Written by Lauren Turville
Although theme parks are meant to be enjoyable, we know it’s not always all fun and games. Because taking your families can be stressful, here are 8 tips to ease the hectic chaos that is amusement parks.
SHOP FOR DEALS
Plan ahead and be on the look out for any coupons or discounts that are being offered for your destination (try Groupon and Undercovertourist.com). Also find restaurants outside of the park. Mounting costs can definitely sap the fun.
COME PREPARED
Pack a backpack or something easy to carry (forget the purses ladies), with anything you may need for a day out with your family. Some stuff people don’t think of: ponchos, AAA card (for discounts), water proof bags, portable phone charger, and first aid stuff for blisters and scrapes.
REFRIGERATE THE SUNSCREEN
This sounds weird, but putting warm sludge on your skin is the worst in the middle of winter.
PLAN ON A MELTDOWN
Walking for miles, lines, heat; somebody in the family is going to lose it. Hunger and fatigue are the roots of irritation, so take time to eat and rest. Have a plan for when the boiling over occurs. Sometimes splitting into groups is vital.
ARRIVE EARLY
Vacations are about sleeping in, true, but that’s bad advice for enjoying a theme park. Beat the long lines by arriving right as the park opens.
PIC TIP: TAKE ‘EM EARLY
Nobody wants to stand around for pictures at hour four, so take pictures early in the day. Also, take a picture of your parking spot.
DESIGNATE A MEETING SPOT
In case you were to get separated from your kids, designate a memorable meeting spot at the beginning of the day. Pro tip: write your contact information on your little kid’s arm and cover it with liquid band-aid.
EVERYONE PICK A RIDE
Make sure each family member gets to pick at least one ride, and map your day accordingly. A route is key.
6 Parks That Are Good For Families
Cedar Point
Sandusky, Ohio
Silver Dollar City
Branson, Missouri
Carowinds
Charlotte, North Carolina
Knott’s Berry Farm
Buena Park, California
Sesame Place
Langhorne, Pennsylvania
Dollywood Theme Park
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Orlando, FL
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