15 Free-Entry Amusement Parks In The U.S. Worth Exploring

A day at the amusement park doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag—at least not for admission. Across the U.S., several parks let visitors in for free, allowing you to enjoy the atmosphere, explore the grounds, and choose how much to spend. Keep reading to discover 15 U.S. Amusement Parks that offer free entry to all visitors without sacrificing fun.

Knoebels Amusement Resort, Elysburg, Pennsylvania

Knoebels is the country’s largest free-admission amusement park. Located in the woods of central Pennsylvania, it offers nearly 60 rides, including thrilling coasters and vintage carousels. Guests only pay for rides and food. The Phoenix, a top-rated wooden roller coaster, costs just $4 per ride, and picnic areas are completely free to use.

Adventureland, Farmingdale, New York

Though ride wristbands and tickets cost money, admission to Adventureland is completely free. This Long Island favorite has entertained families since 1962 with over 30 rides. Parking is also free, making it easy for visitors to stroll in or watch the action. The nostalgic vibe appeals to all ages.

Belmont Park, San Diego, California

Right on Mission Beach, Belmont Park welcomes visitors with free entry and access to the scenic beachfront. Explore a classic wooden roller coaster, lively arcade games, and ocean-view dining—each paid for separately. Don’t miss the iconic Giant Dipper, a true San Diego landmark. Plus, free parking makes it even more appealing in a city where that’s a rare treat.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz, California

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is yet another amusement park on the West Coast with free entry. Visitors can stroll along the boardwalk or watch free summer concerts. Rides like the 1924 Giant Dipper are ticketed separately. You can also enter the adjacent beach and arcade without charge.

Pacific Park, Santa Monica, California

Pacific Park is LA’s only admission-free amusement park. It features 13 rides, including the West Coaster and the Pacific Wheel, the world’s first solar-powered Ferris wheel. Get tickets for each ride or a wristband for full-day adventures. The park also offers midway games and has been featured in over 500 films and TV shows.

Old Orchard Beach Palace Playland, Old Orchard Beach, Maine

Palace Playland, situated steps from the Atlantic Ocean, has been entertaining guests for over a century. Entry is completely free, with rides and attractions priced individually. It is home to New England’s only beachfront amusement park, with more than 25 rides. Free fireworks displays light up the beach on Thursday nights in summer.

Trimper Rides, Ocean City, Maryland

Trimper Rides is located along the Ocean City boardwalk and offers free admission and walk-in access to its indoor and outdoor areas. Established in 1893, it features historic rides like a 1912 Herschell-Spillman carousel. While rides require tickets, the park often hosts free events, including concerts and car shows, right along the promenade.

Gillian’s Wonderland Pier, Ocean City, New Jersey

This family-owned park welcomes guests to explore its pier for free. Gillian’s has operated since 1929 and offers more than 30 attractions, including a Ferris wheel with ocean views. Tickets are required for rides, but strolling the boardwalk, browsing the shops, or catching the sea breeze costs nothing at all.

Bay Beach Amusement Park, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Here, rides are incredibly affordable, with some costing as little as 25 cents. The park features classic attractions, including a restored wooden coaster called the Zippin Pippin, once owned by Elvis Presley. Operated by the people of Green Bay, Bay Beach offers completely free admission and parking. Picnic shelters are also available for free reservations.

Arnold’s Park, Arnold’s Park, Iowa

Visitors can enjoy free admission to this historic park, sitting on the shores of West Lake Okoboji. It was founded in 1889 and includes a museum, boardwalk, public green space, and the Legend roller coaster, which dates back to 1927. Although ride passes cost extra, guests can enter just to soak in the lakeside views.

Lakemont Park, Altoona, Pennsylvania

Reopened after renovations, Lakemont Park offers free admission and parking. Guests can relax in open green spaces or play mini-golf at no cost. Rides and attractions, including the historic Leap-The-Dips coaster, are ticketed separately. That coaster, built in 1902, is the world’s oldest roller coaster.

Funland, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

This venue opens seasonally and maintains some of the most affordable ride prices on the East Coast. Entry into its arcade and midway is free. Just off the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk, Funland is a family-owned gem featuring around 20 rides and games, many of which are geared toward younger children.

Tuscora Park – New Philadelphia, Ohio

Tuscora Park delivers timeless amusement with free admission and parking included. Nestled in the charming town of New Philadelphia, it’s home to nostalgic favorites like a Ferris wheel, carousel, and train ride. Run by the local park district, it offers budget-friendly fun, with most rides priced at just a dollar or two.

Pixieland Amusement Park, Concord, California

Pixieland is a small, family-friendly amusement park ideal for younger children. Entry is always free, and visitors can only pay for rides. Located within Willow Pass Park, Pixieland allows families to enjoy scenic surroundings, train rides, and classic kiddie attractions without worrying about general admission fees or expensive gate prices.

Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park, Brooklyn, New York

Situated on Coney Island’s iconic boardwalk, Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park welcomes visitors with free admission year-round. Home to the historic Wonder Wheel, a 150-foot-tall Ferris wheel built in 1920, the park offers a mix of classic and modern rides. The park also hosts seasonal events and fireworks displays.