On May 16, 2025, I was invited to attend a press conference by IAAPA. It featured IAAPA President and CEO Jakob Wahl. The focus was on how visiting attractions this summer can be affordable. Here is the press release with the main details.
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As summer kicks off, IAAPA is putting the spotlight on affordable adventures and how indoor entertainment is transforming family fun. At today’s Summer Press Event held at Andretti Indoor Karting & Games in Orlando, IAAPA president and CEO Jakob Wahl addressed how attractions are delivering memorable experiences without breaking the bank.
“As we step into another exciting summer season, one question is top of mind for many families: How can we make the most of our time together without overspending?” said Jakob Wahl, CEO and President of IAAPA. “At IAAPA, we believe unforgettable family experiences should never be out of reach.”
IAAPA projects a 2% boost in North American theme park attendance in 2024, with over 300 million visits expected. Consumer spending is on track to hit $32 billion, a 7% increase from last year.
Families are seeking connection and flexibility and finding it close to home. Wahl cited attractions across the country meeting this demand:
- Andretti Indoor Karting & Games in Orlando is seeing a 35% jump in summer attendance, with budget-friendly packages launching this month.
- Dezerland Park welcomes 300,000 summer guests (approximately 120,000 more than other seasons), offering retro arcades and rare car collections with seasonal discounts.
- The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia is offering discounted evening tickets to its BODY WORLDS: Vital exhibit and preparing for a 2026 sustainability-focused launch.
- The Florida Aquarium in Tampa is inviting weekday visits for just $30, while working on a $45 million expansion to introduce new habitats for sea lions, puffins and penguins.
Additional IAAPA members spotlighted included New York’s Madame Tussauds, Tennessee’s Alcatraz East Crime Museum, Texas’ National Medal of Honor Museum and Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, South Carolina’s Ripley’s Believe it or Not!, Missouri’s Titanic Museum Attraction, and Washington DC’s The People’s Museum.
Wahl highlighted a growing trend toward indoor attractions, which offer cool, comfortable escapes alongside immersive, high-tech experiences. Indoor attractions are becoming the go-to escape from summer heat, offering comfort and excitement under one roof.
“Whether you’re visiting a museum after work, heading to an aquarium on a weekend or spending an afternoon racing electric karts, these affordable adventures are shaping the future of family entertainment,” said Wahl.