It's summer! It's time to heed the call of one of America's most time-honored traditions—the glorious theme park. Roller coasters, turkey drumsticks, high swings, merry-go-rounds, and rigged games—they're all part of the fun of letting yourself loose in one of the biggest (and most expensive) playgrounds in the world. Whether you're heading there with friends or arriving with a mini-van of kids, be ready to drop some cash. But don't stress, there are ways to do theme parks on the cheap.

Here are five ways to save on your trip to the theme park this summer:

1. Gather a group

Groups pay significantly less when they buy their tickets together—and have significantly more fun! Remember the thrill of running around the theme park, seeing some friends at the swing, running into others on the log flume? Get your most organized friend to make the reservations and collect the cash. Some group offers are available online, others you need to call for.

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