Yahoo Finance 9 Cheap, Fun American Amusement and Water Parks for Summer 2024
When it comes to getting out and having a good time, water and amusement parks are popular destinations for couples, groups of friends and families. Millions upon millions of people visit the most popular parks across the U.S. each year.
But these places are often the ones with the most expensive price tags. This can bring financial stress for families on less flexible budgets, especially if they plan to do additional fun activities during the summer months.
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But just because you can’t afford to take the family to Walt Disney World this year doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Plenty of affordable theme parks across the U.S. are open to visit, and some are two-for-ones — offering admission to both an amusement park and a water park by paying one relatively low price per ticket.
It’s also helpful to note that if you’re planning on visiting an amusement or water park more than one day in a row, your per-day price will often be lower. Some parks even offer the next consecutive day of admission free with the purchase of each full-price ticket. Additionally, many parks offer season passes, which can really help you save if you plan to visit more than once during the season.
To help you sort out the best deals this season, here’s information on 10 of the most affordable, fun parks in the U.S.
Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
Ticket price: As low as $49.99
Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park, located in downtown Denver, offers visitors two parks for the price of one. For one ticket price, you can enjoy four different types of rides: thrill, family, kids’ and water. Kids age 2 and under are free. And if you’re into thrill rides, the park claims it has the 13 best coasters in Denver.
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Six Flags Magic Mountain
Ticket price: As low as $57
Six Flags Magic Mountain, located in Valencia, California, features over 100 rides, shows and attractions, including thrill rides, family rides, kids’ rides and live shows. The park’s website states that by purchasing your ticket online, you’ll often get a cheaper price (plus less waiting in line) than if you choose to purchase your tickets at the park. Visit this park to ride Full Throttle, which has gained notoriety as the No. 1 tallest and fastest looping rolling coaster worldwide.
The Island in Pigeon Forge
Ticket price: Pay by ride, or get a 2-day pass for $39.99
One of the most popular attractions in Pigeon Forge is Dollywood (which sports a big water park), but a one-day ticket is pricey at $82 (plus taxes and fees). The Island in Pigeon Forge could be a better choice if you’re on a budget.
There is no admission charge to go to this park, instead, you pay per ride. Individual tickets per attraction start at $5.99. If you’re planning on hitting up multiple rides, your best bet may be to get a 48-hour unlimited rides wristband, which costs $39.99. For $49.99, you add on a one-time admission to The Island Ropes Course.
King’s Dominion & Soak City
Ticket price: Starting at $39.99
King’s Dominion & Soak City in Doswell, Virginia, gives you more bang for your buck by offering a theme park and water park rolled into one, with family, kids’ and thrill ride offerings in both areas. Through June 21, you can get an “Everyone Pays Kid Price” ticket for $39.99. If you go after 4 p.m., you can access even cheaper pricing through the summer, with a ticket costing $37.99.
Frontier City
Ticket price: Starting at $25
Frontier City, located in Oklahoma City, is a Six Flags theme park. However, if you plan to visit the park more than once during the season, you can save with a season pass. A season pass starts at $65 per person and includes unlimited admission to Frontier City, Hurricane Harbor water park, plus general parking and a 10% discount on food and merchandise.
Knoebels
Ticket price: $30-$50
If you’re planning a visit to or near Elysburg, Pennsylvania (around 73 miles north of Harrisburg), you may want to add Knoebels to your itinerary. The park offers kiddie, family and thrill rides, plus various attractions, like mini-golf, an XD theater and a bald eagle habitat.
A Ride All Day ticket with coasters is $50. You can also buy individual tickets per ride, with prices starting at $2 and going up to $5 for its most thrilling rides. Tickets can be used by more than one person and never expire.
Wild Adventures
Ticket price: $45.99-$59.99
If you’re planning to visit Wild Adventures in Valdosta, Georgia, purchase your tickets online at least seven days in advance to save $10 to get the $45.99 price. Included in the price is admission to Splash Island water park and the live shows and animal exhibits. Or, if you plan to visit the parks over a couple of days, pay the general admission price of $59.99 (child and senior pricing also available) and get the next day free.
Magic Springs Theme and Water Park
Ticket price: $44.99-$59.99
Magic Springs Theme and Water Park is billed as the thrill capital of Arkansas, and the best ticket prices are available online. You’ll pay $44.99 per ticket on Monday-Friday and $59.99 on Saturday-Sunday. Children ages 3 and under are free.
Knott’s Soak City
Ticket price: Starting at $49.99
Part of Knott’s Berry Farm, an amusement park in Buena Park, California, is the 15-acre water adventure park, Knott’s Soak City, open in summers only. Tickets to this theme park, which is separate from Knott’s Berry Farm, start at $49.99. If you’d like to check out Knott’s Berry Farm, buy tickets online starting at $59.99.
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