Kangaroo vintage ride bounces back to Kennywood amusement park

Kangaroo, Kennywood amusement park’s historic bouncing family ride, has been restored, and makes its return to the West Mifflin, Penn. park today, May 29, 2022, as part of the Summer of Celebration.

The ride has been modernized, and features rainbow-colored ride cars and a large backdrop with jumping kangaroos that light up.

With its return, Kangaroo takes its place as the last remaining ride of its kind operating anywhere in the world, Kennywood states.

“Kangaroo is a one-of-a-kind ride perfect for a one-of-a-kind park like Kennywood,” said Mark Pauls, general manager. “Our multi-season celebration of 125 years of fun centers around Kangaroo and the many other unique pieces that have made Kennywood Pittsburgh’s playground for 12-plus decades.”

The ride made its original debut in 1962, giving riders a feeling of weightlessness as it “hopped” up and down.

Although it is not a roller coaster, John Norman Bartlett, the ride’s creator, called it a “flying coaster” for the single, sharp slope in its circular track.

In time, Kangaroo served as the inspiration for the park’s first mascot, Kenny Kangaroo.

An exclusive Season Passholder preview will take place from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on May 29, ahead of the ride’s opening to the public.

Memorial Day weekend also sees the start of the second annual Bites and Pints Food & Drink Festival, giving visitors the chance to taste and sip their way “around the world” in Kennywood’s Lagoon area.

Watch for new Polish and Greek booths, which are joining the booths serving Mexican, Asian, German, Italian, and Caribbean foods.

The festival includes eight locations dishing up internationally themed cuisines, and takes place each Thursday-Sunday through June 26, with a “bonus day” on May 30.

Those wishing to sample Bites and Pints can get Buy One, Get One 50% Off tickets online until May 30, valid for use until June 26.