Sesame Place Travel Guide — Pennsylvania

Our team at Roam States knows that planning a family trip can be a joyous adventure, especially when it involves a destination as beloved as Sesame Place. This comprehensive guide targets Sesame Place Pennsylvania, offering confident and specific insights to help you navigate this unique theme park and its surroundings. Forget generic advice; we're here to provide the actionable details you need for a truly memorable visit.

Why Visit Sesame Place

For families with young children, a visit to Sesame Place is more than just a day at a theme park; it's an immersive journey into the world of Sesame Street. It's the only theme park on the East Coast, and indeed one of only two in the United States, based entirely on the award-winning children's show. We've seen firsthand the magic that unfolds when little ones come face-to-face with their favorite furry friends like Elmo, Big Bird, and Cookie Monster.

Beyond the beloved characters, Sesame Place Philadelphia offers over 28 theme park and water rides, entertaining shows, vibrant parades, and a host of interactive experiences designed specifically for younger visitors. It's a place where childhood wonder is celebrated, and every corner brings a new opportunity for joy and discovery. Moreover, the park has been recognized as a Certified Autism Center, a designation renewed for 2026, showcasing its commitment to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for guests with autism and other special needs. This dedication means specialized services, quiet rooms, and sensory guides are available, ensuring a comfortable experience for all families.

Who It's Best For

Our experience tells us that Sesame Place is best suited for families with younger children, typically those between the ages of 2 and 7 years old. The rides, attractions, and entertainment are thoughtfully designed with this age group in mind, offering gentle thrills and plenty of opportunities for interaction with the Sesame Street characters. Children 23 months and younger even receive free admission.

While the park caters predominantly to toddlers and preschoolers, older siblings can still find enjoyment, particularly with the water attractions during warmer months and some of the more exciting dry rides like Oscar's Wacky Taxi Roller Coaster. Furthermore, as a Certified Autism Center, Sesame Place is an exceptional choice for families with children on the autism spectrum or other sensory sensitivities. The park's staff are trained in sensory awareness, and amenities like quiet rooms and noise-canceling headphones are readily available to help manage sensory input. This inclusive approach makes it a truly welcoming destination for a wide range of families.

How to Get There & Parking

Understanding how to get to Sesame Place is crucial for a smooth start to your trip. Sesame Place is conveniently located in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, approximately 30 minutes north of Philadelphia and about 90 minutes south of New York City. Its proximity to major highways like I-95, I-295, and US-1 makes it easily accessible for many East Coast travelers. The GPS address for the park is 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, PA 19047.

For those driving, we strongly recommend purchasing parking online in advance to save time upon arrival. General parking for cars typically starts around $25, while bus parking begins at $30. Some sources indicate general parking at $35 and preferred parking at $53, which offers closer proximity to the entrance. Keep in mind that parking is required for each visit and is non-refundable. Accessible parking spaces are available in the parking lot near the park entrance, including van-accessible spots.

If you're wondering how to get to Sesame Place without a private vehicle, public transportation is an option. New Jersey Transit offers routes to the Trenton Train Station, from which you can take a SEPTA bus or a taxi for the remaining short distance to the park. Additionally, SEPTA operates a direct bus, Route 14, from Langhorne to Sesame Place, with tickets costing around $3 and a journey time of about 11 minutes. This bus service operates every four hours on Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Top Things to Do

When it comes to things to do at Sesame Place, the options are plentiful and designed to delight young visitors. The park boasts over 28 themed rides and water attractions, ensuring a full day of fun. During the warmer summer months (typically Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day), the water park features are in full swing, offering a fantastic way to cool off.

Our team suggests starting your day with some of the dry rides to beat the initial crowds. Favorites include Oscar's Wacky Taxi Roller Coaster, Elmo's Flyin' Fish, and the classic Sunny Day Carousel. The Sesame Street Neighborhood itself is an interactive area where kids can explore familiar stoops and storefronts, often encountering characters for impromptu meet-and-greets.

For water-based things to do at Sesame Place, you'll find everything from gentle splash pads for the smallest guests to more exhilarating slides. Big Bird's Rambling River offers a relaxing float, while Elmo's Silly Sand Slides and Bert's Topsy Turvy Tunnels provide a bit more excitement. The Count's Splash Castle is a multi-level interactive water-play area with over ninety elements, including a 1,000-gallon tipping bucket. Remember that water attractions are weather-dependent and may not open if temperatures are below 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

No visit is complete without experiencing the live entertainment. The Sesame Street Party Parade is a highlight, featuring colorful floats and high-energy music that gets everyone dancing. Various character shows are performed throughout the day at different theaters, offering opportunities to sing along with Elmo, Cookie Monster, and their friends. Check the park's mobile app or schedule upon arrival for showtimes and character appearance locations.

Dining with characters is another popular activity. "Dine with Elmo & Friends" requires advance reservations and offers a delicious, fun-filled feast with your favorite characters. The park also offers an All-Day Dining Deal and various eateries like Big Bird's Burger & Bites, Elmo's Pizza Kitchen, and Cookie Monster's Foodie Truck.

Best Time to Visit

To maximize your enjoyment and minimize crowds, our team recommends visiting Sesame Place on weekdays during the summer, if your schedule allows. Weekends, especially Saturdays, tend to be significantly busier. Spring and early fall also offer quieter experiences, particularly beneficial for families with pre-school-aged children who aren't bound by school holidays.

Arriving right at park opening is a pro tip for any theme park, and Sesame Place is no exception. This allows you to experience popular rides before lines build up and to enjoy the park during cooler morning temperatures. The park's main operating season with all water attractions open typically runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, with daily hours from 10 AM to 8 PM. Outside of this period, the park operates on a weekend-only schedule, with seasonal events like "The Count's Halloween Spooktacular" (September to November) and "A Very Furry Christmas" (November to January) offering unique themed experiences. Be sure to check the official Sesame Place calendar for specific operating hours and event schedules for your planned visit, as these can vary.

Where to Stay Nearby

While Sesame Place offers a full day of excitement, many families opt for an overnight stay to extend the fun. Fortunately, Langhorne and the surrounding Bucks County area offer a range of accommodations to suit various preferences and budgets. Several hotels are official partners with Sesame Place, often providing exclusive benefits or packages that can enhance your trip.

Highly-rated options in close proximity to the park include the Residence Inn by Marriott Philadelphia Langhorne, praised for its comfortable suites and friendly staff, located just 0.7 miles away. The SpringHill Suites by Marriott Philadelphia Langhorne is another excellent choice, often highlighted for its convenience to the park and family-friendly amenities. The Courtyard by Marriott Philadelphia Langhorne and the Sheraton Bucks County Langhorne are also popular choices, offering comfortable stays and being within a short distance of Sesame Place. For those seeking value, the Holiday Inn Express Langhorne Oxford Valley is a well-regarded 3-star option approximately 0.4 miles from the park.

Many of these hotels offer amenities like complimentary breakfast, pools, and spacious rooms, which are ideal for families. When booking, we recommend checking for "Sesame Place hotel packages," as these often include discounted tickets and sometimes even free character dining for children.

Sample 2-Day Itinerary

To truly savor the magic of Sesame Place and explore the charming Bucks County area, we recommend a two-day itinerary. This allows for a more relaxed pace and ensures you don't miss any of the key attractions.

Day 1: Full Day at Sesame Place

• **Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Park Opening & Dry Rides**
  Arrive right at opening (10 AM) to beat the crowds and head straight for the popular dry rides. Start with Oscar's Wacky Taxi Roller Coaster for a thrill, then explore Elmo's World with attractions like Elmo's Flyin' Fish and the Sunny Day Carousel. Don't forget to wander through the interactive Sesame Street Neighborhood.
• **Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Character Dining or Quick Service**
  Enjoy a "Dine with Elmo & Friends" experience (reservations required and made in advance), or grab a quick and easy meal at Big Bird's Burger & Bites or Elmo's Pizza Kitchen.
• **Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Water Park Fun**
  Change into swimsuits and head to the water attractions. Splash around in Big Bird's Beach, float down Big Bird's Rambling River, or brave the slides at The Count's Splash Castle. Remember that water attractions are generally open during the summer season.
• **Late Afternoon/Early Evening (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Shows & Character Meet-and-Greets**
  Catch one of the lively character shows at the Sesame Street Theater. Check the park app for schedules and plan for a character meet-and-greet photo opportunity.
• **Evening (7:00 PM - Park Close): Sesame Street Party Parade & Departure**
  Secure a good spot for the iconic Sesame Street Party Parade, a vibrant and energetic end to your day. Consider leaving just before official closing to avoid heavy traffic.

Day 2: More Park Fun & Local Exploration

• **Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Revisit Favorites or New Attractions**
  Return to Sesame Place for a few more hours. Revisit any favorite rides or explore areas you missed on Day 1. This is a good time to hit any water rides you skipped, or enjoy more character interactions.
• **Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Local Langhorne Eats**
  Head outside the park for lunch. Langhorne offers family-friendly dining options like Metro Diner, or local spots such as Jay's Steak & Hoagie Joint.
• **Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Bucks County Nature & History**
  Explore the natural beauty of Bucks County. Visit Core Creek Park for playgrounds, nature trails, and lake activities. Alternatively, consider a visit to Playwicki Park for more trails and outdoor fun. For a taste of history, consider a short drive to Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, about 30 minutes away, or the Gettysburg National Military Park for a more extensive historical immersion.
• **Late Afternoon/Evening: Family Entertainment**
  Depending on your family's energy levels, you could try miniature golf at Golf Adventure or visit the Bucks County Children's Museum for more kid-centric activities. For adults, the Naked Brewing Company or Langhorne Brewing Company offer local craft beverage experiences.

Is It Worth Visiting?

Our expert verdict is a resounding yes, is Sesame Place worth visiting, especially for families with young children. While a day at the park isn't inexpensive, the joy and lasting memories created are invaluable. The park is specifically designed for the 2-7 age group, making it an ideal first theme park experience where little ones can truly engage with their beloved characters and enjoy age-appropriate rides.

The commitment to accessibility, as the world's first Certified Autism Center, further enhances its value, providing a welcoming and supportive environment for all children. From the thrilling (but gentle) roller coasters to the refreshing water slides and the heartwarming parades, there's a comprehensive array of activities that cater directly to young families. When considering is Sesame Place worth visiting, weigh the unique, immersive Sesame Street experience against the cost, and for many, the answer will be a definite affirmative. It's a place where children's imaginations soar and where sunny days are guaranteed, often literally, with their "Sunny Day Guarantee" policy for inclement weather.

Sesame Place Hiking Trails

While Sesame Place offers a wealth of rides, shows, and water attractions, it is a theme park and as such, does not feature dedicated Sesame Place hiking trails within its boundaries. The park's 14 acres are fully utilized for its themed zones and attractions.

However, for families looking to incorporate some outdoor adventure and hiking into their trip, the good news is that the Langhorne area of Bucks County is rich with beautiful natural spaces. Just a short drive from Sesame Place, you'll find Core Creek Park, which boasts extensive nature trails perfect for walking or even horseback riding. Playwicki Park is another excellent option nearby, offering additional nature trails and open spaces for children to explore and "monkey around" at playgrounds. So, while you won't find Sesame Place hiking trails, there are plenty of opportunities to connect with nature just minutes away, providing a wonderful balance to the excitement of the theme park.

Sesame Place Camping

For those who enjoy sleeping under the stars, you won't find Sesame Place camping directly on-site. Sesame Place is a day-use theme park and does not offer overnight accommodations in the form of campgrounds or RV parks within its property. Big Bird's nest, unfortunately, is not available for rent.

However, if you're keen on a camping experience as part of your family vacation, there are numerous RV campgrounds and resorts located within a convenient driving distance in nearby Pennsylvania. Bucks County and the surrounding region offer various options for Sesame Place camping, from private campgrounds with amenities to state parks that allow camping. We recommend searching for campgrounds in areas like Newtown, Doylestown, or even across the Delaware River in parts of New Jersey, which are typically within a 30-60 minute drive of Langhorne. This allows you to enjoy the theme park during the day and retreat to a natural setting in the evening.

Last updated: 2026-07-07 by the Roam States team.