It was ridiculously hot on Monday, but we persevered. We were determined to take the 9- and 10-year-old grandkids to the famed Kennywood Park as promised. And so we did.

Yes I questioned our sanity at such an adventure during a heat advisory. Yet there are just some promises you cannot break.

Traveling to Kennywood is a monumental feat in itself. It would not have been possible without a voice over the car radio directing each turn and stoplight through the Pittsburgh area neighborhoods. It is clear to me that it would never have been accomplished via the old paper map style of following directions.

Once safely in the parking lot that was quickly filling up at 11 a.m., we made our way to the entrance. After walking down a long concrete walkway and through a darkened tunnel, we finally were in the heart of Kennywood. This is an amazing place when you know a little about its history.

The fact the amusement park, known for its daring roller coasters, has been around for more than 12 decades is something to consider. The park with its many games, rides and refreshments has survived the Great Depression, World War II and the COVID epidemic.

It became clear very quickly that it was best to keep moving and scout out the rides and attractions with shorter wait lines. However, any amount of standing still in a line was a challenge as sweat poured from every pore in the 91-degree heat and humidity.

The kids were bent on certain rides, and so we sucked it up and ventured on. While the young ones enjoyed their rides, I will have to say the train ride through the park was my favorite as it gave us some interesting facts about the park’s history and views of the area.

Imagine taking a ride on The Old Mill, the park’s oldest surviving ride which opened in 1901. Or for the more adventurous (and brave), you can fly through the air, hang upside down or spin like a top on your pick of roller coasters. There are rides and attractions for all ages, too many to name here.

When the heat got the best of us and enough fun was had by all, we started to make our way to the exit. Our grandson and my husband decided they just had to take a ride on the Log Jammer before we left. It was the perfect end to the day as they rode a logging car down the steep water slide, hit the water and became drenched at the bottom. They both agreed it was worth getting wet on such a hot day.

A visit to the Potato Patch, a frozen drink and Dippin’ Dots ice cream brought our outing to an end. It was a real challenge in that heat, but it was worth it to make the memories we all will remember. After all, isn’t that what summer is all about?

Heather Ziegler can be reached via email at hziegler@theintelligencer.net.