How to Save on Amusement Parks in Long Beach

Long Beach, California, is home to some of the most vibrant and family-friendly amusement parks in Southern California. From the iconic Queen Mary and adjacent SparklePark to the thrilling rides at Belmont Park and seasonal events at Shoreline Aquatic Park, there’s no shortage of excitement for visitors of all ages. However, the cost of admission, parking, food, and add-ons can quickly add up—making a day at the park feel more like a financial commitment than a fun outing. The good news? With the right strategies, you can enjoy the thrills, sights, and sounds of Long Beach’s top amusement destinations without overspending. This comprehensive guide reveals how to save on amusement parks in Long Beach through insider tips, seasonal deals, bundled packages, and smart planning. Whether you’re a local resident or a tourist planning your next getaway, these proven methods will help you maximize fun while minimizing expenses.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Research and Compare Park Options

Long Beach offers several amusement-style attractions, each with different pricing structures and offerings. Before committing to one, take time to compare what each venue provides. Belmont Park, for example, is a historic seaside amusement park with a mix of classic rides, a boardwalk, and an arcade. The Queen Mary offers a unique blend of maritime history and family entertainment, including haunted tours and seasonal light displays. Shoreline Aquatic Park features water slides and splash zones, ideal for younger children. Not all venues are traditional “amusement parks,” so define what kind of experience you want—thrill rides, water play, historical exhibits, or a combination.

Visit each attraction’s official website and note admission prices, operating hours, and any special events scheduled during your planned visit. Some parks offer tiered pricing based on age, time of day, or day of the week. For instance, Belmont Park often has lower weekday rates compared to weekends. The Queen Mary may offer discounted evening admission during non-peak seasons. Comparing these details upfront helps you select the most cost-effective option for your group.

2. Plan Your Visit During Off-Peak Times

One of the most effective ways to save money is to avoid high-demand periods. Amusement parks in Long Beach typically charge premium prices during summer holidays, spring break, weekends, and major local events like the Long Beach Grand Prix or the Long Beach Pride Festival. To get the best rates, plan your visit during the shoulder seasons—late September through October or early January through February. These months offer milder weather, shorter lines, and significantly lower ticket prices.

Even within a peak season, timing your visit matters. Many parks offer discounted “early bird” or “late night” admission. Belmont Park, for example, sometimes runs $5 off admission for visitors arriving after 5 p.m. on weekdays. The Queen Mary offers reduced evening rates for non-haunted tours during the off-season. Check each park’s website calendar for “value days” or “locals’ discounts,” which are often advertised on social media or email newsletters.

3. Purchase Tickets Online in Advance

Buying tickets at the gate is almost always more expensive than purchasing them online. Most Long Beach amusement venues offer discounted rates for advance purchases, sometimes up to 30% off. Belmont Park’s website frequently features bundled deals like “2-for-1 admission” or “family pass” packages that include unlimited rides for a fixed price. The Queen Mary often sells combo tickets that include entry to the ship, a guided tour, and a meal at their onboard restaurant at a reduced rate.

Always use the official website to buy tickets—third-party resellers may charge service fees or sell outdated promotions. Look for a “Deals” or “Special Offers” tab on the park’s homepage. Many parks also allow you to lock in prices for future visits, so if you see a good deal in January, you can buy tickets for a summer visit and still pay the lower rate.

4. Bundle Your Experience

Many Long Beach attractions offer bundled packages that combine multiple experiences at a lower total cost than purchasing each separately. For example, the Queen Mary and Belmont Park are located within walking distance of each other. While they don’t officially partner on tickets, you can strategically plan a day that includes both—arriving early at the Queen Mary for a self-guided tour, then walking over to Belmont Park for afternoon rides. This reduces the need for transportation and allows you to maximize value.

Look for multi-attraction passes offered by local tourism boards. The Long Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau occasionally partners with attractions to offer “Discover Long Beach” passes, which include discounted or free entry to several sites, including museums, parks, and historic landmarks. These passes are often available for purchase through the city’s official tourism website and can be a smart investment if you plan to visit more than two attractions in a single trip.

5. Leverage Local Resident Discounts

Many amusement parks in Long Beach offer special pricing for residents of Los Angeles County or specific zip codes. Belmont Park, for instance, runs a “Local’s Day” every Wednesday during the summer, offering 50% off admission for residents with a valid ID and proof of address. The Queen Mary occasionally offers discounted tickets to residents of Long Beach, Signal Hill, or Lakewood with a driver’s license or utility bill showing a local address.

Don’t assume these deals are advertised prominently. Check the “Offers” section of each park’s website, call ahead to ask about resident discounts, or follow their social media pages for real-time updates. Some parks require you to mention the discount at checkout—so be prepared to ask. Even if you’re not a Long Beach resident, nearby cities like Lakewood, Signal Hill, or Paramount may be included in the qualifying area.

6. Use Cashback and Reward Apps

Modern technology makes it easier than ever to earn money back on your amusement park spending. Apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, and Honey often feature cashback offers for online ticket purchases. For example, purchasing Belmont Park tickets through Rakuten may earn you 5–8% cashback. Similarly, some credit cards offer bonus points for entertainment purchases—especially those tied to travel rewards programs.

Download these apps before you buy tickets and activate the relevant offer. Some apps even allow you to scan your receipt after purchase to claim additional rewards. If you’re using a debit or credit card linked to a rewards program, make sure it’s activated for bonus categories like “entertainment” or “family fun.”

7. Bring Your Own Food and Drinks

Food and beverages at amusement parks are notoriously overpriced. A single bottle of water can cost $5, and a basic hot dog runs $12–$15. The good news? Most Long Beach parks allow visitors to bring in their own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. Belmont Park and Shoreline Aquatic Park have designated picnic areas where you can enjoy your own meals before or after riding.

Plan ahead by packing a cooler with sandwiches, fruit, granola bars, and refillable water bottles. Many parks have water fountains or free refill stations near restrooms. Avoid bringing glass containers or alcohol, as these are typically prohibited. Not only will you save $20–$40 per person on food, but you’ll also avoid long lines at concession stands and enjoy healthier options.

8. Take Advantage of Free Admission Days or Events

Some attractions in Long Beach offer free or pay-what-you-can days throughout the year. The Queen Mary occasionally hosts “Community Days” in partnership with local nonprofits, where admission is free for all attendees. Belmont Park sometimes offers free admission for children under 3 or during special holiday events like “Free Family Night” in December.

Local libraries and community centers often distribute free or discounted tickets through programs like “Library Passes.” The Long Beach Public Library system partners with several cultural and recreational venues to provide complimentary or reduced-price passes for cardholders. Check your library’s website or visit in person to inquire about current offerings. These passes are usually available on a first-come, first-served basis, so plan ahead.

9. Group and Multi-Day Discounts

If you’re visiting with a large group—family, friends, or a school organization—you may qualify for group rates. Most Long Beach amusement parks offer discounted pricing for groups of 10 or more. Belmont Park requires advance booking for group tickets, and the Queen Mary offers customized group packages that include guided tours and private event spaces.

For extended stays, consider purchasing multi-day passes if available. While not all parks offer them, some seasonal events, like the Halloween Haunt or Winter Lights at the Queen Mary, allow you to buy a pass that grants entry over multiple nights at a reduced daily rate. If you’re staying in Long Beach for several days, spreading your visits across different parks can also help you avoid paying full price on consecutive days.

10. Monitor Social Media and Email Newsletters

Amusement parks in Long Beach frequently announce flash sales, last-minute discounts, and exclusive promotions through their social media channels and email lists. Following Belmont Park on Instagram or signing up for The Queen Mary’s newsletter can give you early access to deals like “Buy One, Get One 50% Off” or “Free Ride Wristband with Online Ticket Purchase.”

Many parks also run “Refer a Friend” programs where you earn a free ticket for every person you refer who makes a purchase. These promotions are often time-sensitive, so set up notifications or check your inbox daily during peak seasons. Don’t ignore promotional codes—sometimes a simple “SAVE10” at checkout can knock off $10 per ticket.

Best Practices

Set a Budget Before You Go

Before you even start researching tickets, determine how much you’re willing to spend on your amusement park day. Include all anticipated costs: admission, parking, food, souvenirs, and ride add-ons. Once you have a total budget, work backward to find ways to reduce each category. For example, if your budget is $150 for a family of four, you might allocate $80 for tickets, $30 for parking, $25 for food, and $15 for souvenirs. Stick to this plan—use cash envelopes or a prepaid card to avoid overspending.

Arrive Early and Leave Early

Arriving at opening time gives you the best chance to ride popular attractions with minimal wait times. This means you can enjoy more rides in less time, maximizing your value per dollar spent. Many parks also offer early access to certain rides for guests who arrive before 10 a.m. Additionally, leaving before the park closes helps you avoid the post-rush crowds and reduces the temptation to buy last-minute snacks or souvenirs.

Limit Souvenir Spending

Souvenirs are one of the biggest budget killers at amusement parks. A simple plush toy can cost $25, and personalized items like T-shirts or keychains often carry a 300% markup. Instead of buying trinkets, take photos, collect free event maps, or pick up a digital souvenir like a photo from a ride camera. If you must buy something, wait until the end of the day—many vendors offer clearance deals on unsold inventory as closing time approaches.

Use Public Transportation or Walk

Parking at Belmont Park or near the Queen Mary can cost $15–$20 per vehicle. Instead, use the Long Beach Transit system, which offers affordable daily passes, or ride a bike—Long Beach is one of the most bike-friendly cities in Southern California. The beach path connects many attractions, and parking is free if you park a few blocks away and walk in. Apps like Google Maps or Transit can help you plan the most efficient route.

Check the Weather Forecast

Outdoor attractions like Belmont Park and Shoreline Aquatic Park are weather-dependent. Rain or fog can lead to ride closures and reduced enjoyment. Check the forecast before you go and consider rescheduling if conditions look poor. Many parks offer rain checks or rescheduling options if you notify them in advance—some even provide refunds if the park closes due to inclement weather.

Bring a Portable Phone Charger

Your phone is your ticket scanner, map, camera, and entertainment device all in one. A dead battery can ruin your day. Bring a portable charger to ensure you can access digital tickets, navigate the park, and capture memories without interruption. This small investment prevents the need to buy overpriced chargers at the park’s gift shop.

Know the Ride Height Requirements

Before you buy tickets, check the height restrictions for rides. If your children don’t meet the minimum height for most attractions, you may be paying for rides they can’t enjoy. This is especially important at Belmont Park, where several rides require riders to be 48 inches or taller. Knowing this in advance helps you choose a park that better matches your group’s abilities and avoids disappointment.

Download the Park’s Official App

Many amusement parks now have dedicated mobile apps that provide real-time wait times, interactive maps, and exclusive app-only discounts. Belmont Park’s app, for example, lets you view ride queues, reserve spots in line for select attractions, and unlock digital coupons for food and merchandise. Using the app can save you time and money—often both.

Tools and Resources

Official Park Websites

Always start with the official websites of the attractions you plan to visit:

• Belmont Park: www.belmontpark.com
• The Queen Mary: www.queenmary.com
• Shoreline Aquatic Park: www.longbeach.gov/shoreline

These sites offer the most accurate pricing, event calendars, and official promotions. Bookmark them and check weekly for updates.

Long Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau

The official tourism site for the city—www.longbeach.com—features curated deals, multi-attraction passes, and seasonal event guides. They also publish a free digital visitor guide with maps, dining recommendations, and transportation tips.

Library Pass Programs

The Long Beach Public Library offers free or discounted passes to local attractions through its “Culture Pass” program. Visit www.lbpl.org/culturepass to see which parks and museums are currently available. Passes are reserved on a first-come basis and typically valid for one-day use.

Cashback and Rewards Apps

Use these apps to earn money back on ticket purchases:

• Rakuten: www.rakuten.com
• Ibotta: www.ibotta.com
• Honey: www.joinhoney.com

Activate the relevant offer before clicking through to the park’s website to ensure your cashback is tracked.

Local Event Calendars

Stay updated on free or discounted events:

• Long Beach Post: www.longbeachpost.com/events
• Time Out Los Angeles: www.timeout.com/los-angeles
• Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.com/d/ca--long-beach/amusement-parks

Search for keywords like “free admission,” “locals discount,” or “family day” to find hidden opportunities.

Public Transit Tools

Plan your ride using:

• Long Beach Transit: www.lbtransit.com
• Google Maps: www.google.com/maps
• Transit App: www.transitapp.com

Download schedules and set alerts for buses that serve the Queen Mary and Belmont Park routes.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Martinez Family – Saving $120 on a Weekend Visit

The Martinez family of four (two adults, two children aged 8 and 11) planned a weekend trip to Belmont Park. Without any savings strategies, they expected to pay $140 for tickets, $20 for parking, and $60 for food—totaling $220.

Instead, they:

• Purchased tickets online in advance using a 20% off code found on the park’s newsletter ($112 instead of $140)
• Used a library Culture Pass to get free admission for the two children ($0 instead of $70)
• Arrived at 9 a.m. to avoid parking fees by biking from their hotel (saved $20)
• Branded sandwiches, fruit, and water from home (saved $50)
• Used Rakuten to earn 7% cashback on their ticket purchase ($7.84 returned)

Total spent: $64.84. Total saved: $155.16.

Example 2: The Thompsons – A Budget-Friendly Queen Mary Experience

The Thompsons, a couple from Orange County, wanted to visit The Queen Mary but were concerned about the $45 per adult ticket price. They discovered:

• A “Local’s Night” promotion on the Queen Mary’s Instagram page offering $25 admission for residents of LA County (they used a utility bill as proof)
• A free guided walking tour included with admission (saved $15 per person)
• A $10 discount on dinner at the ship’s restaurant with a ticket purchase
• Free parking at a nearby public lot, a 10-minute walk away (saved $18)

They spent $50 total (including a $15 meal) and enjoyed a full evening of history, lights, and entertainment. Without these strategies, they would have spent over $150.

Example 3: The Garcia School Group – A Class Trip on a Shoestring

A local elementary school organized a field trip to Shoreline Aquatic Park for 30 students and 5 chaperones. The standard group rate was $15 per person. Instead, the teacher:

• Contacted the park’s education coordinator and secured a 50% discount for a nonprofit group
• Applied for a grant from the Long Beach Education Foundation to cover transportation
• Asked parents to pack lunches and snacks
• Used a free city bus route to reach the park

The total cost per student was $3.75—down from $15. The school saved over $330 and provided a memorable, educational experience.

FAQs

Can I bring my own food into Belmont Park?

Yes, Belmont Park allows visitors to bring in non-alcoholic beverages and sealed, pre-packaged snacks. Coolers are permitted but must be no larger than 12” x 12” x 12”. Glass containers, alcohol, and large picnic setups are prohibited.

Are there any free amusement parks in Long Beach?

While there are no traditional free amusement parks, Shoreline Aquatic Park offers free admission to its splash zones and playground areas. Belmont Park’s boardwalk and arcade are also free to enter—only rides require tickets. The Queen Mary’s exterior grounds and harbor views are accessible without charge.

Do children under a certain age get in free?

Most parks offer free admission for children under 3. Belmont Park and Shoreline Aquatic Park both follow this policy. The Queen Mary offers free admission for children under 4. Always verify age policies on the official website before your visit.

Is there a senior discount at Long Beach amusement parks?

Yes, many parks offer senior discounts for visitors aged 60 or older. Belmont Park provides a $5 discount on admission for seniors. The Queen Mary offers a 10% discount with valid ID. Check each park’s website for eligibility details.

Can I get a refund if the park closes due to weather?

Most parks offer rain checks or rescheduling options if closures occur due to severe weather. Refunds are less common, but you may be able to apply your ticket value toward a future visit. Always ask about the policy when purchasing tickets.

Do credit cards offer discounts on amusement park tickets?

Some credit card issuers partner with attractions to offer exclusive discounts. For example, Chase Sapphire or American Express cardholders may receive special promo codes through their rewards portal. Check your card’s benefits page before purchasing.

How far in advance should I book tickets?

For the best deals, book at least 7–14 days in advance. During peak season (June–August), book 3–4 weeks ahead to ensure availability and lock in lower prices. Flash sales may appear as late as 24 hours before, but availability is limited.

Are there discounts for military personnel or first responders?

Yes. The Queen Mary and Belmont Park both offer discounted admission for active and veteran military personnel, as well as first responders. Valid ID is required. Some parks also extend discounts to immediate family members.

Can I use gift cards to save money?

Yes. Many local businesses, such as pharmacies, grocery stores, and banks, sell discounted gift cards for popular attractions. You can often find $50 Belmont Park gift cards for $40 at retailers like Target or CVS. Use these to reduce your out-of-pocket cost.

What’s the best time of year to visit for savings?

September through November and January through March are the most affordable months. Weather is still pleasant, crowds are smaller, and parks offer seasonal promotions. Avoid Memorial Day weekend, July 4th, and Christmas week for the lowest prices.

Conclusion

Saving on amusement parks in Long Beach isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about being strategic. By combining research, timing, smart spending habits, and local resources, you can enjoy world-class rides, historic attractions, and waterfront fun without draining your wallet. Whether you’re a local looking for a weekend escape or a visitor exploring Southern California, the tips in this guide provide a clear, actionable roadmap to maximizing value.

The key is to plan ahead, leverage every available discount, and think beyond the ticket price. Bring your own snacks, use public transit, follow social media for flash deals, and don’t overlook free community events. Every dollar saved is a dollar you can spend on memories—whether that’s an extra ride, a photo keepsake, or simply more time enjoying the ocean breeze with your loved ones.

Long Beach’s amusement parks are more than just attractions—they’re part of the city’s vibrant culture. With the right approach, you don’t have to pay premium prices to experience them. Start applying these strategies today, and turn your next park visit into a smart, satisfying, and unforgettable outing.