Knoebels park welcomes dogs

Pet-Friendly Amusement Park Welcomes Dogs

A pet-friendly amusement park sounds like a dream, right? I discovered a beautiful, clean, family-owned, affordable amusement park in Pennsylvania that welcomes well-behaved dogs.

Established in 1926, Knoebels Amusement Park combines nostalgic charm with a traditional amusement park feel, making it a beloved destination for generations of families. We used to go there as kids, and now dogs are welcome to accompany their families.

If you’d like to spend a day (or more), at a pet-friendly amusement park nestled in the central part of Pennsylvania, keep reading. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania.

Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I am also an Etsy and Chewy affiliate.

The Ultimate Guide to Knoebels Pet-Friendly Amusement Park

Knoebels is a free-admission/free parking (yes, free) pet-friendly amusement park for families, with roller coasters, classic rides, award-winning food, campgrounds, a golf course, and a pool.

The amusement park is not Disneyland and is not super duper high-tech. It feels like yesteryear, where life was simple and fun. It feels like the amusement parks of my childhood. Located in a small wooded valley in central Pennsylvania called Elysburg, it has been America’s largest free-admission park for 97 years and counting.

In traveling with dogs for close to 40 years, I’ve discovered there is a difference between pet-friendly and pet-welcoming. Knoebels is the latter, and they allow well-behaved pets to the park.

Knoebels official pet policy reads as follows:

We welcome well-behaved pets at our park, and trust the owners will be responsible for, control and clean up after them as well as be responsible when deciding how their pet would react to an amusement park environment.  Pets require to be kept either on a leash or in a carrier at all times.  We reserve the right to ask you to leave the park if policy is not adhered to.  With the exception of service animals, pets are not allowed in any covered dining areas or pool area. 

dog friendly amusement park in warmer weather

What Rides Can Dogs Go on At Knoebels?

I’ve been to Knoebels Amusement Park nearly 100 times (always with my Cocker Spaniels). The only ride we ever took with the dog was the Pioneer Train. It is a 1.5-mile train ride that passes beneath the Twister roller coast, through a small tunnel, and the Knoebels’ woods. It is relaxing and enjoyable, and well-behaved dogs can sit on your lap or in the same train car. See?

pic

Dogs are also welcome to join their parents on the carousel, antique cars, and small boats you steer. You never want even to attempt taking a dog on rides that whip, spin, have any sort of speed, etc. Knoebels does not allow this, with good reason.

Fun fact: Knoebels offers over 60 rides for people to enjoy riding. You could always purchase an all-day ride pass or tickets to ride while your dog stays in the shade with a family member.

Food Offerings At Knoebels Amusement Park

Most of the food you eat at an amusement park comes from walk-up stands with covered tables. Dogs are welcome at those tables, so we eat any number of food stands at the park.

They have everything from hot dogs and hamburgers to tacos and pizza. One of the most fun elements of an amusement park involves the not-so-fat-free foods.

Think cotton candy to kettle corn, candy apples to funnel cokes, and everything in between. If you want junk food, sweets, and yummy summer treats, Knoebels has it. There are also healthy items like salads and fruits.

Regarding dog-friendly foods, we feed our dogs before going to Knoebels. However, we indulge them a bit with a hamburger, as we know our dogs can stomach a small burger. We suggest taking treats and plenty of cool, clean water. More about that next.

Keeping Dogs Cool and Safe at Knoebels

If you go to a pet-friendly amusement park, use common sense: Dogs should be well hydrated, have paw protection, and be kept in shady areas without having to walk excessive amounts.

There are many shaded areas, picnic areas, and off-the-beaten-path areas to sit, relax, and cool off. Always monitor your dog for signs of dehydration. Even better, make sure they stay cool, hydrated, and comfortable.

Kid Alert: There are a lot of kids running around and having fun at Knoebels. Most are kind and respectful, but many will run up to your dog. I’ve asked them to slow down, and please ask to pet my dog, and I’ve never had an issue.

If your dog isn’t people or kid-friendly, a popular amusement park like Knoebels isn’t the best place to visit.

Our favorite pet stroller is the Pet Rover Premium Heavy Duty Dog Stroller. It collapses, folds up nicely, and is incredibly durable. We took it to Knoebels with our Cocker Spaniel, Alvin, and he didn’t want to use it. He was too busy exploring. But…

We used it to push our souvenirs, snacks, purses, and dog bag/water around. Win-win!

Dog stroller for amusement park

When our second Cocker Spaniel, Dexter, got a little older, we took him to Knoebels in a doggy stroller. It was ideal for Dexter to explore, have fun, keep cool, and see everything.

Pro Tip: And if it is too hot out, don’t take your dog to an amusement park.

Shops and Games at Pet-Friendly Knoebels Amusement Park

Peppered throughout the park are shops galore, from my personal favorite, the Christmas Shop, to little souvenir shops, a general store, and more.

We take turns with the dog so we can shop, and it is never a problem for us.

There are also plenty of games to play throughout the park.

There are also educational exhibits, but dogs are not allowed in them. However, we take turns and have a blast anyways!

Fun Fact: The Christmas Cottage has an “icy pole” out front near a huge Santa decoration. It makes for the most adorable photo-ops and Christmas card photos. See?

dog at amusement park

If you like playing games, you’ll be thrilled at Knobels. Many games are outside, so your dog can stay by your side. Some of the fun games you can play are:

  • Balloon Bust
  • Giant Crane
  • Electronic Shooting Gallery
  • Fish Pond
  • Flying Frogs
  • Hoops Basketball

Arcade-style games are located on property in the Playland Arcade. Dogs can’t go inside unless you have a service dog. Some of the games include:

  • Skeeball
  • Roller Bingo
  • Claw Game
  • Ticket Grab
  • Old-time photo booth – we never had a problem taking our dogs in the photo booth with us. See?

Knoebels Campground

If driving to central Pennsylvania for one day in the park isn’t enough, Knoebels has a pet-friendly campground area. My spouse’s parents used to camp there every summer, and it was always great fun.

You can rent a site, hook up your trailer or RV, or rent a cozy log cabin or other structures. Unfortunately, the log cabins and other structures are not pet-friendly, but the campground is.

Swimming at Knoebels Amusement Park

There is a pool on site, which dogs are not allowed in until…..

The annual Doggie Dive!

Each year, for one day in September, Knoebels hosts a Doggie Dive for people and their dogs to come out and have fun at Crystal Pool on the premises. 

This event is organized as a fundraiser for local Animal Rescue organizations, and 100% of the proceeds are donated. They do not reschedule in the event of rain, which happened in 2023.

There will be swimming, raffles, visits from rescue organizations, food, vendors, and more! Rabies tags and licenses are required. All dogs must have a collar on, leashes must be on hand by the pet parents, and there is a limit of one dog per person. 

Hosting a Dog-Friendly Get Together at Knoebels

You can rent picnic tables in the covered pavilions at Knobels and have a pet-friendly meet-up. Tables are free to reserve, and groups of 10 to 10,000 can be accommodated!

My wife and I hosted a pet-friendly fundraiser in 2018 at Knoebels to benefit the San Diego Spaniel Rescue, and we all had a blast.

Watch our fun YouTube video for more!

Knoebels allows pets

Tips for Pet-Friendly Safety at Knobels Amusement Park

Here’s a list of what I take and do before, during, and after visiting Knoebels Amusement Park.

  1. Health Check: Be sure your dog is people-friendly and pet-friendly, and your veterinarian gave them a checkup recently.
  2. Check Nails and Paws: Make sure nails are clipped to the proper length and that there are no paw wounds, cuts, or injuries. Check between paw pads, too. Pack paw protection (Mushers’ Secret, dog booties, etc.)
  3. Pack a Travel Bag for Your Dog: Here’s our list of what to pack and how to have a safe trip with your dog.
  4. Pack Your Dog’s First Aid Kit: I never travel without a canine first aid kit. It has repaid me time and again.
  5. Identification and Vaccinations: Be sure your dog is microchipped, has an ID tag or PetHub QR code tag, and is current on vaccinations or titers.
  6. Stay Hydrated: Offer your dog cool, clean water from home – or bottled water. We take a pet stroller along, or you can rent a wagon at Knoebels to carry supplies around. Trust me—this helps!
  7. Take Frequent Breaks: Take regular breaks in shady areas to allow your dog to relax away from the crowds.
  8. Avoid Overexerting Your Dog: If your dog is not used to high-energy activities and long walks, limit their exposure to them. Monitor your pup for signs of fatigue, heat exhaustion, or stress.
  9. Respect Other Visitors: Not everyone is fond of dogs nor do they want your dog pawing at them.
  10. Post Park Once Over: Check your dog’s paws, coat, skin, and gums to ensure everything is looking good.

Have a safe and fun trip. Learn more by visiting Knoebels’ website. Let us know if you go!

pet-friendly amusement park welcomes dogs

49 Comments

  1. We always wear our German Autobahn approved seat belts no matter where we are going in the car. How fun to go to an amusement park, but I’m sure to be far to short to go on the rides. It would be fun, though. It is so neat it is admission free, amazing!

  2. I wish it was a little closer as that Amusement Park sounds great. Maybe we’ll make a road trip in September. Thanks for the tips on what to bring. I will pass the crate suggestions to a friend. She was in a car accident and the crates and back of the van broke open and the dogs were thrown out. Her adorable puppy was killed on the highway- so tragic. I think I may get the Sleepypod for Kilo.

    1. That is terrible, and I am so sorry to read that. We use an in-car harness and I sit in the back seat like Driving Miss Daisy.

  3. I wouldn’t think there would be any amusement parks that would allow dogs. Interesting. I like the rides, so wouldn’t want to take my pup, even if he was okay with lots of noise and people, which he’s not. He’d rather stay home in peace

    1. Yeah it can be noisy but it is also fun and is laid back when kids are not around and on weekdays. Dex is fine with it – we’ve been traveling with him since puppyhood and he has his Canine Good Citizen title, too 😉 We also like it to people watch, relax, and hang out. You can just go and avoid the less congested areas of the park.

  4. This amusement park sounds like a nice relaxing day of fun with your family and dogs. It’s such a great idea! People don’t necessarily need all of the high-tech gadgets, just an excuse to hang out together. I don’t really have any pet-friendly ventures planned for this summer as my cats are not fond of travel. If they were, places like this amusement park would definitely be on my radar!

  5. That sounds like a really cool place! We’ve taken our dogs to crowded market places like that before and while they weren’t that thrilled about it they are just happy to be with us rather than being left at home.

  6. If I lived anywhere nwar PA, I would definitely check out Knoebels! Though it’s getting better, so many businesses are not pet-friendly let alone pet-welcoming, so I always try to support those that will have me and my entire family!

  7. A Dog friendly Amusement Park sounds like fun for the entire family. The Safety Tip is definitely pin worth.. I always wondered how they are able to safely put the Dogs on the Plane

  8. Dog friendly amusement parks! That is awesome! I’m not sure if our dog would enjoy this type of park. She likes just the good old fashioned parks lol!

  9. A dog friendly amusement park – that’s a first! What a fabulous idea, I’d love to go. And I have to say that I LOVE Christmas stores so that Christmas Cottage looks wonderful! Great info on crate & carrier crashworthiness, I hadn’t thought much about that! We are planning a few days out in the Hamptons, Long Island NY with our dogs and in the Fall we’re traveling to Nappa Valley with them to attend a wedding. The dogs won’t actually be at the wedding, but we plan to spend a few extra days out there with the dogs. Should be great! We love PA so maybe we’ll be able to visit Knoebels some time.

  10. I’m so jealous! I wish we had a dog friendly amusement park here! I shouldn’t complain too much since Arizona is super dog friendly and dogs are welcome pretty much anywhere. However, OMG Christmas shop?!?! Yes please!

    1. I know they had so many cute shops, Amanda, and we love going there. We are planning on going again next month since it isn’t far from us. Now I cannot wait to see you and visit Arizona next year!

  11. Being from an area with very few dog-friendly areas I always love to hear of activities to enjoy with your dog. Very important dog travel tips too!

  12. Thanks for sharing this. We recently got a dog and hate having to leave him behind when we go out as a family. Wish more places were dog-friendly!

  13. I had no idea there was such a park in existence, I couldn’t even imagine how much of a mental workout going to a place like that is for dogs. I love that it’s not super high tech either, that’s the sort of park I absolutely love. The sights, smells, sounds – all bring back so many fun memories of a simpler time & place.

  14. Such a cool place! We will have to check it out when we are passing through. I had no idea about the crate safety study, very interesting. Our boys dont ride in crates but there is more we can do to keep them safe in the car.

  15. This is great. That is the reason we never go to amusement parks. Happy to know there is one, and that makes a reason to go. I also sit in the back seat like a celebrity with my chauffeur driving, while my dog wears an attached harness. I think anytime when a dog is out and about, a harness is extra protection. I found having a harness on a dog at all times when outside of the yard is very important. It makes it quick to grab your dog for any reason needed. Also, walking a dog is safer with harness and not to have anything pulling or putting pressure on the neck. When around people and other dogs, I usually add the head halter to make absolutely sure I have full control of my large dog in any situation. I would use both the head halter and a body harness at an amusement park. Thanks for the great news, an amusement park that allows dogs. We will plan a trip to go.

  16. Wow, I have never heard of an amusement park that allowed dogs that weren’t service dogs. That is so cool.

  17. Oh very cool! I hope more will start to allow dogs too. We only go on “vacation” to places where Tucker & Abby can go along with us, so it’s been quite a long time since I’ve been to an amusement park. When we are at big public places like this, they spend the day in their PetGear stroller so they aren’t bothering anyone, and to them it’s their crate to take the sights in from safety.

  18. We were just at Knoebles yesterday! I’ve been going there since I was a kid and have taken my own kids there several times now. Yesterday we didn’t take our dogs along and they stayed with a pet sitter. We took them last year though. It was nice that they could come, but in the end we found it a bit too stressful trying to manage two dogs PLUS three kids. It was a very hot day and it was just too much for all of us. This year we left them with a sitter and I think it was a lot easier (for us) to navigate the park. One thing I worried about was how hot the pavement must have been for the dogs’ paws. I really like that they have water bowls set out at various spots for the dogs and waste bag stations too. Knoebles is a really cool park and we’ll likely be going again next year.

  19. Who knew? I had absolutely no idea that there was a pet-friendly amusement park! What an awesome idea!! I would spend all of my time checking out all the other pups! I would also take the girls’ stroller. I think it keeps them a bit more protected from larger dogs that can get out of hand. That works very well for me at the vet! Thanks for sharing!

  20. Even when I don’t partake, I love to hear of more places that are open to pets for people who are traveling. I can’t see taking mine to an amusement park, but there are lots of festivals that it would be nice to take them too, where they would happily pull up a piece of grass and sit next to me while I was enjoying a show or shopping, etc. Sadly, most of these venues only allow animals when legally required to do so. Perhaps as we prove our animals can be good for business we will have more opportunities.

    1. Such a good point, Bailey. My dog has his Canine Good Citizen title and it really has helped with his bond with me and with his doggie manners in public.

  21. This is something new for me! I didn’t know such parks existed. Thank you for the article. Will definitely visit this park with my four-legged friend.

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