Some teens barred from Kennywood without chaperone under summer policy

• Kennywood amusement park has implemented a new chaperone policy for its 2026 summer season.
• Guests aged 15 and under must now be accompanied by a chaperone aged 21 or older at all times.
• The policy is effective from June 12 through September 7 to ensure a safe, family-friendly environment.

Just weeks into Kennywood's 2026 season, the park has rolled out a new policy requiring that some teens be accompanied by chaperones.

The park, based just outside Pittsburgh in West Mifflin, opened during weekends on Saturday, April 18 and kicked off its weekday operating hours the week of May 24.

Just two weeks later, Kennywood announced a new chaperone policy that will take effect this Friday on June 12. Once in effect, teens ages 15 and under will no longer be allowed entry to the park without an adult accompanying them.

Here's what to know about the policy.

Who does Kennywood's summer chaperone policy impact?

Guests ages 15 and under are required to be accompanied by a chaperone during all operating hours under the new policy.

Parents, guardians and other adults ages 21 and up with a valid government-issued ID are considered valid chaperones, according to the policy. One chaperone may accompany up to six guests ages 15 and under.

Chaperones must complete Kennywood's chaperone registration form, and they must be present when the group enters the park. They don't need to remain with the group at all times, but they must stay inside the park as long as the guests ages 15 and under are present. Additionally, chaperones and teens should have a way to contact each other while in the park.

Teens ages 15 and under without a chaperone will be removed from the park.

Those ages 16 and up will need to provide identification to prove their age to enter the park.

When does Kennywood's summer chaperone policy take effect?

The updated policy goes into effect on Friday, June 12 and will remain in effect through Monday, Sept. 7.

The policy doesn't apply to school picnic or district days, nor will it apply to organized and ticketed group events like school, church, corporate, summer camp, sports and other pre-scheduled group visits. That's because these groups already have established chaperone policies in place.

Will Kennywood have a chaperone policy during other parts of the 2026 season?

The Phantom Fall Fest, which runs from Friday, Sept. 11 through Sunday, Nov. 1, will require that guests 17 and under be accompanied by an adult age 21 or older with a valid ID when they enter the park.

The park's Holiday Lights event, which runs from Friday, Nov. 13 through Sunday, Jan. 3, will require guests ages 15 and under to be accompanied by a chaperone age 21 or older with a valid ID when they enter the park.

Why is Kennywood enforcing a new summer chaperone policy?

In a June 8 statement, Kennywood General Manager Richard Spicuzza said the park's commitment to creating a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment for families drove the decision to create the policy.

"Like most of you, I grew up with memories made right here at the park, and I want today's families to create those same memories for years to come," Spicuzza said. "This policy is part of our ongoing commitment to preserving the welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere that has defined Kennywood for nearly 130 years."

Has Kennywood always had a summer chaperone policy?

Kennywood has required chaperones during the summer before, but the policy wasn't as strict.

Previously, teens 17 and under were required to be accompanied by a chaperone after 4 p.m. during summer operating hours, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported.

Finch Walker is the Pittsburgh Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Contact Walker at [email protected]. Instagram: @finchwalker_. X: @_finchwalker.