Some Experts Suggest a Visit to Regional Theme Parks Instead of Disney and Universal This Summer

A recent report from AAA reveals a 36-cent drop in the price of gas compared to last June. Music to travelers' ears, the lower crude oil price comes as a relief to families looking to hit the road for a busy summer season. With road trips now more financially feasible, many families will opt for destinations accessible by car, which for many include smaller, regional theme parks. 

Rather than choosing the more popular, high-cost destinations in Central Florida and Southern California, experts urge families seeking summer fun to head to their local amusement park or theme park instead. Lower-priced accommodations and park admission, combined with a season filled with special events and new rides, make these destinations more attractive than ever.

Rounding out experts' top picks for theme parks this summer include destinations that span the nation, with notable highlights located across the midwestern region of the United States. Millions of Americans live within a few hours' drive of a theme park or amusement park, eliminating the need for airfare or costly overnight accommodations. Even without new rides in the pipeline, experts still recommend that families take time this summer to spend a day at a local park or travel to a new-to-them regional park.

Save On Admission At Regional Parks

Rather than spend thousands on a vacation to Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando Resort, many families find significant savings by sticking closer to home and visiting a regional theme park. Even travelers who venture farther this summer stand to save a lot of money by choosing a regional park, as Megan duBois, Senior Theme Park Editor at FamilyVacationist, explains.

"If you don’t want to travel to Orlando for its theme parks, try out Dollywood instead," duBois suggests. "The swap will almost always guarantee that you get a better price on hotels and park tickets." duBois also notes that these "B-list destinations," as she describes, bring out a more enjoyable vacation due to lower crowds.

Alexandra Caspero, travel writer and owner of Delish Knowledge, highlights Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri, as a must-see midwestern theme park. "It's such a fun, family-friendly experience, and a weekend in Branson is incredibly affordable," she shares.

Living in St. Louis, her family also frequents their local Six Flags as season pass holders. "We go almost weekly during the summer," Caspero says. "Six Flags offers a nice balance of thrill rides with a dedicated kids' area."

Caspero notes the budget-friendly nature of opting for more regular visits to a regional park, with one-day admission costing as low as $35 per person when purchased in advance. If a family plans on visiting a regional theme park more than once this summer, upgrading to a season pass adds up to huge savings over time.

Enjoy Seasonal Festivals And New Rides

As summer kicks into high gear, theme parks nationwide offer limited-time festivals designed to celebrate the season with the entire family. Over in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration takes place from June 14 through August 3. The festival features limited-time food and beverage items, as well as in-park entertainment. Guests close out their day at Dollywood with the Sweet Summer Nights Dance Party and Drone Show.

Silver Dollar City, Dollywood's sister park, also delivers on summertime fun, as duBois shares. "The park is celebrating its 65th anniversary and has a host of new activations, including a summer festival with all-new entertainment." The Summer Celebration, running from June 7 through August 3, features extended evening hours to showcase the park's new drone and fireworks extravaganza, Night Sky.

Do not visit just for the summer events! Silver Dollar City also offers year-round thrills. "The park is home to some incredible coasters, plus a slew of great dining options, and the entertainment is top-notch," says duBois.

For some naturally occurring air conditioning, DuBois recommends that visitors check out the Marvel Cave during their visit to Silver Dollar City. The park offers walking tours of the cave, which sits underneath Silver Dollar City.

Numerous parks will also launch new rides and attractions this summer. Six Flags New England in Agawam, Massachusetts, will open a new family launch coaster, Quantum Accelerator. For bigger thrills, head to Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, for the opening of Siren's Curse. To check out a fresh new take on an old classic, head to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia, for the newly opened family coaster The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf's Revenge.