Theme Parks: Worth the Expense?

No i definately think its worth the expense whatever your children are interested in, i think that it is better to spend time as a family then worry about anything else! Of course dont send yourself bankrupt riding rollercoasters... but as a great day out why not!! I think your a great mum and thats priceless.

I think that theme parks are great. i think they are worth every penny of their expense. Most of them offer you so much for your time and your money.

To a lot of people who have enough money to splurge or to parents who say ‘yes’ to each of their kid’s demand, its of course worth all that expense for one day of fun but like you, to me its not worth it. I do feel guilty, I do feel like I’m telling my son that we’re poorer than so and so…but I do believe that it’s a lot of money and for one day of fun, its quite a waste. The few theme parks that we do have here in Calcutta, are only for the rich or for parents who’s earning in millions and we don’t fall into either category. So there are a lot of things which I say ‘No’ to my son but by now, I think he’s got the message. Vacations are the worst…they keep nagging you for all sorts of ideas and outings…and then even if you do go to the theme parks, it cant be just the kid who gets to the rides, at least my son wants all three of us (hubby included) to enjoy the rides so the expenses become threefold. And then you cant carry outside food and the food courts inside are equally exorbitant…it’s a complete package to leave a big burning hole in your pocket

They're worth it to me, because of the fun my kids get out of it, but only every so often...

Don't feel guilty about not affording an expensive outing. Theme parks are so expensive, and in my opinion not worth one dime spent. I live near Busch Gardens in Virginia, and have become so disillusioned when it comes to amusement parks. The food is terrible and way overpriced, it is hot, crowded, and I have a hard time trusting my life to a teenage operator on thrill rides. There are plenty of things to do that aren't so expensive, and your kids will hopefully understand that the economy is bad right now, and money has got to be saved. Good luck to you!

I have never found "amusement" or "theme" parks "amusing" or in any way worthwhile. Of course, they are way overpriced and unnecessary as a waste of hard earned money. I also find them dangerous, as rides are not properly maintained; years ago a news expose was done on the "carnival lobby", the union of crooks that keep these things going, large or small (as in the touring carnivals that children are enticed into), without proper oversight. I had a workman come to my home to fix my garage door. He was always late, hungover, and inept. One day he told me he helped to build the rides at a local, large and well known "theme park". I asked him if he would ride on the "amusements" he built. "H--l no", he said. That was more than enough confirmation for me. "Theme" parks are just another form of "bread and circus" to keep the "masses" entertained and distracted from the important issues of life, as in the origin of the concept of bread and circus in ancient Rome. Family time would be better spent enjoying the wonders of life that God has given us and are free: quiet time together at home or at a picnic, enjoying the natural beauty around us, loving and enjoying each other, etc.

i think onc in awhile is alright and sometimes local stores offer coupons to parks. see if you can do that. maybe you could take them to a beach instead.

Well, I know how you feel, however, the teens just don't get why their friends can go and they can't, they just don't want to understand most often. However, you could try to save for it with them, it doesn't mean they need to work for it, but at least contribute by savings. Perhaps setting them up with how much all of you needs and how to get it done, then save up.. If they can't go now at least they know why.

For me yes totally so be good in your work so that you find ways to have hangout it is the money is important to it.

I think that theme parks are definately worth the expense because you get to have fun with friends and family. I think that it is worth every penny that's why when people go to theme parks they are always so happy and so am I because I love rides they are so fun.