Updated 2021
Military discounts aren’t just for stores.
I mean, they’re great at stores. And there are a lot of stores that offer fantastic military discounts.
But they’re nearly everywhere you look. If you know where to look and how to ask.
And military discounts show up in places you might not expect (or honestly, might just forget about)… like at amusement parks and theme parks.
When visiting Kennywood– a popular regional amusement park in Pittsburgh, PA– we were shocked when received a military discount at gate. Sure– we knew about the Disney, SeaWorld, and Busch Gardens discounts, but we had never thought that local parks might offer such great discounts, too.
In Pennsylvania, Kennywood isn’t alone when it comes to offering military discounts, benefits, and coupons. And honestly, with the rising costs of entertainment, it’s really nice to get a little break! These five amusement and theme parks offer military discounts to attendees. (And here’s how to get them!)
1. Kennywood (Pittsburgh, PA)
Located in Pittsburgh, Kennywood offers roughly a 50% discount on FunDay tickets to those who are valid military ID holders. If you’d like to take advantage of their discount, you can purchase online (using ID.me to verify military identity) or at the admission gates. The discount applies to family members (not just dependents) and can be used to purchase up to three tickets per service member. The discount can be used for Adult, Junior, and Senior FunDay passes. You can read all of the deets here.
2. Hersheypark (Hershey, PA)
Heading to Central PA for vacation, a staycation, or a day trip? The Sweetest Place on Earth offers discounts on their tickets through your installation’s MWR or up to 20% off admission when purchasing through identification-verification website ID.me. (Here’s where you can find all of the other savings options that Hersheypark offers as well as where you can find any changes to the military discount coupon.) In addition to a standing discount through either your installation’s ticketing office or ID.me, Hersheypark is also offers a Military Appreciation Weekend in May which includes deep discounts on tickets and free parking. Check Hersheypark’s website for more details.
3. Knoebels (Elisburg, PA)
This Pennsylvania favorite is a little different than other amusement parks. Knoebels already offers free admission, free parking, and free picnic areas; they only charge for rides (in ticket booklets or unlimited wristband passes).
Still, they also offer discounts, including a military one for those who are active duty, Reservists, retired, and veterans. Those who are active duty or Reservists can receive a free $40 ticket booklet; those who are retired and veterans can receive a free $20 ticket booklet. The discount can be used by military spouses as long as your sponsor isn’t there and you have a valid military ID. To redeem this offer, head over to the Park Office Customer Service Station. For all of the details, you’ll want to check out this page.
In addition, Knoebels has an Armed Forces Day where they offer all members of the armed forces (past and present) a free ride pass for the day. You can learn more about their Armed Forces Day promotion here.
4. Dutch Wonderland (Lancaster, PA)
If you’ve got young kiddos and you’re close to Lancaster County, check out Dutch Wonderland for age-appropriate rides and entertainment. And you can save a little bit of cash with their discount for active and retired military. Grab a full-price One Day admission for $11 off it’s normal price for active and retired military personnel and their party. Check here for more information and updates. You must have a military ID to redeem this military discount coupon.
5. Idlewild and Soak Zone (Pittsburgh, PA)
Spend a day of fun in the sun and in the water in Western PA at Idlewild and Soak Zone. Throughout the summer during specially designated days, military members and their families can get free admission. These days might change from year to year, so you’ll want to verify through Idlewild’s website. (Go to the main gate with your ID to take advantage of this opportunity.) Any other days, use ID.me to purchase tickets with an undisclosed discount for military members.
Before you go
If you’re counting on military discounts for your trip, you’ll want to do your homework ahead of time. Don’t leave home without making you’ve done these things:
- Check the website of the amusement park or theme park you’re visiting for the exact details of their discount.
- If the ticket needs to be purchased online, make sure that you follow the directions and purchase online.
- If the ticket must be purchased through ITT at the MWR, make the required purchases (and don’t forget your tickets the day of the trip).
- If the ticket can be purchased at the gate, make sure that you’ve packed the proper ID (which might be a military ID, a DD214, or a driver’s license with a veteran-specific annotation) that the ticketing office will accept.
Keep reading…
- 13 Florida Amusement Parks and Attractions with Military Discounts
- These 7 Amusement Parks in Virginia Have Military Discounts
- 6 (Seriously) Fun Summer Activities for Military Families on a Budget
