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Know Before You Go

Health and safety tips to make your 2020 visit to Idlewild & SoakZone safe and FUN

We are very excited to welcome you and your family back to Idlewild & SoakZone this summer! In response to COVID-19, we are operating under modified calendar and hours this season. Stay up to date on the latest operations updates on our Scheduled Attractions page.

We want you to know the health and safety of our Guests and Team Members is our top priority. We are fully committed to creating the cleanest and safest environment possible for your visit.

The way we will operate this summer is significantly different from what we are all used to as we adapt to the new landscape created by COVID-19. While we are committed to enhanced standards in an effort to keep you as healthy and safe as possible, there remains an inherent and elevated risk of exposure to COVID-19 in any public place and any place where people are present. Please, read this page fully to ensure the best experience possible as you plan your visit and join us.

Planning a Visit

In order to comply with key health and safety measures surrounding limiting capacity, social distancing, and touch-free payment, planning a visit to Idlewild & SoakZone will look different this summer.

  • Capacity will be limited daily. While at this time we have temporarily suspended the need to RSVP in advance of a visit, this may change in the future. For now, capacity will be controlled at the gate. Please understand that Idlewild is a very large park and our reduced capacity is still a large number.
  • All those wishing to enter Idlewild & SoakZone (Guests, Team Members, Suppliers, and Contracted Partners) will have their temperatures scanned before entering the park.
  • Any person with a temperature of 100.4°F or higher, or displaying other symptoms of COVID-19, will be denied entry.
  • Facial coverings are required for all entrants, except children younger than age three. Facial coverings are not required in pools or on slides, but must be worn at all other times. Face shields are not permitted on any attraction and are not a substitute for a facial covering. Face shields are permitted within the park when worn with a facial covering.

Visitors will find many more new proactive measures in place at Idlewild & SoakZone this summer.


Here are the specific steps we’re taking in accordance with state and federal guidelines.

Face Coverings Face Coverings
Required face coverings for park personnel and guests alike.
   
Temperature Checks Temperature Checks
Checking every guest and employee upon entrance.
   
Hand Cleansing Hand Cleansing
Asking everyone to wash hands often with soap and water.
   
Hand Sanitizer Hand Sanitizer
Providing sanitizer stations throughout the park.
Social Distancing Social Distancing
Requiring social distance of six feet between your party and others.
   
Limiting Capacity Limiting Capacity
Limiting the number of guests to facilitate social distancing.
   
Sanitizing Teams Sanitizing Teams
Performing enhanced sanitizing throughout the day on high-touch surfaces and rides.
   
Education & Training Education & Training
Enhanced staff education and training on cleanliness and safety practices. Please read and follow all posted safety signage.
   

For a comprehensive breakdown of COVID-19 related safety measures, please visit our Health & Safety page.


Working Together to Avoid COVID-19


The health and safety of our Guests and Team Members is our top priority. In these unprecedented times, we have implemented enhanced health and safety measures to help protect everyone. But we can’t do it alone. We are counting on everyone’s efforts to do their part by cooperating with these new measures that are designed to keep every person visiting and/or working at Idlewild and SoakZone healthy and safe.


Guest Responsibilities


  • Wear face coverings per CDC guidelines
  • Submit to temperature check at arrival
  • Wash hands often with soap and water
  • Avoid touching your face
  • Maintain appropriate (6 ft.) distance from others not in your travel party

While we are committed to enhanced standards in an effort to keep you as healthy and safe as possible, there remains an inherent and elevated risk of exposure to COVID-19 in any public place and any place where people are present. People who do not show symptoms can still spread COVID-19. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and persons with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable and at higher risk for severe illness. Guests should familiarize themselves with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and evaluate their risk in determining whether they should attend our facilities. If you or a family member are ill or think that you may be getting ill, please postpone your visit until you are well.

By visiting our facility, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.




Frequently Asked Questions

Can't find the answer to your question? Please e-mail us at guestrelations@idlewild.com and we will assist you.
Operational Calendar Updates

Updated 7.24.20 - Idlewild and SoakZone will open to the general public on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only, plus Labor Day (September 7) for the remainder of the Summer Season (excluding Fridays, August 28 and September 4). Please visit our Calendar page for our full Summer 2020 operating schedule.

What Safety and Sanitation Procedures are in place this season?

Our highest priority remains the safety of all of our Team Members and Guests, and we’re closely following the guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Pennsylvania Department of Health along with other government officials and health experts. Some of our evolving sanitation procedures include:

  • Making sure rides and other areas are clean and hygienic
  • Communicating and promoting the need to maintain social distance
  • Promoting regular and thorough hand washing by Team Members, Contractors and Guests
  • Installing sanitizing hand rub dispensers in prominent places around the park to facilitate handwashing amongst Guests
  • Promoting good respiratory hygiene in the workplace
  • Encouraging Guests and Team Members to stay home if you are exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19, or have been in contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, shown symptoms, or themselves come into contact with an individual at risk or suspected of having contracted COVID-19.
  • Educating all Team Members about illness prevention, preparedness and response

In addition to the information listed above and these public health resources, you can visit our Health & Safety page for a detailed list of our many measures in place for this summer.

Do I have to wear a face covering?

In keeping with the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and in following with orders from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, all Guests and Team Members are required to wear facial coverings while at Idlewild and SoakZone. The only exception is for children younger than age three. Policy updated June 18, 2020.

Guests are required to remove facial coverings while enjoying SoakZone water attractions (Wavepool, Lazy River, Waters Slides, etc.) or other water rides such as Loggin' Toboggan, in complying with water safety best practices. We recommend bringing a sealable plastic bag to store your facial covering in if you plan to enjoy these attractions. Guests may also remove facial covering while eating or drinking. Facial covering required while waiting in queue lines at food or retail locations within SoakZone waterpark, while inside restrooms/changing facilities, and in all general park / amusement ride areas.

There are no designated mask-free zones.

Will Early Season Events be rescheduled?

While we would like to find new dates for some seasonal events that were postponed or cancelled, at this time it is too soon to say with confidence whether they will be rescheduled at all for 2020, but we look forward to their return in 2021.

How does this affect my Season Pass?

2020 Season Pass purchases made before June 14, 2020 will receive the identical Season Pass, with the same benefits, in 2021 at no extra charge. For "Gold", "Platinum", and "Any Buddy" Season Passes, the Passholder will be able to use them for the 2021 seasonal holiday events (September weekends, HALLOWBOO!) as well. This extension also applies to add-on products like the All Summer Dining Pass.

2020 "Summer" Season Pass purchases made before June 14, 2020 will include the 2021 Summer Season, but will not include seasonal holiday events in 2020 or 2021. The Summer Season Pass is still a summer-only pass.

Updated July 28 - Season Passes purchased after June 14, 2020 will also receive an extension into 2021. 2020 Gold, Platinum, Senior and Military will receive the full benefits in 2021 due to the adjustments of operating days. 2020 "Summer Saver" Season Pass were sold only for the 2020 season at a discounted price. However, those have now been extended through June 30, 2021. Next season, Summer Saver season passholders will have the option to extend their season pass past June 30 at a discounted rate.

Guests with additional questions about their Season Pass can email guestrelations@idlewild.com to connect with our Guest Services

Will my "Summer" Season Pass include the 2020 Seasonal Events since it runs through 2021?

No, "Summer" Season Passes are still limited to just the Summer Season, but they will be reactivated for the first part of summer 2021, through Labor Day 2021.

What about my All Summer Dining Pass or All Season Souvenir Cup?

Our plan is to ensure you receive equal value for any experience, or benefit, you missed out on this year due to COVID-19. All Summer Dining Passes and other add-ons will also be valid through the comparable 2021 Summer Season time frame also (i.e. All Summer Dining Passes are valid only through Labor Day, so they will be extended through Labor Day, 2021). Please note we are no longer selling Dining Passes for the 2020 season.

Will all attractions be open this summer?

In order to effectively promote social distancing and practice the best health and safety procedures, some attractions may be closed for part or all of the 2020 summer season.

  • These attractions will not be open during your visit in 2020: Jumpin' Jungle Attractions (Bubbling Springs Ball Pit, Bigfoot's Mudslide, Net Climb, Suspension Bridge, Tunnel Crawl, Jungle Catch, Jungle Organ); Playgrounds in Pavilion Areas, All Shows and Character interactions. Story Book Forest is tentative for the fall season only.
  • Attraction availability is subject to change without notice
  • Also, due to the challenges this summer, the park will now close at 6:00 pm daily. This is for the 2020 season only.
    • I haven't made all of my Season Pass Payments. Am I included in this extension?
    Yes. All Season Passholders who purchase by June 14, 2020 will receive the 2021 extension, regardless of when their final payment is made. We know finances are a challenge for some guests - please know we are not charging late fees for missed payments. To update your payment information, visit the Idlewild and SoakZone Payment Portal . Please note that Season Passes cannot be used until they are paid in full.
    What about my child's Preschool Play Pass?
    All 2020 Preschool Play Passes will be extended through Summer Season of 2021. The activation period for Preschool Play Passes is now ANY Operating Day 2020 (once announced) through June 2021. If your qualifying child is "aging out" of the required Preschool Pass age range (i.e. turning age 6), they will still be able to enjoy its use through summer, 2021 due to the COVID-19 circumstances, as long as they originally met the age requirement for the pass as established on our Preschool Play Pass page, and have the required proof of age requested.
    Will I receive a refund on my pre-purchased admission tickets?

    Good Any Day tickets will be valid through the entirety of the 2020 Summer Season, and Limited Operation and Date-Restricted Tickets will be accepted any day of the 2020 Summer Season. Guests with additional questions about their pre-purchased tickets can email guestrelations@idlewild.com to connect with our Guest Services.

    I had a School Picnic or Group Event scheduled for early in the season. What now?

    Surcharges and date blackouts will be waived on group outing tickets, including school picnic tickets. They will be Good Any Day of the 2020 Summer Season. Group Outing Planners should contact the Idlewild Group Sales Office by email groups@idlewild.com, to discuss options to reschedule early-season outings.

    Are you still hiring?

    We are still accepting applications and conducting phone and virtual interviews. At this time in-person interviews, orientations and trainings are on hold until permitted to resume by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.