Skip to main content
Sesame Place Philadelphia tourist attraction in Philadelphia, PA
Photo: Ryan Nunes
View of Sesame Place Philadelphia in Philadelphia, PA
Photo: Derrick Aloys
View of Sesame Place Philadelphia in Philadelphia, PA
Photo: Tim Poon

Sesame Place Philadelphia

4.1(12,512 reviews)$$$Amusement Park
🕑 Full day (5-7 hours)👶 Best for ages 2-10. Toddlers and preschoolers are at the sweet spot for the Sesame Street characters and gentler rides, while elementary-aged kids will love the water slides and roller coasters. The park's design and attractions cater specifically to younger children rather than teens.

About

Sesame Place Philadelphia is the only Sesame Street-themed amusement park on the East Coast, offering 28+ rides, water attractions, and live character shows featuring Elmo, Cookie Monster, and the entire gang. As a Certified Autism Center, the park provides sensory guides, quiet spaces, and specially trained staff to ensure all families can enjoy a magical day together.

Highlights

  • Character meet-and-greets with Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and other beloved Sesame Street friends
  • The Count's Splash Castle,a multi-level water play structure with slides and water jets
  • Elmo's World LIVE show and the Neighborhood Street Party Parade
  • Oscar's Wacky Taxi roller coaster designed for first-time coaster riders
  • Cookie Mountain splash zone and lazy river perfect for family floating

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Arrive right at opening (10:00 AM) to meet characters with minimal wait times and hit popular rides before lines build up
  2. 2.Download the Sesame Place app before your visit to check real-time ride wait times, show schedules, and character meet-and-greet locations
  3. 3.Bring swim diapers and water shoes for little ones, and consider packing your own sunscreen and towels to save money inside the park
  4. 4.The park offers a Birthday ticket special where kids can visit free during their birthday month with a paid adult admission
  5. 5.Take advantage of the sensory guide available at Guest Services if you have a child with autism or sensory sensitivities,it maps out quiet areas and sensory-friendly experiences

Best Time to Visit

Visit on weekends during early spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) when weather is pleasant but summer crowds haven't peaked. Arrive at opening time for shortest lines, and save water attractions for afternoon when it's warmest.

What to Know

Currently open Saturdays and Sundays only (10 AM-5 PM). The park includes both dry rides and water attractions, so bring swimsuits and towels. On-site dining is available though many families bring coolers to leave in their cars. Parking fees apply separately from admission.

Seasonal Notes

The park operates seasonally, typically open weekends in spring and fall, with daily operations during summer months (check schedule as hours vary). Water attractions may have limited availability during cooler months. Special events include Halloween celebrations in October and holiday festivities during select winter weekends.

Nearby Eats

Oxford Valley Mall (5 minutes away) has a food court with kid favorites like Chick-fil-A and Auntie Anne's. For sit-down dining, Bahama Breeze Island Grille is nearby and offers a fun tropical atmosphere with a kids menu featuring familiar favorites.

More Activities Near Philadelphia

Park

Fairmount Park

Free

Fairmount Park is a sprawling urban oasis offering families endless opportunities for outdoor adventure across more than 2,000 acres in Philadelphia. With its extensive trail network, playgrounds, historic sites, and wide-open green spaces perfect for picnics and play, this massive park system provides a natural escape where kids can run, explore, and connect with nature without leaving the city.

Park

Sister Cities Park

4.7Free

Sister Cities Park is a hidden gem along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway that offers families a perfect blend of interactive play and downtown convenience. The highlight is the Children's Discovery Garden featuring hands-on exploration spaces and a delightful splash fountain that provides welcome relief on hot summer days, all within a beautifully landscaped urban oasis.

Park

Spruce Street Harbor Park

4.6Free

Spruce Street Harbor Park is a vibrant seasonal waterfront escape where kids can lounge in colorful hammocks, challenge parents to oversized versions of Connect Four and Jenga, and watch boats drift by on the Delaware River. The park's relaxed atmosphere and free Sunday family craft activities make it a perfect low-key outing where children can run freely while parents actually relax.

Nature

Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania

4.8$$

Morris Arboretum offers an unforgettable nature adventure just minutes from Philadelphia, where kids can walk through the treetops on a spectacular 50-foot-high canopy walk and explore 92 acres of stunning gardens. This isn't just a quiet stroll,children can discover hidden garden sculptures, climb through a giant treehouse, and experience nature from perspectives they've never imagined.