If you’ve got a kid who’s obsessed with Sesame Street, then taking the NJ turnpike to Sesame Place in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, is a must. During a recent trip, my daughter burst through the gates, squealing with excitement, and ran straight into the arms of Abby Cadabby, her favorite character. They danced and sang together, and I even managed to get her to smile for a picture without having to beg—right then, I knew we were in for a fantastic day. Sesame Place has been around since I was a kid, and I have tons of great memories from visits with my parents and siblings. The park has changed a lot over the years—it’s grown to include a water park and hosts a bunch of seasonal Sesame-themed events. It’s the kind of place you’ll keep coming back to while your kids are still young and have plenty of sunny-feeling days hanging in the neighborhood with Elmo and friends. Read on for what we do when we visit Sesame Place, just a short drive from New Jersey. (featured photo credit: NJ MOM)

What to do at Sesame Place in Langhorne, PA

sesame place philadelphia theme park nj mom — *Check out the kid-friendly rides throughout the park with plenty of stroller parking right in front of each ride. (photo credit: NJ MOM)*

Hop on the rides and attractions

Whenever we go to Sesame Place, we usually spend the whole day hopping from one ride or attraction to the next. Even the smallest member of your crew can have fun and get in on the action, thanks to family-friendly rides like Peek-A-Bug, Snuffy’s Slides, or the Sunny Day Carousel that are thoughtfully designed for younger ages. If you have thrill seekers with you, then the Honker Dinger Derby or Oscar’s Wacky Taxi Coaster should be on your list for your visit. When you’re done with the rides, head over to the 123 Playground, where kids can climb, hop, and play in the imaginative and colorful play area.

Watch the lively shows and parades

If you’ve ever been to a themed amusement park, you know how much fun the parades can be for the whole family. At Sesame Place, the parades are a blast, teeming with Sesame Street-themed entertainment. Watch the Sesame Street Party Parade with colorful, musical, and show-stopping fun that will get everyone up and dancing. And for more entertaining fun (especially for toddlers who aren’t as into the rides), watch the Welcome To The Party, the Furry Friends Dance Party, or the new Elmo’s Imagination Explorers show featuring all the beloved characters as they demonstrate the power of kindness and friendship.

Sesame Place characters nj mom — *There are lots of opportunities to meet and dine with the Sesame Place characters. Photo Credit: NJ MOM*

Celebrate diversity and inclusion

For families that have children with special needs, Sesame Place is the first theme park in North America to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. The program is for guests with non-visible disabilities that may require more time, understanding, patience, and assistance during their visit. If you have a family member who qualifies, you can find wristbands at the Family Care Center and Mr. Hooper’s Gift Shop. Sesame Place Philadelphia is also the first theme park in the world to be designated a Certified Autism Center. Additionally, the park trains all staff to create a safe and inclusive environment, ensuring that every visitor has a fulfilling experience.

Dine with Elmo and friends

One of the best parts about Sesame Place is seeing your kids’ faces when they meet their favorite characters up close. From Abby Cadabby and Bert and Ernie to Big Bird and, of course, Elmo, kids can pose for photos, chat, and get their autographs. And for a magical experience, make a reservation for Dine With Elmo and Friends. The themed feasts (Mother’s Day and Father’s Day) feature kiddo favorites like mac and cheese, hot dogs, a Caesar salad, and assorted pastries. But the highlight is joining in on the entertainment during the meal. Elmo and his friends will walk around, say hello to each kid, pose for a photo, and bring some of the show’s beloved songs and dances to life. If a holiday or special event is happening close to the time you are going, check out the options available during your visit.

sesame place philadelphia waterpark nj mom — *Sesame Place truly has something for every age and ability. They are a Certified Autism Center and a sensory-friendly park. Photo Credit: NJ MOM*

Splash into summer

When summer heats up, Sesame Place has tons of ways to cool off at its water attractions. For kids who love to plunge down a slippery slide, check out Bert’s Topsy Turvy Tunnels, Elmo’s Silly Sand Slides, or Ernie’s Twisty Turny Tunnels. Older kids will love Cookie’s Monster Mixer, a water thrill ride where the whole family can hop into a six-person raft for a wild ride that finishes with a big splash. Once the kiddos have had their fun, you can kick back and relax at Big Bird’s Rambling River while staying cool.

Fuel up with food and souvenirs

Hungry? Make a pit stop at one of the casual eateries like Big Bird’s Beach Bites, Elmo’s Pizza Party, Grover’s Grill, or Telly’s Trattoria around the park. In the mood for something sweet? Stop by Eats on the Street or Oscar’s Grouchy Grub for some healthy options. Once your bellies are full, let your food settle before hopping back on the rides at the Sesame Souvenirs or Hooper’s Store, where you can grab a souvenir to take home.

sesame place philadelphia theme and water park nj mom — *The sandy play area is a favorite between rides. Photo Credit NJ MOM*

FAQs

What are the amusement park hours?

Before planning your trip to Sesame Place, make sure you check the calendar for hours. The park is open 7 days a week during the summer season, and on weekends before and after.

How much are tickets?

Tickets are $79.99 per person for an Any Day Ticket when purchased online, and a variety of season pass options are available depending on the level you buy. There are upgrades available for purchase, including Abby’s Unlimited Queue (which gives you priority in line for rides), Dine with Elmo & Friends, and more.

Are there special events?

Get ready to celebrate during one of the seasonal events that make Sesame Place even more special. In the spring, you won’t want to miss Elmo’s Springtacular, themed with spring season entertainment, celebrations, and meet and greets. When fall hits, The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular is loaded with spooky vibes and cool decorations. And for summer, make sure to hit up the Sesame Summer Splash with water rides, interactive games, and live shows that delight everyone in the family. Want to make it a weekend trip? Grab one of their kid-friendly hotel packages for discounts on your stay.

To learn more about Sesame Place, visit their website, Instagram, and Facebook.

Sesame Place
100 Sesame Road
Langhorne, PA 19047

Want the inside scoop? Sign up for the NJMOM bi-weekly newsletter to get the lowdown on everything for your family in NJ (think of it as the ultimate cheat sheet for NJ Moms). And don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured.