Amusement parks are synonymous with family fun and thrilling adventures, but ticket prices can often deter visitors. Luckily, several parks across the U.S. offer free entry, allowing guests to enjoy the atmosphere, entertainment, and sometimes even rides without an upfront cost. These amusement parks provide a great mix of entertainment and savings, proving that family fun doesn’t have to break the bank!
Here’s a guide to 20 amusement parks with free admission, along with insights into fees for specific attractions, tips to make the most of your visit, and fascinating historical tidbits.
Knoebels Amusement Resort (Elysburg, Pennsylvania)
Admission Fee: Free
Ride Costs: Pay-per-ride system, with tickets starting at $1.50 per ride or ride-all-day passes available.
History: Opened in 1926, Knoebels is the largest free-admission park in the U.S. and is family-owned.
Tips: Bring a picnic; the park allows outside food, and parking is also free!
Courtesy of Knoebels Amusement Resort
Freemont Street Experience (Las Vegas, Nevada)
Admission Fee: Free
Attraction Costs: Pay-per-ride for zip lines or VR attractions.
History: Established in 1995 as an entertainment district featuring light shows, live music, and Vegas flair.
Tips: Visit at night to enjoy the dazzling LED canopy light shows.
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Adventure Island (Vallejo, California)
Admission Fee: Free entry to the park.
Ride Costs: Individual tickets or unlimited-ride wristbands are available.
History: This family-owned park focuses on fun for younger children.
Tips: Check their seasonal hours before visiting.
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Santa’s Village (Jefferson, New Hampshire)
Admission Fee: Free during specific “off-season” events (check the website).
Ride Costs: Pay-as-you-go system during these free entry events.
History: Opened in 1953, it is one of the oldest Christmas-themed amusement parks.
Tips: Visit during the holiday season for the best experience.
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Hershey’s Chocolate World (Hershey, Pennsylvania)
Admission Fee: Free
Attraction Costs: Chocolate-making tours and rides are ticketed separately.
History: Opened in 1973 as a showcase of Hershey’s chocolate-making legacy.
Tips: Don’t miss the free chocolate sample after the tour!
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Disney Springs (Orlando, Florida)
Admission Fee: Free
Attraction Costs: Pay-per-activity, such as hot air balloon rides or specialty dining.
History: Previously known as Downtown Disney, it was rebranded in 2015 as Disney Springs.
Tips: Explore the themed shops and enjoy free live entertainment.
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City Museum (St. Louis, Missouri)
Admission Fee: Free entry for the outdoor sculpture park; indoor exhibits require a fee.
Attraction Costs: Tickets for the museum itself start at $18.
History: Opened in 1997, this whimsical playground is built from repurposed industrial materials.
Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for climbing and exploring.
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Bay Beach Amusement Park (Green Bay, Wisconsin)
Admission Fee: Free
Ride Costs: Tickets are just 25 cents each, and most rides cost 1-2 tickets.
History: Established in 1892, it’s one of the oldest continually operating parks in the U.S.
Tips: Plan for a ride on the historic Zippin Pippin roller coaster, Elvis Presley’s favorite.
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Beech Bend Park (Bowling Green, Kentucky)
Admission Fee: Free entry during select events.
Ride Costs: Pay-per-ride or all-day passes available.
History: Opened in 1898 and remains a family-owned park.
Tips: Look for free concert nights and other community events.
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Silver Dollar City’s Entrance Plaza (Branson, Missouri)
Admission Fee: Free to visit the entrance plaza and enjoy the shops and eateries.
Attraction Costs: Rides and shows require admission tickets.
History: Opened in 1960, this park recreates 19th-century Ozark life.
Tips: Take advantage of seasonal festivals that allow free entry to some areas.
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Downtown Disney (Anaheim, California)
Admission Fee: Free
Attraction Costs: Specialty activities like boutique experiences are ticketed.
History: Opened in 2001 as a shopping, dining, and entertainment hub.
Tips: Parking is free for the first hour, so plan accordingly.
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Storybook Island (Rapid City, South Dakota)
Admission Fee: Free
Ride Costs: Certain attractions like the carousel have a nominal fee.
History: Opened in 1959, it features storybook-themed exhibits for young children.
Tips: Donations are encouraged to support park upkeep.
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Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park (Glenwood Springs, Colorado)
Admission Fee: Free for the gondola ride up; attractions are ticketed.
Attraction Costs: Unlimited ride passes available.
History: Originally a cave attraction, it expanded into an amusement park in 2003.
Tips: Visit the caves for a unique underground experience.
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Navy Pier (Chicago, Illinois)
Admission Fee: Free
Attraction Costs: Ferris wheel, boat tours, and some rides are ticketed.
History: Opened in 1916, it’s one of Chicago’s most iconic landmarks.
Tips: Enjoy the free fireworks shows in the summer.
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Coney Island Boardwalk (Brooklyn, New York)
Admission Fee: Free
Attraction Costs: Pay-per-ride at Luna Park or for beach activities.
History: A historic amusement destination dating back to the 1800s.
Tips: Don’t miss Nathan’s Famous hot dogs.
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Downtown Gatlinburg (Gatlinburg, Tennessee)
Admission Fee: Free to explore the town’s attractions.
Attraction Costs: Rides, zip lines, and museums are ticketed separately.
History: A gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, the area became a tourist hotspot in the mid-20th century.
Tips: Take the free trolley to explore without extra costs.
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Griffith Park (Los Angeles, California)
Admission Fee: Free
Attraction Costs: The carousel and other small attractions are ticketed.
History: Established in 1896, it’s one of the largest urban parks in the U.S.
Tips: Visit the Griffith Observatory, also free to enter.
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Mall of America’s Nickelodeon Universe Entrance (Bloomington, Minnesota)
Admission Fee: Free to enter the mall and theme park area.
Ride Costs: Pay-per-ride tickets or wristbands available.
History: Opened in 1992, it’s the largest shopping and entertainment complex in the U.S.
Tips: Take advantage of the free shopping and dining experiences.
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Balboa Fun Zone (Newport Beach, California)
Admission Fee: Free
Attraction Costs: Ferris wheel and boat rides are ticketed.
History: Opened in 1936, it’s a seaside amusement area.
Tips: Walk along the beach for free and enjoy the sunset.
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Hollywood & Highland (Los Angeles, California)
Admission Fee: Free
Attraction Costs: Rides and certain activities are paid.
History: A Hollywood-themed entertainment district established in 2001.
Tips: Perfect for celebrity spotting and photo opportunities.
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