News

Micro parks: The most exciting new trend in theme parks

Tarah ChieffiSenior writer
As a senior writer for TPG, Tarah Chieffi helps readers travel better, more often and within their budget.

September 15, 2023 • 8 min read

The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

Quick summary

Micro theme parks are emerging as smaller, more accessible alternatives to major destinations like Disney World, offering high-quality attractions on a compact scale.
These parks are designed for one-day visits, appealing to regional audiences who may not have the time or budget for a weeklong trip to a large theme park.
Recent developments include new parks in Texas, Arizona and California, each featuring popular themes and immersive experiences for families with young children.
Micro theme parks are generally less crowded, more affordable and easier to navigate, providing a positive experience for both children and adults.

What to consider

Micro theme parks typically target families with young children, especially those living within driving distance.
Ticket prices for these parks are significantly lower than those of major theme parks, making them more budget-friendly.
While they offer a full day of entertainment, micro parks do not replicate the scale or variety of experiences found at larger destinations.

What you'll miss from the article

A detailed comparison of specific micro theme parks, their unique features and how they complement or differ from major theme park experiences.

Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.

There's a reason so many people refer to a theme park trip as a "once-in-a-lifetime vacation."

Unless you live in Florida or Southern California, you are likely hundreds of miles away from a major theme park. On top of the distance, there's also budgeting, extensive planning and time away from work or school to consider. And if you're looking for the first time at how much it really costs to go to a major park like Disney World, well, be sure and sit down first. While there's no denying theme park vacations are magical and memorable, these real-world factors make them something most families can only undertake a handful of times, if ever.

But the newest trend in theme parks is poised to challenge the notion that theme park vacations are only for families who have the time and money to travel across the country and spend a week in the happiest place on earth.

Welcome to the "small world" of micro theme parks.

What is a micro theme park?

A micro theme park is a small-scale themed amusement park that offers the same high-caliber attractions and entertainment as a major theme park but with a much smaller footprint. For example, Peppa Pig Theme Park in Winter Haven, Florida, covers only 4 1/2 acres. When I visited with my family last year, we were able to enjoy the entire park in a single day, with time to spare.

To put it in perspective, Walt Disney World's four theme parks span approximately 1,000 acres. You could fit about 220 Peppa Pig Theme Parks into that space. While micro theme parks are designed for one-day visits by locals or as a stop-off for visitors during a longer visit to a destination, major theme parks like Disney and Universal are destinations in and of themselves.

And while it was becoming increasingly common to find these micro parks close to major parks, such as Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World, they are now beginning to blaze a trail all their own.

Where are micro theme parks being built?

Texas

Rainbow-shaped entrance to Peppa Pig Theme Park — PEPPA PIG THEME PARK

Even though it is geographically in the middle of the country and has a population second only to that of California, Texas lacks a major theme park that draws significant crowds across state lines.

But micro parks may fill some of that void in the coming years. A Peppa Pig Theme Park is being built in the Dallas area with a planned 2024 opening. The park will be located in North Richland Hills, a suburb northeast of Fort Worth, with a similar size, layout and attractions as its Florida counterpart.

Less than an hour away in Frisco, Texas, Universal is in the early stages of building a 100-acre kid-friendly theme park designed for families with young children, with a planned 2026 opening.

Ground has not yet been broken, nor have any attractions or an opening date officially been announced, but concept art shows a hotel, play areas, a splash pad and a collection of land- and water-based rides that families can enjoy together.

During the Bank of America Media, Communications, and Entertainment conference on Sept. 13, 2023, Universal Destinations & Experiences CEO Mark Woodbury further explained the company's vision for its upcoming Texas park.

"...We saw the opportunity there to create a product that speaks to families with kids eight and below. Three to eight is really the target market. [We] created an opportunity for families with young children to experience the Universal brand. It's more accessible for them at a price point that is more repeatable for them. And we think that that is what you will see in Frisco, Texas, as part of our Universal kids park," he said.

Arizona

Mattel Adventure Park Render — MATTEL ADVENTURE PARK

In 2024, Mattel Adventure Park will open in Glendale, Arizona. With attractions themed to Barbie, Hot Wheels, He-Man and more, the 9-acre theme park will be part of Vai Resort. Vai Resort will be Arizona's largest resort, with an outdoor concert venue, more than 1,100 hotel rooms and a 5-acre pool complex, in addition to the Mattel-themed park.

California

Sesame Place San Diego sits on just 17 acres and opened in the spring of 2022. At the family-friendly park, you can visit with "Sesame Street" characters, splash at a water park, ride attractions like Super Grover's Box Car Derby roller coaster and spend time on the stoop of 123 Sesame Street, the address made famous on the long-running show.

Why are micro theme parks good for travelers?

Dinosaur ride at Peppa Pig Theme Park — TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY

The benefits of a micro theme park's smaller size are multifaceted. You can usually see and do it all in one day, leaving more time to explore other area attractions. Peppa Pig Theme Park's Texas location, for example, is close to the NRH2O Family Water Park, the Legoland Discovery Center and the Sea Life Aquarium, among other family-friendly attractions.

These parks also have a major appeal to a regional audience that can visit for the day without having to travel a long distance or find a hotel where they can spend the night. If you live in the Midwest, you may not be able to wake up on a Saturday morning and decide to spend the day at Disney World, but you could drive an hour or two to a smaller regional park and be back at home before bedtime.

Because of their smaller size, micro theme parks also tend to be less crowded than traditional theme parks. This means shorter lines, lower wait times and more opportunities for a positive overall experience. We all know that spending hours in line can significantly reduce a theme park's fun factor.

In addition to being easier to navigate, micro theme parks are also more affordable. One-day tickets to Florida's Peppa Pig Theme Park start at just $29 per person. A one-day ticket to Disney World starts north of $100. We all deserve to experience these spaces, and micro theme parks appeal to a broader demographic with more budget-friendly ticket prices.

Why are micro theme parks good for major theme parks?

If you are picturing a run-down amusement park with little to no theming and only a few rides (all of which are begging for a coat of paint), you've got micro theme parks all wrong. "Micro" is not a euphemism for cheap or bare bones. The parks listed above are highly immersive parks with exciting attractions, beloved characters and popular theming that appeals to kids and adults alike.

These parks give travelers many more options when planning their family vacations. While the experience of spending a day at a micro theme park can't replicate the experience of a weeklong vacation at a major theme park, it does challenge traditional theme parks to provide even more value to their customers. When you have the choice to visit a smaller theme park that's affordable and close to home, big players like Universal and Disney find ways to excite potential visitors and entice them to plan a trip.

That's a big win for theme park fans, no matter which park they end up visiting.

On top of that, having a fun day at a smaller park closer to home can give a family the confidence that they are ready to level up and plan a bigger trip to a larger park. Woodbury drove this point home at the Bank of America Media, Communications & Entertainment Conference, saying, "It's also a great stepping up point so people will be introduced to the Universal brand, kind of a rite of passage to start there. And then when they cross over, or in between their trips to the big parks, they're ready for the big rides. And so that's a good way for us to think about how to segment the audience and create a product for them in the kid space."

Bottom line

The new crop of micro theme parks popping up across the country means travelers have more choices than ever before when it comes time to look for a day spent with roller coasters, shows and beloved characters. These parks are more accessible and affordable than traditional theme parks and provide a memorable day out without sacrificing quality, immersive theming or, most importantly, fun.

Related reading:

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

TPG featured card

American Express® Gold Card

TPG editor's rating

at American Express's secure site.
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.

Rewards rate

Rewards rate
Rate	Category
4X	Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4X	Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
5X	Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
3X	Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
2X	Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1X	Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

Intro offer

As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

Annual fee

$325

Regular APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Recommended credit

Excellent to Good

Pros + cons

Pros

Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)

Cons

Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits

More details

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.