Now that the kids are getting older, they love going to amusement parks. The bigger the roller coaster the better for my daredevils. Personally, I like to sit on the sidelines while enjoying watching the kids have the fun. This fun can be quite expensive, especially with a large family. There are ways you can alleviate the costs while enjoying late summer family fun at an amusement park.
The costs can really add up when you factor in admission price, food and drinks, gas costs, possibly hotel charges, souvenirs, parking, etc. We have some great tips to help you save including how you can save with your Discover Card!
5 Ways to Save on Your Next Amusement Park Trip
- Buy very little on the park grounds. Don’t be lured into paying an insanely high price for a photo when you can easily take your own photos with your digital camera and print out for a fraction of the cost. Bring in your own reusable water bottles and refill during the day to keep hydrated. Pack a lunch and enjoy a fun family picnic.
- Souvenirs. Just skip souvenirs. I can’t think of any memorable souvenirs we have ever purchased from an amusement park. The memories you make as a family will outweigh the extra costs of any souvenir you will purchase. If you do feel the need to purchase a souvenir, buy an inexpensive post card to remind you of your trip.
- Visit during the off season. Theme parks are rarely busy all year long. Find out when things slow down at the particular park you want to visit and try to visit during that time. Usually the tickers are cheaper and you won’t have to fight the crowds.
- Purchase your tickets online. Many theme parks offer discounts when you purchase your tickets online ahead of time. Discover cardmembers can use their credit cards from now through December 31, 2014 to earn 5% on the first $200 in purchases at Six Flag parks and at SixFlags.com. This adds up to up to $10 in Cashback Bonus just for using your Discover Card. Bonus: Enjoy the Orange Carpet at Six Flags as a Discover cardmember. If you flash your Discover card at any Six Flags locations, cardmembers can skip the lines and enter in the special Discover entrance.
- Save money when you travel to the parks. Consider using a planning tool like gas buddy to find the cheapest gas en route to the theme park you are visiting. Also, if your credit card offers rewards on gas purchases, be sure to bring it along! Now through September 30, 2014, Discover cardmembers can sign up to earn 5% Cashback Bonus on up to $1,500 in gas purchases – that’s up to $75! Cardmembers can sign up simply by logging into their online Account Center or by calling 1-800-DISCOVER (1-800-347-2683).
Make those last few days of the summer fun and exciting for your family and save money with Discover!
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My views are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Discover Products Inc. and its affiliates. This post was sponsored by Discover Card. Rest assured, this Post was written by me and was not edited by the sponsor. Read more on my Disclosure Policy.
We will be going to the beach, having play dates with friends and celebrating my and my oldest son’s birthdays.
Great perks! No great plans her — just enjoy the last few days of lingering, longer light in the evenings.
I am meeting one of my best friends halfway between where we live! :)
Thinking of a day trip to the beach for one more day on the sand and enjoy the food on the boardwalk
Spending time with family!
I don’t care for amusement parks for safety and cost issues (the kids of course love them). I plan to take advantage of local events outdoors as much as possible and take in a museum or two.
BBQ @ friends house
Just relaxing
We plan on going out to dinner and then going to a summer concert nearby.
We just got back from my parent’s lake house. Did a little tubing & visiting with family from out of town
Going on a tour of country shops with a group of friends.
I’m getting my fishing in while there’s still time.
I am really looking forward to a trip to beautiful Sedona, Arizona before the end of the summer!
Having a family get together in the backyard for a BBQ and lots of fun.
we are actually going to a local amusement park next month, i can’t wait.
We live in our RV and are currently enjoying northern Illinois and Wisconsin Dells
Cooking out a lot and weekend trips.
We are planning on taking the kids to disneyland for the first time.
We are at camp and plan to just relax and sit by the campfire.
We’re going to take it easy and just have a few friends over for a cookout.
Spending one last weekend at the lake with family and friends!
We are planning to go camping and have a family BBQ this weekend.
We’re hoping to cookout and spend time at the lake.
Going to the beach. Having a BBQ.
Thanks for the tips! Also consider membership rates or seasonal passes if you live close enough to make it worth it.
To end the summer, I’m going to hit up a few outdoor concerts!
We’re planning to take in one last AAA baseball game!
We visited the Orlando parks earlier this summer, so we will spend the end of the summer on staycation and have a picnic at the beach and pool party with friends.
Would love to take the kids to the zoo
Plan on focusing on getting ourselves and kids to back to school routine
Looking to focus on getting the kids and our selves back to school form
Hoping to visit king’s island on Labor Day for $1 concessions!
We plan to go on a family bike ride…now that the weather is cooling down a bit.
I am hosting a girls night out with ladies from work before school starts
We plan on going to the apple festival and state fair.
We moved cross country to Indiana over the summer however to end the summer were taking a trip to Chicago because we’ve never been
Hoping to get to the waterpark this next weekend!