Kennywood, Sandcastle Waterpark and Idlewild & SoakZone closed Friday, July 17, after wildfire smoke triggered a statewide Code Purple air-quality alert across Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issued the alert for fine-particle pollution from smoke moving in from Canada and Minnesota. Code Purple means very unhealthy air, and the agency urged everyone to avoid long or intense outdoor activity.
Park officials are monitoring conditions and plan to reopen when air quality returns to safe levels, according to WTAE's local report. Tickets dated July 17 for any of the three parks will remain valid through the rest of the 2026 season.
Alert details and image: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Closure and ticket details: WTAE.