Sick of blowing all your hard-earned cash at overpriced theme parks? Check out these hidden family travel gems that are sure to wow the family while saving you some money along the way. Here are 10 parks and museums that fly under the mass-market radar:
Fun Zone at Balboa Island, California
This place is my childhood in a nutshell, it's where we vacationed as a family and found countless hours of amusement as children. It's the first cool place I was ever allowed to walk to on my own. Play a round of skee ball and take a turn on the waterfront Ferris Wheel and don't forget to finish up with a Balboa Bar - chocolate-covered ice cream on a stick rolled in peanuts or rainbow sprinkles, your choice.
Fun Spot America in Kissimmee, Fla.
With all the money you can spend at Disney or Universal, this family-owned amusement park may just top the list in the minds of your kids. There are roller coasters, go-karts, kiddie rides an arcade and more. What makes it even better - a single day pass is under $40. (There is a second location on International Drive in Orlando, too).
Experience Music Project in Seattle
Is the inner musician calling you? Well, the family that plays together stays together and that couldn't be more true than at Experience Music Project where families can make and mix music together all day long on instruments and mixing equipment in a museum that is a shrine to music from all genres.
Fairyland in Oakland, Ca.
If you have a kid between the ages of 3 and 8, this is the place to be. The whimsical, 10-acre park is heaven for young children and a perfect place for them to imagine, create, play and learn in a magical fantasy world all their own. There are storybook sets, gentle rides, live entertainment and more.
Wild West City in Netcong, N.J.
Maybe you didn't think that Netcong, New Jersey, had anything to do with the Wild West - well think again. Netcong is home to Wild West City, where families are invited to experience a day of old-time fun and excitement. Stroll down Main Street 1880 and travel back in time to Dodge City, Kansas, board a Wells Fargo stagecoach, take a ride on a narrow-gauge train, visit the Barnyard Zoo, ride a pony and more.
Stone Mountain Park in Georgia
Just 15 minutes from Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park offers up endless adventure with the Summit Skyride, Geyser Tower, the Sky Hike and a scenic railroad. That's not to mention the hiking trails, fishing, golf, a laser show and more. And don't forget to check their calendar for festivals and other events before you go.
Warner Brothers VIP Studio Tour in Burbank, Calif.
Want to visit your favorite film and television characters without the crowds of Disneyland or Universal Studios? Check out the VIP Studio Tour at Warner Bros. Studio in Burbank. A two-hour-and-15-minute tour takes guests through some of the most memorable moments in television. You can also see the stages for "The Big Bang Theory," "Conan," "The Ellen Degeneres Show" and more. Don't miss the Batman and Harry Potter exhibits - they are awesome!
King's Island in King's Island, Ohio.
Fans of dinosaurs and thrill rides will feel at home at King's Island where the world's largest animatronic dinosaur park resides - Dinosaur's Alive! - as well as the WindSeeker, a 301-foot-tall tower swing ride. If that's not enough, check out their 15 roller coasters, the Soak City Waterpark, an award-winning kids area (say hello to Scooby Doo), live stage shows and classic family rides. King's Island is also known for its unique Halloween events, too.
New Orleans City Park in New Orleans
Not that the entire city of New Orleans isn't amusement enough, but New Orleans City Park is the perfect haven for parents and their kids to find a day of excitement. Combine the one-two punch of Storyland and Carousel Gardens and you've got hours of entertainment for little ones. The amusement park features 16 rides, including an antique wooden carousel. Plus stroll through Storyland's 25 larger-than-life Storybook sculptures for a few kid-friendly photo-ops.
Pirates of Hilton Head in Hilton Head Island, S.C.
It's only appropriate to finish off the list by setting sail - which is what kids will want to do at Pirates of Hilton Head, a custom pirate ship that will have every kid saying "Arrr, matey." Face painting, temporary tattoos and a pirate sash will get kids in the spirit of the adventure as they try to beat Stinky Pete to the hidden treasure.
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