Amusement Parks and Arcades NAICS 7131

Oct 29, 2025 - Weather Woes and Economic Uncertainty Hit US Amusement Parks

• According to the IAAPA, the US amusement park industry faced a challenging operating environment in Q3 2025, marked by volatile weather, economic uncertainty, and shifting consumer behavior. Unseasonably cool and wet spring conditions followed by extreme summer heat suppressed attendance, while guests showed resistance to pricing strategies, prompting mid-season discounting. Once inside, visitors spent less, limiting per-capita revenue. Broader concerns, such as tariff uncertainty, political instability, and potential minimum wage hikes, added pressure to operators’ bottom lines. Despite these headwinds, manufacturers reported strong equipment orders, signaling long-term optimism. Looking ahead, US amusement parks are focusing on new offerings, revenue management, and infrastructure upgrades to drive future growth.
• Employment and wages for amusement parks and arcades were up in July 2025 year over year, according to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment by amusement parks and arcades increased 0.6% in July year over year while wages were up 4%. Employment in the industry grew 18.5% in the past three years, higher than the 3.7% growth in overall private employment. Meanwhile, producer inflation for amusement and theme parks declined 0.83% in August 2025 year over year, according to producer price index data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. According to the Consumer Price Index, prices for other recreation services, including leisure and entertainment activities, were up 5.1% in September 2025 year over year. Total revenue for amusement parks and arcades rose 0.3% in Q2 2025 compared to a year ago and increased 34.1% from the previous quarter, according to the US Census Bureau.

• According to Roller’s 2025 Pulse Report, three-quarters of guests surveyed said attractions provided a good value for the cost, and 76% said they would pay more for shorter wait times and exclusive amenities during their visit. The survey included insights from 2,000 guests across the US, UK, and Australia. About 27% of respondents said they choose to visit smaller local attractions over major theme parks, and 13% prioritize domestic options over international trips. Nearly 80% of guests say a previous great experience at a venue is the reason for a return visit. In terms of planning a trip, 90% of guests prefer to book online, and 97% plan their visit at least one day in advance. Sustainability plays a role in decision-making, with 79% of consumers saying they’d pay more in support of a business’s effort toward sustainability.
• Consumers are signaling sustained economic unease, an outlook that may challenge discretionary sectors like amusement parks and arcades, as both confidence and sentiment indexes remain at multi-year lows amid persistent inflation and job concerns. In September 2025, the Consumer Confidence Index from the Conference Board fell to 94.2, with job optimism down and inflation expectations high. Buying intentions dropped for cars and travel, while interest in homes and smartphones rose. Confidence declined across most age and income groups, especially among households earning $25,000–$35,000 and over $200,000. The consumer sentiment index held at 55 in October 2025 from the previous month, and was down 22% year-over-year, according to the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. Overall, the data signals cautious consumer sentiment, which could dampen spending heading into the holiday season.