Latest news with #IdlewildPark
CBS News
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Mama Duck, duckling Timmy on display at Idlewild and SoakZone
This weekend, you may want to shake a tail feather and get out to Idlewild Park, because for the first time since 2013, the world's largest rubber duck has returned to the Pittsburgh area. Mama Duck, along with Timmy, her smaller duckling, will be on display at Idlewild for all to see through Sunday. Mama stands at 61 feet tall, the equivalent of about six stories. She has been floating around the world for years and is excited for her weekend meet and greet in Westmoreland County. "We were super excited to welcome it back to western Pennsylvania," said Hannah Brinker from Latrobe. "My kids now are so happy to see it. They weren't around for the first time, and Charlotte and Steven, who are 2 and 5, are super excited to welcome it back." Mama is nesting comfortably on the ball field next to Raccoon Lagoon in the park. Her 10-foot-tall duckling, Timmy, plans to be a bit more mobile over the weekend and could pop up anywhere from right next to his mother to floating in the pool at the SoakZone. Jeff Croushore, Director of Marketing at Idlewild, says that while Mama Duck loves the water and there is a pond she could float in at the park, they opted to have the duck on their ball field to be more accessible to guests. "Being on the field," Croushore said, "families can go right up to the duck and can get selfies and pictures and great family photos that they will look back on for decades." It would appear that Idlewild is cracking the code to guest happiness this weekend. In the first hour alone that the park was open on Friday, hundreds of guests stopped by to visit with Mama Duck and Timmy. The first two guests were Shawn and Wanda Clemens from Hempfield Township, who said they have been looking forward to this for a while. "We missed it when it was in Pittsburgh, so we figured we better get out here and see it now," Wanda said. "Yeah," said Shawn. "It is bigger than what I thought it was. Bring your children out here to see it. It's unbelievable." The duck is a special event this weekend at Idlewild Park, but you don't need a special ticket to see it. You only need a general admission ticket. For tickets and more information on the world's largest rubber duck at Idlewild, click here.
CBS News
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Wild Mouse set to return next month to Idlewild
Pittsburghers have all heard the news about the Steel Curtain rollercoaster reopening at Kennywood, but what about the little steel coaster at Idlewild Park that has been closed for almost a year? Well, ride enthusiasts, listen up. The Wild Mouse rollercoaster returns later next month. It is a sight that hasn't been seen, heard or felt in almost a year. But come the middle of June, the Wild Mouse will be back in the house for Idlewild's 148th summer season. "It's quick, it's fast, it's got a lot of fun turns and dips, and people just really enjoy riding it," says Jeff Croushore, marking director of Idlewild & SoakZone "The ride is getting a complete electrical upgrade, including a new control system, new sensors along the ride and what we call the logics of the ride — everything including the chain, the chain linear, a new compressor for the ride. And it's going to be great." And not only has this ride received a full mechanical makeover, but all the cars are getting re-skinned to bring back their classic look and design that they had when the ride first debuted at Idlewild in 1993. "All the improvements will allow the ride to run five cars, which previously we were only running three. So, it will increase capacity and lead to shorter lines," Croushore said. Above all, Idlewild hopes that the improvements made to the Wild Mouse will make for a better overall rider experience, and the park hopes the Wild Mouse will continue to be that great gateway coaster for all the young thrill seekers out there. Again, the Wild Mouse will be back in action this June, but Idlewild has already opened daily for the season. For tickets and more information on all the family fun, click here.
