Families can get an early start on rides this weekend at Idlewild

Seekers of family fun and thrills can get an earlier start this year at Idlewild and SoakZone.

The traditional Idlewild section of the amusement park on Route 30 in Ligonier Township will open for its 145th season on Saturday, two weeks earlier than usual. Weekend operations are scheduled through May 22.

SoakZone water attractions will open May 21, helping to kick off two Season Passholder Appreciation Weekends. The park’s daily schedule begins May 28, one week earlier than in the past.

“Our longest season ever gives our guests more reasons to visit, more days to play, more fun in the sun and more wonderful memories to take home with them,” said Tim Heger, the park’s general manager.

Visitors will be able to get in line for Idlewild amusement rides earlier this year, at 10:30 a.m., when the park opens, said Jeff Croushore, the park’s director of marketing. On most days, he said, Idlewild will stay open until 7 p.m., weather permitting. Among the exceptions will be July 3, when the park will remain open until 9:30 p.m. for its annual fireworks display.

That will be part of a Celebrate America extended weekend, July 1-4, when the park will play host to crafters, antique cars and strolling entertainers.

“This is going to be the biggest and best season yet, with an all-new lineup of events,” Heger said.

First up will be Kids Fest, June 1 through 26, when youth activities and entertainment will be featured.

“We’ll have different activities every day,” Croushore said. “There will be special characters for kids to meet and greet, as well as face painting, Spin Art and scavenger hunts. We’ll also feature some youth performance groups.”

Neighbor Days are set for July 5 through 31, when park visitors can enjoy regional tastes and musical talent. Daniel Tiger and other characters from the popular PBS children’s show “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” will be on hand.

Idlewild’s HALLOWBOO! weekends of family-oriented Halloween activities will return Sept. 24 through Oct. 30.

Two new daily shows will be offered this season, including “The Once Upon a Time Machine: A Fairy Tale Adventure,” occurring at 11 a.m. It stars such favorite costumed characters as Mother Goose, Goldilocks and Snow White.

“The show starts at the Hillside Theater, and the characters will lead guests down to the opening of Story Book Forest,” Croushore said.

With the easing of pandemic protocols, food can be purchased at several locations in the park, including the BBQ Pit, Boardwalk Pizza and Big Zack’s Sandwich Shoppe. Visitors can enjoy loaded pulled-pork nachos and the popular Potato Patch Fresh-Cut Fries — with such toppings as cheese and bacon or as part of a new menu item, poutine, incorporating the fries with gravy and cheese curds.

Visit Idlewild.com for more park information and online purchase of admission tickets and passes.