Y’all we are quickly approaching summer. Frankly I can’t wait. I love not having a schedule and doing fun things with my kids. But let’s face it. Summer can be expensive! Taking the family to your local waterpark can really add up. Our family favorite is Schlitterbahn. We love it there and it’s surprisingly affordable when you follow my simple Schlitterbahn Savings Hacks.
Hack #1: Don’t Buy Your Tickets At The Gate
There are a number of different ways to buy discount tickets for Schlitterbahn. My favorite is through Simon Malls. Typically in mid-May they release Family Fun packs that include 2 tickets and a gift card for a very affordable price. These fun packs do usually sell out so check back because I promise I’ll share when they become available this year!
If you can’t take advantage of the Simon Mall packs, be sure to buy your tickets online in advance. The online price is several dollars cheaper than the gate price. And while a few dollars doesn’t seem like much, when you are buying multiple tickets it really adds up!
Hack #2: Visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday
Get the most for your money by visiting Schlitterbahn on a slower day. Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be the slower days. This means shorter lines and more opportunities to take advantage of the rides and attractions!
Hack #3: Go in the Afternoon
Schlitterbahn offers a price break for coming after 3pm. If your family can’t handle a full day at the park the afternoon option is a fabulous way to save. You still get 5 hours in the park and your little kids can sneak in a morning nap before a crazy, fun-filled waterpark day! These tickets aren’t available online. You must buy them at the gate.
Hack #4: Go with a Group
Schlitterbahn offers discounted admission for groups of 15 or more. Grab 2 or 3 other families and make it a fun neighborhood outing or family get together. You can get group rates at the gate but it’s even better if you get your act together and plan ahead. The discounts are even deeper if you prepay 7 days in advance.
Hack #5: Buy a Two-Day Ticket
Most people purchase a two-day ticket intending to use it on consecutive days but you don’t actually have to use it on consecutive days. You can use the second ticket anytime during the season. So you could visit once in May and again in August. This is a great option if you won’t visit enough to justify a season pass but do want to go more than once.
Hack #6: Pack your Own Lunch
Schlitterbahn is one of the last parks on earth that allows you to bring in food. Pack sandwiches and snacks, water and juice. There’s no reason to purchase food when you can bring in everything you need. Just make sure you don’t pack any glass or alcohol. They check coolers at the entrance.
Hack #7: Come Early, Stay Late
Be at the park about 20-30 minutes before the park opens. Regardless of where you bought your tickets you still need to wait in line to swap them for a wristband. If you’re at the front of the line, you’ll be first into the park.
The park also starts to thin out about an hour before closing time. This is the perfect opportunity to ride some of your favorites that have maybe had lines all day.
Schlitterbahn is one of my family’s favorite summer spots. The water is cold. There are lots of shady places in the park and boy-oh-boy is it fun. Hopefully these Schlitterbahn Savings Hacks make it a little easier for your family to plan a visit!
Plus, be sure to check me out on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for more fun around Austin, like this Ausin Food Truck Tour!
This post was sponsored by Schlitterbahn Waterparks & Resorts. The ideas and opinions are mine.
Planning our first trip there. Thanks for the tips!