13 Tips for Visiting Amusement Parks with Kids

We're well into spring and summer is just around the corner. Here in the northeast, theme park and amusement park season is almost upon us. Before you head out to an amusement park this summer, I've got some tips to share with you.

13 Tips for Visiting Amusement Parks with Kids

1. Visit the park's website before you go! Look for information on what you can bring into the park and what you need to leave at home.

2. Print out or request a map of the park. I find it very helpful to know ahead of time where the kiddie rides, adult rides, bathrooms, first-aid office, security office and where the food court are before we even arrive.

3. Dress comfortably for the entire day and make the kids wear proper footwear. If you have younger kids, it's best to bring along a change of clothes, even if you're leaving them in the car. You never know if the kids get wet from a ride or have some type of potty accident.

4. Most parks will let parents bring in a diaper bag filled with diapers, bottles and baby food. You'll want to make enough baby supplies to last you for the entire day. It's better to pack more than what you think you'll need.

5. Find out if the park will allow you to leave and come back in without paying another admission fee. If so, you can pack a lunch and go out to the car to eat (saves money) or if your kids need to change clothes, you'll know ahead of time the rules on re-admission.

6. Put identifying information on your child in several places! If your child gets lost...the staff will know who to contact. Make sure your mobile phone number is included in that information.

7. Have a safety talk with your child(ren) on what to do if they should get lost within the park. This is also a good time to go over the "stranger danger" rules with them.

8. Talk to your children about ride safety! It's important that they understand that they are to always be safety belted in, to not stand up before the ride comes to a complete stop and that they are to keep their arms and legs inside the ride at all times!

9. When you arrive at the park...go over an emergency meeting place where the family can meet back up, should you all become separated. Of course, this applies ONLY if you have older children & teens within your group.

10. If you need medication throughout the day for yourself or another member in your family, ONLY pack and bring in what you think you'll need for that day. Don't bring full bottles in along with you! Make sure all medications are properly labeled and secure.

11. Bring along a good sunscreen and make sure you apply it before entering the park. You'll need to reapply this throughout the day to prevent any sunburns.

12. Bring a stroller for the little ones! Trust me, as the day goes on, they will get tired of walking and no one will want to carry them, especially on a hot summer day!

13. Once your day is over...now is the time to buy your souvenirs and do a little shopping. By waiting, you won't have to carry them around all day or risk that they get lost.

If you plan ahead for your amusement park trip things will go more smoothly and it will be a stress-free experience for the entire family. The theme park's web site is always a great resource for information or if you have questions, contact them directly to get them answered.