The sunshine and warmer weather is returning to Pittsburgh, and with it, Sandcastle Water Park is opening for another season.
Its gates will open for 2026 at 11 a.m. Saturday. The park will operate through Monday, Sept. 7.
“We’re excited to welcome guests back for another season of summertime traditions at Sandcastle,” said Zachary Zapf, the park’s assistant general manager. “From new themed events and entertainment to returning guest favorites, this year’s lineup was designed to bring even more fun, energy and memorable moments to families across the Pittsburgh region all summer long.”
For Memorial Day weekend, veterans — both active duty and retired members of the armed forces — will get free admission. The offer is good through Monday. Plus, up to four friends or family members of veterans can get tickets for $24.99, Sandcastle said.
For educators, free admission will be available during all of June with a valid school badge.
This season, Sandcastle will host a special patriotic celebration in honor of America’s 250th birthday from July 1-4.
Also new this year will be DJ Decades Weekends, with a resident DJ playing tunes at the Sandbar and Mushroom Pool from different decades every Saturday and Sunday from Aug. 1-16.
Returning this season at Sandcastle:
- Kennywood character takeovers every Friday from June 12-July 3. Characters, such as Kenny Kangaroo, Parker and Jeeters, will host a foam party beginning at 2 p.m.
- Father’s Day Flop on Saturday, June 20 will be a bellyflop contest for dads to compete for the “red belly badge of honor” at the Mon Tsunami Wave Pool. Judges will look at splash level, style and floppiness of the flop.
- Foam parties on The Boardwalk each Wednesday at 2 p.m. from July 8-Aug. 12.
- Christmas in July and a Santa takeover from July 24-26.
Sandcastle is having an opening sale, in which visitors can save on purchasing season passes. They are available for up to 50% off online.