Sesame Place Langhorne, PA: Everything Parents Need to Know Before You Go
By Jennifer C. Williams, LCPC, PMH-C
The SONshines cannot stop talking about Sesame Place or Elmo World as Gabriel likes to call it.
We’re talking weeks later, still bringing it up. Still asking when we can go back. Still doing Cookie Monster impressions at the dinner table.
That is the review right there. But let me give you the full picture including every piece of parent TEA!
Where We Went
Sesame Place is a Sesame Street-themed amusement and water park located in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, about a three-hour drive from the DC/DMV area. It’s the only theme park in the world exclusively based on Sesame Street, and yes, that means Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and the whole crew are there in person.
I remember going to Sesame Place as a child (which is crazy!). Bringing my own kids here and watching them experience Sesame Street in real life, enjoying the same characters I grew up with is one of those full-circle parenting moments that genuinely gets you.
We absolutely love Elmo, Abby, Cookie Monster, Grover and Big Bird in our house. So this one hit different.
What We Loved
The characters are everywhere.
This isn’t a park where you wait two hours for a five-second photo and move on. The Sesame Street characters are active throughout the park, in parades, in shows, and available for meet-and-greets throughout the day. If your kids love these characters they will lose their minds in the best possible way.
Dine With Elmo and Friends
We did Dine With Elmo and Friends for lunch, which is a separate charge from park admission but absolutely worth it if your kids are character-obsessed. You eat in a dedicated (air conditioned) area while characters come to your table for photos and interaction. The boys were living their best lives. (See our reel for the full experience, the reactions are everything.) I'll honest, as parents we love it because we can sit down, eat inside, do not have to wait in crazy long lines for food, the menu has something for everyone, and it has healthier options than just a burger and fries. The cost does vary depending on day of the week and time, it also does sell out. Buy your tickets online with your park tickets.
The rides work for young kids
This is a park genuinely designed for young children. The rides are appropriate for toddlers and little kids, not tweens looking for a thrill. If your kids are in the 1-8 year age range, this park is made for them. Older kids may find the rides on the tamer side.
Even if your child does not like rides, the playgrounds, parade, shows, and splash areas will still make the trip extremely fun and worth it!
The water park section
Sesame Place has both a dry park and a water park. The water attractions are fun, age-appropriate, and well-supervised. Come prepared if you want to use the water areas — swimwear and towels are essential.
The moment that made it
Watching the boys see Elmo and Abby in person for the first time. The look on their faces. That’s the whole reason we do these trips.
What’s Great for Kids (By Age)
Toddlers and babies (under 2):
Children 23 months and younger are free. And here’s the bonus: young children can still get on some rides as long as they can sit up on their own. This is a legitimate toddler paradise.
Little Kids (ages 2-6):
Peak age for this park. The characters, the rides, the shows — all of it is designed with this age group at the center. If you have a preschooler who loves Sesame Street, this is a bucket-list trip.
Elementary Kids (ages 7-10):
They’ll still enjoy it, especially the water park and character experiences. But the dry park rides may feel a little young for this age group.
Tweens:
Honestly, this park is not built for tweens seeking thrills. If your older kid loved Sesame Street growing up, nostalgia may carry them, but go in with realistic expectations.
CARE Connection:
Sesame Place hits the Curiosity, Activity, and Emotional Intelligence pillars. Sesame Street as a brand has always been rooted in emotional literacy and empathy. These are the same values we build around at SONshines. Seeing those characters in real life is genuinely meaningful for young children.
The TEA for Parents ☕
Know before you go.
Tickets
Tickets start as low as $39.99 depending on the day you go. We bought ours through Groupon, but here’s the tip: compare prices because sometimes the park’s own website is actually cheaper. Always check both before buying. You can also purchase tickets at the entrance.
Children 23 months and younger are FREE.
This is significant. If you have a baby or young toddler, you are not paying admission for them and they can still ride many attractions as long as they can sit up independently.
The Park Is Cashless
Sesame Place does not accept cash. Everything is card only. However, they do have a cash-to-card kiosk on site where you can load cash onto a Visa prepaid debit card. Know this before you go so you’re not caught off guard.
Parking
Regular parking: $35. Preferred parking (closer to the entrance): $55. Budget for this separately from your ticket cost, it adds up for a family.
Stroller Friendly
Yes. The park is stroller-friendly and you can bring your own stroller or rent one inside the park. If you have a young toddler or baby, bring your stroller without question.
Lockers
Keyless lockers are available throughout the park to store your belongings. Great for keeping bags secure while you’re on water rides or moving through the park.
Food
No outside food is allowed inside the park — but drinks are permitted. Food options are available throughout the park, including sit-down restaurants. Eating at a picnic table right outside the entrance or your car in the parking lot is an option since it’s not far from the entrance, a real money-saving move for families on a budget. The Dine With Elmo experience is a separate charge and worth booking in advance if that’s something you want to do.
Sesame Place Is a Certified Autism Center
This is major and I want every parent to know it. Sesame Place is a Certified Autism Center, which means staff are specifically trained to support guests with autism and sensory needs. There is also a sensory room available inside the family care center. For families navigating this, it means you can actually relax and enjoy the park knowing the team there gets it.
Go on a Weekday
I would highly recommend visiting on a weekday to avoid crowds. Weekend lines are significantly longer at the character meet-and-greets and popular rides. If your schedule allows, a Tuesday or Wednesday visit is a completely different experience than a Saturday.
Budget Breakdown (realistic for a family of four)
Tickets: $40-80/person depending on day and source (children under 2 free)
Parking: $35-55
Food in park: $60-100 depending on choices
Dine With Elmo (optional): additional charge
Total estimate for a family of four: $200-400+ depending on choices
Budget Level Rating: ☀️☀️☀️ (mid to high depending on add-ons)
Quick Trip Stats
Location: Langhorne, Pennsylvania
Drive from DC/DMV: Approx. 3 hours
Tickets: From $39.99 (check Groupon vs. website)
Children Under 2: FREE
Parking: $35 regular / $55 preferred
Cashless Park: Yes (cash-to-card kiosk available)
Stroller Friendly: Yes (bring your own or rent)
Outside Food: No (drinks allowed)
Autism Certified:Yes (sensory room available)
Best Age Range: 1-8 years old
Best Day to Visit: Weekday
SONshines Rating: ☀️☀️☀️☀️ / 5
Would We Go Back?
Yes. Especially while the boys are still in that Sesame Street magic window.
There is a limited amount of time in childhood when your kid sees Elmo and completely loses their mind with joy. We are still in that window. We are going to milk every second of it.
If your children are in the 1-8 age range and love Sesame Street characters, this park was made for your family. Go on a weekday, compare ticket prices, pack your patience for the water areas, and get there for the character parade.
It is worth it.
Follow Along
Watch our Sesame Place IG reel at @sonshines_and_playtime, the Dine With Elmo reactions alone are everything. Tag us if you go and tell us your boys’ (or girls’) favorite character. Ours? Elmo, no contest. Every time.
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