As inflation continues to ravage our fair land, a recent report proves that fun can still be affordable.
HomeToGo’s Theme Park Index ranked the affordability of 40 theme park locations across 20 states, taking into account admission price, parking, and the average cost of nearby accommodations.
The top spot for affordable fun goes to Quassy Amusement and Waterpark in Middlebury, CT.
With a bargain admission of $33, parking rates as low as $9.40, and average per-person-per-night accommodations of $34.03, the total cost for a Quassy experience comes in at a cool $76.43.
“Being named the #1 most affordable amusement park in the country by HomeToGo means a lot to us: it reflects our commitment to making great memories accessible to every family, not just some of them,” Quassy Amusement Park and Waterpark president Eric Anderson told People magazine.
“We’ve worked hard to evolve with the times while staying true to the communities we serve, and in a summer when a lot of people are watching their budgets, we’re proud to continue a tradition that’s been part of Connecticut summers for more than a century,” added Anderson.
Quassy, which first opened in 1908, is on the south shore of Lake Quassapaug and includes more than 20 rides and attractions. For the amphibious, the waterpark features 16 slides and a splash pad for ankle biters.
The park is famed for its Wooden Warrior coaster, which debuted in 2011 and was ranked among the top 25 wooden roller coasters in the world in a 2012 poll.
Also giving Quassy an affordability edge is the fact that guests are allowed to bring their own food and coolers into the park, offsetting concession costs.
The total cost of a Quassy visit is roughly $41 cheaper than Fun Spot America Themepark in Orlando, which claimed the top 2 spots for affordability, respectively.
Fun Spot offers free parking and free admission, with a pay-per-ride model that averages $59.95 per person per day and a total experience cost of $117.56.
Taking the number three slot is Castles N’ Coasters in Phoenix, Arizona, where a day at the park will set you back $129.63.
These relative bargains come as single-day tickets to Disney World are expected to reach their pinnacle price later this year.
Unsurprisingly, the bottom four slots for affordability were all Disney properties, with Disney California Adventure Park ranking as the least affordable park with an average total cost of $331.03, more than four times the total cost of a trip to Quassy.
In terms of overall guest satisfaction, Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, another centuries-old park, was recently awarded top honors in Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards.
The rankings are based on the quality and quantity of traveler reviews submitted between Feb. 1, 2025, and Jan. 31, 2026.
Knoebels features classic wooden roller coasters, family rides, camping, a large swimming pool, golf and picnic pavilions, making it a longtime favorite for multi-generational vacations.
Taking the number 2 spot in the Travelers’ Choice Awards is Dollywood.
The Tennessee theme park, co-owned by country music icon Dolly Parton, is known for blending thrill rides with live entertainment, Appalachian culture and traditional Southern cuisine.
HomeToGo’s Most Affordable Theme Parks of 2026:
- Quassy Amusement Park, CT
- Fun Spot America Themepark – Orlando, FL
- Castles N’ Coasters, AZ
- Wild Adventures, GA
- Six Flags Frontier City, OK
- Alabama Adventure, AL
- Six Flags New England, MA
- Adventureland, IA
- Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, IN
- Tropic Falls at OWA, AL
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