Memorial Day 2023 Cool Picks: Kennywood & Idlewild Parks; Hot Weather Holiday Band at Baja Bar & Grill

Kennywood and Idlewild — TWO iconic amusement parks.

1) Some “big-league” cities trumpet the fact that they’ve got a big-league amusement park. The Pittsburgh area can claim two: Kennywood, close to the city, and Idlewild, a bit farther out. Both conduct their summer seasons from Memorial Day weekend onward. Check the parks’ websites for daily schedules and special events. Kennywood, which dates from 1898, has now been evolving for 125 years. It’s known for a world-class collection of mechanized rides, including three classic wooden roller coasters plus the steel-framed Phantom’s Revenge and Steel Curtain. There’s also a nice assortment of kiddie rides, and a new “intermediate” ride is Spinavision, part of Kennywood’s growing alien-themed Area 412.  A popular non-ride feature is the ongoing Bites & Pints food festival, held on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from June 2 – July 30, with chef-inspired tastings of international cuisine plus specialty cocktails, craft beer, and wine. 4800 Kennywood Blvd., West Mifflin.

Idlewild offers a distinctive combination of amusements in a gorgeous countryside setting. The rides aren’t nationally ranked but there are plenty of them, and a bunch are downright thrilling. Idlewild moreover has a full-scale water park, the Soak Zone, with water slides and a wave pool. There’s also an outdoor jungle-gym area, and last but never least the weirdly charming Story Book Forest, where children and trippy adults can wander through mini-replicas of scenes from fairy tales and folk songs—including Mother Goose, the Good Ship Lollipop, and more. Idlewild is about an hour-ish drive from Pittsburgh (depending on where you start from) and well worth the journey. 2574 U.S. 30, Ligonier. (M.V.)

2) The Baja Bar and Grill’s outdoor deck and tiki bar are now open for dining, drinking, and dancing with live bands and DJs. Today’s band is Hot Weather Holiday (Formerly Told Ya So! band) playing a mix of top 40, dance, and reggae. 2 – 6 p.m. 1366 Old Freeport Rd., Fox Chapel.

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