The 5 Best Budget-Friendly Theme Parks In America For Fabulously Affordable Adventures

From braving the most heart-pounding roller coaster rides to enjoying some good ol' amusement park grub, setting off on a theme park adventure is nothing short of exhilarating. And while planning a trip to Disney might seem like the ultimate dream to many, there's one major obstacle that usually stands in the way of your family and those Mickey-shaped pretzels: the hefty price tag (especially if you're traveling with a big group).

Thankfully, there are plenty of other theme parks dotted across the country that won't necessarily make a huge dent in your wallet. After combing through various blogs, online publications, and other crowdsourced platforms, we landed on our pick of budget-friendly theme parks across the country that promise endless amounts of fun for a pretty reasonable price tag. So, whether you're excited about coming face-to-face with human-sized Hershey's chocolate bars in Pennsylvania or dreaming of hanging out with Snoopy and pals in California, these parks offer unforgettable adventures for every type of theme park enthusiast.

From its humble beginnings as a leisure park for chocolate factory workers in 1906, Hersheypark has grown into a 121-acre wonderland where adrenaline meets chocolate-themed fun. Open all the way through to New Year's Day, the park offers plenty of opportunities for seasonal fun. And while single-day ticket prices vary, Hersheypark's tiered passes are impressively affordable — with a basic package currently priced at just $154, or $15.40 on their month-to-month payment scheme. On top of access to the park, these passes also include perks like free parking, dining discounts, and early access.

Featuring 72 rides and attractions that blend classic amusement park fun with sweet chocolate-inspired twists, Hersheypark is designed for the whole family — and is especially exciting if you've got a massive sweet tooth. From racing through the air on the Candymonium coaster — the park's tallest, fastest, and longest to date — to making waves at The Boardwalk, there's something for both thrill-seekers and guests who prefer to keep their feet on the ground. Plus, as part of the park's unique and sweet-themed atmosphere, you can even meet life-sized Hershey's candy characters — like Reese's Cups and Hershey's Kisses — as you stroll around.

Food-wise, Hersheypark boasts 37 restaurants and over 60 dining locations — so whether you're craving pizza, hot dogs, or a chocolate-covered dessert, prepare to satisfy any craving. For maximum value, consider adding one of the park's dining deals to your visit — from the Single Meal Deal for $17.99 to the All-Day Dining Meal for $39.99.

Starting from just $59.99 per ticket when you book online, Knott's Berry Farm offers one of the best-value experiences among California's major theme parks. Located a quick 10-minute drive from Anaheim and covering a sprawling 160 acres, the theme park blends thrilling rides with a long history of family entertainment, farming heritage, and delicious food.

Made up of four distinct areas catering to different interests and ages, Knott's Berry Farm knows how to deliver the fun. From interactive shows over at the Old West Ghost Town to heart-pounding roller coasters at the Boardwalk and your own personal adventure at Camp Snoopy, you and your family — yes, even the youngest members — will be spoiled for choice as to how to spend your day there. Beyond the rides, Knott's Berry Farm also offers live entertainment throughout the park grounds — including musical performances, comedy shows, and meet and greets — all included in your admission fare. 

As for food options, prepare to be stuffed with more than 37 dining options available on-site. From $12 fish tacos to a hefty serving of brisket for $19, BBQ pork ribs for $22.50, and $7.25 for Oreo churros, prices are generally reasonable for theme park standards. Just make sure to bring your card, as your cash will essentially be useless at the park's food and drink joints.

Located in the aptly-named town of Santa Claus, Indiana, Holiday World & Splashin' Safari operates seasonally from spring to fall and offers a unique two-parks-in-one experience at a pretty wallet-friendly price point. With online tickets starting from just $54.99, visitors get access to both the theme park and its award-winning and equally budget-friendly water park — making it an exceptional bang for your buck.

As America's first theme park — it originally opened as Santa Claus Land in 1946 — Holiday World divides its 125 acres into four different holiday-themed sections: 4th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Combining world-class attractions with a touch of small-town charm, the park is home to renowned wooden roller coasters like The Voyage — named America's best wooden coaster by Time Magazine in 2013 — and Thunderbird, the country's first-ever wing coaster where riders soar alongside the track. Meanwhile, the park's aquatic counterpart, Splashin' Safari, boasts three water coasters: Mammoth, the world's longest; Cheetah Chase, and Wildebeest. These, alongside multiple wave pools and water play areas — all of which are equipped with free sunscreen.

Beyond rides and slides, Holiday World also stands out for its guest-friendly policies. Some notable amenities include free unlimited soft drinks, free parking, and a running list of daily deals — which will make you and your family's money go a long way. Stomach rumbling? Choose from 29 dining locations — including tacos, pretzels, and burgers — with snacks starting from $2.99.

A staple Midwest amusement park, it's safe to say that Cedar Point is known as a thrill-seeker's paradise. Located on the shores of Lake Erie, this historic park packs a serious adventure punch with 68 rides — including an impressive collection of 18 hair-raising roller coasters. As for pricing, pre-season tickets start from just $49.99, with fast lane, dining, and accommodation add-ons available at an extra cost.

Boasting scenic lake views and a rich 150-year history that blends nostalgia with modern-day thrills, there's a reason Cedar Point has been drawing in visitors since the park unveiled its first coaster in 1892. Beyond the rides, however, the park also does a great job of keeping visitors entertained with live shows and Broadway-style performances that'll have you and your family on your feet. When hunger strikes, the park's flexible meal packages are a must. These range from $17.99 for a "Single Day Meal Deal" (includes a meal, side, and drink) to the more comprehensive "Premium All-Day Dining Plan" for $45.99 that allows parkgoers to enjoy an entrée, side or snack, and a drink every 90 minutes.

And although Cedar Point operates seasonally from May through the start of November, you shouldn't let that stop you from planning ahead. In fact, this gives you plenty of time to plan your visit and take advantage of pre-season savings. As for summer trips, the adjacent Cedar Point Shores Waterpark — with separate admission starting from $45 — provides a refreshing escape.

Operating seasonally from spring through fall, Kansas City's sprawling Worlds of Fun theme park covers a whopping 325 acres dedicated to roller coasters, kid-friendly attractions, live entertainment, and much more. With pre-season tickets starting from $37 and an admission and dining bundle for $49, the park's definitely up there in terms of affordability and entertainment.

From stomach-churning 200-foot drops aboard the park's iconic Mamba roller coaster to laid-back adventures at Planet Snoopy and sky-high views from the top of the park's Ferris wheel, Worlds of Fun's rides and attractions are designed to entertain all sorts of parkgoers. Alongside these, guests can also enjoy plenty of other experiences — including live music and meet and greets with some beloved Peanuts characters.

As for dining, the park is currently home to 28 restaurants with price points suitable for different budgets. Alternatively, Worlds of Fun also offers meal plans designed to help guests save on food and drink — and still get their money's worth. Specifically, their "Single Day Meal Deal" will set you back $16.49 for a meal, side, and drink per visit. On the higher end, the park's "Premium All-Day Dining Plan" — priced at around $42 — allows guests to really get their fill and enjoy an entrée, side or snack, and a drink every 90 minutes.

In order to land on these five budget-friendly theme parks, we focused primarily on admission fees — looking for parks that offered either significant online discounts, pre-season sales, or combination packages that maximize value. That way, we considered both single-day tickets and season passes, taking into account different needs and wants. Along with admission fees, food and drink costs also played a crucial role in our ranking — especially considering that, in most cases, theme park visitors are typically restricted to in-park food options only.

From there, we narrowed down our picks even further by looking at overall park ratings on Google and Tripadvisor, as well as their reputation for safety, cleanliness, and overall guest experience to ensure both high-quality entertainment and good value for money.