stories into the mountain, which lasts around 3 hours. Knowledgeable staff members guide each tour, ensuring a safe and informative experience.

For an extra thrill, try rappelling with the assistance of two expert guides. Or, if you seek less extreme amusement, enjoy a round of mini golf on their cavern-themed course or try gemstone panning. Don’t miss the breathtaking vista from the outlook, offering panoramic views spanning five counties: Fayette, Westmoreland, Allegheny, Washington, and Greene Counties. Situated at an elevation of 2600 ft. above sea level on Chestnut Ridge, on clear days, you’ll even catch glimpses of Pittsburgh’s skyline in the distance.

For more information on hours of operation, prices, and activities, visit their website.

Laurel Caverns

Address: 1065 Skyline Dr.
Farmington, PA 15437

Phone: 724-438-2070

Kennywood, situated near Pittsburgh, PA, has a rich history dating back to the late 1800s. With an impressive lineup of 50 rides, including 9 exhilarating roller coasters, it’s a timeless amusement park. Classics like The Jack Rabbit, The Racers, and The Thunderbolt continue to thrill visitors. For those seeking modern thrills, the Phantom’s Revenge Rollercoaster boasts a jaw-dropping 230 ft. drop beneath The Thunderbolt on the second descent. And let’s not forget the Sky Rocket, accelerating from 0 to 50 mph in under 3 seconds.

Adding to the excitement, the Steel Curtain Rollercoaster, introduced in the summer of 2019, stands at a towering 220 feet, setting records as Pennsylvania’s tallest coaster and boasting a remarkable 9 inversions, the most in North America. It also features the world’s tallest inversion at 197 feet, promising an unforgettable ride.

Kennywood caters to all ages with 14 kiddie rides and a newly added Thomas and Friends section in 2018, offering scaled-down versions of amusements for younger children. While thrill-seekers tackle the coasters, you can introduce your little ones to the joy of amusement park rides on these kid-friendly attractions.

Check out their website for more information on tickets, season passes, and events at Kennywood.

Kennywood Park

Address: 4800 Kennywood Blvd.
West Mifflin, PA 15122

Phone: 412-461-0500

Claycomb Chalets, just a short 30-minute drive away, brings you to the beloved Idlewild & Soakzone amusement park in the Laurel Highlands. Revel in thrilling rollercoasters, a towering ferris wheel, and an array of exciting rides. During summer, cool off in the refreshing Soakzone, where you can take your pick from exhilarating waterslides, a lazy river, or the exciting Wowabunga wave pool to beat the heat. For the little ones, Idlewild & Soakzone offers a delightful selection of rides tailored to their enjoyment, and the Soakzone even features a dedicated children’s squirt gun zone. When it’s time for a break between adventures, indulge in delicious park fare at one of the many concession stands. And to cap off the day, let the kids enjoy face painting and playful games once they’ve had their fill of excitement.

Check out their website for tickets, a full list of rides and concessions.

Idlewild & Soakzone Park

Address: 2574 US Route 30
Ligonier, PA 15658

Phone: 724-238-3666

Families can enjoy a day of thrilling activities at Caddie Shak. Race on the go-kart track, challenge each other in a family race, practice golf swings at the driving range, or test putting skills on the mini-golf course. For sports enthusiasts, there are batting cages, and water slides to cool off. With so much fun at Caddie Shak, leaving is the last thing you’ll want to do, and the best part is, that it’s just a short drive from Claycomb Chalets.

Check out their website for more information and hours.

Caddie Shak Family Fun Center

Address: 132 Caddie Shak Rd.
Donegal, PA 15628

Phone: 724-593-7400