If you’ve got a kid who’s obsessed with Sesame Street, then Sesame Place in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, is definitely worth a visit. During a recent trip, my daughter burst through the gates, squealing with excitement, and ran straight into the arms of Abby Cadabby, her favorite character. They danced and sang together, and I even managed to get her to smile for a picture without having to beg—right then, I knew we were in for a fantastic day. Sesame Place has been around since I was a kid, and I have tons of great memories from visits with my parents and siblings. The park has changed a lot over the years—it’s grown to include a water park and hosts a bunch of seasonal Sesame-themed events year-round. It’s the kind of place you’ll keep coming back to while your kids are still young and have plenty of sunny-feeling days hanging in the neighborhood with Elmo and friends. Read on for what we do when we visit Sesame Place, just a short drive from New Jersey. (featured photo credit: NJ MOM)
What to do at Sesame Place in Langhorne, PA
Hop on the rides and attractions
No matter what season you are visiting Sesame Place, make sure you plan on spending the entire day here, running from one ride or attraction to the next. With family-friendly rides, even the smallest member of your crew can have fun and get in on the action. For those who don’t want a thrill ride, Peek-A-Bug, Snuffy’s Slide, or the Sunny Day Carousel are great choices. If you have thrill seekers with you, then the Honker Dinger Derby or Oscar’s Wacky Taxi should be on your list for your visit. When you’re done with the rides, head over to the newly opened 123 Playground, where kids can climb, hop, and play in the imaginative and colorful play area.
Watch the lively shows and parades
If you’ve ever been to a themed amusement park, you know how much fun the parades can be for the whole family. At Sesame Place, the parades are a blast, teeming with Sesame Street-themed entertainment. This summer, the theme is the Sesame Street Birthday Parade, celebrating its 45th birthday with colorful, musical, and show-stopping fun that will get everyone up and dancing. And for more entertaining fun (especially for toddlers who aren’t as into the rides), watch the Sesame Street Neighbors show featuring all the beloved characters as they demonstrate the power of kindness and friendship.
Celebrate diversity and inclusion
For families that have children with special needs, Sesame Place is the first theme park in North America to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. The program is for guests with non-visible disabilities that may require more time, understanding, patience, and assistance during their visit. If you have a family member who qualifies, you can find wristbands at the Family Care Center and Mr. Hooper’s Gift Shop. Sesame Place Philadelphia is also the first theme park in the world to be designated a Certified Autism Center. Additionally, the park trains all staff to create a safe and inclusive environment, ensuring that every visitor has a fulfilling experience.
Dine with Elmo and friends
One of the best parts about Sesame Place is seeing your kids’ faces when they meet their favorite characters up close. From Abby Cadabby and Bert and Ernie to Big Bird and, of course, Elmo, kids can pose for photos, chat, and get their autographs. And for a magical experience, make a reservation for Dine With Elmo and Friends. The themed feasts (Birthday, Back to School, and July 4th) feature kiddo favorites like mac and cheese, hot dogs, a Caesar salad, and assorted pastries. But the highlight is joining in on the entertainment during the meal. Elmo and his friends will walk around, say hello to each of the kids, pose for a photo opportunity, and bring some of the beloved songs and dances from the show to life. If a holiday or special event is happening close to the time you are going, check out the options available during your visit.
Splash into summer
When summer heats up, Sesame Place has tons of ways to cool off at its water attractions. For kids who love to plunge down a slippery slide, check out Abby’s Fairy Falls, Elmo’s Silly Splashy Slides, or Rosita’s Seaside Slides. Older kids will love Elmo’s Surf ‘n’ Slide, a water thrill ride where the whole family can hop into a six-person raft for a wild ride that finishes with a big splash. Once the kiddos have had their fun, you can kick back and relax at Big Bird’s Rambling River while staying cool.
Fuel up with food and souvenirs
Hungry? Make a pit stop at one of the casual eateries like Big Bird’s Burgers and Bites, Elmo’s Pizza Kitchen, Rosita’s Cocina, or Mr. Hooper’s Food Market around the park. In the mood for something sweet? Stop by Cookie Monster’s Foodie Truck or Cookie Monster’s Funnel Cakes & More. For the adults, grab a Starbucks coffee at the Coffee Corner to boost your energy and get you through the day. Once your bellies are full, let your food settle before hopping back on the rides at the Sesame Place Store or Trader Bert’s Treasures, where you can grab a souvenir to take home.
What to know before you go to Sesame Place
Before planning your trip to Sesame Place, make sure you check the calendar for hours. The park is open 7 days a week during the summer season, and on weekends after. Tickets are $49.99 per person for an Any Day Ticket when you purchase online, and season passes start at $166.50 per person, depending on the level you buy. There are upgrades available for purchase, including Abby’s Unlimited Queue (which gives you line priority during rides), Dine with Elmo & Friends, and more. Get ready to celebrate during one of the seasonal events that make a visit to Sesame Place even more special. In the spring, you won’t want to miss Elmo’s Eggstravaganza Celebration, which is filled with egg hunts and fun activities. When fall hits, The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular is loaded with spooky vibes and cool decorations. And for summer, make sure to hit up the Sesame Summer Splash with water rides, interactive games, and live shows that delight everyone in the family. Want to make it a weekend trip? Grab one of their kid-friendly hotel packages for discounts on your stay.
To learn more about Sesame Place, visit their website, Instagram, and Facebook.
Sesame Place
100 Sesame Road
Langhorne, PA 19047
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