Theme Park or National Park?
From Yellowstone to Epcot, theme parks and national parks have played a big role in our collective vacation memories. As children, we faced our fear of heights on pulse-pounding roller coasters, and when we got older, a few of us faced our fear of commitment and tied the knot at the Grand Canyon. It’s hard to say what’s more wondrous, Cinderella’s Castle or the Redwoods! If you’re fretting over which is better, the theme park vacation or the national park vacation, there’s no easy answer. Both have advantages and disadvantages and the perfect vacation for you boils down to who you’re traveling with and how much money you’re willing to spend.
Where to Take the Little Ones
If you’re traveling with small children, a theme park is often the better pick. Even babies and toddlers who can’t join you on the rides can meet the Looney Tunes, watch dolphins do tricks, and taste funnel cake. Take turns watching after the smallest member of your group or take advantage of the daycare and tot-friendly activities most theme parks provide. As for kids who measure at least four feet tall, it’s easier to appreciate the ups and downs of a carousel than the intricacy and beauty of the Everglades. Theme park rides exist for all ages, levels of bravery, interests, and stomach strengths. Go on an African safari at Busch Gardens, discover the Revenge of the Mummy at Universal Studios, or learn that it’s a small world after all at Disney World. Theme parks appeal to more age groups than national parks and tend to awaken the most uptight grownup’s inner child; this makes them a great fit for young families.
Preteens and Up
When will someone voluntarily choose education in the Great Outdoors over thrilling rides? Thirteen is a magical age where nature can take on a whole new, intriguing meaning to life. That's why a family vacation to a national park is recommended when the little ones become teenagers. Walk along the scenic summit of Acadia’s Cadillac Mountain, the east coast’s tallest mountain, take a canoe ride down the Rio Grande at Big Bend in Texas, spot a woodpecker in Yosemite, ride a horse through the Rocky Mountains, or go on a whitewater rafting adventure on the Colorado River at the Grand Canyon! A conversation about your son's favorite subject in school happens more naturally on a mountain hike than in line for Superman. Nothing encourages family bonding like nature!
Large Groups
The bigger the group, the more challenging it is to go to a national park. Not only are there safety concerns – you don’t want to lose someone in the mountains or the forest, where real-life dangers await – but chances are, someone won’t like roughing it or will injure themselves, bringing down the spirit of the whole gang. At a theme park, there’s something for everybody to do and it’s all within walking distance. The mix of food vendors, laid-back rides, stomach flipping coasters, and entertaining shows ensures that no one feels left out.
Couples
Stroll through a sea of wildflowers with your honey’s hand in yours or ride a horse alongside them on a canyon trail as the sun rises. Most theme parks can’t match the quiet romance of a national park. After all, nothing ruins the moment like a crying baby! Rediscovering the awe of nature with your special someone is a wonderful experience, one that’s sure to make sparks fly. If you go the more playful, flirty route of the theme park, however, all is hardly lost – Disney World, for instance, is known for playing Cupid.
Short Excursions
Getting away for the weekend or just a day? It’s best to find a theme park near by, like Six Flags, than to venture to a national park (unless it happens to be in your backyard). You’ll get your fill of a theme park after seven or so hours, but a national park deserves your undivided attention and could take a week or longer to thoroughly explore.
How to Pinch Your Pennies
As far as your budget goes, entrance fees to a national park tend to be cheaper than theme park passes, as they usually go for two to twenty bucks each. Regardless of these surface costs, vacation rentals make it super affordable for you to spend a night, weekend, week, or longer, at national parks and theme parks. Disney condos, Acadia house rentals, Yosemite cabins, and vacation homes near your favorite Six Flags are only a handful of the many private accommodations to consider for your upcoming trip. Compared to hotels and resort lodging, you’ll save a ton of money with a vacation rental and can also forgo extra costs by dining in!
Whether or not Old Faithful or Pirates of the Caribbean floats your boat depends on your personality. If you can’t make up your mind, though, have it all. Take a road trip through California and stop by Death Valley and Disneyland, or plan a whirlwind Florida vacation that includes the Everglades and Magic Kingdom!
If you decide to rough it, read about Vacation Rentals.com's picks for the Top 10 National Parks.