When you think of amusement parks, places like Disney World come to mind. We can’t all afford to run off to a budget-busting theme park every day, so what are the alternatives? Did you know that in the U.S. you can find some pretty cool amusement parks that are free to get into? You sure can—and today we are going to show you where all those free spots are secretly located!
Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks in Wildwood, New Jersey
Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks is a collection of three piers that are free to visit. The piers are lined with classic amusement park fodder. The rides there are pay per ride and the aquatic areas do require a ticket, but it’s easy to go and have a good time without spending money, especially if you go on Friday night when they have fireworks.
Luna Park in Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York
Coney Island in NYC is a must-visit destination, featuring the free-to-enter Luna Park. This vibrant amusement park blends retro charm with modern thrills, offering iconic rides like Cyclone and Thunderbolt for adults, along with family-friendly attractions such as Sky Tykes, Tony’s Express, and Leti’s Treasure, making it fun for all ages.
DelGrosso’s Park & Laguna Splash in Tipton, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania boasts three free-entry amusement parks. DelGrosso’s in Tipton stands out because it offers free entry and parking, along with a charming Italian theme, including its own Leaning Tower of Pisa. Visitors can enjoy a lazy river with tipping wine barrels and indulge in delicious gourmet Italian food, making it a unique experience.
Family Kingdom Amusement Park in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
A Myrtle Beach vacation isn’t complete without visiting Family Kingdom. This oceanfront park features historic attractions like a 1923 carousel and the Swamp Fox wooden coaster with breathtaking ocean views, alongside thrilling modern rides like the Slingshot, which launches riders 300 feet into the air at 120 mph!
Fun Spot America in Florida & Georgia
Fun Spot America has three locations two in Florida (Kissimmee, and Orlando), and one outside of Atlanta in Fayetteville, Georgia. All of the parks have free entry and parking, but each park is unique and has its own heart-pounding amusement park style rides.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in Santa Cruz, California
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk offers free entry and a variety of entertainment for all ages. Visitors can enjoy complimentary activities such as Friday night movies on the beach, live music, trivia nights, acrobatic shows, and DJ dance parties, making it a fun and accessible destination for everyone.
Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, California
Santa Monica’s iconic pier features concession stands, biking paths, fishing spots, and Pacific Park, Los Angeles’s only admission-free amusement park. With a pay-per-ride model, two standout attractions offer stunning views of the Southern California coastline: the Route 66 West Coaster, reaching 55 feet, and the Pacific Wheel, the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel, towering at 130 feet.
Navy Pier, Lake Michigan in Chicago, Illinois
Located on Lake Michigan in Chicago, the 3,300-foot-long Navy Pier offers stunning views and family-friendly fun. While attractions like The Centennial Wheel require tickets, entry is free, as are summer fireworks, considered some of the best in the U.S., and Chicago Live!, a performing arts festival with music, dance, theater, and more.
Knoebels in Elysburg, Pennsylvania
Knoebels Amusement Resort, family-owned since 1926, is America’s largest free-admission park. Visitors only pay for rides and food, offering flexibility in spending. Located in Pennsylvania, the park features over 60 attractions, including the iconic Phoenix wooden roller coaster and the century-old, hand-carved Grand Carousel, making it a classic destination for families.
Palace Playland in Old Orchard Beach, Maine
Palace Playland is the only beachfront amusement park in New England that offers free entry and allows visitors to load a card with credits for rides and arcade games at will. Enjoy kid-friendly attractions and the Sea Viper rollercoaster, with its shoreline views. The arcade features over 200 games, including vintage 1950s classics, and free fireworks shows add to the fun.
Adventurer’s Amusement Park in Brooklyn, New York
Adventurer’s Amusement Park, located on Gravesend Bay, is a charming, fair-style park with an open-gate, pay-per-ride policy. It features classic attractions like go-karts, slides, and a Ferris wheel. Situated just 15 minutes from Luna Park, it’s the perfect spot for a fun-filled day of park hopping in the Empire State.
Hershey’s Chocolate World in Hershey, Pennsylvania
Hershey’s Chocolate World offers free entry and features the Hershey’s Chocolate Tour, a complimentary attraction where visitors can see how chocolate is made and enjoy a free sample at the end. It’s a perfect spot for families, especially for those with young Wonka fans!
Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon in Disney World, Orlando, Florida
Walt Disney World Resort in Florida offers free entry to one of its two water parks, Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon, for guests staying on the property. The catch is that free access only applies on the day of check-in, but it’s a great perk, especially during Florida’s hot summer months!
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