Have you ever wanted to take your family to visit a great theme park but have stopped after seeing the ticketing prices? Some of the larger, better known theme parks charge a fortune for admission. Sure they’re only the bigger ones that do so, because they’re more popular and have more rides and attractions. But have you ever thought about going to a regional theme park in your area that is just as fun for the family, and even at half the cost? Well you’re going to want to go there now!
5 theme parks under $50 entry
Cedar Point
Sandusky, OH
Website https://www.cedarpoint.com/
Cedar Point is said to be the roller coaster capital of the world, having some of the scariest rides across America. Having opened in 1870, Cedar Point has remained situated on a Lake Erie peninsula in Sandusky, Ohio. Cedar Point is one of the greatest amusement parks that America has to offer, with a world-record amount of rides at 72. This includes 16 roller coasters alone! They break down their rides and attractions into the following categories: Thrill Rides, Family Rides, Water Rides, Kids’ Rides, Dinosaurs Alive, Soak City Water Park and Challenge Park. Sounds like there is something there for every member of the family! Admission into Cedar Point costs around $49.99.
Dorney Park
Allentown, PA
Website https://www.dorneypark.com/
If you go to Dorney Park, you have to go on the Steel Force ride. It is one of the most recognized roller coasters, as it’s the ninth longest in the world! Being an hour’s drive from Philadelphia, Dorney Park is a great all-round amusement park. It even has a water park inside called Wildwater Kingdom with 18 water rides. All up, Dorney Park has a total of 59 rides, catering for children and adults alike. You’ll be sure to find something you like at Dorney with this variety. Adult’s ticketing comes in at $44 and for the kids it’s $34.
Knotts Berry Farm
Buena Park, CA
Website https://www.knotts.com/
Knotts Berry Farm is a massive 160-acre theme park in California that had well over three million visitors in the past year. If that’s not a good reason to pay a visit, then their variety of attractions will entice you. This amusement park is the place for thrill seekers with some seriously crazy rides like Rip Tide, La Revolucion and Supreme Scream. But if you’re not into the scary rides you’re sure to find something to your liking among their 40 rides. The theme park is divided into four categories: Camp Snoopy, The Boardwalk, Fiesta Village and Ghost Town. Inside these themes there are roller coasters, historical rides, water rides and rides for the family and kids. Tickets cost $37 for ages 3-11 and over 62, and $43 for ages 12-61.
Luna Park
Coney Island, NY
Website http://lunaparknyc.com/
Luna Park amusement park finds itself in a great location in Brooklyn. The New York Aquarium and Coney Island Beach & Boardwalk are both nearby. This theme park has a great selection of rides for every member of the family. Their 28 rides cover thrill rides, family rides and kids rides. Be mindful that you can only visit Luna park between the months of April to October as that’s only when they’re in operation. Luna Parks pricing is referred to as credits that are put towards rides and games. You are in control of how much you spend by how willing you are to participate with their attractions. I’d look at their pay-per-ride credits or their 4-hour unlimited ride wristband to get the best deal.
Santa Cruz Boardwalk
Santa Cruz, CA
Website http://beachboardwalk.com/
Santa Cruz Boardwalk is an oceanfront amusement park in operation since 1907. This theme park has quite possibly the best location, right on the lovely beach and only a 90-minute drive from San Francisco. The Beach Boardwalk has enough attractions to keep literally everyone amused! They have a total of 35 rides. The Giant Dipper Roller Coaster is a must for those who seek adrenaline. If roller coasters aren’t for you, then there are other activities such as Laser Tag, Lazer Maze, Fright Walk and Mini Golf. A wristband ticket for all-day unlimited rides is $32.95, or those other activities mentioned above cost $5 each.
