12 Incredible U.S. Amusement Parks You Can Enter for Free!
Did you know, according to a NerdWallet analysis, it is more than $1,227 per night for a family of four to visit a central U.S. amusement park like Disney for tickets, parking, and meals? Smaller parks will cost you $60–$72 per person daily.
With increased prices, it’s not surprising that families are looking for cheap alternatives. The good news is that plenty of fantastic amusement parks throughout the country offer free admission yet aren’t lacking in fun!
These parks are chock full of entertainment, from thrilling coasters to charming carousels. Learn about 12 world-class FREE amusement parks that won’t break the bank.
Santa Claus Village – North Pole, Alaska
Santa Claus Village in the North Pole, Alaska, lets you enter the holiday spirit year-round. The entrance is entirely free, and you will find Santa’s reindeer pen and the massive Christmas gift shop.
Kids have a lot of fun meeting Santa and, as parents, take pictures, all while taking in such lovely scenery. Make sure to pop in the post office and get your festive keepsake!
Adventure Playground – Berkeley, California
Berkeley’s Adventure Playground is a fabulous, hands-on recreational experience open to all. It’s free for children with adventurous spirits. Kids build forts, hammer nails, and climb ropes … with trained staff.
With no admission, this park is excellent for kindling creativity and allowing little ones to expand their inner engineers.
The Hollywood Carnival, Hollywood, California
Although many may recognize Hollywood for glitz and glamour, the Hollywood Carnival is, in fact, a free-entry festival that contains rides, games, and live performances.
It is a place where families and tourists can experience the carnival vibes only in the city without spending much on tickets. The carnival is held on the weekends. Always plan your visit to include event dates so you can enjoy the fun.
Bay Beach Amusement Park – Green Bay, Wisconsin
Bay Beach Amusement Park offers free admission, affordable fun, and great rides. Tickets for individual rides cost as little as 25 cents a turn.
This park, open seasonally, has kiddie rides and a classic wooden roller coaster. Pack a picnic for the scenic park area if you save all that money.
National Mall Carousel & Constitution Gardens – Washington D.C.
The National Mall Carousel & Constitution Gardens offers a fun play for all. Visit Constitution Gardens, near the National Mall, and find a charming carousel without spending a dime.
Amusement mixed with history makes this a family-friendly area. Sure, you can spin the famous carousel for a small fee, but you can also enjoy the gorgeous surrounding spaces and memorable signs for free; it’s a great budget-friendly day out.
Hershey’s Chocolate World, Hershey, Pennsylvania
If you love chocolate, visit Hershey’s Chocolate World. It is free and includes a tour of how chocolate is made.
With interactive exhibits and displays, the entertainment never ends. If you want to splurge, there are optional activities like chocolate tastings or candy bar creation.
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Free entry brings stunning cliffside views, while the rides here are ticketed. Scenic trails around the base station are also free to walk. The show-stealer is the breathtaking Rockies.
The heritage of outdoor exploration and amusement park fun is perfect for the cost.
Riverview Park in Shreveport, Louisiana
Riverview Park, located along the Red River, has an interactive water fountain and amphitheater—everything is free. It’s family-friendly, and there are relaxing trails and picnic areas.
Relax and enjoy the park’s beauty as your kids love splashing around.
Griffith Park Travel Town Museum – Los Angeles, California
This Los Angeles hidden gem is part amusement, part education. The museum is free to enter, and the restored vintage trains are free to view.
Visitors can also get up close to real locomotives and railcars and take a miniature train ride for a small fee, making it a fun, budget-friendly outing.
The Bushkill Falls Playground – Pennsylvania
Bushkill Falls Playground is popularly known as the “Niagara of Pennsylvania.” It surrounds its gorgeous waterfalls with a quaint-free playground for families to enjoy.
Although it does cost to explore this natural wonder—it’s worth it—the good news is that you can also relax and play for free in the free entry area, making it a great halfway stop for budget travelers exploring the region.
Idlewild Storybook Forest- Ligonier, Pennsylvania
At Idlewild’s Storybook Forest, families can experience Storytime coming to life. They enjoy free admission to whimsical exhibits featuring Mother Goose and other cherished characters.
There will also be picnic areas and shaded trails to enjoy your packed meal. With family, quality family time isn’t cheap, so we’re happy with this one as it’s an affordable way to blend nostalgia with quality family time.
Village Green Park – Bar Harbor, Maine
This charming park is the cultural heart of Bar Harbor, offering free events like live music, craft fairs, and family attractions. Before departing for Acadia National Park nearby, you’ll enjoy a day in this pretty setting.
If you’re low on funds but need to hang out, the park is excellent for picnics and enjoyment. Family fun does not have to cost a lot.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Disclosure: For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
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