Sesame Place is Reopening: Here’s What You Need to Know

Save the date: Sesame Place is reopening on July 24! The park, which is the first in the world to be a Certified Autism Center, is finally able to reopen its gates as the Northeast continues to recover from the effects of COVID-19. Following the current reopening and gathering guidelines for the state of Pennsylvania, there will be some changes to the park to protect the health of guests. Here are the major ways the park will look different and what you need to know before booking your tickets.

• Tickets and Reservations: To limit park capacity and ensure physical distancing is maintained, guests must purchase tickets online in advance. The new online reservation system will open at 10 am on July 20. Daily capacity has been reserved for season pass holders but pass holders must still reserve their spot online. 

• Face Coverings: All guests above the age of 2 will be required to wear a face covering during their visit. Face coverings can only be removed when guests are eating, drinking, in designated relaxation areas or in the water. At this time, guests who are unable to wear a face covering will not be able to enter the park. 

• Temperature Screenings: Everyone entering the park will receive a temperature screening. Based on CDC guidelines, anyone with a temperature above 100.4°F will be escorted to a location where they will be retested to confirm the temperature. If a fever is confirmed, guests will not be able to enter the park but can reschedule their visit.

• Physical Distancing and Sanitation: Guests and staff will be asked to maintain six feet of distance between parties. Signs directing distancing have been installed as well as plexiglass barriers in close-contact and high-traffic areas. Key areas will be cleaned with increased frequency. Hand sanitizer stations will be available across the park.

• Rides and Attractions: Many rides and attractions will be operating, although some schedules have been adjusted. Rides and attractions that are not open include the Monster and Mini Monster Clubhouses, the Mix ‘n’ Match Twiddle Tracks, Snuffy’s Slides, and Vapor Trails. Click here to see the most recent list of which rides are open.

• Water Rides: Sesame Place’s water park is open along with most of the water rides, like the wave pool and lazy river. Water rides that are not open include Bert & Ernie’s Slip & Slide, Sesame Streak, Slippery Slopes and The Count’s Splash Castle. Click here for the most recent list of which water rides and attractions are open.

• Parades, Shows and Meet-and-Greets: Parades will be temporarily unavailable. Shows and meet-and-greets, especially those that involve guest interactions, character interactions and photo opportunities, will be unavailable or modified based on the ability to ensure physical distancing. Here is a list of what shows are and are not available.

• Dining and Shopping: Physical distancing will be present in all shops and restaurants. In shops, markers guiding physical distancing have been placed. Guests will be given bagging and wrapping materials to minimize contact. Restaurant tables have been placed to ensure at least six feet between parties. Tables and chairs will be sanitized with increased frequency and utensils will be prepackaged. Condiment and topping stations and buffet-style dining will be closed or modified. Guests will be encouraged to use contactless payment methods but cash payments will still be accepted.

Sesame Place tickets currently cost $40 for a one-day ticket and $60 for a two-day ticket. The park is usually open from 10 am to 6 pm and daily hours, adjustments and closures can be found online. Read the full Sesame Place Park Health & Safety FAQ here.