Sesame Place Philadelphia, a children’s theme park and water park in Langhorne, celebrates its 45th anniversary this season. The lineup of festivities and special events begins this weekend.
Since its opening in 1980 near the Oxford Valley Mall, Sesame Place Philadelphia has distinguished itself with a few firsts.
Sesame Place Philadelphia, one of two Sesame Place theme parks, is the first theme park in the world named as a Certified Autism Center by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, designated in 2018. The park offers services and facilities for guests with autism and other disabilities.
The park also opened the largest Sesame Street store in the United States in October 2023.
Mardi Gras Celebration
From Feb. 15 to March 9, the park will host its third annual Mardi Gras celebration, where families can spin on the 25 attractions while enjoying Mardi Gras-themed festivities and photo opportunities with kids’ favorite furry characters donning purple, green and gold.
The Sesame Street Mardi Gras parade will be full throttle as guests munch on menu items inspired by New Orleans cuisine: jambalaya, po’ boys, hushpuppies, funnel cakes and beignets—deep-fried pastries. Families can choose to dine in at the Mardi Gras Dine with Elmo and Friends or order a bite to go at select snack carts.
The streets of the park will be alive with strolling entertainers, including Philadelphia Mummers band shows, stilt walkers and bead bike brigades. Kids can enjoy a challenge with the Mardi Gras mask scavenger hunt.
If their little legs get tired from all the fun, children can sit back and relax with “Elmo the Musical: Live!” The character stage show features math, music and the star of the show, Detective Elmo.
Who doesn’t love pizza? The interactive Cookie Monster & Chef Gonger’s Pizza Party is back at the park by popular demand, exclusively during the Mardi Gras celebration, which is included with park admission until March 9.
Members who hold a 2025 season pass can expect Sesame Cash, discounted tickets for family and friends, and an exclusive meet-and-greet opportunity with Sesame Street characters in February and March.
45th Anniversary Celebration
Starting April 26, the park will be awash with color: balloons, garlands and birthday presents galore. Everyone’s favorite Muppets will be dressed in their new birthday outfits for meet-and-greets and a festive parade.
In addition to the daily festivities, the park is hosting 10 days of celebrations from July 25 to Aug. 2 with celebratory fireworks on July 30. Season pass members can expect exclusive giveaways, offers and more.
Check Sesame Place Philadelphia’s website for further updates.
