Games, Rides, and Food at Local Amusement Parks

Summer boredom is starting to kick in, and everyone is looking for something to do.  Driving down the road a little bit, and there are amusement parks for everyone to enjoy right near Happy Valley.  The great thing about these parks is that they are affordable for everyone.  Go carts, water slides, and and carnival food are all waiting for you at DelGrosso's Amusement Park, Tussey Mountain, Knoebels Amusement Park, and the Grange Fair.

There are several affordable amusement parks located not far from the State College area.
DelGrosso’s Amusement Park, in Tipton, Pa., remains the only permanent amusement park in the Happy Valley region. 

DelGrosso’s has rides for all ages and heights and is sure to be fun for the entire family. Enjoy everything from roller coasters to the splash of waterslides featured at Tipton Waterworks and what’s an amusement park without food? DelGrosso’s features some of the best local food including Murf ’s delicious potato salad, fresh pizza, fresh roast beef, and even DelGrosso’s very own sausage.  If it’s late in the evening, enjoy one of the free concerts featured at DelGrosso’s throughout the summer.

The DelGrosso’s water park features Tipton Waterworks, a wading pool for kids and adults alike, along with Tipton Rapids water slides. The water slides are twisted mazes that send patrons screaming through tunnels on inflated rafts. “Gravity Groove” will actually propel you uphill and “Midnight Express” tunneled water slides will be sure to have your adrenaline pumping. The water park is a great way for the everyone in your family to cool-off in the hot summer sun. DelGrosso’s also features a wide variety of fun rides available to all-ages and sizes.

Prices: All-Day Fun Pass Rides & Water Park $16.95 or save-a buck with the Sundowner Fun Pass (the Evening Special after 5pm Monday-Friday, not valid July 4th) $9.95 DelGrosso’s is roughly 35 minutes from State College via I-99. For more information: delgrossos.com


Spend a nice afternoon at Tussey Mountain where you can find many fun-filled activities that are a perfect way to enjoy any day of the week. Practice your short game with mini-golf, or if you are still learning golf, try your hand at Tussey’s Par-3 golf course. Great for beginners, par-3 golf is the perfect way to practice your short game or those frustrating chip shots.

Hop on the go-karts and race your friends at Tussey Mountain. The track is perfect to rent for your fraternity, birthday party or corporate social gathering as the go-karts are definitely great for team-building. Take a crack at it, and practice your swing at one of Tussey Mountain’s batting cages.
Also, Tussey Mountain maintains a driving range, a skate park, and a fishing pond. All activities are weather permissible. Too hot to spend time in the sun? Enjoy one of Tussey Mountain’s many concerts at the Tussey Mountain Amphitheater. Whether it’s jazz or country, Tussey Mountain’s Amphitheater is the perfect place to spread a blanket and enjoy a warm summer evening.

This summer, Tussey Mountain, is set to feature legendary country musician Randy Travis on July 20 and alternative-rock band Toad the Wet Sprocket on July 27. Tussey also will host WingFest, the State College Brew Expo and will feature its “Movies on the Mountain” program where guests can watch popular movies for just $1 under the stars. tusseymountain.com 

If you come to Happy Valley one time this summer, it would be to experience the world-famous Grange Fair, August 23-30 in Centre Hall, Pa. The Grange Fair remains “One of the Nation’s Most Unique County Fairs” and for good reason.

The Grange Fair began 136 years ago when Leonard Rhone organized the Grange Organization in which neighbors and residents alike would have a picnic. Today, the Grange Fair has grown to feature over 950 tents where families will camp-out for the week in addition to 1300 RV’s, hundreds of concessions, over 7,000 exhibit items, amusement rides, livestock, tractor pulling and much, much more. Competition exhibits also feature some of the most talented artists, craftsmen, cooks, and bakers around. The fair also hosts some of the top names in entertainment. The best part is, everything is included in admission at the entrance to the fair.

Available for all ages the carnival has something for everyone. Enjoy the soothing breeze and terrific view at the top of the Ferris Wheel. Or try a more extreme ride that will spin you, flip you, and whirl you until you can’t walk in a straight line.

The Grange Fair would not be complete without music. This year’s, 2012, headlining acts at the Grange Fair’s Grandstand includes David Nail, Sandi Patty, The Letterman, Kip Moore and lastly Surf ’s Up! (a surf-rock tribute to the Beach Boys). General admission season ticket is $15.00, while a single admission, one-day pass is $6.00. Parking, by vehicle, is $3.00 a day, and $10.00 for the week. RVs and campers, but no tents, is $25 a day. WiFi is available but pets are not allowed on the Fair Grounds. For more information see the Grange Fair’s official website: grangefair.net

Knoebels Amusement Park is located about an hour and 40 minutes from State College via Interstate 80 in Elysburg, Pa. However, it’s certainly worth the drive. After all, Knoebels is America’s largest free-admission amusement park where parking and entertainment is also free. Knoebels is home to all sorts of rides. Knoebels has children’s rides, thrill rides, family rides and more. It has several wooden roller coasters, one of which is “The Phoenix,” which has been rated as the No. 2 Wooden Coaster in the world. You can also cool off at Knoebels Crystal Pool and there is also a water area nearby for small children. Knoebels features terrific food as it has been the recipient of the Golden Ticket Award for best theme park food for 14 consecutive years.

For more information on these summer getaways go to HappyValley.com.