Upcoming Sandcastle Season: What You Need To Know

PITTSBURGH, PA - It might not seem like summer is right around the corner with the recent cool temperatures, but one sure sign of its imminent approach is the opening of Sandcastle. The West Homestead water park opens for its 28th season on May 27 with a few new wrinkles.

Parents of small children will notice one immediately. The two-feet deep, toddler-friendly Tadpool received what Sandcastle marketing director Melissa Kelly described as a facelift. The area’s slides were replaced and it’s been redone in fun, bright colors.

For adults, Sandcastle is now offering an all-season dining pass like Kennywood, its sister amusement park a few miles down Route 837. Available to season passholders, the $59.99 dining pass entitles the guest to one combo meal per visit.

Among the events and activities planned for the season:

• An “Out of School and Into the Pool” special June 10-14 in which guests can save $10 on admission when they bring a donation of unused school supplies for the Education Partnership.

• Family Fun Fridays, with games and giveaways from noon to 2 p.m. at the special events tents beginning June 16.

• The water park again will participate in the world’s largest swim lesson on June 22. The 30-minute lesson is free for the first 100 registered participants.

• From July 10-14, all military, local police, firefighters and EMTs will receive free admission with proper ID, and family members can purchase admission tickets for $19.99.

• Annual Shark Week festivities will occur July 24-30 and include appearances from local radio stations with games and giveaways.

• Sandcastle will be open daily from June 10-August 20. The water park also will be open May 27-29, June 3-4, Aug. 26-27 and Sept. 2-4.

Photo by MissMessie via Creative Commons.