I always enjoy visiting Sandcastle Waterpark! The lazy river is one of my favorite attractions, and I love all of the water slides, especially the big tube slide. The wave pool is also a lot of fun and the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day. The staff is always friendly and genuinely seems to enjoy working there, which makes the experience even better. If you plan on visiting more than once during the summer, I highly recommend getting a season pass. It's a great value since it can be used at both Sandcastle and Kennywood. Overall, Sandcastle is a fantastic place to spend a summer day with family and friends, and I highly recommend it! read more

Having a waterpark in Pittsburgh is a privilege and great to have on hot summer days, but it seems as though the owners of the park take advantage of the fact that they are the only water park in the area. A day pass is $60. I know that's not the norm and most people buy a season pass, but there's nothing worth $60 there. The slides are fun, but we went on the 4th of July and the two yellow slides and the speed slide were closed. Also, the cocktail bar on the boardwalk was closed as well with some other food options not running either. There's not an abundance of rides, so when multiple are closed, you are disappointing your customers. Aesthetically, the park needs updated. Walking around and seeing areas with overgrown weeds and weeds coming up from under the boards just says "we don't care". The landscaping used to be pristine and now it's either just mulch or overgrown weeds. At the lazy river, the containers for shoes had some very gross mold or something all along the bottom, so we didn't put our shoes there. On some of the building walls by the lazy river, there was mold or something growing on them. Simple power washing can fix these things. People want to walk through and feel like you care about their experience. The "bar" had frozen drink machines that just didn't freeze all day and the worker even said "if you want something of a frozen consistency, you are not going to get it" and then continued selling watery non-frozen drinks from the machine and pouring some alcohol in. For $16 a drink, I passed. Sandcastle could be amazing, but the owners need to add new attractions, make sure rides and food stands are open for people and keep the area clean. It felt dirty in many places when we walked around. Lastly, whoever is in control of the music piping through the park needs a different job. The music was awful on repeat all day. read more

This was a really good water park. The price was perfect and it wasn't packed at all. It was a Monday but it was also mid summer. Plenty of variety for everyone in the family to enjoy! Lazy River was amazing! Ordered some French fries for a snack and they were awesome. Bought a refillable cup and they discounted when we bought multiple (love that). Was really pleased and would definitely come back. read more

See all

I had a great time visiting, I just wish it was cheaper and more rides were open. The lines were very long and almost 10 rides were closed. The lazy river was also very dirty and the food was overpriced. Other than that, it was pretty good & fun. read more

We've been Platinum members at Kennywood for four years now, and Sandcastle has become our weekly summer tradition. It's the perfect local getaway--clean, safe, and full of fun for all ages. Go on a weekday if you can. The crowds are light, the slide waits are minimal, and you can truly relax and enjoy the atmosphere. If you're planning a visit on a hot, sunny weekend, just know you'll be waiting in line for a bit longer--those days get packed (understandably!). What we love: * Tons of staff everywhere--you always feel safe and well looked after. * Clean restrooms (seriously, not something every water park pulls off). * Reasonably priced food, with lots of options to keep everyone happy. * Great security presence, which puts parents like us at ease. * A baby pool for little ones, a fun wave pool, and of course... * The lazy river, where you'll most likely find me floating and recharging! Sandcastle is one of Pittsburgh's underrated gems. Whether you're a thrill-seeker or just want to unwind in the sun, this place delivers. We'll be back next week (and the next, and the next...). read more

See all

Sandcastle is a fun spot to go, especially if you have kids. It is dated however and could be so much better. Most of the place needs a facelift. New paint, concrete, landscaping, etc. There are parts of the lazy river where there is water falling from the boardwalk onto straight mud and splashing into the water. This wouldn't all be a huge deal if this was a cheaply priced place, but it isn't. There are some great aspects of the park. Plenty of slides and different pools to go to throughout the day. The food is pretty solid, including potato patch fries. They also have some great drinks and drink spots. Our last time there, the lifeguards were all being very vigilant, especially in the kids pools. I noticed other people saying differently in the past, but they were doing a great job when we were there. Overall, we will continue to come back once every couple years, but I wish they would put some more into it and we would be back more. read more

Had such a fun day at sandcastle! We bought our tickets using the discounted promotion online in advance. Parking was super simple and it was not very crowded. Started our day with a yummy cocktail from the Sandbar, where the bartender was super friendly and accommodating. Then we relaxed by the pool. After, we spent some time in the lazy river, rode a few tube slides and finished the day with lunch and ice cream. Overall, it was such a beautiful day! Hope to make it for another sunny summer day before the season is over. There were a few more slides and sweat treats I would like to try! read more

See all

The walkways are so hot that my family had serious burns on their feet. I refused to even try to wait in long lines because I did not want to stand on scorching hot steps for any amount of time. The fact that you cannot even wear water shoes to prevent burning is beyond obscene. Until this issue is resolved, why would I bring my family to a water park to cool off, just to burn the bottoms of our feet so bad that it's not enjoyable and dangerous? read more

Like others have said before, we are so lucky to have such a best waterpark here in Pittsburgh. However, this place needs a face lift. Long lines and overwhelmed staff take so much away from the experience. Its worth committing to a season pass if your going to use it, but the steep 1-day pass make it a low value for the occasional patron. read more

Best waterpark in Pittsburgh, there some high ass rides lol here, I dont like heights so i kinda avoid them lol but I ride most the rides and all have been fun, even has a pool for the adults that wanna chill. read more

Family oriented water park. They have a nice variety for people of all ages. They have multiple kiddy areas, along with regular pools, a wave pool, slides, many places to eat, and 2 bars. The potato patch fries are typically what we get. They taste just like kennywoods (same owner). They have refillable drink stations in multiple locations for people to fill their refillable sandcastle cup. They also allow anyone to get water which is nice to stay hydrated in the sun. My biggest complaint is why must they charge $10-$20 for parking. I bought a season pass here and it didn't even include parking!! I probably won't be buying one again. read more

I hadn't been to sandcastle in over 15 years so this was a crapshoot for me. It turned out well! The wave pool, lazy river, and the 3 slides we rode were all amazing! We enjoyed our food even though the wait was a bit intense. Staff was friendly and helpful. My only issue were the boardwalk planks. We attempted to go barefoot but they were sort of loose and pinched our feet a lot! read more

We had a beautiful time. So much to do. Wasn't overly crowded. And the water temperature was perfect. Everything appeared very clean. Although it was a terribly expensive day, and probably my only time this season. Why doesn't the website say that the prices are much better if you buy on line? That was the first thing that made me mad. Entry was $100 , instead of $70. Cabana's are at least $100, and had I known, there are free chairs everywhere, I would have been happy under the trees. It is a gorgeous facility. But , $100, and there was garbage left from the last people who used the cabana. This was disappointing because it had been noted in several reviews before. Don't you read the reviews? We asked a lifeguard how to find our cabana, and he had NO clue. I wanted a Kennywood ice cream cone so bad . I don't go to the amusement park because you can't just go to walk around, even if i just want an ice cream cone! Well, there it was, on the sign. So i go up to the stand and see 6 young ladies pacing back and forth, or standing, doing nothing. I have to ask, twice, if anyone was working and they all looked dumbfounded. Finally one asks if I have been waited on...... I am the only one waiting to be asked if I would like something, only to find out they have discontinued the dip cone. Other than this, i had an enjoyable, but quite expensive day. read more

Stay open until the end of the season.i bought a season pass and now they are closed on weekdays

Nothing for me to not like about me visit. The food was good, the slides were fun, and the wave pool had big waves. I loved the boardwalk style with the shops going down into a mini "park". As a side note, the music choice on the speakers was pretty good. read more

The wave pool is really fun and so are all the rides but the wait was very long but that's because it was pack it is a lot of fun but the food is really expensive other then that it is good read more

We are really fortunate to have such a nice water park around the city of Pittsburgh! We decided to go on a Friday to beat some of the crowd, I'm glad we did. Although there were less people than a weekend, there seemed to be somewhat of a lifeguard shortage. All rides only had one side open, vs two which caused lines to build up. They were working on the new slide expected to open this month, but the other large slides were closed due to the construction. This was a pricy day, but worth it when planned well - we arrived at noon and didn't leave until seven. The tickets, locker, food, all kinda pricey but honestly what park isn't these days? They look like they are hiring, which would be a great summer job especially for teenagers! Also, I highly recommend going on a weekday if possible, and bringing waters in a soft cooler that you can keep in the locker. read more

Overall, a very fun place to spend a warm summer day. There's a family pool, wave pool, probably a dozen different slides, 2 kid areas, and a lazy River. The park has an overall nice layout, definitely provides for the "at the beach" feel. The lifeguards are all cool and want guests to have a good time while doing their job of keeping everyone safe. There is an ok selection of food options. It's very typical amusement park food. Pizza, hamburger, fries, chicken tenders. I will warn you though... the food comes at a price. There's also the newest "restaurant" and bar at the park that offers slightly different food options that are all pretty good. If the park is really busy, anticipate waiting in line for practically everything. read more

Slides are very fun, however the park is poorly managed, resulting in slides being closed and long, slow lines. Paid 78 dollars for 3 people, 26 per person. Three of the best slides were closed due to "staffing", plus many others, meaning they apparently didn't have enough workers. Just over half of the slides were operating. However, it certainly appeared as if they could have managed staffing better for faster lines and more slides. Many workers were observed not doing very much when they could have been placed in non-lifeguard certified positions related to slide operation. We waited 40 minutes once and never shorter than 20 minutes, for a ten second thrill on each slide. Unacceptable given the price. read more

Great place I loved it tons of seats every where even grass areas. So many lifeguards they have eyes everywhere so nothing happens to kids swimming. The security guards are sweet as can be my 6 year old loved talking to them. Ok the bad parts food is pricey but you should know that. Lots of steps to get up to slides you should know that. Elevator just saying lol I don't ever give 5 starts to anything but this is close. Oh wife was in wheelchair everything thing was very accessible. I live in LA so this is outsider perspective. read more

Diet Pepsi was crispy and spicy 9/10. Great carbonation. Souvenir cup is the price of two with free refills. read more

Sandcastle Water Park - Diet pepsi - Amusement Parks Near Me - Homestead, Pennsylvania

it was my sons very first time getting on a big slide. and the lifeguards name was bria at the top of the slide. she helped my son into the tube. told him it's ok to be scared and that he will have fun. and that someone will be at the bottom waiting for him. this was a big deal for him and I'm glad she was the one at the top of that slide for him. :) read more

I made my initial visit to Sandcastle back in 1990 and prior to this excursion my last visit was in 2003. I don't anticipate a 17 year gap until my next trip here. Here is another COVID19 review... As Sandcastle wraps up it's short season they offered an internet only 1/2 price ticket for 17.99 and after fees were approximately 21.00 per person plus 7 bucks for parking. Upon arrival our temperatures were taken. All employees wore masks, promoted/practiced social distancing, and disinfected each tube/raft after each use. Employees were very friendly as well. So...we arrived at 11 which was when the park opens. After procuring a few chairs by the wave pool we went and rode dragons den. Very enjoyable as all slides were. The majority of the slides/buildings were definitely painted over the past few years. We rode all slides in the park. Lines were not overly long as the weather was near perfect. Lazy river was relaxing and monitored by several employees to make sure kids weren't running amuck. We didn't eat here, but the pools (wave and regular) were very relaxing. I really enjoyed my visit with my wife and two kids. The employees were very attentive and despite COVID19 was a very relaxing day. Definitely a relaxing day if you want to get water logged. I won't wait 17 years for my next visit. read more

It has been ten years since I have lasted visited. The park seems to be clean and maintained. The wave pool and other play pools were adequate for the kids. The employees: greeters, potato patch fries, and slide attendants were all friendly and upbeat! The new bombs away slide is intense and entertaining. A great addition. The tall speed slide still hurts, lol, but knew what I was getting into. My only negative responses: the lazy river was closed; which was disappointing because that's what we were looking forward to. (I'm guessing lack of staff) Also the restroom by the wave pool (at the least the mens) needs tlc. Floors are way past needing updated/detailed cleaned. Very very bad smell. Thx for a fun day. read more

I will not be renewing my season passes in 2023. 1. It takes 25 minutes to get in to the park from homestead since they closed the back entrance. Not ok. 2. The prices have gone up on everything over 100%. 3. Can't ever find a chair 4. There are no perks to having a season pass anymore. The price on those have gone up too.... Every season!! 5. Everything is dirty from the pools to the bars. The only place that is clean is brand new so I see that being dirty. 6. Above mentioned place that was clean is the place they herd everyone through upon coming in and leaving.. an attempt to make one more over-priced sale. Shameless! read more

Lost a fight to a stray dog. When I attempted to get my hotdog back off the dog a large man smoking a cigar in a Speedo said that's his service dog and that the dog bought the hotdog fair and square. Before I could question all things wrong with that statement the stray dog ran away through a hole in a fence. I later ran into the same man on the lazy river where he was bottle feeding a raccoon. He used foul language telling me not to stare and I should be lucky he doesn't sue my family. He then talked into the baby bottle like it was a phone while the wild raccoon swam away to safety. read more

I used to go to Sandcastle Water Park all of the time, so when I realized I haven't been there in a few years, my boyfriend and I decided to go. First of all, a single ticket is around $36, or you can buy a season pass for around $50 which allows you to visit the park as many times as you want throughout the summer... it was a no-brainer! We both purchased season passes, however, it does not cover the $7 parking fee. I don't really understand why you need to pay to park in the middle of nowhere when there is already an admission fee. Secondly, the bathrooms were absolutely DISGUSTING. Eight stalls were "out of order", only one soap dispenser worked, and they were filthy! My boyfriend said the men's bathrooms were the same... yuck! My biggest problem with the park is that it does not look like it's been touched in YEARS. Everything is so old, and The Lazy River was closed. We were so disappointed because the lazy river is one of our favorite spots. When I asked a worker when it will be back up and running, she wasn't positive that it will be open again this summer. In addition, several of the food places didn't officially open until around 1, which was slightly frustrating since the park opens at 11. Overall, I don't actually believe Sandcastle deserves 3 stars, but the generosity is because it was overall still a very fun trip and nice day out. Plus, we don't have any other options of outdoor water parks in the Pittsburgh area- appreciate what you have! Next time I will definitely better prepare! read more

this place is pretty fun! but there are some things that hinder this review, there is definitely a lack of rides here (however I have not been here in like 2 years) but everything else is pretty good! read more

OPEN THE WET WILLIES ENTRANCE, OR OFFER A SAFE WAY FOR PEDESTRIANS TO ACCESS YOUR PARK!!! You have zero walkways to get to the entrance, when the first entrance isn't open, just a busy roadway with no space for people/children to walk along. Your solution in the past has been to walk on the bike trail side, okay fine, but this year it's PAD LOCKED again by the exit. This means that you have no choice but to hop the fence, which isn't safe to put a toddler over first, while you try to climb over before they run into traffic. That bike path gate should NEVER be locked, it's an exit point, and has pedestrian crossing markers painted from the trail exit, to the sidewalk on the other side, so it's obviously meant specifically for that. read more

Sandcastle Water Park - Amusement Parks Near Me - Homestead, Pennsylvania

Nice setting by river, fun atmosphere. Grandparents enjoyed the boardwalk and various seating options around the pools. Kids (9&7) were entertained and challenged by the various pools and slides all day. It was a weekday, quite busy but wait times not bad and park was clean. Didn't try the snack bars. Hope to return! read more

Another wasted trip! Why do your email, phone message and website All Say You're Open When You're Closed?!! Second time already (today is Sun. June 9th) everything said you're open only to find park closed! Is it too much to ask that someone take 5 minutes to update your information and spare hundreds of customers a trip??? read more

Overall, Sandcastle remains a great waterpark. My son really likes it, and today he even talked me back into that way high up body slide that reminds me of mortality. Obviously I lived to re-review! The slides and pools are still great, and greatly enjoyable! Food still pretty much terrific and with good selections! Lifeguard staff attentive and professional. Walking along the "boardwalk" though, its noticeable that some maintenance needs to be done. The lad and I both walked on a few "softspot" planks that probably need replaced. Worse though, are the number of screws that secure the planks...some are raised as much as an 8th or more of an inch. They need screwed back in place so barefoot kids don't get cut or scraped. Still a terrific spot for watery fun, and a great bargain when you get season passes. It gets crowded and finding seats can be challenging, but that's the nature of the place, and its attractiveness for fun. A little preventative infrastructure maintenance, and its be perfect! We love Sandcastle! read more

Always a good day at Sandcastle. Pleasant staff and always helpful. Have season passes and visit often. Wish the Lazy River was open but overall a FUN experience. Love it! Keep up the great atmosphere. read more

Sandcastle Water Park - Luke CHILLIN! - Amusement Parks Near Me - Homestead, Pennsylvania

I love me some sandcastle!!!! Season pass all the way. Only thing I'd love to see are more VEGAN OPTIONS for food.

Charging full price when it's 4pm and closes at 5pm is absolutely pathetic and you should be ashamed of yourselves. Hire people that want to work until 8-9pm like a normal water park. read more

In dire need of maintenance and updates. Many run down areas around the park including tables that are rotting, broken wood, paint flaking off rooflines etc. Flower/planter areas in many areas are overgrown and not maintained with weeds throughout. Tubes get stuck on slides for some as well. Indicates a general lack of caring about the quality in workmanship or investment in maintenance. Our cabana had leftover food all over the table and trash strewn about. read more

Yuck! I visited with children in July 2021. I don't recommend. There were at least 3 instances when tubes "got stuck" on the slides that my kids were riding on. They had to close 1 line of that particular slide while they figured it out and dislodged the tube or kid on that slide (each time). Also, there was a fight between a handful of adults on the lazy River. Screaming, name-calling, shoving, etc. The lifeguards did their best to alleviate the situation, but nobody listened and it took minutes for security to arrive. These are grown women fighting on a family ride at 2 in the afternoon. It goes to show the clientele that populates Sandcastle. Also: people are vaping in the pool areas and even in the line of food kiosks. People think it's a 90's nightclub even on a weekday afternoon. Not to mention, the bathrooms are nasty. If you don't like this type of environment, don't go. read more

First time visiting, was a 2.5 hour drive to Pittsburgh from Cleveland. We heard about this place through Groupon and decided to go for it. I was initially drawn to the wave pool and lazy river, but the lazy river wasn't open for the season yet due to flooding and the wave pool seemed small and kind of crowded. I reserved a cabana online prior to our trip and we got to choose the location, so we chose the kiddie area since we have little ones. It was affordable, but there was no tv, electricity, mini fridge. It was a tent with a table and some chairs. But the table and chairs were pretty filthy. I strongly suggest they clean that up. But the they did have a good beer selection and plenty of food options. People were friendly and cool. We will come back, but call first to make sure the lazy river is up. read more

Sandcastle Water Park - Cabana photo - Amusement Parks Near Me - Homestead, Pennsylvania

The park is amazing when all the slides are open. I did not renew my season pass this year, and I will not be getting another one. I nearly passed out from heat stroke the first day due to a long wait in line. Last year, Sandcastle forced payment of parking which is way overpriced. You had to drive through Homestead and re-directed toward the Hays parking area. The gates were closed at the walking trail. The park got a high rating from critics. They were probably there on the 4th of July. This was the only date all slides were open, and the gates were unlocked at the walking and bike trail. Sandcastle and Kennywood have been going downhill since the original owners sold the parks in the early 2000s. A fresh coat of paint makes the parks look better, but they are not any better. read more

Park is not kept up, looks like zero maintenance is performed. Really a shame as it was nice park originally. Every worker interaction was really deplorable. It is almost like the park is run by teenagers. Noticed several bees nests while waiting in line for slides. Over priced sub- par food. By far the worst experience was funnel cakes. Trash everywhere and workers just standing around on their phones. The whole experience was a downer. read more