The heat is blazing across the country so hitting the Water Park sounds like a great way to cool off. We have some tips for your water park adventure beginning with planning, staying safe and comfortable, plus valuable ideas to make your day at the park easy.
Planning ahead
Before you head to the park, how about spending a few minutes sorting out the details? Check on the details of the water park – when it opens, can you bring your own food and water, and if cabanas or lockers are available.
Pack your bags. Remember to bring a bathing suit, sunblock if the park is outside, lip balm, money for tickets and snacks, towels, goggles, a padlock to secure your locker, and a change of clothes for the end of the day.
Plan which rides to go on first. It may be helpful to get a map so that you can hit all the rides in one area and then move on to the next. You and your family might want to go on the water park's website before your trip and create a list of all the attractions you want to visit.
Get there early. The only thing worse than dealing with your kids at a water park is dealing with other people’s kids at a water park. Get there as early as possible, like 30 minutes prior to the park opening. The crowds will be lower, as will the temperature, and you will probably be able to get a better parking spot.
Make a date for lunch. This is a great time to refuel and rehydrate. It will also give you a chance to have a rest and plan the second half of your day. After lunch remember to reapply your sunblock and go to the toilet.
Staying Safe and Comfortable
Wear sunscreen. Be sure to apply waterproof sunscreen 30 minutes before you arrive at the park and reapply it throughout the day. Waterproof sunscreen needs to be reapplied every 80 minutes if you’ve been in the water, especially if you’ve dried yourself off with a towel in between applications. The FDA also recommends using a lip balm with SPF 15 or higher while in the sun.
Keep an eye on your kids. You need to know where your kids are at all times at the water park. Even if there is a lifeguard on duty, don’t depend on them. Always watch your children or be in the water with them. Lifeguards are responsible for scanning large areas and can sometimes miss things. Plus, it’s not their responsibility to baby sit children and should only be used in case of emergencies, which you don’t want to encounter.
Know the rules. Each park has different rules, so be sure to read all posted signs before sending your children off to enjoy the fun. Water parks are filled with different features and slides, each appropriate for different ages. Read all safety procedures and precautions relating to height, age, swimming ability, and medical condition. Be sure to follow the rules and ask the lifeguards or staff if you have any questions.1
Handy Tips
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and try to avoid any caffeinated sodas or drinks with artificial sweeteners. These beverages will contribute to dehydration, so water is always your best option.
Pack your patience. Water parks are often only open during peak times (like summer) and that means crowds. Just know they will be there. Play games in line. Be silly while walking to the next attraction. Make it fun instead of complaining.
Bring a waterproof case for your phone and money. While you’d like to think you can go all day and not be on your phone, you know you can’t. Just be sure to put your phone in a plastic waterproof case. Also, stick money or a credit card in there and leave your purse at home (NOT in the car please).
Dean and Draper
Keeping your cool in these broiling temperatures can be a challenge. We hope these ideas will smooth your path to a great time. When you have questions about your insurance, we’re ready with the answers.
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Sources: Safewise, Traveling Mom, Wikihow