Security
Summer Chaperone Policy Update
Kennywood welcomes families and guests of all ages. It is the intention of this updated policy to enlist the cooperation of parents and other adults responsible for children to ensure that our park continues to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Responsibility for children attending the park rests with the parent/guardian/assigned chaperone, not with Kennywood personnel.
Learn more about this policy from our General Manager.
Details of our updated Summer Chaperone Policy are as follows:
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Guests ages 15 and under must be accompanied by a chaperone, this policy will be in effect all day.
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Guests without a chaperone who cannot provide identification proving they are at least 16 years of age will not be permitted entry.
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Kennywood considers chaperones as a parent, guardian, or other supervising adult age 21 or over with a valid government-issued ID, including a photograph and date of birth. Valid types of identification include driver's license, non-driver ID card, passport, visa, or military ID.
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The updated Summer Chaperone Policy will be in effect from June 12 – September 7, 2026, and does NOT apply to groups booked for school picnic or district days as these groups have established chaperone policies and practices already in place.
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Each chaperone can accompany up to 6 guests ages 15 and under.
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The chaperone must be present at the time of entry and remain within the park for the entire duration of the party's visit. To further clarify, the chaperone does not need to accompany the entire party for the entire time.
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Guests ages 15 and under must have the ability to contact their on-site chaperone at all times, and the chaperone must remain available and within the park during the entire visit.
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Organized and ticketed group events, such as school, church, corporate, summer camp, sports, and other pre-scheduled group visits are exempt from the policy as these groups have established chaperone policies and practices already in place.
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Any Guest 15 years or younger found inside the park without a qualifying chaperone will be subject to removal from the park.
The Kennywood Chaperone Policy during seasonal events, including Phantom Fall Fest and Holiday Lights, will remain the same:
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Phantom Fall Fest Chaperone Policy: September 11 - November 1, 2026
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Guests age 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult at least 21 years of age (with valid ID) to enter the park at all times during Phantom Fall Fest.
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Holiday Lights Chaperone Policy: November 13, 2026 - January 3, 2027
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Guests age 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult at least 21 years of age (with valid ID) to enter the park at all times during Holiday Lights.
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Chaperone Policy FAQs
The policy is effective Friday, June 12, 2026.
The safety of our guests and our hosts remains our top priority. Our updated Summer Chaperone Policy enhances existing safety and security measures and creates a more consistent guest experience throughout the day while maintaining a safe, welcoming, and family-friendly environment for everyone who visits Kennywood.
Our updated Summer Chaperone Policy extends the hours to an all-day policy instead of beginning at 4 p.m. and lowers the age of guests requiring a chaperone from 17 to 15 and under.
Identification will be checked at the park entrance, and the policy will be enforced throughout the park by management and security. Once in the park, management and security may request youths to identify their supervising adult if found out of compliance with the park's code of conduct.
The chaperone must be present at the time of entry and remain within the park for the entire duration of the party's visit but does not need to accompany the entire party for the entire time. Guests age 15 and under must have the ability to contact their on-site chaperone at all times.
Organized and ticketed group events, such as school, church, corporate, summer camp, sports, and other pre-scheduled group visits, are exempt from the policy as these groups have established chaperone policies and practices already in place. For more information on booking a group outing for 15 or more guests or to schedule your group click here.
Kennywood proudly welcomes all guests. If you also purchased a pass or an admission ticket for a supervising adult age 21 or over and intend to visit as a complete party, no additional action is necessary.
If you purchased a 2026 Season Pass for a guest age 15 or under to visit Kennywood without a chaperone, and you have questions regarding your Season Pass, please contact us directly.
We encourage that parties remain together inside the park, but we also understand that guests have different preferences, varying thrill levels, and ways they choose to experience the park. Our summer chaperone policy ensures that a responsible, supervising adult is nearby for guests ages 15 and under in the event of an emergency or in an instance where transportation is required.
Yes. Accommodations to the Chaperone Policy will be made for parents under the age of 21 who visit Kennywood with their children and/or those legally in their care. Parties that include additional guests under the age of 15 must be accompanied by a responsible, supervising adult age 21 or older. To speak with a park representative about this accommodation or others please contact us.
Kennywood will make reasonable accommodation to the updated Chaperone Policy on a case-by-case basis. To inquire about an accommodation, please contact us.
No, the Phantom Fall Fest chaperone policy will remain the same. Guests age 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult at least 21 years of age (with valid ID) to enter the park at all times during Phantom Fall Fest.
Summer Season Entrance Process
All guests pass through our weapons detection system, which uses advanced digital sensors, at the front gate. Signage is in place to inform guests they are entering a security screening area.
Summer Season Bag Policy
Only bags within the dimensions of 15” x 15” x 15”, as well as medical and diaper bags, are permitted during the Summer Season.
Summer Season Outside Food & Beverage Policy
Personal bag-lunch style outside food and beverages are permitted during the Summer Season. Guests may bring a soft cooler with the maximum dimensions of 12" x 12" x 12". Hard-sided coolers are not permitted. Glass containers and alcoholic beverages cannot be brought into Kennywood at any time.
Please note: Phantom Fall Fest and Holiday Lights each have their own security policies and procedures.
Our safety and security procedures, including the chaperone, bag, and outside food & beverage policies, are subject to change without notice.