Taking the family to a theme park has become so expensive, you may feel like you need a small loan to cover the price of admission, parking, food, drinks, and of course, the souvenir merchandise. While tickets alone to get into Disney or Universal are now so high many families are priced out, it turns out, some amusement parks across the country are keeping costs low enough that thrill-seekers can actually go. A new study reveals the most affordable U.S. theme parks to visit this summer.
- Vacation rental site HomeToGo crunched the numbers, analyzing costs at 40 amusement parks in 20 states to compare prices on tickets, parking and the cost of nearby accommodations.
- Quassy Amusement Park and Water Park in Middlebury, Connecticut, comes out as the most budget-friendly. Tickets start at just $33 a day for either the theme park or waterpark, and a one-day combo ticket for both is just $43. Parking passes are only $10.
- The park is home to more than two dozen rides and attractions, including the beloved Wooden Warrior family roller coaster, while the waterpark has 16 slides and an interactive play area.
- Orlando’s Fun Spot America is number two in the ranking. Admission to the family-owned and operated theme park is actually free, as guests just pay-per-ride, or buy an unlimited rides wristband for $59.95 a day.
- California’s Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure tie for the most expensive, with ticket prices of $199.
The 10 Most Affordable U.S. Theme Parks for Summer
- Quassy Amusement Park - Middlebury, Connecticut
- Fun Spot America Theme Park - Orlando, Florida
- Castles N’ Coasters - Phoenix, Arizona
- Wild Adventures - Valdosta, Georgia
- Six Flags Frontier City - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Alabama Adventure - Bessemer, Alabama
- Six Flags New England - Agawam, Massachusetts
- Adventureland - Altoona, Iowa
- Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari - Santa Claus, Indiana
- Tropic Falls at OWA - Foley, Alabama
Source: People
photo: GETTY