Disneyland, Movie World, Sea World. Most kids would do anything for a chance to go to any of these theme parks. However, many parents with young kids shy away from such family holiday destinations because the crowds can be intimidating and the long wait for rides can turn happy kids into rowdy kids.
Fortunately, with a bit of planning, a trip to the theme park with young kids shouldn’t be a problem. Here are some useful tips for parents when visiting big amusement parks with their children.
Arrive Early at Theme Park
Try to reach the theme park early, preferably in the morning. There are several reasons for this – kids tend to behave better early in the day, the crowd isn’t that big just yet, the queues for popular and newer rides are much shorter and sun damage is minimal compared to in the afternoon. Arriving early at the theme park is also important if the tickets have not been pre-purchased through a travel agent or the Internet as time will be wasted waiting to buy theme park passes.
Ensure Sun Protection for Children
Sun protection is crucial for everyone, particularly children. Get all family members to apply a sunscreen with SPF 15 to 30 before stepping out in the sun, wear wide brim hats and sunglasses with UV protection. Encourage children to look for shade in the form of trees, buildings and umbrella whenever possible. For babies in strollers, use a sun protector or drape a sheet over the stroller to avoid direct sun exposure.
Dress Children Appropriately at Amusement Park
Don’t let children wear their best clothes at the theme park. Instead, dress them in loose, comfortable clothing that can dry out quickly if they get wet. As there will be lots of people in the theme park, it’s a good idea to get the kids to don clothes that stand out in the crowd. Brightly colored clothes and hats or t-shirts with a unique family theme are very useful if the kids accidentally become separated from their parents. They will be much easier to spot.
Also, remember to pack some spare clothes just in case somebody’s stomach can’t take the excitement of a particular ride! Another equally important thing is to wear comfortable runners as going to the theme park equates walking for hours, literally.
Be Prepared for Emergencies
It never hurts to be prepared, even if it means carrying some extra loads while roaming the theme park. Things to bring include:
- A mini first aid kit containing anti-septic cream, band-aid, painkillers, alcohol swabs and cotton balls.
- Mobile phones. Use a permanent marker to write down the family’s mobile number on the children’s clothes or even arms so that theme park staff can reach the parents if they find children separated from their parents.
- Water-proof bags to store cameras and mobile phones to ensure they don’t get wet during water rides.
- A stroller even if there isn’t a baby in the family. It’s extremely useful to carry bags, food, drinks and a small tired child.
Theme park visits are part of many family holidays. To ensure a safe and fun trip to the theme park, some planning is essential. Parents should arrive early at the theme park, be sun smart and dress the children appropriately for the occasion. It’s also a good idea to be prepared for any emergency.
Found this article useful? Read also Going to the Beach with Kids, Going to the Zoo with Kids and Going to the Ski Resort with Kids.
Reference:
Spencer, Penny. “Theme Park with Toddlers” in Aussie Kids. Melbourne: Aussie Kids Publications, February 2009.
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