Sesame Place Philadelphia
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Amusement park |
| Founded | 1980 |
| Headquarters | Middletown Township, Bucks County , United States |
Area served | Philadelphia metropolitan area, United States |
| Owner | United Parks & Resorts (under license from Sesame Workshop) |
| Website | sesameplace |
Sesame Place Philadelphia is a children's theme park and water park inspired by the educational series Sesame Street. Managed and owned by United Parks & Resorts under a licensing agreement with Sesame Workshop, the park is situated in Middletown Township, Bucks County, in proximity to Philadelphia. As the elder of two Sesame Place locations in the United States—the other being in San Diego—it provides rides, performances, and water-based attractions specifically designed for young audiences. Additionally, it holds the distinction of being the first theme park worldwide to receive certification as an autism center.
History
Sesame Place opened its doors in 1980 near the Oxford Valley Mall. The park’s original design was crafted by Eric McMillan, Sandra Hanna, among others. Initially covering , it included play zones and computer learning centers. Over time, the facility expanded to encompass , highlighted by its largest overhaul with the introduction of Cookie's Monster Land in 2014.
Traditionally operating seasonally from May through Halloween and again from November to December, Sesame Place began limited year-round weekend events starting January 2021. However, in 2023, it temporarily discontinued year-round operations, closing from mid-January until mid-February.
In 2007, Sesame Place became Pennsylvania’s pioneer fully smoke-free theme park. On World Autism Awareness Day in 2018, it achieved recognition as the first Certified Autism Center among theme parks worldwide, improving accessibility for visitors with cognitive challenges.
In July 2022, Sesame Place encountered controversy following a viral video in which the character Rosita appeared to overlook two Black children. The park explained that restricted visibility within the costume and policies prohibiting holding guests contributed to the misunderstanding. They issued an official apology, invited the affected family for a meet-and-greet visit, and pledged to conduct racial bias training for staff to foster an inclusive environment.
Attractions
Sesame Place features both dry rides and water-based attractions. Dry rides operate during seasonal events such as Elmo's Springtacular, summer months, The Count's Halloween Spooktacular, and A Very Furry Christmas. Water rides are available exclusively during summer (Memorial Day through Labor Day). Certain attractions are only open during specific seasonal celebrations.
Sesame Plaza
The main entrance area.
| Name | Manufacturer | Opened | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor Trail | Vekoma | 1998 | A custom family roller coaster themed around Super Grover, featuring multiple helixes. |
| Sunny Day Carousel | Chance Rides | 2008 | A carousel adorned with Sesame Street-themed horses; relocated here in 2024 from Sesame Neighborhood. |
Sesame City
A themed area centered on urban transit and city life.
| Name | Manufacturer | Opened | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oscar's Wacky Taxi | The Gravity Group | 2018 | A wooden family roller coaster simulating a wild taxi ride alongside Oscar, positioned near the entrance. |
| Big Bird's Tour Bus | Zamperla | 2022 | An exciting bus ride mimicking a city tour experience with Big Bird. |
Big Bird's Beach
Previously known as "Twiddlebug Land" (1993–2023).
| Name | Opened | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Elmo's Surf n' Slide | 1995 | A towering six-story raft water slide; formerly called "Sky Splash" until 2023. |
| Rosita's Seaside Slides | 1993 | Two spiral tube water slides offering single and double tube options; previously named "Slimey's Chutes." |
| Little Bird's Bay | 1993 | A 10,000 sq ft (930 m2) wave pool designed to look like Ernie’s garden hose; formerly known as "Teeny Tiny Tidal Wave Pool." |
| Abby's Splash n' Sprayground | 1993 | A water playground featuring a large watering can; unnamed prior to 2023. |
Sesame Island
This section is dedicated to water-themed attractions.
| Name | Opened | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Abby's Paradise Theater | An outdoor covered venue presenting Meet and Greet sessions with Snuffy alongside the performance Welcome To The Party. | |
| Bert and Ernie's Splashy Shores | 2023 | A water play area featuring umbrellas, tipping buckets, jets, bobbles, and a spraying tower. |
| Big Bird's Rambling River | 1990 | A gently flowing water channel stretching approximately 1000 feet throughout Sesame Island. |
| Sand Castle Beach | 1990 | Expansive sandbox combined with a playground space. |
Sesame Neighborhood
A life-sized Sesame Street replica that opened in 1988.
| Name | Opened | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 123 Playground | 2024 | Vibrantly colored children's play area incorporating traditional playground equipment, situated on the former site of the Sunny Day Carousel and Big Bird Steps. |
| Sesame Studio | 1980 | Indoor theater primarily hosting Sesame Storytime and various special events. |
| Sesame Street Theater | 1980 | Spacious outdoor theater used for performances, character meet-and-greets, and special occasions. |
The Count's Court
An area themed around Count von Count, featuring water rides with dry attractions available during special events.
| Name | Opened | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Count's Splash Castle | 2009 | A multi-level water playground boasting over 90 interactive elements, including a 1000-gallon tipping bucket. |
| Abby's Fairy Falls | 1983 | Four vertical water slides that empty into a shallow pool; previously known as Slippery Slopes until mid-2021. |
Elmo's World
Based on the Elmo's World segment theme.
| Name | Opened | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Elmo's Silly Splashy Slides | 1985 | Two intertwined body flume slides concluding in a splash pool; formerly called Bert & Ernie's Slip & Slide until mid-2021. |
| Peek-A-Bug | 2006 | Rock 'n Tug ride designed to resemble a garden bug. |
| Blast Off | 2006 | Tower drop attraction simulating a journey to Planet Elmo. |
| Elmo's Cloud Chaser | 2011 | Swing ride offering an aerial swinging experience. |
| Flyin' Fish | 2006 | An aerial carousel similar in style to Dumbo the Flying Elephant. |
| Snuffy's Slides | 1980 | Two extended dry tube slides intended for children under 12, remaining from the original Big Bird Bridge system. |
Cookie's Monster Land
Named after Cookie Monster and inaugurated in 2014.
| Name | Opened | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Captain Cookie's High C's Adventure | 2014 | Pirate ship ride traveling along a track that rises and falls. |
| Oscar's Rusty Rotten Rockets | 2014 | Whip-style attraction featuring garbage can-shaped rocket vehicles. |
| Honker Dinger Derby | 2014 | Tivoli Orbiter ride previously known as Busch Gardens Tampa's Sandstorm. |
| Monster Mix-Up | 2002 | Teacup ride formerly called Grover's World Twirl. |
| Flying Cookie Jars | 2002 | Tower ride reaching 40 feet high providing panoramic park views; once Big Bird's Balloon Race. |
| Monster Clubhouse | 2014 | Climbing structure made of nets. |
| Mini Monster Clubhouse | 2014 | Play area designed for younger kids. |
Special Event Rides
These rides operate exclusively during seasonal festivities.
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| The Castle Swing | Swing ride attraction. |
| The Count's Fly By | A smaller version of Elmo's Cloud Chaser, themed after the Count character. |
| The Count's Cruisers | Carousel-style ride featuring 4x4 vehicles. |
Former attractions
| Name | Opened | Closed | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult's Oasis | Unknown | Unknown | Designated adult-only zone. |
| The Amazing Mumford's Water Maze | 1980 | 2004 | Water spray maze later replaced by a walkway. |
| Anti-Gravity Mirror | Mirrors designed for children's entertainment. | ||
| Balancing Buoys | 1981 | Circa 1982 | |
| Bert's Balance Beams | 1980 | Unknown | Beam balancing activity. |
| Big Bird Bridge/Steps | 1980 | 2007 | Distinctive Big Bird head and bridge leading to slides; removed to make way for Sunny Day Carousel. |
| Big Bird's Nest | 1980 | 2013 | Play area for toddlers under five, later replaced by Cookie's Monster Land. |
| Chat Lag | Area designated for conversation. | ||
| Circle Theater | 1983 | Unknown | Venue for animal performances, subsequently converted into a photo opportunity spot. |
| Circus Mirrors | Child-friendly circus-themed mirrors. | ||
| The Computer Gallery/The Games Gallery | 1980 | 2001 | Initially educational computer games, then arcade games, ultimately transformed into Sesame Cafe restaurant. |
| Cookie Mountain | 1980 | 2013 | Inflatable climbing structure for children under seven, replaced by Cookie's Monster Land. |
| The Count Around | 2015 | 2017-2018 | Mini ferris wheel featured during Halloween events; currently stored. |
| The Count's Ballroom | 1980 | 2006 | Large ball pit removed to make room for Elmo's World; succeeded by Blast Off. |
| The Count's Fount | 1985 | 2008 | Water play area replaced with Count's Splash Castle. |
| Create a Muppet Show | 1980s | Unknown | |
| Crystal Climb | 1982 | Unknown | Geodesic climbing maze relocated then removed; original location became Adult's Oasis. |
| Elmo's World Live | 2001 | 2016 | Live performance succeeded by Elmo: the Musical – LIVE!. |
| Ernie's Bed Bounce | 1980 | 2013 | Inflatable air mattress removed for Cookie's Monster Land; area now Honker Dinger Derby. |
| Ernie's Waterworks | 1990 | 2022 | Small water play zone replaced by Bert and Ernie's Splashy Shores. |
| Everyone is You and Me | 1983 | 1990s | |
| Foot Notes | |||
| Grover's Rubber Band Bounce | |||
| Herry's Hand Over Water | 1980 | 1984 | Playground over water replaced by Sesame Construction Company. |
| Kaliedoscope | |||
| Little Bird's Birdbath | 1990s | 2008 | Sprinkler play zone demolished for Count's Splash Castle. |
| Little Bird's Court | 1980 | 2001 | Sand playground relocated to Sesame Island; original site replaced with Grover’s World Twirl. |
| Little Bird's Rapids | 2008 | Junior water slide removed for Count’s Splash Castle. | |
| Mirror Mirage | |||
| Mix and Match Muppet Totem Poles | |||
| Mix n' Match Twiddle Tracks | 1993 | 2021 | Children’s railroad attraction discontinued after 2021 season. |
| Monster Maze | 1980 | 2013 | Sand pit featuring "monster" bags, removed to build Cookie’s Monster Land. |
| Multiscopes | |||
| Nets & Climbs | 1980 | 2013 | Cargo net tunnels dismantled for Cookie’s Monster Land development. |
| Oscar's Balance Beams | |||
| Oscar's Obstacle Course | 1980 | Unknown | |
| Pedal Power and Cycles | 1980 | 1999 | |
| Pin Tables | |||
| Pitch Switch | |||
| Rainbow Pyramid | 1980 | 2001 | Air pressure attraction replaced with Sesame Playhouse. |
| Rainbow Room | 1980 | 1999 | |
| Rubber Duckie Pond | 1980 | Unknown | Giant water bed later redeveloped into water play area of the same name. |
| Rubber Duckie Pond | Unknown | 2010 | Water play area demolished to construct Elmo’s Cloud Chaser. |
| Runaway Rapids | 1984 | 2008 | Tube water slide torn down to make way for Count’s Splash Castle. |
| Sesame Beach | 1980 | 2006 | Sandbox area removed for Elmo’s World; succeeded by Peek a Bug. |
| Sesame Construction Company | 1985 | 2001 | Large building blocks play zone dismantled for Big Bird’s Balloon Race. |
| Sesame Dream Network | |||
| Sesame Garden | 1981 | 1980s | Flower garden area. |
| Sesame Place Furry Express | 2020 | Seasonal locomotive train last operated in 2020. | |
| Sesame Production Company | |||
| Sesame Slab Slides | |||
| Sesame Streak | 2020–2022 | Pair of tube water slides closed after 2021 and dismantled in late 2022. | |
| Shadow Room | 1980 | 2001 | |
| Silly Sand Slides | 1993 | 2019 | Three themed giant slides removed in 2019. |
| Slimey's Square | 2021 | 2023 | Play area catering to children under five, closed in 2023. |
| Slippery Slopes | 1980 | 1985 | Foam-covered slides replaced by Sesame Streak water slide. |
| 1981 | | | | |||
| 1981 | | | | |||
| 1980 |1986 |Rope swing attraction removed in 1986. | | |||
| | | | | |||
| 1980 |1999 |Kaleidoscope-style mirror hall. | | |||
| 1983 |Unknown | | | |||
| 1980 |2013 |Tunnel attraction dismantled for Cookie’s Monster Land. | | |||
| 1980 |1986 |Large rope swing replaced with garden space. | | |||
| 1993 |2022 |Waterpark rethemed as Big Bird’s Beach in 2023. | | |||
| 1980 |Unknown |Children’s light- and sound-enhanced crawl tunnel. | | |||
| 1980 |2013 |Removed to expand Cookie’s Monster Land. | | |||
| | | | | |||
| 1983 |1986 |Water slide removed due to low usage; replaced by Little Bird’s Birdbath. | |
Additional resources
- Introduction of Abby Cadabby as a walkaround figure at Sesame Place
- Report on Christy Carlson Romano's performance at Sesame Place
- English, Chris. "Latest updates at Sesame Place," phillyBurbs, May 3, 2007
- Wagh, Manasee. "Variety Kids Enjoy Halloween Festivities at Sesame Place," phillyBurbs, Nov 5, 2008
- Debree, Crissa Shoemaker. "Clarification: Oxford Valley remains open," phillyBurbs, Aug 18, 2008
- Ciavaglia, Jo. "Abby Cadabby: a new character introduced at Sesame Place," phillyBurbs, Aug 28, 2008
- Wang, Jacqueline Burt. "Top Four Family Day Trips," New York Post, Aug 8, 2008
- Rearick, Kristie. "'Hip Hop Harry' performs live at Sesame Place," South Jersey News Online, June 27, 2008
- Mcguire, Kara. "Directions to Sesame Place," Star Tribune, May 2, 2008
- Coverage of Durham-Wahlberg family’s visit featured in People Magazine, Aug 20, 2007