Have you been to Sesame Place Summer Splash yet? We’ve gone a few times already—and watching our sweet little Gem* take those big first steps around the park has been the highlight of the season! With its toddler-friendly splash zones, gentle rides, and a full lineup of 45th birthday celebrations, Sesame Place is everything you want for a sun-soaked family day trip. Here’s my mom-approved guide:
💦 Splash Zones Made for Littles
Sesame Place nails it when it comes to toddler splashes. There are several areas around Big Bird’s Beach for tiny tots to partake in the water fun. Some of our favorites are:
- Teeny Tiny Tidal Wave (now Little Bird’s Bay) — a shallow wading pool perfect for new walkers 🐥
- Bert & Ernie’s Splashy Shores — sweet dumping buckets and spray jets that delight without overwhelming
- Big Bird’s Rambling River — a slow, lazy river ride moms and toddlers can enjoy together
Gem loves the newfound freedom: soft landings, gentle play, and total confidence in his steps! As a family, we’ve spent much of our water play time at The Count’s Splash Castle. The multi-level interactive attraction features over 90 play elements. Little ones can enjoy the multiple valves, levers, water curtains, and bubble jets. Older ones can splash under a 1,000-gallon 8-ft. tipping bucket; my own father (a grown man and Gem’s grandpa, y’all) would sprint to the soak zone whenever he heard the countdown. Let’s just say there is something for everyone here!
🎠 Rides for First-Timers & Toddler Milestones
Though many attractions have height requirements, Sesame Place allows toddlers to ride with a parent. As long as your child can take three unassisted steps and maintain independent seated postural control, they’re golden! Ride attendants will ask your child to show they are, in fact, able to take those steps.
This summer has been extra special because Gem can walk and ride now! He was a little apprehensive at first, but ultimately has enjoyed this other side of Sesame. Sunny Day Carousel is a longstanding favorite; as an infant, he could ride on a bench seat. As a toddler, Gem can now choose a moving horse as his seat.
Seeing Gem’s eyes light up as he tries new things fills this mama’s heart! ❤️ For family rides, we adore Big Bird’s Tour Bus, Flyin’ Fish, and the disco party Monster Mix Up. Mini Monster Clubhouse is a toddler play area perfect for kids under 5 to crawl, jump, and explore. It’s much smaller than 123 Playground, but closer to the amusement park rides if that’s where you’ll be spending more of your time.
🎉 Celebrating 45 Years of Sesame Fun
This year, Sesame Place Philadelphia is turning 45. There’s birthday magic everywhere! The celebration runs April 26–September 7, with a parade, new shows, special foods, and exclusive events galore.
Here are our top picks:
- Sesame Street Birthday Parade & “Birthday Shuffle” Dance Party – celebrate with bright floats, characters in birthday gear, and an interactive dance-along
- Furry Friends Birthday Dance Party – high-energy, joyful, and toddler-approved!
But wait, there’s more! Here are some exclusive birthday events happening next month. We’ve already got them marked on the calendar!
- Cupcake & Ice Cream Party (July 20–21) – sprinkle, swirl, and enjoy yummy Dippin’ Dots sundaes
- Sandcastle Celebration (July 25) – watch a pro sculpt a mega birthday sandcastle
- Birthday Bubble Bash (July 26–27) – bubbles, giggles, and splashy fun everywhere sesameplace.com
- 45th Birthday Bash & Fireworks (July 30) – a twilight celebration complete with fireworks on the anniversary of Sesame Place’s 1980 opening
- Magicians’ Ball (July 31) – Abby Cadabby hosts magical moments and strolling mischief-makers
📸 Meet-and-Greets & Character Moments
One of our absolute favorite things to do when visiting Sesame Place during Summer Splash? Meeting our furry friends! During events like Elmo’s Pirate Weekend and Fourth of July Fest, even holiday outfits are part of the fun! Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby, Big Bird—they’re all currently decked out in birthday attire or beachwear. We actually celebrated Gem’s first birthday last month and it was so much fun snapping pictures of him with all the characters in party hats. Oscar even wished him a rotten birthday; it was perfect!
🏗️ Quick Tips for a Smooth Sesame Day
- Arrive early – beat the heat… and the crowds! Security lines will back up quickly. Make sure you know what you can and can’t bring into the park.
- Bring a Coast Guard-approved life vest for water rides. This is optional as the park provides them. However, I feel better knowing I am guaranteed a properly fitting vest for my son. Please note that no water toys or puddle jumper-type floaties are allowed!
- Seat one adult per two kids – many rides allow it, making solo parenting days easier! Teacher moms rejoice.
- Download the mobile app for real-time wait times and character schedules. It makes planning your next move a breeze!
- Plan your visit around kid-friendly events – birthday parades, dance parties, and meet-and-greets are absolute musts!
❤️ Why We Keep Coming Back
My husband Matt thought I was nuts for wanting him to get a season pass. We live very close to Six Flags Great Adventure; why did we need yet another membership? For Sesame Place, a teacher pass is free. Gem is still under 24 months of age so he’s free, too. Getting my husband a season pass got us free parking and monthly perks in the park. It’s a 40ish-minute ride from the house, making it a great place for a day trip out with the kids.
Even if you don’t have a season pass, going once or twice this summer is a must. Here’s why:
- Tiny-tot tailored splash zones and gentle rides make it perfect for early walkers. There really is so much for littles to do!
- Character magic—Gem’s face lights up at every hug and wave. It’s been so fun to see his interactions develop as he’s grown.
- 45th birthday vibes — the added shows and events give us fresh reasons to return! In addition to birthday fun, there are shows where the characters are in their swimwear. It’s adorable.
ACTIONABLE STEPS: If you’re planning your first Sesame Place adventure—or coming back for round two— Sesame Place Summer Splash is the perfect time! Got questions? I’m your teacher-mom-bestie ready to help!
