Theme parks are notorious for their shameless pursuit of the almighty dollar. Most theme parks are expensive no matter what you do there, but some parks are simply not worth the money. If there is a particular theme park that you simply must visit, then there are ways you can save cash while still enjoying yourself.

Animal Parks

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Theme parks like SeaWorld utilize live animal shows to bring in audiences. SeaWorld is known for its killer whale shows, but most SeaWorld parks have complete zoos that house several different kinds of animals. If you are someone concerned about animal cruelty, then SeaWorld may not be the place for you. Several reputable animal rights groups have raised concerns about the treatment of the animals in SeaWorld parks, and that is enough to convince many people that these parks are not worth patronizing.

Go Off-Season

Most theme parks have peak times of year when they attract the most visitors. During these peak times, amusement parks will often raise prices on just about everything, which makes finding a money-saving deal difficult. During the off-season, everything from park admission to souvenirs are cheaper and easier to get. If you want to save money when going to an amusement or theme park, then go off-season.

Picnic Lunch

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No matter what theme park you go to, the food inside the park is going to be extremely expensive. Before buying your tickets to a theme park, make sure that the park allows people to bring food in for a picnic lunch. Not only will you save money on your visit to the theme park, but you and your family can have a good time enjoying a picnic lunch together instead of fighting with the crowds at the concession stands.

Look for Online Deals

Most theme parks offer deals from their websites that you cannot find anywhere else. You can get deals on buying multiple park passes for the day, and you can also find deals that bundle hotel accommodations and food together to get you a lower price as well. Before you head out to a theme park for the day, check its website and take advantage of the deals online.

Save on Souvenirs

Every theme park has plenty of places where you can buy a souvenir hat or t-shirt to commemorate your visit. But most people do not realize that there are stores outside the park that sell the same souvenirs for much lower prices. If you want to have something to take home and help you remember your day at the theme park, then wait until you leave the park and buy your souvenirs from a store off-site.
Theme parks can be a lot of fun for the whole family, but they can also be extremely expensive as well. In some cases, you may want to avoid certain theme parks altogether because of their attractions or over-inflated prices. Before heading out to a theme park, be sure to do your research and make sure you find a park you can enjoy at prices you can afford.
Resources:
http://ocdeals.ocregister.com/2012/06/19/reader-tips-how-to-save-money-at-theme-parks/164174/
http://frugalliving.about.com/od/frugalfun/a/Amusement_Parks.htm
http://notmadeofmoney.com/blog/2011/03/how-to-save-money-on-theme-park-visits.html

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