Theme Park Survival Guide – Tips for Family-Friendly Days Out

When you think of summer, do those nostalgic memories of childhood theme park visits come flooding back? If so, and you’re planning on taking the family on a theme park vacation this year, be sure to check out our top tips for a fantastic family-friendly trip away.

From saving money by pre-booking tickets to tips on planning the best day out for everyone, we’ll make sure you and your inner kid have as much fun as the rest of the family.

Pre-Trip Planning

Like any vacation away, pre-planning for a theme park visit ultimately ensures you and the whole family get the most out of your trip. After all, not only can it help you maximize enjoyment, but it’s also a brilliant opportunity to save money too.

The first step in any theme park survival guide is to select the best theme park to visit.

Comparing a range of amusement parks allows you to pick the most suitable venue based on your family’s requirements. Factors such as which is the best toddler-friendly theme park or targeting the more adventurous ones can help keep the family’s teenagers happy.

Next up, consider creating a theme park budget, as you’ll be surprised at how quickly the costs can spiral if you’re spending on the fly.

Pre-booking theme park tickets is a must and can save you and the family money when compared to purchasing tickets at the gate on the day. Additionally, weigh up the cost of a theme park season pass versus individual day tickets.

Often, season passes can work out cheaper if you plan to visit the theme park more than once during your vacation, plus the added benefit of being able to use them when you visit other amusement parks throughout the year.

Finally, make sure you pack for all kinds of weather.

Theme park hotspots such as Florida, Texas, and California can be lovely when the sun is out, but when the cooler weather or rains roll in, you may want to pack a sweater or a waterproof jacket just in case.

On-The-Day Strategies

Our first tip for a family-friendly theme park visit is always to arrive early to beat the crowds queuing to get in, not to mention being the first to the stroller rental unit – aside from the long waits to get in, doing so has a number of benefits.

Firstly, you can go on the most popular theme park rides and attractions before the masses arrive, minimizing wait times that sometimes last over an hour. Sure, there are alternative options to skipping the queue times, such as ‘fast passes,’ but if you have a large family, the cost of these can quickly escalate.

Secondly, arriving early means you and your family can find a base to camp out from, such as a shady part of the park if it’s sunny or out in the open if it’s not. Furthermore, basing yourself in one location can also act as a meeting point for meals or should anyone get separated throughout the day.

Also, don’t forget to print several maps of the adventure park’s layout. While the kids can pick which theme park rides they like, you can begin familiarising yourself with the facilities and plan your days out.

Safety Tips

Forward-thinking about your family’s health and safety during a day out at a theme park is also critical. Essential items, such as a small first aid kit and plenty of sunscreen, are always helpful, especially with small children.

It also pays to find out where the park’s medical centers are located, just in case an accident or incident occurs.

Another key tip for surviving a long day at a theme park is to plan downtimes.

We all know that kids (and sometimes even adults) get overexcited when attending amusement parks. That’s why it’s important to encourage short rest breaks, whether to keep everyone hydrated or perhaps have a healthy snack to maintain their energy levels.

Food and Drink

While healthy snacks are a great way to ensure the family doesn’t get hungry, day-long trips to theme parks almost always include having at least one meal during the day. Onsite restaurants capitalize on the vast number of hungry visitors at the park, so consider packing a picnic or pre-made sandwiches ahead of your trip to minimize the cost of eating out.

For those who prefer to eat at the onsite restaurants, we always recommend booking a table ahead of time to avoid the wait brought on by the lunchtime rush. However, if a restaurant cannot take bookings, try arriving for an early lunch or dining out later than usual for a more enjoyable mealtime experience.

Like many other families, it’s not uncommon to have family members with special dietary needs. If you’re in the same boat, be sure to research which onsite restaurants and concession stands provide allergy-friendly theme park food and beverages to ensure they don’t miss out on the fun, too.

Don’t forget to have fun!

When all is said and done, family theme park trips are meant to be special occasions and a chance to share in the laughter while making fond new memories. And, while a day-long outing to an amusement park can sometimes seem overwhelming, with a bit of preparation, it has all the potential to turn into a family vacation of a lifetime.

Remember, alongside the theme park visit essentials you’ll need to take, don’t forget to bring your camera to capture every funny moment and those rollercoaster faces, too. Also, to ensure you and your family enjoy a relaxing night’s sleep every night, book your stay at one of the 4,300 Best Western Hotels and Resorts in over 100 countries for the perfect magical trip away.