A Sea World spokesperson said the popularity of theme parks lies in the fun for the whole family concept

The saying a family that plays together stays together apparently rings true, as booking data on Quickbeds.com reveals theme parks are a popular option for family holidays.

Cheap hotels website Quickbeds.com has reported an 18 percent increase on theme park bookings on both domestic and international bookings for summer 2011/12 year on year. 

Quickbeds General Manager John Feenaghty said theme parks offer outdoor entertainment and satisfy children’s insatiable appetite for entertainment.

“Many parents have adjusted to the impact of technology on children’s lives, realising that the average ‘spade and bucket’ family beach or camping trip won’t entertain most kids of today,” Mr Feenaghty said.

“Theme parks are the perfect compromise for many families, it’s a step up from the typical camping trip, so the kids are happy, but it affords parents the rare opportunity to get the whole family together for good old fashioned fun.”

According to Mr Feenaghty the Quickbeds website has seen an increase in bookings to overseas theme parks including Anaheim and Florida, USA.

Mr Feenaghty said while Universal Studios, Disneyland and Disneyworld parks across USA and Europe are drawing many Quickbeds.com customers overseas, the Gold Coast’s Sea world, Wet n Wild, Movie World and Dreamworld continue to pull in record bookings domestically.

In further Support to theme parks being good for families is Child psychologist Sally Lock who believes theme parks are a good way of ensuring quality time with your family.