Here's my advice - go early!
The turnstiles open at 8:30 every day, no matter when opening is scheduled.
Be in the Parking lot by 8:15. Go inside the park at 8:30.
Eat breakfast, Molly's Mill, Sulivan's Mill, the Apple Butter Shop or Eva and Delilah's.
Hint - my favorites are Biscuits & Gravy at Molly's Mill breakfast buffet, Apple Turnovers at the Apple Butter Shop, and Cinnamon Apple Biscuits at Sulivan's Mill.
Pro tip - Sulivan's Mill also has Starbucks coffee! And they grind thier own wheat every morning for thier baked goods, the most tender baked goods I have ever had in my life!
Shop around.
Get your birthday button from the General Store if it's your birthday.
Relax!
Watch a show. Sometimes there is a show in the Gazebo around 8:45, check the schedule for details.
If you are into rides go on rides the first 1 to 2 hours the park is open. Most people won't be coming to the park till opening time, which if you went inside early, you are a good hour maybe more ahead of them - they have to park, gather stuff, get to the gates, get in, then get down to the areas where the rides are etc.
Ride, rides till it gets crowded!
Then eat lunch early - 11am, is when food will be freshest. Otherwise wait til after 2pm.
Molly's Mill is usually the least crowded, and has delicious fried chicken, then sometimes Wagon Works isn't as bad as other restaurants, because it is not close to the rides. And they have the very best burgers.
Avoid Crossroads Pizza and my personal favorite Rivertown Smokehouse. While my kids love Crossroads and my husband and I absolutely adore Rivertown Smokehouse. So does everyone else! So both are completely jam packed during busy days/times. And so is Tater Twist!
While it's busy go to shows like Hot Time in Rivertown - fast paced music and dancing, Homestead Pickers - comedy and music, or many other shows in the schedule every day.
Chat with and visit the Craftsmen.
Visit the Homestead.
Shop.
The crowds start dying down around 2pm (at the back of the park) usually completely die down by 3 or 4 pm. That's when you can go back to rides.
But, if you do choose to do more popular things during the most busy part of the day, like thrill rides, and popular restaurants, please bring lots of patience and grace. Understanding the staff is doing their best, considering the high volume of guests.
Here's a collage of a few things to do during peak times.
Molly's Mill or Bakeries for Breakfast.
Enjoying a Show
Train Ride (less popular with teen school groups)
Craft/Baking Demonstrations
Swinging Bridge
Grandfather's Mansion
Engaging with the Citizens and relaxing on a porch.
Homestead schoolhouse, and Petting Zoo!
