Plan a Cheap Family Vacation at an Amusement Park
Do you want to plan a fun family vacation, but are you operating with limited financial resources? If so, an amusement park may be the answer to your problems. Right now, you are likely thinking there is no way you can afford a trip to Disneyland. Yes, Disneyland is one of the world’s most well-known amusement parks, but it is not your only option. There is Six Flags, Busch Gardens, and many locally owned and operated parks. Luckily, they are easier to travel to and much cheaper.
Your goal is to save money on your family’s vacation and an amusement park will help you save money. With that said, you still want to have a good trip. After all, unhappy children are the quickset way to spoil a family vacation. So, how can you ensure your family’s cheap vacation at an amusement park is a success?
Opt for an amusement park you have never visited before. Many states have at least two or three good amusement parks to choose from. If your family needs to drive an additional four hours to get to a new park, do it. It will be a new experience for your children. Leave at night or early in the morning. The long car ride won’t be a huge problem for your children if you have lots of fun activities and if they can sleep.
Consider making it a two or three day trip. One of the problems many parents run into is feeling like they are shortchanging their children. If your teenager is used to a weeklong beach vacation, a daytrip to the amusement park may not be what she had in mind. Really turn it into a vacation by staying one or two nights. Luckily, most amusement parks, like Six Flags and Busch Gardens, are large. Take your time and you could easily spend two or three days exploring the entire park.
As for your staying options, you usually have two. There are usually hotels and campgrounds located near amusement parks, if not right onsite. Camping will be your cheapest options. If you can stay onsite, see if special deals are available for guests. You may get free park admission. If you do have some money to spend and are more worried about the happiness of your children, ask for their input. Would they rather stay at a hotel or camp? Yes, you want to save money, but, if you have money to spend, ensure your children are happy.
Plan your amusement park vacation during the weekday. If you are concerned about missing too much work, schedule your vacation on a Sunday and Monday, so that you miss only one day of work. Weekdays are best. Sometimes, you will find lower admission fees. Best of all, the parks are less busy. You and your family will have more fun, as you will spend less time waiting in line.
Look for discounted tickets. Many times, you save money by buying your tickets early. Many grocery store sell discounted tickets. Discounts are also usually offered on the websites of these parks. In addition to discounted prices, you may find buy one get one free deals, free admission for young children, and so forth. Saving money on admission prices for your family’s amusement park vacation is nice. It gives you more money to spend on souvenirs or games.
Speaking of games, they cost money, but are loads of fun. A good approach is to set aside a specific dollar amount, like $10 for each child. Let them know once the money is gone, it is gone. Since games are scattered throughout amusement parks, let your child signal when they want to stop. Yes, they only have a small amount of money to spend playing games, but at least they get to handpick those games. You can also give them the alternative to take their game money and buy something at a gift shop.
In conclusion, you don’t have to forego your family’s summer vacation this year, even if you are on a budget. An amusement park is filled with fun. There are many ways that you can save money, while still providing your children with a great time.
good idea
We are planning for a fun vacation. Thanks for sharing all great tips.
Amusement parks are no longer the inexpensive trip that I experienced as a child. These are helpful tips.
I live in Orlando, and most of us locals will pack a picnic lunch so that we don’t spend money on park food.
id love to take my grandkids on a trip to a amusement park before I get too old to go
I love amusement parks and lucky my son does too. I like your tips.
These are all great tips. We have a lot of amusement parks in our area and they can be super expensive to visit. Planning ahead using these tips will make it more affordable.
Thank you for the tips! As a mother of a 5 and 6 year old, my hubby & I have been trying to come up with a plan for a much needed family vacation now that they are older and enjoy doing a lot of activities especially at the amusement parks!
These are great tips, thank you so much for sharing! We are lucky enough to be within driving distance to a couple of really good amusement parks, so luckily we save a lot there.
I really loved when I visited Disneyland many years ago and also Disneyworld. Such wonderful memories!
We love going to amusement parks.
Love to visit here looking good
I’m with ya on the Wednesdays.
I really like these tips. Great for family vacations!
Great tips. I remember growing up in a family of 6 that we had to utilize all of these tips to manage a trip to any amusement park!
When my children were younger we did Disney, Universal Studios and Six Flags… but I also went to a couple of amusement parks close to home, such as Story Land in NH a few times, it was a lot of fun and the weather was cooler and we had the beauty of the White Mountains surrounding us, and one of my favorites was Canobie Lake close to the NH/MA border.
Looks great for a family vacation!
We hope to go to DisneyWorld next year love to saving on it thanks for sharing
I never got to go to Disney when I was growing up and so even more so I always wished I could afford to take our 5 kids there but with 5 kids and all the way from Michigan we could never afford that while they were growing up either, so now I am hoping we can go with our grandson someday.
BUT we DID have a LOT of fun going to many other places including amusement parks like Cedar Point in Ohio. We love it there!
A few years ago my husband and I were able to go just the 2 of us to Universal Studios too which I absolutely love as they have my favorite type of rides those simulated kinds.
I Love Amusement Parks. Always have since I was a child. My favorite rides are roller coasters.
My parents always took us to Amusement Parks when we were young. It brings back wonderful memories.
I check out vacation packages and always bring our own food to amusement parks!
i wish we could go there
Wonderful tips! I am planning a trip to Disneyworld soon with my three grandsons and these tips will come in handy.
We always ate before or after going in. Food inside is just okay & very expensive.
I would love to visit Disney world one day
These are perfect tips for a summer getaway! Thanks for the info!