If your family loves theme parks (or Broadway shows or major league sports events), then you know how quickly the cost of admission can add up. The good news is that you almost never have to pay full price if you are willing to invest a bit of time hunting down discounts. Here are three places to start:

• The attraction's own web site
• Your destination's CVB for a coupons page (a.k.a. recession travel rule no. 11)
• Specialty fan or discount sites (Disney, theater, sports, theme parks—they're all out there)
  

Sometimes you find an exceptional deal. Take SeaWorld Orlando, a hugely popular park that features thrill water rides, tons of shows (including Shamu, everyone's favorite orca), behind-the-scenes tours, plus the chance for up-close encounters with penguins, manatees, dolphins, and other creatures. Now comes the bucket of cold water: A family of four with two adults and two young kids will normally spend $260 for one day at SeaWorld.

Happily, there's a fantastic two-for-one opportunity available: You can snag adult tickets at the child's price ($59.95 instead of $69.95), which saves $20 for a typical family. And here's the best part: You can use those single-day admission tickets to come back a second day for free. With the current discount on adult tickets, that saves our family of four another $240. So plan to spend two days instead of one at SeaWorld. Not only will you enjoy the more relaxed pace, but your wallet will thank you.

More money-saving tips:
20 Recession Travel Rules