Kennywood Amusement Park Strengthens Chaperone Policy Amid Rising Concerns

Kennywood, an amusement park located near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is reinforcing its chaperone policy this summer. Concerns over violent incidents and unruly teenage groups across various parks have prompted this change.

Starting June 12, guests aged 15 and below must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or supervising adult throughout all operating hours. This policy will remain in effect until September 7, as stated by the company.

This decision follows several notable disturbances at amusement parks. An incident at Six Flags St. Louis involved nearly 100 individuals in a series of brawls on opening day, leading to police intervention and an early closure of the park.

Similarly, an opening-day brawl occurred at Hersheypark in Pennsylvania on April 3, when 55 people, including 52 minors, faced charges after a large altercation.

A Kennywood spokesperson mentioned, “This approach is a proactive effort to maintain the welcoming, family-friendly environment Kennywood has cultivated for nearly 130 years.”

In a Facebook post, Kennywood addressed circulating social media posts regarding potential unauthorized gatherings, affirming its zero tolerance for disruptive behavior.

The updated policy seeks the cooperation of parents and supervising adults to ensure children’s safety and enhancement of the park-goers’ experience. Guests must prove they are 16 or older to enter without a supervising adult. For entry, chaperones must be 21 or older and present a valid government-issued ID.

Chaperones can accompany up to six guests aged 15 or under. They must be present upon entering the park and remain there throughout the visit, although they aren’t required to stay with the minors constantly. Minors must have the capacity to contact their chaperone during their time in the park.

The park has extended the summer chaperone requirement from a 4 p.m. start to all operating hours, and the age limit now applies to visitors aged 15 and below.

Recent “teen takeovers” have disrupted public spaces, including parks and shopping areas, in numerous cities. Authorities report that social media-driven gatherings often escalate into confrontations, arrests, and emergency responses.

In response to incidents during its opening weekend, Hersheypark implemented photo-based reentry verification.

Kennywood emphasizes that safety is its primary concern. Violators will face removal from the park. Management and security staff will enforce the chaperone policy at entry points and throughout the park.

Exemptions exist for organized, ticketed events such as school and church group outings, which follow established chaperone protocols.

Online feedback has generally approved the park’s actions to anticipate and address potential problems.

Comments include, “Good for them for addressing this ahead of potential issues,” and “This behavior from kids has become too frequent nowadays.”

Located in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, Kennywood is one of only two National Historic Landmark amusement parks in the United States, alongside Rye Playland in New York.

All visitors must pass through a weapons detection system at the entrance and adhere to a bag size limitation of 15 x 15 x 15 inches, with exceptions for medical and diaper bags.

Recognized for its historic rides like the Jack Rabbit roller coaster and the Potato Patch fries, Kennywood remains a beloved attraction in western Pennsylvania.