2. Kings Island $68.99

Image: Cedar FairKings Island is the third Cedar Fair theme park listed here, which speaks to two linchpins of their business model. The company believes in a large number of high-quality, high-volume rides, with a priority on roller coasters. Also, they provide a low price point to guarantee that their parks are inclusive. You don’t have to fear for the safety of your wallet at a Cedar Fair property.

While Kings Island isn’t quite as good a value as Cedar Point, it does offer more for the money than Knott’s Berry Farm…albeit without the vaunted chicken recipe. At Kings Island, you’ll find 50 different rides, 15 of which are roller coasters. The park has hosted The Beast since 1979, and it remains the status symbol attraction. Kings Island isn’t afraid to play with the wooden roller coaster formula, though. They also added Mystic Timbers in 2017. It tops out at a spectacular 53 miles per hour and won Best New Ride from the Golden Ticket Awards. This place is a steal for $68.99.

1. Hersheypark $66.95

Image: HersheyparkI could open with a bunch of chocolate jokes, but you’ve read them all before. Instead, I’d like to emphasize the history of this place. Hersheypark will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its first roller coaster in 2023! It’s been in the business of pleasing theme park tourists for many decades now. The one thing it hasn’t done, however, is raise prices at a dramatic rate.

Despite its heritage and status as an IAAPA Applause Award winner, Hersheypark is the second cheapest major theme park in the United States. Its modest admission price of $66.95 represents stunning value for a place with 76 (!) rides, 13 of which are roller coasters. Hersheypark charges less than a dollar a ride. Even the park with the lowest admission price doesn’t provide such an amazing ratio. The only knock against the place is that it lacks that one E Ticket attraction that dazzles the industry. Here, you’ll embrace the quantity more than the quality. Still, it’s the cheapest admission price in the country right now. Who could complain about that deal?