Lancaster/sesame Place

Hi D.,

We took our daughter who will be 2 this month and she loved it. It is mostly a water park so I invested in water shoes for her. She did have a good time. Coming from New York to break up the trip we made a stop at the Crayola Factory. A little off the beaten path and your kids would probably love it.

Enjoy your vacation.

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I lived in pa for 3 yrs..we took my daughter to chocolate world(right next to zoo)every year since she was 3(we still take her even though we dont live there.the tour is free and the kids will love it-they have a factory line set up so the kids can feel like there making there own candy(the experience is free but u can buy a badge and it will have there picture on it and it looks like a factory badge and the chocolate for 10.00-we have like 9 of these great keepsake.also in harrisburg at strawberry square they have kids play put on by popcorn hat players(just type in popcorn hat players harrisburg pa and gamut theatre group will come up and click on it)they are wonderful another event weve been doing and i was never dissapointed-there geared for young children and they are great weve watched several of there shows-the kids get to sit right on the floor in front of the stage and they sing and dance.Have u checked out the crayola factory website-the kids get a tour and they get to do several activities.Well hope u have a great vacation...

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I haven't been to Sesame Place yet but I went to Dutchwonderland and to the Strasburg Railroad to see their Thomas the Train a couple of months ago with my then 19 month old son and my brother-in-law and his wife and son who was a little over 2. Dutchwonderland is especially good for smaller children/toddlers as far as the number of rides they can go on. We also went to the Lancaster Children's Museum which was really fun so definitely stop there as well.

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We just got back from a similar trip. My kids are 7, 5, 3, so a little older. We left on a Monday morning and went to Sesame Place. We had a great time, it was hot hot hot hot hot and I had never been there so wasn't prepared for all the water stuff. However, the ground rides were fun and as a bonus a two day ticket is the same price as 1 day ticket, so we can go back before the park closes for the season (maybe!). By Monday night we were checked into the Hershey Lodge - fantastic. I went into this trip with the schedule of Tues. Hershey Park, Wed. Zoomerica, Thurs. Chocolate Factory/dutch Wonderland and Fri. on the way home stop at the Crayola factory. Well, Tuesday morning came and we went to Hershey Park - AMAZING! We had a ball. Staying at a Hershey property, one of the perks is you get to enter the park an hour before the general public which was awesome. Not all the rides are available, but the a lot of the kiddie rides are open. So we got there at 9 and left at 2 to go take a nap. Returned to the park area and did the Chocolate Factory Tour (fun for kids as they get to package their own kisses) and then returned to Hershey Park for the evening. Wed. we did go to Amish Country which was great. We went to two towns - Bird In Hand and Intercourse (don't laugh). Took a horse and buggy ride, shopped quilt shops, and went to a pretzel factory where we learned to twist pretzels. Thursday we went back to Hershey Park as we loved it so much. The entire day was spent there. They have so many kiddie rides and realy little kiddie rides that it was entertainment itself - plus, when you enter Hershey Park, there is an entrance to Zoomerica in the park, so it is like two for one. Zoomerica was great as it is all animals from America, which my kids loved as we also went west this summer so they got to see buffalo, bears and moose again!. However, the zoo is small, so not a full day adventure. I don't know where home is for you (CT for us), but on the way home we did go to the Crayola factory and the kids loved it - lots of interactive hands on crafts and stations for kids.

O.K. enough rambling - can you tell we loved our trip and can't wait to go back?? Anyway, have fun and just go with not planning on doing too much as you may find one place is all you need and continue to go back!!

Enjoy.

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Hi D.,

We just got back from Sesame Place and had an absolute BALL!!!! Our boys are 3.9 years and 15 months. They had such a good time - as did we. So much in fact that we didn't want to come home! The park is extremely clean and we loved the layout! They had water parks throughout the entire park so you could stay cool wherever you were. We ended up just wearing our bathing suits and cover ups all day. Bring PLENTY of sunscreen and hats as there isn't a ton of shade. There are misting stations to help keep you cool too. If you'd like to save some money - pack a cooler and keep it in the car. Food there is ridiculously expensive. You can enter and re-enter the park though - just get your hand stamped at the door. Stay hydrated too!!! Because July and August are so hot you'll want to keep the fluids coming. Also, a ton of people leave around dinnertime even though the park is open 10:00am - 8:00pm. We ended up having the park pretty much to ourselves! No lines!!! (although, the lines moved quickly for us...we were there on a Tuesday and Wednesday) Right now there is an offer going on where you can buy a 2-day pass for the cost of 1 day. If you're looking for others things to do in the area you should check out the Sesame Place website. Go in like you are booking a vacation and it will ask you if you want to add different things to your trip - there is a touch museum, Crayola Factory, etc.... it will give you all the information you need.
Best of luck and have an amazing vacation with your family!
A little about me: I'm a 31 year old stay at home mom about to celebrate 7 years of marriage. Our two boys are almost 4 and 16 months.

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We did Sesame Place last summer (in the rain) with our (then) 4 1/2 yr old and 2 yr old. We decided 4 is a pretty good age to go, and we're probably going back next summer when our younger son is 4 (since he didn't get to enjoy much other than the shows last year). There are a lot of shows (30-ish minutes, with fairly short wait times), and the rides are ALL geared to the 4/5/6 year old set. There is a water park, too, which we didn't get to do because it was cold and rainy (but we have a water park here, so that's okay). We also did Camden Aquarium and the Philadelphia Zoo on that trip.

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We went to Willow Valley when my daughter was 3 yrs old. You might enjoy just spending a day at the facility. The pools have some waterpark features, there is the kiddie pool, the playground and a cute pond to feed the ducks.

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We went to Sesame place a few years ago, it was fun. The shows & parades were the best, although my daughter did love the roller coaster that is for 3yr olds & up. There are lots of coupons so you don't have to pay full price. We did 2 short days instead of 1 long one. We didn't do many of the water slides but the splash area was fun. If I remember right it was a quite a ways from Lancaster. We did Sesame combined with a trip to Philadelphia & the Please Touch children's museum. But if you are closer to Lancaster there is a cute children's museum called the Hands-on-house. It is small compared to our local children's museum (Strong National Museum of Play) but it is really kind of fun. It had different kinds of pretend play stuff & building things. They really packed alot into the space without being too comercial. Have Fun
C.

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I was recently looking up Sesame Place and found it very pricey unless you were going to take advantage of the 2 day ticket, which we wouldn't of been able to do. I was there 9 years ago and thought it was very good. On the discipline front, again 6 years ago I took a parenting course called STEP Parenting, by Aviva Schwab. She runs classes in NJ, Bergen County and is also NY areas. I found it extremely good. Although I have forgotten a number of things, some of the advice just stays with you forever and REALLY works. I have four children, 11 yr old twins, 8 yr old and almost 3 yr old, so lot's of arguing in this house. Look it up www.tiredofyelling.com and visit a trial class for free to see if it's for you. Good Luck

Well, just a word of advice about something I didn't realize--it's very hilly there, and in Hershey, you do a lot of up and down the hill type walking. We were there on a very hot day and that's what I remember. The kids tired out much more quickly than usual.

Sesame Place is a spot with huge long lines. We made the mistake of going there the weekend before school started and it was a mob scene. Our kids didn't talk much about it after we were there, so I guess I'd give it mediocre reviews.

Hey D.,
I haven't been, but I have heard NOTHING BUT WONDERFUL about Sesame Place - I'd love to hear about it when you return - keep me posted!!!
J.

love love love sesame place...we've gone the last two mother's days...great way to spend the day...and we are planning on going back the weekend after labor day...mind you there weren't big crowds when i've gone and the weather was decent....but it was a great family frienly place my daughter loves...she can't wait to go back...

have fun

Hi D.,

I took my kids to sesame place about 6 years ago. LOVED it. I was just telling my mother yesterday that I want to plan another trip down there. I think it is wonderful for little kids. You should go for sure!

Check out the crayola factory too.

D.

I think both places are great. I just have to plug Dutch Wonderland. It is very old fashioned, It is a slower pace and a lot more appealing for the one and 3year old. I loved that it was all younger families. You can buy your tickets slightly discounted at Willow Vally too. They have a small waterpark area with a spray ground. I took my 3 kids at the same ages as yours and they still talk about 4 years later.

On the other hand, If you have die hard sesame street fans then I would do it too. I just like the calmer atmosphere of Dutch Wonderland. It is not as flashy.

Your kids are the perfect age for Sesame Place. There are things to do for all your kids, but I would suggest going earlier in your stay. It is a tiring day for kids. The food isn't great, so if you can pack a lunch that would be good, but if not, they have food. If the weather is good, I would suggest going. Look on the web for discount coupons. There are all types of discounts. Your hotel may even sell them. Enjoy your trip.

Hi D.,
I went to Sesame Place about 2 weeks ago w/ my 2.5 year old and we went on a Saturday. It was very crowded so the lines for water slides (which your 5 year old would enjoy)were very long but other than that it was a very nice time.
My daughter had a really good time going on the carousel, bouncer, and watching the parade. They also had kids pools that the kids could just play in. Also, watched an Abby Cadabby live show with characters dressed up that she is still talking about. We did lunch w/ the characters but that is not necessary. Was nice but it was $15 for kids and if I remember correctly around $18 for parents and food was not great.
If you have time I think your kids would enjoy it.
Hope that helps.
K.

Hi, D.. I totally suggest Sesame Place. My family and I have season pass' this summer. We didn't have them last summer (decided to try Great Adventure - huge waste of money & kids cried each time I made them go), but I had them the 3 summers prior. You can bring in your own food but it has to be in a small soft sided cooler. Or, you can eat there (normal park prices) or have character meals (prices high for that & foods the same as inside). I did take the kids 2 yrs ago to do the character breakfast & that was so much fun and worth it. Best of luck on your decision. I hope you get to go because the kids will love it. And, have a safe and wonderful trip.
~J. F.

I have mixed reviews as well. It's really hot with little shade (it's August, after all) so plan to walk around in your swim suit (everyone does) and go on the water rides. The tix are buy one day get day two free. So if you only go for one day, you feel like you've cheated yourself out of a free day (it's non-transferable). The food STINKS! Pack your own and stash it in the stroller. Bring a lot to drink, too! And don't bring valuables. You will have to leave your stroller and bags outside of the gates of every ride.

Otherwise, it is a wonderland of Sesame Street characters and the parade is really fun. My two year old was a little young for it but loved it still. We plan to go back again next year for sure - but we'll be better prepared! Have fun.

First, sesame place is really expensive. The 1 yr old is free but the other 2 are almost $50 each to get in. Then there are tons of rides you 3 yr old isn't big enough to go on. I'd say don't waste your money and wait until their older. We were gonna go there but, my son would have been almost 4 and I though it was to expensive for whta we would have gotten.

Hi D.-
I took my son to Sesame Place in May. He's 2 1/2 and he had a great time. Even though it was too cold to do any of the water activities, we still had a great time. The only problem I had was the food. The food was pretty expensive. They also ran out of alot of things like icecream. You can bring a cooler with you, but it has to be a specific size.
I also took my son to Great Adventure. He loved it.There were so many rides to choose from, as well as a dolphin show. I was really surprised. I haven't been there in YEARS, but they made alot of changes to the park. I would recommend going during the week because it gets very crowded on the weekend.
Hope this helps.
K.

We just did this trip 2 weeks ago, and I agree with all the replies. The only additional thing I would recommend is to try and get to the parks as early as you can because they do get busy and try to do them on weekdays for the same reason. We did Sesame Place first on a Tuesday, as it was on our way to Lancaster, and then went back on a Saturday, as it was on our way home and the place was so much busier. Also, EVERYONE should have water shoes and remember swim diapers for the baby! Have fun! R.

I went awhile back it was a weekday I think and I thought it was a great place for the little ones... my daughter was about 5 at the time. If you deside to go make sure to rent a wagon at the front, it helps getting the little ones around all day .. I thought it was great!

Hi D. -

Its been a while since I went with my kids, but the Crayola Factory is near there and my kids loved it. Great ages to take. They show you how they make the crayons and there are lots of activities on making differnt crafts.

We loved Seseme St Place, the kids didnt want to leave! Lots of sun screen is a plus!

S. M.

hi D.,
you should definitely go to sesame place! I was just there
in June with my then, 13 month old daughter. We had breakfast with the characters which was so much fun! My daughter didn't go on too many rides but your 5 and 3 year old will! Have fun!
Ali

My cousin just took her 2-year old son to Sesame Place in the beginning of June. They loved it so much, they want to go back again. My cousin took her husband and mom along with her. All four of them had a blast.

Hello D.!!!

My son and I went and LOVED it. Yes it can get crowded but the park itself was clean and the employees I found were very nice. Go early to avoid lines and get a good parking spot. Easy access back and forth if need be. Reserve a meal time in advance (online before your trip) with Elmo. We had breakfast with Cookie Monster b/c Elmo's was completely filled up for the week. It was still great and my son was so excited to see everyone. Elmo has a "wait in line" photo op so he did get to spend 1 on 1 time w/ him. The 2 day park pass is great too, same cost as 1 day. Out 2nd day was better b/c we knew where everything was. Enjoy have a great time. Get to the parade route and hour early (1pm) and sit at the dot w/ a towel enjoy lunch and have front row seats for the parade at 2pm.

We are season pass holders at Sesame Place and love it there! It is a nice clean park that allows you to bring a small cooler of food in with you unlike so many of the other parks. The rides are all appropriate for small children and so are the water activities. Some of them do have height restrictions but it is a nice park. They have some shows and a fun parade that the reminds you of going to Disney World(of course not quite as big). As for Lancaster, there is a really great working Amish farm there that the kids enjoy-I can not remember the name of it but it is right on the main road in Lancaster-I am sure that it is well published and that you will be able to find it easily. Have a fun trip!

Hi D., so this is the thing two summers ago seseme place was a disaster. It was filled with undesirables. I think they may have had some kind of discounts for people from the area. These people were there without any kids which I can't understand. They were also smoking on the lines and using foul language. I can't tell you how furious I was. I had been to seseme before and never encountered this. Also my husbands coworker had the same compalaint and he went on a different day so I know it wasn't a one day thing. I thought I would never go back and figured seseme place was on its way OUT!
My kids really wanted to go back so we did this summer and thankfullly it seemed to be the old seseme place that we loved. It was back to its fun friendly family environment. I don't know what they did but I'm glad they did it.

Hi!
How funny, a co-worker just told me this morning about SesamePlace, and how nice it is for little ones. I had never heard of it before. He said that it was perfect for ages of maybe 2-6 or so, that it is really clean, and the little ones loved it. He did say that the older ones probably wouldn't enjoy it as much.
After hearing about it, and looking at their website, I plan to take our son next year (when he's between 2-3 years old).
If you go, let me know how it works out.
Have fun!
--J.

We went to sesame place a month ago with our almost 2 year old and loved it- we went almost all the rides and saw the charecters. Had a great time and bought a 2nd tickt to go back- (if you pay full price for a ticket, you can get a 2nd day for free, or if you got a discount- you can pay back the discount and get the 2nd day.) Now my sister in law came with us with her kids but they were scared of the rides and the charecters. We just stayed outside of Allentown and there is a great little railroad in Kempton, PA- you can even ride in the caboose. There is also another place near willow valley that has trains- they host a day out with Thomas- good luck

We just went to Seseame place in July with our almost 2 year old and his cousin who is 2 and 1/2. They had a great time! The park was very clean, and it wasnt even that crowded. Everything there was age appropriate so we didnt have to worry about not letting them go on a ride. My only complaint was that the food was very expensive and there was not much variety. But then again, most kids will only eat hotdogs, hamburgers and chicken nuggets. Other then that (and that you had to pay 13 bucks just to park) it was well worth the money. I highly recommend getting a 2 day pass. it costs 5 dollars more, and you wont have to rush around trying to get it all in. also, dont forget to bring water shoes!