by Donna Alexandria

Created on: April 09, 2009

The best way to save money at amusement parks is to plan your trip at least three months in advance, research thoroughly, and be flexible. By creating a concise plan you will eliminate unnecessary spending, and frustrations over unexpected items that you must purchase during your trip.

Below is a great way to begin:

Ask yourself how much money is in your budget. Use that amount of money as a barometer only. You may go over or under fifty dollars. Do not budge on that amount. Stay firm.

Research where your money allows you to gonot where you want to go. If your budget is very limited, look only for local amusement parks.

Now start with the regular admission price. This will be a large part of your budget. Create three column headings on a piece of paper. Label the first one admission. Once you've established how much it will cost your family to get in, begin searching for discount tickets. Grocery stores often offer buy one, half off on admission tickets, or buy one get in free if you purchase a particular item. Last year my local supermarket offered buy one get in free Six Flags tickets on the back of Lunchables. Schools give out free amusement parks tickets as incentives, especially book campaigns. Check with your child's teacher at the beginning of the school year. If you can't find these types of discounts, you might want to purchase your tickets online (they are cheaper). You can also purchase a package plan, or look to go as a group. If all else fails and you can't find discount tickets, plan your trip to the amusement park opening day (much cheaper) or later in the fall possibly September or October. Do not go during peak season, which is usually June-August.

Your second column heading should be labeled food. Food is another huge part of your budget that you must really pay attention to. Parents stay in the driving seat here. Do not give in or lose control. If you normally spend eight dollars on two Happy Meals, at the amusement park tack on an additional five to seven dollars. A meal for two at the park will cost you at least thirteen to fifteen dollars. You can keep your cost to a minimum by going to the park when they first open up usually around 10am. The logic here is if you start early, and give your children a big breakfast, you'll only have to purchase one meal at the park, and by the time they're in need of a snack, you'll be on your way home (keep snacks in the car). Also, make sure you plan your meal ahead of time (include your children in the

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