As a parent, you already know the importance of planning ahead and making sure you have everything before leaving the house. As we all know, going to an amusement park isn’t like taking a quick trip to the store. You’ll be gone for hours, which is why it’s important to plan ahead and make a list. There will be the most common things you’ll likely remember such as changes of clothes, diapers, and your phone, but here is a list of some other things you’ll want to make sure you don’t overlook.
First Aid Kit
If you plan on being away from your home for a couple of hours, you never want to leave home without a first aid kit. Most amusement parks will have first aid accessible if needed, but for minor injuries such as skinned knees, that’s something you can take care of yourself. Some of the most important things you’ll want to make sure your first aid kit contains includes:
- Bandages, various sizes and types
- Gauze
- Surgical tape
- Elastic bandages
- Tweezers
- Small scissors
- Pain relief medication (infant and children’s too)
- Loperamide tablets
- Antibacterial cream
- Antihistamine cream
You’re also going to want to make sure you pack medications if you or your family members are required to take them. Of course, you’ll want to make sure you bring inhalers, an EpiPen if you or your children have an allergy, and any other medications you’ll need during the time at the amusement park.
Water Bottles for Everyone
Amusement parks require a lot of standing around in the scorching sun and walking around. You’ll want to make sure everyone has their own water bottle. Once you’re at the park, you’ll be able to refill as necessary with drinking fountains, and you can ask food places for ice. Everyone should drink the recommended water suggestion based on their age every day, but if not, giving everyone their own water bottle can help encourage more water consumption.
Snacks
As a parent, you will likely hear your children whining for snacks all throughout the day. At an amusement park, they’ll likely ask for snacks less than when they’re at home because they’ll be busy with everything going on around them. You still want to make sure you pack some extra snacks in a bag just in case. Most amusement parks have a variety of foods you can buy right there, but it can help you save money by choosing to bring your own. Carrying themed snacks with you is always a good idea. For example, if you’re going to a Halloween theme park with the kids, make sure to pack some fun Halloween desserts.
Ziplock bags, Wipes, and Miscellaneous
Ziplock bags aren’t just great for packing snacks, but they have many other purposes as well. If you’re at an amusement park with water attractions, you can use a Ziploc bag to protect your phone and other personal belongings. Wipes are a good thing to have on hand, especially if your children are very little. Children can be very messy, as you already know, and being able to wipe sticky fingers and chocolate-covered faces with ease can help make your experience more enjoyable.
There are also some miscellaneous items you’ll want to add to your list that you shouldn’t forget. This includes things like your phone charger, wallet with extra cash, sunglasses, and sunscreen. If you purchased your amusement park passes in advance, you’ll want to make sure you bring those along too.
Leaving the house for hours at a time, especially with little ones, can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. With proper planning in advance, making a list, and packing everything you need ahead of time, you can stress less and focus on the adventures that await.