A day at the amusement park or water park can bring all kinds of surprises when you’ve got kids in tow. Whether you’re planning a simple day trip or a week-long theme park vacation, it’s important to be prepared with a water park or amusement park checklist of all the essentials.
Amusement Park Packing Checklist for Kids
1. Weather-Appropriate Clothing
When you’re deciding what to wear to an amusement park, make sure you’re ready for whatever weather comes your way. Pack disposable rain ponchos (summer storms are unpredictable, don’t be caught without!), sunglasses and hats. If you have a baby, be sure to pack at least one spare bodysuit — since blowouts do seem to always happen at the worst times. Dress your children in Carter’s® sibling matching swimsuits so it’s easier to spot them in a sea of kids.
2. Swim Accessories
If your family plans to swim, remember to pack your kid’s swim accessories, including swim diapers, goggles, water shoes, floatation devices and towels. Parenting Bonus: All Carter’s swimwear offers UPF50+ sun protection, and customer’s love Little Planet’s® swimsuits made of recycled materials, now offered up to size 8.
3. Insulated Bag
You’ll also want to bring a diaper bag or a wet dry bag that’s big enough to hold all your items but portable enough to carry all day long. For snacks and drinks, consider taking a bag with insulation and a freezer pack inside to keep your drinks cool.
4. Park Tickets
If you’ve ordered your tickets ahead of time, make sure they’re stored safely and are easily accessible in your bag. If they’re on your phone, pull them up on your screen before you get to the gate so they can quickly be scanned. If you’re buying tickets on arrival, make sure to have your wallet at the ready so you won’t have to search through your bag.
5. Stroller
Check the park’s website to see if they allow strollers. As long as you’ll have someone to monitor it while everyone is on rides, a stroller (and stroller accessories) can be incredibly convenient for holding your bag and pushing little ones around. If you’re going to be at the park during nap time, a stroller is a must.
6. Pack of Wipes
If you have a toddler or baby, chances are you’ll already have wipes in your bag. They can really come in handy for cleaning messes off faces and hands, plus clothes, bags, strollers and park tables.
7. Snacks
Any parent of young kids knows the golden rule: Never, ever go anywhere without snacks. While parks will have food and drinks available for purchase, it’s always a good idea to bring your own backup snacks. Trail mix, granola bars and fruit slices like apples and oranges are great options. These portable snack containers from Skip Hop® are a great on-the-go option. Be sure to check the park rules before arriving to know if outside food is allowed.
9. First Aid Supplies
With all the walking and running your kids will be doing, you’ll want to ensure any minor cuts, scrapes, bumps and blisters can be easily taken care of. Bring along some bandages and antibiotic ointment just in case.
10. Sunscreen
Make sure to have your family apply sunscreen before heading to the park. Throw a travel-sized bottle in your bag for easy re-application. All Carter’s swimwear has UPF50+ sun protection and is a great option for a long day at the water park.
11. Portable Phone Charger
You’ll be taking lots of photos and videos on your phone, so be sure to bring a portable charger so you’ll have enough battery to capture these memories with your kids.
Additional Tips for a Fun Day at the Amusement Park
Get there early
You might not be able to pack this in your bag, but getting to the water park early is one of the biggest tips we can offer. It’s the best way to beat the heat, beat the crowds and grab a cabana or some lawn chairs before you begin the day. You can get a head start on the slides before the lines get long, and it’ll probably be a little easier to get into the parks.
Take extra cash
Whether you bring actual cash or just your debit card, make sure you’re prepared to cover unexpected costs like storage lockers and parking. Most parks take cards, but it never hurts to bring cash as a backup.Eat a meal before you go
Make sure to feed your family before you head to the water park so everyone has plenty of fuel for the day. Eating a meal before you head out will also keep you from spending extra money on amusement park food.Protect your phone with a waterproof phone case with a lanyard
It’s a good idea to bring a waterproof phone case to keep your phone safe and accessible — and to easily store items such as cash, cards and park passes.Don’t forget your water bottle
There’s plenty to drink at an amusement park, but what you and your kids will need more than anything on a summer day is water. Spending all day in the sun is tiring, and your kids will likely be running to you for a drink. Be ready with reusable water bottles.
A successful family outing to an amusement or water park is all about how well you prepare. In addition to knowing what to bring to an amusement park or water park, know how to keep your baby or little one cool on a hot summer day. With these easy packing tips, you’ll be more than ready to conquer the parks and make lasting memories.
