Discover Affordable Amusement Parks in the USA

Discover Affordable Amusement Parks in the USA

If you're on the hunt for an exciting getaway without breaking the bank, look no further than the budget-friendly amusement parks across the United States. It's time to skip the pricey, famous parks and explore these hidden gems that offer plenty of fun at a fraction of the cost.

In 2023, ticket prices for 20 popular amusement parks in North America surged by 37%, with Disney parks seeing an astounding 69% increase over the last decade. But don’t worry—we’ve compiled a list of affordable parks that are definitely worth visiting this summer.

Knoebels Amusement Resort

Located in the lush forests of central Pennsylvania, about a three-hour drive from Philadelphia and New York City, Knoebels is the largest free amusement park in the USA. Guests can purchase individual ride tickets or opt for an all-day wristband starting at $50 ($30 for children under 48 inches).

One of the park's highlights is its collection of vintage roller coasters, including the Phoenix, a wooden coaster built in 1947 that is famous for its thrilling drops and loops. Additionally, the Flying Turns, a wooden bobsled ride, is a remarkable engineering feat that you won't want to miss.

And don’t overlook the delicious food options here, featuring homemade pierogies, fresh funnel cakes, and crispy fries. Knoebels has received multiple Golden Ticket Awards for having the best food in an amusement park.

Holiday World

Just an hour from Louisville, Holiday World is a holiday-themed amusement park with ticket prices starting at $44.99. If you buy your tickets online a day in advance, you can snag a discount.

What sets this park apart are its complimentary amenities, including soft drinks, sunscreen, and parking. Owned and operated by the same family for decades, it’s renowned for its friendly and attentive customer service.

The park is divided into four themed areas: Thanksgiving, Halloween, Independence Day, and Christmas, each featuring thrilling rides, festive decorations, music, and delicious food. The wooden coasters like The Voyage, The Raven, and The Legend are major attractions here.

Hersheypark

Located two hours from Philadelphia and three hours from New York City, Hersheypark began as a recreational area for employees of the Hershey Chocolate Company and has grown into one of the most beloved parks in America.

Admission starts at $47.99, with parking priced at $25. The park is famous for its 15 roller coasters and major seasonal events like Halloween and Christmas Candylane.

Don’t miss the Wildcat's Revenge and Candymonium, the tallest and fastest coasters in the park. Plus, the adjacent Chocolate World is a must-visit, where you can take a free tour and enjoy complimentary samples of Hershey's chocolate.

Silver Dollar City

Step back into the 1880s at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri, where Marvel Cave has been welcoming visitors since 1894. Admission starts at $65, with online discounts available for advance purchases.

Silver Dollar City features charming wooden shops, live artisan demonstrations, and music around every corner. The park also boasts world-class roller coasters, including Time Traveler, one of the fastest spinning coasters in the world.

Kentucky Kingdom

Once abandoned, Kentucky Kingdom was revived in 2014 thanks to developer Ed Hart. Regular day tickets start at $29.99, with parking priced at $15.

The park is famous for the Storm Chaser roller coaster, known for its dramatic airtime. This summer, the park welcomes a new addition, the Flying Fox, which is set to be the park's first family-friendly suspended coaster.