These destinations are home to fantastic theme parks that offer visitors a fun-filled vacation without breaking the bank.
1. Busch Gardens | Williamsburg, Virginia
This beloved East Coast amusement park is located in charming Williamsburg, Virginia. Visitors can spend a day or two exploring the Euro-themed assortments of rides, shows, and dining experiences at Busch Gardens. Attractions include the new Pantheon roller coaster, Sesame Street Forest of Fun, and shows like Celtic Fyre and OktoberZest. There are also numerous animal exhibits and internationally-themed restaurants. Buy tickets online in advance for Busch Gardens to save up to 30%.
While you’re in the area, you can pay a visit to Colonial Williamsburg, the largest living history museum in the United States. During summer season, the ‘Summer Bounce’ ticket gives you a week’s worth of unlimited admissions to Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens, and Water Country USA for only $155 for adults and $132 for kids.
Start your trip here:
- Stay affordably at the Red Roof Inn in Williamsburg
- Find a cheap flight to Williamsburg International Airport
- Discover more about Busch Gardens Williamsburg
2. Six Flags Mexico | Mexico City
With one-day passes starting at $30 USD, you can’t beat the incredible value at Six Flags Mexico. Perfect for people of all ages, this park has everything you’d expect out of a Six Flags theme park. In fact, this is the most-visited amusement park in all of Latin America. Kids will love the Dark Knight, Aquaman, and Superman rides, and they’ll have fun meeting the Looney Tunes characters face to face. Beyond the walls of the park, you’ll have endless opportunities for affordable exploration in Mexico’s capital. Visit the National Museum of Anthropology, Frida Kahlo’s La Casa Azul, or spend an afternoon in Chapultepec Park.
Start your trip here:
- Stay affordably at the Galeria Plaza San Jeronimo
- Find a cheap flight to Mexico City
- While you’re in town, visit the Museo Frida Kahlo
3. Canada’s Wonderland | Toronto
A quick and inexpensive flight from much of the United States, Toronto is home to one of Canada’s most famous theme parks, Canada’s Wonderland. Explore the park’s many coasters, expansive kids’ area, and carnival games. During the summer, you can also visit the park’s Splash Works for cliff jumping, water slides, and wading pools for the little ones.
Advance-purchase tickets online start as low as about $31 USD. When you’re not visiting the park, there are plenty of fun, affordable activities to do in Toronto. Get hands-on at the Ontario Science Centre, explore the 18-century Casa Loma castle, or take the ferry to Toronto Island Park and enjoy the outdoors.
Start your trip here:
- Stay affordably at Monte Carlo Inn Vaughan Suites
- Find a cheap flight to Toronto
- Enjoy time on the Toronto Islands
4. Silverwood Theme Park | Athol, Idaho
Silverwood and its onsite water park, Boulder Beach, are home to more than 70 rides and attractions, making this the Pacific Northwest’s largest theme park. The park has been family-owned and operated since 1988. Rides range from chill-vibe carousels and lazy rivers to high-intensity coasters and water slides. Stay lakeside just 30 minutes from the park in Coeur d’Alene, where you can spend additional days enjoying the region’s endless outdoor activities. The city of Coeur d’Alene is full of affordable options for enjoying good food, the arts, and wellness activities.
Regular tickets to Silverwood Theme Park in the spring and fall are only around $40, while summer costs around $75. Multi-day tickets, senior tickets, and kids’ tickets are all discounted. In addition, there are discounts for purchasing tickets online instead of at the gate. Silverwood also has its own RV park for guests to set up camp.
Start your trip here:
- Stay affordably at the Baymont by Wyndham in Coeur d’Alene
- Find a cheap flight to Spokane
- Discover what there is to do in Coeur d’Alene
5. Holiday World & Splashin Safari | Santa Claus, Indiana
Offering free soft drinks, sunscreen, and parking, Holiday World & Splashin Safari prides itself on being an affordable theme and water park destination. With different themed areas like Halloween, Christmas, the 4th of July, and Thanksgiving, this is a great amusement park to visit with the whole family. The rides and slides in the park include something for all ages and thrill levels. Want to camp? Next door, Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort offers free shuttles to the park. When you’re not at Holiday World, the city of Santa Claus is full of Christmas-themed attractions that kids will adore.
Start your trip here:
- Stay at Santa’s Lodge for under $200/night
- Find a cheap flight into Louisville
- Discover all there is to do in Santa Claus, Indiana
Ready to go?
Find affordable flights to these adrenalin-pumping theme parks with help from Skyscanner.
