For generations, Sesame Street has been a beloved cornerstone of childhood, teaching ABCs, 123s, and invaluable life lessons with a healthy dose of humor and heart. But what if you could step right into that magical neighborhood? Good news, families and lifelong fans: you can! Beyond the television screen, the world of Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, and their friends comes alive in vibrant, interactive theme parks designed to create unforgettable memories. If you’re wondering “Where is a Sesame Street theme park?”, “Are they family-friendly?”, or “What rides can we expect?”, you’ve come to the right place. Get ready to plan your trip to a place where sunny days are guaranteed!
The charm of Sesame Street lies in its ability to connect with all ages. For toddlers and preschoolers, it’s an immersive wonderland where their favorite characters are real, ready for hugs and high-fives. For older children, it offers engaging rides and exciting splash zones. And for parents and grandparents, it’s a delightful journey back to their own childhoods, watching their little ones experience the pure joy of the street. These parks are thoughtfully designed to be incredibly family-friendly, prioritizing safety, accessibility, and an environment where every child feels seen and celebrated.
While the spirit of Sesame Street is universal, its physical locations are concentrated in two primary, dedicated theme parks, complemented by wonderful Sesame Street-themed lands within other popular parks. Let’s dive into where you can find these magical places and what treasures await!
The Dedicated Sesame Place Parks – Full Immersion
These are the crown jewels for any true Sesame Street fan, offering a complete theme park experience entirely dedicated to the whimsical world of Big Bird and his pals.
Sesame Place Philadelphia: The East Coast Original
Nestled in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, just a short drive from Philadelphia, Sesame Place Philadelphia holds the special distinction of being the first theme park in the world entirely based on Sesame Street. Opened in 1980, it has evolved into a sprawling, vibrant destination that perfectly blends classic dry rides with a fantastic water park, all steeped in the charm and educational spirit of the beloved show. The moment you step through the gates, you’re transported to a colorful world, complete with the iconic 123 Stoop and Mr. Hooper’s Store.
The park truly shines in its family-friendly offerings. For those seeking thrills on solid ground, there’s a delightful array of dry rides. Oscar’s Wacky Taxi is a fan-favorite, a wooden-steel hybrid coaster that offers exciting hills and turns, but is still gentle enough for families to enjoy together. Grover’s Vapor Trail provides a fun, moderate coaster experience with swooping turns. For the younger adventurers, rides like Big Bird’s Tour Bus offer gentle spins, while Elmo’s Cloud Chaser lifts little ones into the sky for a charming aerial view. You can also find classic spinning fun on Count’s Cruisers, get a mild thrill on Blast Off, or take a whimsical flight on Flying Cookie Jars and Oscar’s Rotten Rusty Rockets. The Sunny Day Carousel is a timeless favorite, perfect for all ages. Cookie’s Monster Land™ is a particularly delightful area featuring five monster-themed rides and a multi-story net climb, promising heaps of furry fun.
When the summer sun shines bright, Sesame Place Philadelphia transforms into a splashing paradise with its extensive water attractions. The Count’s Splash Castle is an enormous, multi-level interactive water play structure, complete with slides, nets, and a giant tipping bucket that douses everyone below in a torrent of water – always a crowd-pleaser! For a more relaxed experience, Big Bird’s Rambling River invites guests to float along a lazy river in inner tubes. For those seeking more splashes, Elmo’s Silly Splashy Slides, Elmo’s Surf n’ Slide, Abby’s Fairy Falls, and Rosita’s Seaside Slides offer various body and tube slides suitable for different age and thrill levels. Bert & Ernie’s Splashy Shores provides a fantastic water play area with sprays and jets, perfect for toddlers. The park ingeniously combines the dry and wet experiences, ensuring endless ways to cool off and have fun.
What truly sets Sesame Place apart is the immersive character experience. You can literally step onto a recreation of the famous Sesame Street neighborhood, perfect for photo opportunities with the 123 Stoop, Hooper’s Store, and Oscar’s trash can. Dine with Elmo & Friends offers an unforgettable character dining experience where kids can enjoy a buffet meal while singing, dancing, and interacting closely with their favorite characters. Throughout the day, you’ll find frequent meet & greets with Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, Grover, Oscar, and more, providing countless opportunities for hugs and memorable photos. The “Our Street is Sesame Street” Party Parade is a vibrant, energetic procession featuring all the beloved characters on colorful floats, dancing and interacting with the crowd. Live stage shows, like Elmo the Musical Live! and Let’s Play Together, bring the educational and entertaining spirit of the show to life with singing and dancing.
A hallmark of Sesame Place Philadelphia is its commitment to inclusivity, being the first theme park in the world to be designated as a Certified Autism Center (CAC). This means their staff receives specialized training in sensory awareness and motor skills, and the park offers resources such as quiet rooms with adjustable lighting and comfortable seating, noise-canceling headphones available at guest services, and a comprehensive Sensory Guide for each attraction. The park also features Julia, a beloved Sesame Street character with autism, providing an opportunity for connection and understanding. This dedication ensures that families with sensory sensitivities can enjoy their visit to the fullest.
Sesame Place San Diego: The West Coast Gem
Bringing the magic of Sesame Street to the West Coast, Sesame Place San Diego opened its gates in Chula Vista, California, near the vibrant city of San Diego. This park blends the beloved Sesame Street experience with an exciting water park, creating a truly unique year-round destination. As a newer park, it boasts modern facilities and a fresh, bright atmosphere, while still capturing the nostalgic essence of the show.
Sesame Place San Diego offers a fantastic array of rides for the whole family. The park’s signature dry ride is Super Grover’s Box Car Derby, a family-friendly coaster with fun hills, turns, and mini-dives that provides just the right amount of thrill for younger guests. Other engaging dry attractions include Abby’s Fairy Flight, a whimsical swing ride; Cookie Climb, where kids can pull themselves up towers for a giggling descent; Elmo’s Rockin’ Rockets for an aerial adventure; and the classic Sunny Day Carousel. You can also spin around in the Rub-A-Dub Sub or get a bird’s-eye view on the Sesame Street Soar & Spin.
The California sun makes the water park a central feature here, with a wide variety of splashy fun. Big Bird’s Beach is a large, family-friendly wave pool perfect for cooling off, while Big Bird’s Rambling River offers a relaxing float. For thrill-seekers, there are numerous slides like Honker Dinger Dash (a six-lane racing slide), Bert’s Topsy Turvy Tunnels, Cookie’s Monster Mixer (a six-story family raft ride), Ernie’s Twisty Turny Tunnels, Oscar’s Rotten Rafts, and Snuffy’s Spaghetti Slides. The interactive Count’s Splash Castle offers endless opportunities for spraying, sliding, and getting soaked.
Just like its East Coast counterpart, Sesame Place San Diego excels in character interactions. The park features a meticulously recreated Sesame Street Neighborhood, inviting guests to explore familiar landmarks and snap photos. Dine with Elmo & Friends provides another delightful opportunity for character dining, making mealtime an entertaining event. Throughout the day, Elmo, Big Bird, and their friends are available for meet & greets, ensuring every child gets a chance to hug their favorite furry pal. The park also hosts a vibrant parade and entertaining live stage shows that bring the characters and their lessons to life through song and dance.
Sesame Place San Diego is also proudly designated as a Certified Autism Center (CAC), demonstrating a strong commitment to providing inclusive experiences for all guests. Their staff undergoes specialized training, and the park offers quiet rooms, noise-canceling headphones, and a detailed IBCCES Sensory Guide for rides and attractions. This thoughtful approach ensures that families with sensory sensitivities can navigate the park comfortably and enjoy a truly inclusive day.
Sesame Street Lands & Experiences within Other Parks
Beyond the two dedicated Sesame Place parks, you can find vibrant, immersive Sesame Street-themed lands within other popular Busch Gardens and SeaWorld parks. While not full standalone theme parks, these areas offer a significant and delightful experience, particularly for younger guests, making them fantastic additions to a multi-park vacation.
SeaWorld Orlando: Sesame Street Land
At SeaWorld Orlando in Florida, Sesame Street Land is a fantastic, walkable, and immersive recreation of the iconic neighborhood. This vibrant area transports you directly into the world of Big Bird, Elmo, and friends, complete with detailed facades of Mr. Hooper’s Store, the 123 Stoop, and Big Bird’s Nest. It’s a place where kids can truly explore and imagine.
The land features several charming rides perfect for young children. Abby’s Flower Tower lifts guests up in colorful flower pots for gentle spins, while Big Bird’s Twirl and Whirl offers a classic teacup-style spinning experience. Cookie Drop! provides a mini-tower ride with a delightful bouncing motion. All aboard Elmo’s Choo Choo Train for a leisurely ride through the neighborhood, or take a whimsical swoop on Slimey’s Slider (themed to Oscar’s favorite worm!). For a bit more excitement, Super Grover’s Box Car Derby is a pint-sized roller coaster that delivers family-friendly thrills. A Sunny Day Carousel completes the ride lineup.
Beyond the rides, the land offers engaging play areas like Rosita’s Harmony Hills, a shaded turf playground, and Rubber Duckie Water Works, a refreshing splash pad ideal for cooling off on hot Florida days. The highlight for many is the Sesame Street Party Parade, an award-winning procession with colorful floats, catchy music, and all your favorite characters dancing in the streets. Frequent character meet & greets allow for personal interactions and photos, making dreams come true for little fans.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: Sesame Street Safari of Fun
Also in Florida, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers a delightful Sesame Street Safari of Fun, where the beloved characters are reimagined in a whimsical African-themed setting. This area blends the fun of a theme park with educational elements about animals and conservation, characteristic of Busch Gardens.
The rides here are tailored for the park’s youngest guests. Air Grover is a junior roller coaster that provides gentle dips and turns, making it a great first coaster experience. Elmo’s Safari Go-Round is a classic carousel featuring safari animals and Sesame Street friends. You can swing through the air on Rosita’s Djembe Fly-Away, go for a spin on The Count’s Zambezi Rally, or enjoy an aerial view from Big Bird’s Whirly Birdie and Snuffy’s Elephant Romp. For a refreshing splash, Zoe-Patra and the Hippos of the Nile is a gentle water ride.
Beyond the rides, the Safari of Fun features engaging play areas. Bert & Ernie’s Watering Hole is a fantastic splash zone filled with jets, bubblers, and dumping buckets, perfect for cooling off. Elmo’s Treehouse Trek invites kids to climb and explore, while Telly’s Jungle Jam, Cookie Monster Canopy Crawl, and Cookie Monster Cloud Bounce offer various interactive and bouncing fun. Character meet & greets are frequent, allowing kids to interact with their favorite characters in unique safari attire.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg: Sesame Street Forest of Fun
Journey to Virginia to discover the Sesame Street Forest of Fun at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. This charming, enchanted forest-themed area is designed specifically for younger visitors, providing a magical escape where Sesame Street characters roam and play.
The attractions here are perfect for pint-sized adventurers. Grover’s Alpine Express is a delightful junior roller coaster that winds through a themed landscape. Prince Elmo’s Spire offers a gentle drop tower experience, while Oscar’s Whirly Worms provides a spinning ride. You can also take a leisurely journey on Bert & Ernie’s Loch Adventure.
The Forest of Fun also boasts interactive play areas and opportunities to engage with characters. The Sunny Day Celebration is a live stage show featuring singing and dancing with Elmo, Big Bird, and friends. There are also designated 1-2-3 Smile with Me spots for daily character meet & greets and photo opportunities, ensuring everyone gets a chance to say hello to their furry heroes.
Planning Your Furry Friends Adventure
Visiting a Sesame Street theme park is more than just a day out; it’s an immersive adventure that requires a little planning to maximize the fun. Here are some essential tips for families looking to make the most of their furry friends’ experience.
Choosing Your Park: Consider your location and what you’re looking for. If you’re on the East Coast, Sesame Place Philadelphia is a natural fit with its expansive water and dry park offerings. For West Coast families, Sesame Place San Diego provides a similar comprehensive experience. If you’re already planning a visit to a SeaWorld or Busch Gardens park and have younger children, the dedicated Sesame Street lands within those parks are fantastic add-ons, providing a taste of the magic without requiring a full day solely focused on Sesame Street. Consider the time of year and whether you prioritize water attractions, as the full Sesame Place parks integrate them directly.
Best Time to Visit: For the dedicated Sesame Place parks, shoulder seasons (late spring/early summer or early fall) often offer smaller crowds and pleasant weather, though water park sections might have reduced hours. Summer is peak season, meaning more crowds but all attractions and shows are typically running at full capacity. Both Sesame Place parks also host fantastic seasonal events like “The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular” and “A Very Furry Christmas,” which transform the parks with festive decorations, special shows, and character costumes, offering unique experiences. Always check the park’s operating calendar as hours and days vary seasonally.
Tickets & Passes: Decide whether a single-day ticket is sufficient or if a multi-day pass or annual pass makes more sense. Annual passes often come with perks like free parking, discounts on food and merchandise, and admission to other affiliated parks, which can be very cost-effective for frequent visitors or those planning multiple trips. Purchase tickets online in advance to save time and sometimes money.
Accommodations: Both Sesame Place Philadelphia and San Diego have official partner hotels nearby, offering packages that might include park tickets or special benefits. Research family-friendly hotels in the surrounding areas that offer amenities like pools, complimentary breakfast, and easy access to the parks.
Packing Essentials: Being prepared is key, especially with young children.
- Swimsuits, towels, and water shoes: If you plan on enjoying the water park sections.
- Sunscreen and hats: Essential for sun protection, especially in the water parks.
- Comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking!
- Stroller: Even if your child rarely uses one, a stroller is invaluable for navigating the park and providing a place for naps or to carry bags.
- Snacks and water bottles: While outside food policies vary (check park websites), bringing refillable water bottles is usually encouraged, and some parks allow small snacks for special dietary needs. Staying hydrated is crucial.
- Change of clothes: Especially for kids who love splash pads and water rides.
- Portable phone charger: To keep your camera ready for all those adorable character moments!
Tips for Families with Young Children/Toddlers: Sesame Street parks are designed for little ones, but a few strategies can make the day even smoother.
- Pace yourselves: Don’t try to do everything. Allow for breaks, naps, and downtime.
- Utilize Rider Swap: If you have children who don’t meet height requirements, this allows one parent to wait with the non-rider while the other rides, then swap places without waiting in line again.
- Take advantage of Certified Autism Center resources: If relevant, utilize quiet rooms, noise-canceling headphones, and the Sensory Guide.
- Hydration and snacks: Keep little ones fed and watered to avoid meltdowns.
- Plan for nap times: Consider heading back to the hotel for a mid-day nap, or utilizing quiet areas in the park.
- Familiarize them with characters: Watch some Sesame Street episodes before your trip to build excitement.
Making the Most of Character Encounters: These are often the most magical moments! Check the park’s daily schedule or app for character appearance times and locations, as well as character dining reservations. Arriving early for meet & greets can reduce wait times. Don’t be shy about asking for high-fives and hugs!
Parade Viewing Strategy: The parades are spectacular. Arrive at least 20-30 minutes early to secure a good spot along the parade route, especially if you want a front-row view for little ones. Some parks have designated low-sensory viewing areas for the parade if that’s a consideration.
Souvenirs: Factor in a budget for souvenirs. From plush characters to themed apparel, there’s a wide range of merchandise to commemorate your visit.
In conclusion, a trip to a Sesame Street theme park is an experience filled with joy, laughter, and learning, perfectly crafted for families. Whether you choose the extensive adventures at Sesame Place Philadelphia or San Diego, or enjoy the immersive lands at SeaWorld and Busch Gardens, you’re guaranteed a day where imagination comes to life and treasured memories are made. These parks celebrate the inclusive, educational, and fun spirit of Sesame Street, ensuring that every sunny day is truly a special one. So gather your little monsters, prepare for some furry fun, and start planning your unforgettable adventure to where the air is sweet and the streets are truly alive!
