by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 3:30 PM ET, Fri April 28, 2023
Theme parks have long been a popular family vacation activity. And multi-generational travel has also been a major trend for quite some time.
In recent years, particularly on the heels of a global pandemic that kept family members isolated from one another, these two popular forms of travel have begun to combine forces. That is to say, multi-generational theme park travel is truly gaining steam, and is expected to be especially popular this summer.
“Theme parks give families a wonderful platform to live out their multi-generational travel plans, mainly because they have something for everyone,” says Travelzoo Senior Editor Gabe Saglie.
“At most of the hundreds of theme parks across the U.S, there’s a ride, or a show, or a parade that appeals to everyone,” continues Saglie. “And because these are experiences shared in one place and at the same time, bonds are strengthened, and long-lasting memories are made.”
Top theme parks for multi-gen travelers this summer
Travelzoo’s entertainment team works directly with dozens of amusement parks—both large and small—across the country. And a number of those parks are doing especially well this summer, according to Travelzoo data, including Sesame Place in San Diego, California and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Disneyland in Anaheim, California, and Universal Orlando in Florida.
Sesame Place San Diego. (photo via Sesame Place San Diego)
“Theme parks are great destinations for multi-generational travel because they're memory makers,” adds Travelzoo Senior Producer Sarah Moomaw. “A bucket list, all-out, Orlando-park-hopping family vacation with grandparents and cousins can create stories told at weddings and bat mitzvahs for decades.”
Similarly, says Moomaw, a day-trip to a regional Six Flags or Cedar Fair-operated park can easily do the same.
The appeal of theme parks for multi-generational visitors, is of course, not lost on the theme park operators themselves. Many have been busy creating attractions that are specifically geared to this demographic.
“I think theme parks are definitely leaning into the idea that post-Covid, more people will be visiting as part of a larger family group, and that multiple generations will be traveling together,” observes Saglie. "Many of the new high-profile attractions embrace brands with distinct multi-generational appeal, like Super Nintendo World, which opened in February, Sesame Place, which opened its second park in San Diego a year ago, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at both Disney parks. Grandparents and parents grew up watching the very film franchises, or playing the very games, that their grand kids and their own kids are watching and playing now.”
Legoland California Theme Park. (photo via stevezmina1 / iStock Editorial / Getty Images Plus)
LEGOLAND California, in San Diego, is another example of a park that has put effort into attracting multi-generational travelers, says Saglie. Onsite hotel rooms at the park are designed to sleep five, while suites sleep up to nine, making it easy for extended families to come visit. The park also makes stroller and wheelchair rentals readily available. And because LEGOLAND is designed to be a child’s first theme park experience, targeting ages two to12, it lends itself to families visiting as a group.
“The Technic Coast, for example, is a slower, more ‘junior’ or ‘pink-knuckle’ ride that grandparents and grand kids can do together,” explains Saglie. “And there’s lots of info online around dietary restrictions, which can be a solid pre-visit multi-generational resource.”
Budget-friendly ways to experience theme parks
Yet another notable bonus associated with multi-gen theme park getaways? Many parks offer early season savings, so if lines aren’t your family’s thing (and really, who does enjoy the lines?), consider visiting in the early or late summer season, such as June or September. Or schedule your visit during the week, for even deeper discounts.
Yet another way to save money on your multi-generational visit to a theme park is to consider staying local, suggests Saglie. “The discounts offered to local or in-state residents can be significant, especially when multiplied by the number of people in your multi-generational travel group,” says Saglie.
Looking for a theme park near you? Check out our list of the best theme park in every state. Disneyland fans meanwhile, won't want to miss the special offerings the park just announced for Star Wars month in May.
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