Sesame Place
Is Sesame Place Worth It?
Sesame Place review: rides, tips, wait times, tickets, crowds, and whether it is worth visiting for families.
Sesame Place in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, stands out as a rare mix of theme park and water park tailored for families with young children. As the only U.S. park entirely themed around Sesame Street, it offers an engaging blend of gentle rides, interactive shows, and water attractions. The park’s focus on inclusivity, exemplified by its certification as an autism center, adds to its appeal, providing sensory guides and quiet spaces.
For families prioritizing value and water play, Sesame Place is a solid choice. While it may not feature the dense theming of larger destination parks, it compensates with charming Sesame Street character interactions and playful water attractions that resonate well with kids aged 2 to 7. It's a park that adeptly combines educational fun with classic family entertainment.
Our Quick Take
Families with toddlers and preschoolers seeking low-stress fun.
Skipping the opportunity for water play during warmer months.
The emphasis on family-friendly shows and character sightings.
Can get crowded on summer weekends, especially in splash areas.
Is this park worth visiting? For families with young children, Sesame Place delivers a balanced mix of gentle rides, engaging shows, and splash-tastic water fun, making it an inviting option.
Why Families Consider Sesame Place
Sesame Place offers an immersive experience for young children with its unique Sesame Street theme and playful attractions. Families will enjoy a diverse range of activities from mellow rides to animated shows featuring beloved characters like Elmo and Big Bird. The park’s water attractions, including Big Bird’s Rambling River and Ernie’s Waterworks, provide an excellent way to cool off during summer visits.
Unlike bigger theme parks, Sesame Place ensures a manageable and enjoyable day out without the sensory overload. The park’s certification as an autism center highlights its commitment to accessibility, offering benefits like sensory guides and designated quiet areas. Its size means parents can navigate easily while their little ones partake in the fun.
Families doing early trip research should also compare Linnanmäki and Heide Park Resort before locking in the best fit.
What Search Results Repeatedly Highlight
These are recurring themes from publicly visible search results and reviews.
What People Praise
- Rides are enjoyable for both tweens and adults.
- Expanded ride selection is great for young kids.
- Families report having an excellent time overall.
Common Watchouts
- Park can get very crowded, especially on hot summer days.
- Long wait times for rides, sometimes up to 30 minutes.
- Some visitors found the kiddie pools to be unclean.
Planning Signals
- Arrive early, ideally close to 10 am, to avoid crowds.
- Consider visiting during less busy months like November.
- Check the Sesame Place Crowd Calendar for optimal visiting times.
How Sesame Place Works for Families
Sesame Place is tailored for families with children in the 2 to 7 age range, making it an ideal choice for those with toddlers and preschoolers. The park's attractions are designed to be approachable and engaging for young visitors, providing gentle excitements rather than high-adrenaline thrills. Parents balancing kids of different ages will find that the range of activities caters well to younger siblings.
For a family of four with small kids, the park offers a good mix of rides, water play, and interactive shows that can fill a full day. With its family-friendly setup and attention to inclusivity, it's a place where children can interact with their favorite characters in a setting that feels safe and welcoming. The water attractions are particularly appealing, offering splashes of fun in warmer months.
What Matters More Than It Sounds
What defines Sesame Place is its ability to entertain young kids without overwhelming them. The park is small enough to explore comfortably in a day but packed with excitement for little ones. Parents often appreciate the manageable size and the park’s focus on interaction rather than large-scale thrills.
One overlooked aspect is the impact of its water attractions, which can transform a simple visit into a memorable family adventure. Additionally, the park's efforts to be accessible to all children, including those with sensory sensitivities, are commendable.
- The park's intimacy allows for frequent character interactions without extensive planning.
- Its water areas are perfect for cooling down and offer a delightful change of pace.
- Plan for varied dining options that can accommodate picky eaters and dietary needs.
Best Things to Ride at Sesame Place
Sesame Place’s attractions are thoroughly designed to engage young imaginations and offer fun without intimidation. Noteworthy rides include Oscar’s Wacky Taxi, a family-friendly wooden coaster, and Super Grover’s Box Car Derby, a beginner coaster perfect for young thrill-seekers.
While rides provide entertainment, the Sesame Street Neighborhood offers a walk-through experience with storytime and performances, ensuring the essence of Sesame Street is captured authentically. Water attractions like Big Bird’s Rambling River and Sky Splash add vitality to summer visits, effectively making water play a key part of the experience.
Crowds, Queues and Ride Strategy
As with many family-oriented parks, Sesame Place can see peak crowds during summer weekends and holidays. Wait times for popular rides like Oscar’s Wacky Taxi can reach 60 minutes or more, particularly in the afternoons.
Visiting on a weekday, or planning rides in the early morning or late afternoon, can help mitigate wait times. Water attractions typically draw larger crowds in the hottest part of the day, so planning for an early splash session may be wise. The app provides real-time updates on ride waits, helping families navigate the park efficiently.
When to Visit Sesame Place
The ideal times to visit Sesame Place are during the shoulder seasons of May and September when crowds are lighter, and the weather is more forgiving. These months offer a more relaxed experience with less waiting and more opportunities to enjoy character interactions.
For those interested in themed events, October brings The Count's Halloween Spooktacular, offering festive fun without excessive crowds. Early December is also a prime time for A Very Furry Christmas, providing a holiday twist to the Sesame Street charm.
Cost, Tickets and Overall Value
For a family of four, visiting Sesame Place can be cost-effective, especially when utilizing package deals or combo tickets with affiliated parks. The pricing structure allows for flexibility, offering options for one-time visits or season passes for repeat enjoyment.
With free admission for kids under two, families with toddlers can find added value. Considering the range of included attractions, especially the water play areas, the overall cost delivers good returns in terms of entertainment and engagement for young children.
Practical Tips for Sesame Place
Arrive early to maximize your day, particularly if you plan to enjoy the water attractions. The park's splash zones are a big hit with kids, so bringing swimwear, even if water play isn't the main focus, is advisable. Use the park's app for navigational ease and show schedules to enhance your visit.
Booking character dining experiences like 'Dine with Elmo' in advance ensures quality character time without the stress of long lines. Keep in mind the park provides sensory guides and quiet areas, beneficial for families needing a break from the excitement.
Sesame Place Pros and Cons
Pros
- Perfect for young children.
- Includes water attractions.
- Certified autism center.
- Frequent character interactions.
Cons
- Can get crowded in summer.
- Limited on-site dining variety.
- No on-site accommodations.
- Not ideal for thrill-seekers.
How Sesame Place Compares to Other Parks
When comparing Sesame Place to other regional parks, its distinct focus on young children and water attractions stands out. In contrast to larger theme parks like Six Flags, which cater to a broader age range, Sesame Place is tailored for families with toddlers and preschoolers.
While it lacks the expansive theming of Disney resorts, its charm lies in focused character interactions and approachable attractions. For those considering a mix of water and land fun without overwhelming size, Sesame Place offers a compelling alternative to larger, more thrill-focused parks.
Helpful next reads if you are narrowing the shortlist:
Sesame Place: Common Questions Answered
What age range is Sesame Place best for?
Sesame Place is most suitable for children aged 2 to 7, offering rides and attractions geared towards younger kids.
Does Sesame Place offer any autism-friendly services?
Yes, it is a certified autism center with sensory guides and quiet areas available for guests.
Are there water attractions at Sesame Place?
Yes, the park includes several water attractions that are open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
What is the best day to visit Sesame Place?
Weekdays in May or September are recommended for fewer crowds and more enjoyable visits.