Address: Newville, Pa.

Website: www.amusement park history.com

Open: for private tours through the website

Of note: Private museum dedicated to preserving amusement park history. In our one-of-a-kind collection, it now has over 100 ride cars and many other park pieces like figures, games, and signage. Most of the rides and figures are restored when needed. The collection includes ride vehicles and iconic decorations from amusement parks around the United States.

Address: 1933 Highway 194 West, Plainview, Texas

Phone: 817-460-7220

Website: www.rollercoastermuseum.org

Open: Museum is under construction, but holds special events listed on its website.

Of note: It is working to discover, preserve, interpret and share the historical heritage of the roller coaster for present and future generations. The goal is to make them accessible to those who love roller coasters and amusement parks.

Address: 2574 U.S. 30, Lingonier, Pa.

Phone: 724-738-3666

Open: Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays June, July, August; Halloboo 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sundays September, October

Of note: Idlewild and SoakZone is your ticket to family fun. Founded in 1878, Idlewild is Pennsylvania’s oldest amusement park, the third-longest operating amusement park in the United States, and has been recognized as “Best Kids’ Park in the World” by Amusement Today, and “Best Park for Families” by the National Amusement Park Historical Association.

Address: 4800 Kennywood Blvd., West Mifflin

Phone: 412-461-0500

Open: Opening day April 12, open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; open daily starting May 23.

Of note: Kennywood Park is an amusement park established in 1898, 10 miles outside of Pittsburgh. A National Historic Landmark, the park was built on land known as Kenny’s Grove, which had been a picnic spot since the 1860s. Kennywood opened to the public in 1899 with features that included a carousel, dance pavilion, and casino (the park’s restaurant). The following year, the park added a bandstand and an athletic field.

Address: 3830 Dorney Park Road, Allentown

Phone: 610-395-3724

Open: Opening day May 31, open 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday; 10:30-8 p.m. Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Of note: In 1860, Solomon Dorney opened a fish hatchery and summer resort on his property. He decided to make it an attraction adding games, playground rides, refreshment stands, a hotel and restaurant. The Ferris Wheel at the park opened in 1989. The Antique Carousel opened in 1921.

Address: 3830 Dorney Park Road, Allentown, Pa.

Phone: 610-395-3724

Open: Opening day May 3, open noon to 9 p.m. Thursday through Tuesday beginning June 7

Of note: Hoffman’s Grove, a popular local picnic spot, was purchased by the Erie Electric Motor Company trolley line. The property was renamed, “Waldameer,” which is German for “Woods by the Sea.” The picnic area was highlighted by a large beach on Lake Erie and a modern bathhouse for the time. Some of the first “rides” were along the lake shore. Waldameer is the fourth oldest amusement park in Pennsylvania and the fifth oldest continuously operating amusement park in the United States.

Address: 1 Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, Ohio

Phone: 419-627-2350

Open: Opening day May 3. Starting May 31: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday -Thursday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Of note: Cedar Point, second-oldest amusement park in the United States, opened as a public bathing beach in 1870. First passengers arrived at Cedar Point Resort on the Steamer, “Young Reindeer.” The park’s first roller coaster, the Switchback Railway, arrived in 1892. It stood 25 feet tall and reached a top speed of 10 mph.

Address: One Park Ave. Mechanicsburg, Pa.

Of note: The Williams Grove Amusement Park started when the Williams family began hosting picnics in in 1850 near Mechanicsburg, Pa.