• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Baking With Mom
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Recent Recipes From TikTok And Instagram
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • Recipes
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Family

    Why I Refuse To Pay 8 Dollars For Food At A Water Park

    Published: Jun 23, 2015 · Modified: Feb 26, 2019 by Kim This post may contain affiliate links.

    • Share
    • Twitter

    water park food, spending, money, eat

    I am one of those people you see in the parking lot of amusement parks around lunch time.

    I will gladly take my children from the other side of the park, walk them past the food stands and the smell of overpriced french fries and onto the tram to ride back to our vehicle.

    I refuse to pay $8 dollars for a meal at a water park.  (Or any park.)  I'm sure you already know, but the $8 is for one person.  You times that by 6 people plus add in tax and I have a large food bill made up of fried food, sugary drinks (because we can't get water if we paid for a soda!) that does not fill us up.

    Not going to happen, my friends.

    We just recently went to a water park while on vacation in Gulf Shores.  We love, love, love the water park there and we had the best time!

    water park

    My husband and I had gone there before, when we didn't have children.  This time we had the joy of watching our children have a great time.

    The only downside to any park like this is the price of food at the concessions stands.  In this particular park, we couldn't even bring in water bottles.  Everything had to be bought.  A bottle of water was $2.50.

    You don't know me at all if you think I am going to buy water for $2.50.

    When planning for the water park, I must admit, I almost caved.  I had figured we were on vacation, it would just be easier to buy the food than to dry everyone off and eat either in the car or go somewhere to eat.

    I said almost caved.

    water park

    There is a reason why my hubby is the perfect match for me. He is just as frugal as I am.  So, I packed a lunch.

    The Secret To Packing A Lunch (And Selling It To Your Children)

    What child would want to eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich when there are hamburgers, hot dogs and french fries nearby? The ones that have been prepped ahead of time.

    :: Talk to your children about taking a lunch. Explain to them how you aren't going to eat there.  Tell them the prices of the food. Show them the $8 sign above the hamburger and fries picture.  Don't leave it for a surprise so when they smell the food, they want the food!

    :: Bring something fun to eat. Who says it has to be PBJ's with carrots, pretzels and fruit snacks? We had PBJ's but we had a bag of chips that was a favorite of everyone's.  I also had store bought chocolate chip cookies and Oatmeal Cream Pies.  Juice boxes are always fun and what is better than Go-Gurts?

    :: Don't be intimated by people looking at you as your family eats their lunch in the van. "Hey, how are ya? Don't mind us, we are too cheap to eat in there so we drag our children out to eat in the van."  No shame, I tell you.  No shame.  Think of it this way, the people looking at you as they pass by your vehicle are probably wishing they thought of bringing their lunch. Or they think you should buy your poor child a hot dog. Either way, you are still saving a dollar. And eating Oatmeal Cream Pies.

    If you plan ahead, you won't be forced to eat an expensive lunch at each outing with your family.  Be sure to check the zoo, amusement park or museum for the rules on bringing food in to the building.  If they won't let you, check the rules on leaving the building and returning for the rest of the day.  Plan ahead and save money.  Then treat yourself to ice cream on the way home. ;-)

     

    More Family

    • Prepping School Lunches ahead of time makes morning run much smoother. A few tips to help you on a school morning
      Prepping School Lunches (The Easy Way)
    • quick easy vacation recipes graphic with a suitcase
      Quick Easy Vacation Recipes
    • Gardening without a garden friendly yard-it is possible to garden, even it you don't think you have the room
      How To Garden Without A Garden Friendly Yard
    • 7 practical tips to save money on groceries from a frugal mom
      7 Practical Tips To Save Money On Groceries
    • Share
    • Twitter

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment! Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Rate This Recipe!




    1. Melissa (Wading Through Motherhood)

      June 25, 2015 at 11:56 am

      When we go to Disneyland, we always bring a backpack full of food, especially lots of drinks. On the few occasions we do buy food, we usually go to a restaurant outside of the park. If I'm going to spend money on food, I at least want it to be decent food not $8, like you said, for a piece of pizza and a soda.

      Reply
      • Sarah

        June 28, 2015 at 1:43 pm

        Exactly! I don't mind eating out, but I want it to be filling and abundant.

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome!

    Baking with mom self pic

    Hey There, I'm Kim! A taco fan, cookie eater and beach goer. I'm also a mom to 4 growing kids so I understand busy! Here you will find recipes that are quick, simple and can get on the table fast. We are so glad to have you here. Click here to read more about me.

    Most Popular

    • hamburger casserole with melted cheese in a clear baking dish
      Hamburger Casserole
    • plate holding cinnamon sugar coated muffins
      Applesauce Puffs
    • blueberry coffee cake on a white plate.
      Brown Sugar Blueberry Coffee Cake
    • baked beans in a square casserole dish
      Best Baked Beans

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Nutrition
    • Accessibility Policy
    • Web Stories
    • Store

    As Seen In

    • Country Living
    • Parade

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Services

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Foodie Pro on the Foodie Pro Theme