Spend a 'sunny day' at Sesame Place
When I was a kid, there wasn’t a “Dora.” There was no “Backyardigans,” no “Wiggles” or “Teletubbies.” There weren’t countless channels devoted solely to children’s broadcasting like there are today. Most preschoolers of our generation had one television show of choice. And, we loved it.
For over 40 years, parents could “tell me how to get” right to that place that still holds a warm place in my heart, “Sesame Street.”
From educating children with lessons on numbers, letters, shapes and colors, to teaching kids about feelings, sharing and community, Sesame Street has been a staple on public broadcasting stations throughout the nation for more than four decades.
Those in the Greater Philadelphia area can get even closer to the childhood dream and walk on Sesame’s actual street. Nestled in Langhorne, Pa., Sesame Place offers a great way to spend your “sunny days” this summer with the family.
While the park seems like it’s just for tiny tots, with rides designed for all sizes of children, characters (including Elmo, Zoe, Bert, Ernie, Cookie Monster, Abby, Big Bird ... the list goes on) roaming the avenues and a water park with pools, sprayers and lounging, it really is a place all ages can enjoy.
I think my favorite part is reliving my own childhood memories of the television show that played such a big part of my life in my youth. Parents can remember their own counting to 12 (you know the song), snacking with Cookie and bathing with your own “rubber duckie.”
Taking the kids, who are currently enjoying the show’s brilliance, means you can connect your family with a common bond, all on a trip to an amusement park. Share your memories with them, and make some new ones of your own!
This year, the park added the Count’s Splash Castle, increasing its already ample water park section. From tube slides to family raft rides, sprayers, a lazy river and shallow pools, the whole family will love taking a dip at Sesame Place.
Rides include a small roller coaster, tea cups, a hot air balloon, a jumping pad (Ernie’s Bed), “flying fish” with Elmo’s face, slides and playgrounds.
An oversize, overhead play space allows the older children to lose themselves in a maze of tunnels, ropes and ladders. Even non-walkers can enjoy a padded “nest” of soft blocks.
Among my son’s favorite things are hourly shows of “Elmo’s World” on stage (in an air-conditioned theater, I might add). Elmo appears live at the show, and his friends Mr. Noodle and Dorothy also make appearances in the 25-minute production.
Every age can take a ride on the carousel in a bench or a horse. Songs from the show play softly over loudspeakers. Carnival games, cafeterias, gift shops and snack stations round out the well-balanced park.
Overall, the park is very clean, very stroller and wheelchair friendly, and provides a great time for any member of the family.
I highly suggest the family summer pass, which provides, for roughly the cost of two visits, full access to Sesame Place year-long. These “passports” run from $77.95 per person (for full season) to $140, depending on the level.
Parking is $10 to $13, depending on the area you park in, so include that in your budget for the trip.
The “medium” or “Big Bird” season passes include parking for free, so it is well worth the extra bump if you are planning to frequent the park.
Regular, two-day admission tickets are $50.95 for those ages 2 and above. Children under 2 are admitted free.
For more information, visit www.sesameplace.com. A full schedule of events (including concerts), directions, ride descriptions and FAQ are listed online.
