Do have to pay full price for a ticket even if I don't ride rides, or is there a way to get in and walk around the park with my family who are riding rides?

You have to pay full price to go in the gates, but City walk, a whole area of shops and restaurants and clubs outside the gates, is no charge. Maybe you could wait for them there.

Yes, you have to pay full price.

Full price no concessions

Full price..