Theme parks are a great way to have fun as a family. There are rides that are suitable for everyone’s comfort level, delicious foods, and fun activities like parades and live shows. We’ve compiled a list of safety tips to keep in mind for your next theme park vacation to avoid any serious injuries and make for a memorable trip!
1. Wear Sunscreen
When walking around all day in a huge theme park, it’s important to apply sunscreen 20 minutes before arriving, and reapply regularly. No one wants to deal with a stinging, itchy sunburn on their vacation. Set a timer on your phone to help you easily remember when it’s time to reapply.
2. Stay hydrated
It’s important to keep yourself hydrated to avoid serious health issues that could wind up ruining your family vacation. Symptoms of dehydration can include dry mouth, dizziness, headaches, and confusion. To avoid these complications, have each member of your family or group carry a reusable water bottle and refill at water fountains often. You can even get a nifty one with a strap for hands-free fun!
3. Keep your health in mind
If you have a known condition that could be agitated by intense rides, know your limits. If you’re prone to motion sickness or have high blood pressure, heart, back or neck pain, inner ear infections, or experience Claustrophobia, some theme park rides can present a health risk. Some roller coasters involve sudden turns or flips, fast speeds, and safety restraints that can agitate conditions. Roller coasters are also not recommended for women who are pregnant.
If you have an existing condition that you are dealing with, research the impact that theme park rides can have on it. If you’re informed of the risks, you can make a smart decision that will minimize complications.
4. Follow instructions
Remember to read all safety signs and listen to instructions provided by theme park staff carefully. The signs will list any warnings or pertinent information that could irritate certain conditions, or safety precautions like height or age requirements specific to each ride. By following all instructions and written material, you can avoid injury or motion sickness.
5. Dress comfortably
If you’re traveling to a theme park from out of state, be sure to check the weather for the weeks or days leading up to your vacation. If you’re expecting the weather to be hot, remember to pack light- colored shirts and shorts, a hat for extra sun protection, sunglasses to protect your eyes, and comfortable, closed-toe shoes. It’s also a good idea to pack a light jacket for cold restaurants or sudden changes in temperature. If you’re expecting the weather to be chilly, dress in layers to stay comfortable.
It’s always a good idea to take a change of clothes with you into the park in case you get soaked on a water ride or spill something sticky. You’ll avoid being uncomfortable all day and having to shell out for clothing inside the park.
6. Have a plan
Come up with an “in case of emergency” plan with your group when first arriving to the park. If you’ll have small children with you, make sure they have the phone number of an adult with your group on them; you can tape a name badge to their shirts, or hang a lanyard around their neck with a plastic pocket containing all contact information. Make sure children understand who they can approach to ask for help (theme park staff or security), and that everyone knows where to meet in case anyone gets separated.
7. Be prepared
As mentioned earlier, make sure you have enough sunscreen for all members of your group (even in the winter!), a reusable water bottle, and an emergency plan that everyone memorizes. An extra change of clothes, a light jacket, band aids, and aspirin are also helpful. If anyone in your party has allergies, or needs regular medication, make sure to pack more than what they’ll typically need as a precaution. Lastly, make sure to take your camera with an extra battery pack and memory card to capture all of the fun you’ll be having!
