Amusement park loans: SBA rates and eligibility
Amusement and Theme Parks · NAICS 713110 · Program that usually fits: 504 and 7(a)
Amusement park loans tend to be large and real-estate heavy. A family entertainment park, water park or small regional theme park sits on acres of land with rides, pools and buildings that only work for that use. Most deals pair an SBA 504 loan for land and fixed assets with a 7(a) loan for rides, working capital or the purchase of the business. Lenders focus on attendance history, how dependent revenue is on one short season, and the cost of keeping rides safe and insured.
Who qualifies
For-profit operators of amusement parks, water parks, family fun centers with rides, and seasonal parks. Lenders want operating experience in attractions or hospitality, proof of ride inspections where the state requires them, and adequate liability insurance. Parks owned by nonprofits or municipalities can't use 7(a). If the park runs gaming machines, revenue from legal gambling must stay under one third of gross receipts or the business is ineligible. The business must also meet SBA size standards for its industry.
Which SBA program fits
504 for land and buildings
A 504 loan finances park land, buildings, pools and permanent attractions at a long fixed rate. Because a park is special-purpose property, expect 15% equity, or 20% if the business is also a start-up.
7(a) for buying a park
A 7(a) loan can cover the purchase of an operating park, including real estate, rides, goodwill and working capital, in one loan with a blended term.
7(a) or Express for rides
New rides, slides, go-kart fleets and point-of-sale systems are often financed separately on a 7(a) or SBA Express loan with a term matched to the equipment's life.
What borrowers use the money for
- Buying an existing amusement or water park
- Land, buildings and permanent attractions
- New rides, slides and ride refurbishment
- Pre-season working capital for staff and supplies
- Concessions, arcade and ticketing upgrades
Typical loan amounts, down payment and terms
Amusement park loans range from about $500,000 for a small family park to the $5 million 7(a) limit, and 504 projects can go higher when the bank's first lien is added. Equity runs 10% to 20%, and lenders lean to the high end for special-purpose parks. Real estate can be financed over 25 years, while rides and working capital usually get 10 years.
What lenders look at for an amusement park
Lenders study three to five years of attendance and per-capita spending, because a bad weather summer can wipe out a year's profit in a park with a 100-day season. They check ride inspection records, insurance claims history and the age of major rides, since replacement is expensive. An appraiser values the land and buildings, but special-purpose parks often appraise below cost, so the business's cash flow has to carry the loan. Lenders also look at group sales, season pass revenue and off-season expenses.
Example: a $2,500,000 loan
At today's maximum variable 7(a) rate of 10.00% over 25 years, the payment would be about $22,718 a month. Most well-qualified borrowers get a lower rate. Try your own numbers.
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Today's rate caps
These are the SBA's maximum 7(a) rates with prime at 7.00%. See current SBA loan rates and SBA 504 rates for the full picture.
| Loan amount | Maximum spread | Maximum variable rate today |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 or less | Prime + 6.5 | 13.50% |
| $50,001 to $250,000 | Prime + 6.0 | 13.00% |
| $250,001 to $350,000 | Prime + 4.5 | 11.50% |
| Over $350,000 | Prime + 3.0 | 10.00% |
Related industries and lenders
SBA lenders active nationwide
Questions about amusement parks loans
Can I get an SBA loan to buy an amusement park?
Yes. A for-profit amusement or water park is eligible for 7(a) and 504 financing. Buyers usually combine real estate, rides and goodwill in one 7(a) loan up to $5 million, or use a 504 for the land and a separate loan for the business. Expect at least 10% equity, and often more.
How much down payment do I need for an amusement park?
Under SBA rules a change of ownership needs at least 10% equity. For a 504 loan on special-purpose property like a park, the borrower usually puts in 15%, or 20% if the business is new. Many lenders ask for 15% to 25% on any park deal because of seasonal risk.
Can SBA loans finance new rides?
Yes. Rides, slides, bumper cars and go-karts are equipment and can be financed with a 7(a) or SBA Express loan, usually over up to 10 years. Large permanent attractions attached to the land, like a roller coaster or wave pool, can sometimes be included in a 504 project.
Are water parks eligible for SBA loans?
Yes. Water parks fall under the same NAICS code as amusement parks, 713110, and are eligible if they are for-profit and meet the size standard. Lenders pay close attention to season length, water and chemical costs, lifeguard staffing and insurance.
What is the interest rate on an amusement park loan?
With prime at 7.00%, a 7(a) loan over $350,000 is capped at 10.00% variable. The 504 debenture portion was about 6.57% fixed for 25 years in November 2026, and the bank's first lien is priced separately. Your actual rate depends on the lender and the deal.
Sources: SBA 7(a) terms, conditions and maximum variable rates; Federal Reserve H.15 selected interest rates (bank prime loan rate); November 2026 SBA 504 debenture pricing, as published by CDCs; SBA FOIA 7(a) and 504 loan-level data.