11 U.S. Amusement Parks That Are Totally Free to Get Into
Many amusement parks charge just to step inside, but there are several across the U.S. that let you in completely free. That means you can explore, wander, and take in the energy of the park before deciding how much to spend. So if you have a limited budget, here are a few places worth considering.
Knoebels Amusement Resort – Elysburg, Pennsylvania
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Apart from skipping the entrance fee, Knoebels also offers free parking and live entertainment. It has been open since 1926 and is the largest free-admission amusement park in the country. Guests pay only for the rides they choose, with options ranging from kiddie rides to coasters like the Phoenix. You can also bring your own food, which is also quite rare for a theme park.
Pacific Park – Santa Monica, California
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This park is surrounded by street performers, ocean air, and views that cost nothing. It’s home to 12 rides, including the Pacific Wheel, which is a solar-powered Ferris wheel visible from miles away. The park sees nearly 8 million visitors annually and has been featured in dozens of films, which gives it pop culture status as well.
Navy Pier – Chicago, Illinois
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Navy Pier, originally built in 1916, is now one of Chicago’s most visited attractions—and it’s totally free to enter. Beyond the rides and restaurants, guests enjoy regular fireworks shows in the summer and cultural events like the Chicago Shakespeare Theater and the Children’s Museum. You can stroll along the lakefront promenade, catch live music, or relax in Polk Bros Park without paying a penny to get in.
DelGrosso’s Park & Laguna Splash – Tipton, Pennsylvania
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DelGrosso’s boasts a small-town charm with a unique twist: the park’s theme centers around Italian food. Admission and parking are both free, and while the water park and rides require payment, you can soak up the festive atmosphere without spending a dollar. They also operate a pasta sauce factory next door, and yes, the same recipes are served at the park’s eateries.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk – Santa Cruz, California
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This historic boardwalk has operated since 1907 and continues to allow free access year-round. While rides are extra, weekly events like Friday night movies on the beach and summer concerts draw big crowds for good reason. The boardwalk features the Giant Dipper, one of the oldest wooden roller coasters in the U.S., which is also a National Historic Landmark.
Fun Spot America – Orlando, Kissimmee, FL & Fayetteville, GA
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At Fun Spot America’s three locations, visitors walk in without an entry fee or parking charge. Each park offers different highlights: in Georgia, ArieForce One stretches across 3,400 feet of steel track; Orlando boasts the Quad Helix go-karts; and Kissimmee features the only wooden coaster in Florida with an inversion. The parks stay open year-round and offer a budget-friendly detour from larger theme parks nearby.
Palace Playland – Old Orchard Beach, Maine
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Open seasonally from May through September, Palace Playland’s beachfront setting is its biggest draw, and many guests come just to watch the Sea Viper coaster zip by while enjoying the ocean breeze. With 28 rides and a 24,000-square-foot arcade, there’s plenty to do if you choose to spend, but watching the fireworks from the sand is always free.
Morey’s Piers – Wildwood, New Jersey
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The Wildwood Boardwalk spans 2.5 miles and includes Morey’s Piers: three amusement zones and two water parks. While water attractions require a wristband, the ride areas are open for walk-ins. You pay per ride, and there’s no fee to wander or catch a fireworks show on Friday nights. The boardwalk itself has existed since the 1890s, and today it’s packed with carnival games, shops, and classic eats.
Luna Park – Brooklyn, New York
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You can walk through Coney Island’s Luna Park without ever taking out your wallet, unless you’re in the mood to ride. It runs on a pay-per-ride system and features iconic attractions like the Cyclone, which is one of the oldest wooden roller coasters still in operation. The park combines nostalgia with modern rides and typically hosts community events during the season.
Bay Beach Amusement Park – Green Bay, Wisconsin
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Bay Beach has been welcoming visitors since the 1890s. The park is owned by the city and offers classic rides, including a restored wooden roller coaster called the Zippin Pippin, which was once Elvis Presley’s favorite. Most rides cost only 25 to 50 cents.
Hershey’s Chocolate World – Hershey, Pennsylvania
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Right next to Hersheypark is a candy-coated experience that won’t have you bringing out your money. Hershey’s Chocolate World includes a free factory tour showing how the company’s chocolates are made, complete with a complimentary sample at the end. Though other attractions like the 4D Chocolate Mystery cost extra, families can easily spend an hour here learning and tasting!
Family Kingdom – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
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This oceanfront park is one of the few in the U.S. that still operates near the beach with no entry fee. Visitors can walk the grounds freely and only buy tickets for rides like the Slingshot or the Swamp Fox coaster as they go. The Swamp Fox, a wooden coaster that was built in 1966, offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic.
Adventurer’s Amusement Park – Brooklyn, New York
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Adventurer’s is more modest in size than other NYC parks, but it’s easy to access and charges nothing to get in or park. The park includes rides, carnival games, and food stands. It’s a favorite among local families looking for a relaxed outing, and its open layout makes it easy to pop in, take a ride or two, and continue your day without hassle.
Trimper Rides – Ocean City, Maryland
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Trimper Rides began in 1893 and has been a mainstay of Ocean City’s boardwalk ever since. The entry to the original section is still free, and it’s home to a carousel that’s more than a century old. Seasonal events, vintage arcade machines, and nostalgic charm make it more than just a pit stop.
Arnolds Park Amusement Park – Arnolds Park, Iowa
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Arnolds Park is one of the oldest amusement parks in the U.S., dating back to 1889. While rides require a wristband or tickets, exploring the grounds and historical displays, including the free Maritime Museum, is open to all. Entry is free, and visitors can enjoy lakeside views, outdoor concerts, and events throughout the summer.