Amusement Parks Open
Bay Beach Amusement Park
4.7(6,374)4.7 out of 5 stars, 6374 reviews Madison, WI
About Bay Beach Amusement Park
Bay Beach Amusement Park offers exceptional value as an old-fashioned, budget-friendly amusement park where entry and parking are free, and individual ride tickets are only 25 cents. It uniquely allows families to bring their own food, picnics, and even grills, making it an incredibly affordable day out compared to typical amusement venues.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families with younger children looking for an affordable, fun day out.Youth groups or summer field trips on a budget.Multi-generational family outings, including grandparents, parents, and children.Those seeking an old-fashioned carnival atmosphere without high costs.Families who enjoy picnicking and grilling as part of their outdoor activities.
Why families love it
- Tickets are incredibly cheap at 25 cents each, with most rides costing 4-6 tickets (e.g., rollercoaster is 6 tickets).
- Entry and parking are completely free, significantly reducing overall visit cost.
- Families can bring their own food, picnics, and even grills (hot coal bins available), offering huge savings on dining.
- Rides are clean and the park has a kid-friendly atmosphere, suitable for various age groups.
- Wait times for rides are generally not too long, even in the afternoon, lines move quickly.
- Offers an old-fashioned amusement park experience reminiscent of carnivals without the high prices.
Insider tips
- Arrive early to secure parking, as it fills up fast.
- Bring your own picnic, snacks, or even a portable grill to save money on food, utilizing the picnic tables and hot coal bins.
- Budget for at least 3 hours, but be prepared for a full day or even two days of entertainment if you want to experience everything.
- For families on a tight budget, this park offers unparalleled value.
- Be aware that older rides may have size restrictions; check specific ride requirements if this is a concern.
Good to know before you go
- Arriving late in the afternoon if you want to ensure prime parking spots or minimize initial wait times, although lines move quickly.
- If your family members have specific body types that might not comfortably fit older ride designs (though most rides are accessible with a few steps).
- Parking fills up fast, especially if not arriving early.
- While most rides are accessible with a few steps, older rides may not comfortably fit all body types.
- Lines can be longer in the afternoon, although they are reported to move quickly.
- Crowds
- Wait times for rides are generally not too long.
- Value
- Outstanding. Tickets are 25 cents each, with the most expensive ride (rollercoaster) costing only 6 tickets ($1.50). Free entry and free parking. A family can spend around $40-$50 for extensive riding time (e.g., $50 for 12 people). Concession stand prices are also reasonable (e.g., hot dog, large soda, large popcorn, pretzel with cheese for $18.25). This provides significantly more value than typical amusement parks or even a fast-food meal.
- Food
- Outside food is explicitly allowed, including picnics and personal grills (hot coal bins are provided).
- Accessibility
- Almost all rides are accessible if one can walk a few steps to get onto them.
- Safety
- Rides are reported to be clean, implying regular maintenance and care.
What parents say
"It is a great place for families with younger children as well as a great place to take youth during the summer on recreational field trips. The tickets aren't expensive for the rides and the wait times aren't too long. There are a lot of dining option kiosks with your typical fair food options, but there's also a large indoor grill cafeteriaThe big wooden rollercoaster, The Zippin' Pippin', was a favorite of Elvis Presley."
3 months ago
"Absolutely amazing amusement park! The tickets are 25 cents each and the most expensive ride is like 4 or 6 tickets! The rides are clean! And everything is so kid friendly! There’s rides for the whole family! We spent almost 3 hours there and just totally enjoyed it. My kids were exhausted but very happy. Would definitely recommend!"
9 months ago
"This is a wonderful old-fashioned amusement park. Entry and parking are free, but get here early because parking fills up fast! Tickets are 25 cents per ticket, and no ride is more than 4 tickets. This place is especially fitting for smaller children, but I think it would be fun for teens and older people alike. Bring your own picnic to enjoy at the many picnic tables. You can also bring grills because they have hot coal bins available. There is a small and very reasonably priced snack concession stand offering hot dogs, cheese pizza, various sized soft drinks, pretzels, popcorn, cotton candy,"
10 months ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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