Summertime is here, and the sun is bringing some intense heat, so planning a family trip to the water park is a must-do! But, before you head out, make sure you have a complete list of things to do and bring, which will help diminish any unforeseen stressors.
To-Do List for Every Parent
Making a list of things to do before embarking on your water park family fun day is essential so that nothing gets left out. Here are some things to consider:
Pick the Park
The first thing to do is decide on the water park destination. There are indoor and outdoor water parks, and the list of things to bring will differ slightly for each location.
Park Restrictions and Rules
Once the water park location has been determined, find out if there are any restrictions and what their policies entail.
- Call beforehand and find out what you can and cannot bring, such as food. Many water parks do not allow food from outside to be brought in because they want you to purchase food from their vendors on-site.
- Some water parks charge an added fee for bringing items such as coolers.
- Each water ride will have rules that must be read and explained to your kids, such as height restrictions.
Park Layout/Map
Get acclimated to the water park by researching the layout beforehand.
- Find out where things are, such as bathrooms, and which rides your family will want to go on.
- You also need to find out where the snack and food courts are. You don’t want to be on a mad hunt for food when your little ones get hungry.
Weather Conditions
If you are headed to an outdoor water park, find the weather conditions to prepare with appropriate items.
Arrive Early
Planning to arrive early means getting a jump start on traffic and beating the crowds so you can set up your family’s area without all the added chaos.
Once the to-do list is complete, you can move on to your to-bring list.
To-Bring List for Every Parent
We have all heard of sun protection lotions with SPF. But thankfully, there are swimwear products that also protect your body, even in the water!
The fabric qualifications for the best ultraviolet protection must contain at least a UPF 30. Finding an ultraviolet protection factor of 50 would be the ultimate defense. So, acquiring UPF 50 swimwear makes your family’s fun day a family-safe one while still bringing chic fashion to the pool!
Other items to include in your to-bring list are the following:
Waterproof Sunscreen
If the water park you are going to is outdoors, bringing waterproof sunscreen is essential. Make sure the sunscreen contains at least an SPF of 30.
Pool Floater
Elevate your family’s water adventure with pool floaters. There are many styles and shapes but check with the water park first because some parks may not allow you to bring your own.
Mosquito Repellant
A definite must-bring is a mosquito repellant. There are a wide variety of choices, including sprays and lotions. You can also opt for the natural approach by searching online for DIY natural mosquito repellants.
Cooler/Insulated Bag
If the water park allows you to bring a cooler, make sure to pack it with ice packs, frozen water bottles, sandwiches, wraps, and fruit.
Bottles of Water and Snacks
Most parks allow you to bring water. But go to their website to ensure you can take snacks such as granola bars, trail mix, chips, bottled water, and sports drinks for added electrolytes.
Swim Goggles
Protect your family’s eyes from chlorinated water with swim goggles. Using swim goggles also provides better visibility in the water, which ultimately makes for a more enjoyable swim time.
Swim Bag
A day at the water park must include a swim bag to keep all your essential items together, and there are various cute styles and prints to choose from.
Travel Towels
Including travel towels in your water park adventure is vital because they are more absorbent than regular towels and dry much faster. Also, due to their absorbency, they do not have to be as large as typical towels, so they are easier to pack.
Sunglasses
At a waterpark, the sun’s rays are more intense because they bounce off the water. Look for polarized sunglasses because they help eliminate the reflection and decrease the light’s intensity.
Sun Hat or Visor
Wearing a sun hat or visor helps keep the sun out of your eyes and makes it easier to read and check your phone without having the glare impeding your vision. Opting for a wide-brim hat can further protect the neck and shoulder areas.
Portable Cell Phone Charger
Having your cell phone charged is essential, and with new technology, you can now get a mobile cell phone charger that is both solar-powered and waterproof.
Waterproof Cell Phone Case
A waterproof case will protect your cell phone from unexpected water splashes.
Lip Balm
Our lips can get sunburned quickly, so bringing lip balm with sunscreen is a great way to prevent sunburn. Look for an SPF of 15 or greater and reapply after entering the water.
Water Shoes/Sandals
Most water parks do not allow regular shoes to be worn. Wearing water shoes or sandals helps protect the feet from slippery and hot concrete surfaces.
Dry Clothes
After getting wet all day, you will want clean, dry clothes for the ride home.
Optional Tips for Water Park Fun
Some water parks offer lockers and cabanas to rent for the day. These options are primarily for convenience.
Another tip is to go online and find discount coupon codes to help save money. This option may require you to sign up for a newsletter or receive notifications of future discounts.
Being prepared is the key to having a stress-free and fun day at the water park with your family. Stay afloat by taking time before embarking on your next family water park trip with a thorough to-do and to-bring list to ensure your trip flows smoothly, giving you the peace of mind you need to enjoy the sun-sensational day!
My name is Andrea Thompson and I’m a home based freelance writer. I’m 23 years old, married to my best friend, and mother to a wonderfully independent and opinionated 3 year old girl and step-mother to a sweet seven year old boy. I live in a tiny, little town in Kentucky, where I spend my free time fishing with my kids.
Writing has always been my passion, which I followed through high school, and for a while in college. Life happened, and once I discovered we were pregnant, I switched directions; opting for the healthcare industry because of the stability.
Finally, years later, I was in a place where I could leave the day job that never truly made me happy, and pursue my dreams. I’ve built, and am still building, my writing career from scratch. But, I’m passionate and I’m good at what I do. And, in the end, I can prove to my daughter that she can do anything she wants with this life.
