5 Tips and Tricks for Saving Money at the Amusement Park

One of the most fun ways to make family memories is to spend a day at the amusement park! But when you’re planning a trip, the first question you may have is, “Why are they so expensive?” With admission, refreshments, games and souvenirs, the costs add up quickly.

Maybe a family trip to the theme park feels out of reach. But with some careful planning, summer fun can be on the horizon, and you can make exciting memories. Here are some of our best tips on how to save money at an amusement park.

Tip #1: Plan Your Trip Wisely

The most natural time to head to the theme park is often when everyone else is going: spring break, summer months and on the weekends. But if you avoid those times, you might get a deal.

When you’re booking your trip, avoid the traditional vacation seasons and consider a trip in the vacation offseason. Many parks charge the highest admission when people are most likely to attend. Often, you can get cheaper admission rates in the offseason, when the parks want to attract more visitors. So, play hooky from work and school (or responsibly take time off) and plan your trip in the fall or spring, or midweek. 

And don’t forget another benefit: When fewer people visit, the lines tend to be shorter. No need to buy that fast pass!

Tip #2: Look for Ticket Membership Deals

You might want to buy tickets as soon as you decide you’re going on the trip. But taking a beat and bargain shopping pays off, even when you’re shopping for amusement park tickets.

Check deal websites like RetailMeNot, Groupon or Travelzoo. These sites will often offer deals on admission, parking and food deals. Check with your credit card providers as well, who might occasionally offer deals.

If your trip includes a hotel stay, look for hotel and admission package deals. Many times, hotels will be able to offer a better deal than if you are paying for each part of the trip separately. 

And when you get to the location, pay attention when you are near the park. Convenience stores and shops close to the park will often offer deals to their customers for ticket discounts and special rates.

Tip #3: Follow the Park on Social Media

Check out the social media presence of the park on sites like Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. In addition to flash ticket deals, they may offer specials at concessions or notify visitors of the rides with the shortest lines. See if the theme park has an app and download it for the most up-to-date information and promotions. (Make sure to enable alerts.)

Tip #4: Stay Hydrated (and Beat Hunger) for Less

Food and drink expenses can rack up way too fast at an amusement park. So, while it’s fun to get a themed snack, don’t waste money where it doesn’t count. Nobody needs to spend $5 on water! Throw a water bottle in your bag. Most of the food service counters or concessions spots will fill the bottle for free. Packing a lunch or snacks can also help to save on costs. 

But be sure to check park rules beforehand. Many theme parks have guidelines on what you can bring into the park.

Tip #5: Buy Souvenirs Later

If you want a T-shirt, hat, pin or other collectible to help you remember your trip, you might want to wait until you leave. You can sometimes save quite a bit by waiting to buy after you have left the park. Check out the souvenir stands outside the park, online shops or eBay.

Have Fun and Be Safe

A day at the park should be a fun trip with your family, and it doesn’t have to leave you dreading your credit card bill next month. You can rest easier when you save with a few key strategies.

Looking for more advice? Reach out to Farm Bureau for tips and tools that will help you save and plan for the future.