If you're thinking about taking your family to Sesame Place in Philadelphia, you're not alone — this beloved Sesame Street-themed amusement park is a dream destination for many families with young children. But how do you know if your kids are the right age to enjoy it? What should you bring? What food options are available if your family has allergies? And is it worth the price?
We visited Sesame Place with my kids ages 4 to 10 and documented the entire day — from stroller rentals and ride tips to gluten-free food options and our favorite character moments. 📽️
🎥 Watch the full video of our Sesame Place experience here:
🤔 Is Sesame Place Good for All Ages?
Sesame Place is ideal for families with kids ages 2–8, but even our 10-year-old found things to love — especially the Vapor Trail roller coaster and the water park! If you're bringing kids who are “on the edge” of aging out of Sesame Street, head straight for the more thrilling rides to prove it's not just a “baby park.” And for the younger crowd, we were there with my 1 and 2 year old nieces who were able to enjoy the playground and smaller rides and slides in Elmo’s World.
🎟️ Where to Get Discount Sesame Place Tickets
We saved money by purchasing discount tickets online.
👉 You probably have access to discount tickets through your employer or other membership. Companies like Plum Benefits or Tickets at Work are a place to start. I’m working on an affiliate link just for my readers and will post that here when I have it!
We did not buy Magic Queue or VIP upgrades, so our video shows you the real experience of wait times and crowd levels.
💧 Sesame Place Water Park Tips
If you’re visiting during summer, the water park is a lifesaver (literally — we were pouring sweat by 11 a.m.). Bring:
Swimsuits
Sunscreen
Water shoes (you’ll need to take them off on some slides)
A dry change of clothes
Refillable water bottles (there are fountains with bottle stations)
There are life jackets to borrow and zero-depth entry pools for younger kids.
⚠️ Note: On our visit, some major water attractions were closed. Check the park app for updates before your visit, but it’s possible they change on a day-to-day basis so just prepare yourself emotionally for the need to pivot your plans!
🍕 Gluten-Free & Allergy-Friendly Food at Sesame Place
This was a big one for us — some family members need gluten-free and dairy-free meals. Since Big Bird’s Burgers and Bites was closed we tried Elmo’s Pizza Kitchen for gluten free options. What we found:
Gluten-free pizza was available (but not dairy-free)
Dedicated fryer (and a really knowledgeable staff!) for safe French fries
Packaged snacks with ingredient labels available in shops
Limited allergy-safe options overall — we recommend bringing extra snacks from home
Want to see what we actually ate? 🎥 Watch us explore the dining options here: 7:42
What Makes Sesame Place Special?
Aside from the rides and splash zones, Sesame Place has:
Meet & greets with characters like Big Bird, Elmo, and Cookie Monster
A low-sensory room for kids with autism or sensory processing needs
Bathrooms with kid-sized toilets and sinks
Super cute interactive zones throughout the park
It’s truly one of the most inclusive and family-centered theme parks we’ve visited.
Should You Rent a Stroller?
Yes! Especially if you have kids under 6 or if it’s hot. The rental strollers are similar to Disney's and made a huge difference in our day.
Cost on our visit: $37 for a double stroller. (Single strollers were not available.)
Don’t Miss the Gift Shop
You exit the park through the gift shop, and let us tell you — the merch game is STRONG. From plush toys and apparel to seasonal items, it’s hard not to buy everything. Tip: Budget a little extra if your kids are prone to gift shop meltdowns. 😉 We almost left with a $90 “Read” sign (that was admittedly adorable but… sheesh.)
Final Tips for Visiting Sesame Place:
Arrive early, especially in summer. Beat the heat!
Don’t skip the water rides — you’ll need to cool off!
Check show and meet-and-greet schedule either on the posted boards or within the app.
Bring your own snacks and water. We had a whole soft sided cooler bag and had no issues at security.
Prepare for some attractions to be closed on low-crowd days.
Watch our video for real wait times, food reviews, and crowd tips.
Watch our full Sesame Place experience now: https://youtu.be/hT7yxXYlY7E
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