How old to be an adult!

[isis4691]

As the summer holidays are approaching does anyone else wonder why theme parks, zoo's and general family days out vary in the child age ticket prices?

In some places over 10 is an adult ticket and in some over 12, but on public transport etc you pay child's price until 16. I have three children, only one of them being over 16, yet I have to pay adult price for my 14 year old as well. This is also the case in Disneyland (over 11) and on most family holidays.

Why can't there be a standard child age of 16 for all of these attractions?

[spudqueen]

Because they make more money this way.

[tiny e.a]

It's so annoyin isn't it?! My boyfriend (30) has taken his son (4) and his neice (10) to a new water park today and he has to pay aa different price for all 3 of them!

[emaleigh]

I think it depends on what sort of rides are at the theme park and how many of them each different age group can go on. for instance if the park organisers reckon that a 14 yr old can go onm all the rides then they will charge an adult price foir their ticket and a lower price for under 14's

[Le Chat]

What I don't get, is that the adult price is higher then the child price, when it's the child that is essentially having the treat. The adult is often just going along because they have to, not that they would be there of their own free will!!

[isis4691]

I know what you mean and when my parents come and get OAP subsidy, that also seems strange because they don't ever go on any of the attractions they just come for a day out and to watch their grandchildren having a good time.

We are off to Alton Towers in August and with the tickets and staying overnight in a local travel inn it has already cost me �147 and we've still got to have money for food and sweets etc.. All these days out are heavily advertised with the summer holidays just starting, but who can really afford to go to more than one outing like that during the holidays, I know that I can't.