Amusement parks might be our favorite place to visit during the summer months. High admittance fees, however, make us feel more nauseous than we do after a ride on the Tilt-a-Whirl. For savings, consider local hotels, which often provide discounted admission with accommodations, or better yet, packages with lodging and tickets at one rate.
1. Hersheypark – Hershey, PA
Plenty of hotels in Hershey, Pennsylvania, offer discounts to Hersheypark, but our deal pick is the Hersheypark Package at the Hershey Lodge. The family amusement park package includes overnight accommodations, theme park tickets and free breakfast — plus access to the onsite water park!
2. Schlitterbahn Waterpark – Kansas City, KS
Stay at one of four Drury Inn & Suites locations (all lodging partners of Schlitterbahn Waterpark) in Kansas City — Independence, KC Airport, KC Stadium and Overland Park — and enjoy a 24 percent savings on adult tickets and a 20 percent discount on children’s (ages 3 to 11) admission via a Schlitterbahn Waterpark Package, which also includes free breakfast and evening snacks.
3. Cedar Point – Sandusky, Ohio
When you book a Ticket Package (one, two or three nights) at one of Cedar Point‘s affiliate hotels — Hotel Breakers, Castaway Bay, Lighthouse Point and Cedar Point’s Express Hotel — you’ll enjoy admission to the park with one hour early access, access to the mile-long beach along Lake Erie and complimentary parking — all in one, easy price!
4. Six Flags Great America – Chicago
You’re bound to find hotel packages near Six Flags parks across the country, and here’s one we really like: the Holiday Inn Gurnee Convention Center (just outside of Chicago) offers a Six Flags Great America Package with discounted park tickets, a free shuttle to and from the park (a savings of $26 on parking) and kids eat free at the hotel with a paying adult!
5. Knott’s Berry Farm – Buena Park, CA
At Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel (just outside of Anaheim), families have their choice of amusement park packages, including a Classic Package, which includes overnight accommodations (select a Camp Snoopy room!), tickets to Knott’s Berry Farm, a breakfast buffet and free parking.
6. Busch Gardens Tampa – Tampa, FL
Planning a visit to family-favorite St. Pete Beach? In between days on the sand and surf, take a discounted trip to Busch Gardens Tampa, courtesy of Loews Don CeSar Hotel. The historic, pink beauty is one of the many preferred hotel options associated with the park. With the Buy 2 Nights, Get 1 Free Package, families can buy two night’s accommodations and receive the third night free, unlimited visits to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for 14 consecutive days, free parking and discounts on food are also included with this amusement park package.
7. Story Land – Glen, N.H.
Enjoy theme park AND water park fun when you book a stay at Red Jacket Mountain Resort in North Conway, New Hampshire. The popular hotel offers a Kahuna Laguna Package, which includes deluxe accommodations and a full day pass, per person, to Kahuna Laguna, the hotel’s water park!
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