"That's easy, just don't go" I hear a lot of you snickering as you read the title. Some cynics would say that the terms toddlers and theme parks should not even be mentioned in the same breath, never mind contemplated. Don't forget though, that there are many families out there with children of varying ages who are all in need of a family vacation day involving an amusement and theme park.
You can take toddlers to theme parks and have a fantastic day. Read on for tips on how to keep all family members happy and safe on a day trip to a theme park.
* Arrive early. We all know how much better behaved our children are earlier on in the day. Arriving early is also sun smart.
* Take plenty of refreshments. Walking around a theme park is thirsty work for everyone, not to mention the squealing on the theme park rides. No one wants a headache as their souvenir of the family day out.
* Be sun smart. Ensure all family members are wearing hats and sunscreen. Loose clothing is best for ease of movement.
* Wear clothes that can get wet and dirty and will dry out fast.
* Take spare clothing for unexpected events. Who knew little Johnny suffered from motion sickness?
* Dress your children in distinctive and stand out in a crowd outfits. This will make it easier to spot them if they start to wander off.
* Pack your own lunch to save on costs. Most theme parks charge exorbitant amounts for sandwiches and cold drinks.
* Take a stroller. Obvious, yes. Even if the littlest one does not use the stroller any more, this is a great vehicle for carrying lunches, drinks, tired legs and manoeuvering through crowds. Use permanent marker to write your mobile phone number on all of your children's arms. This way if they get lost, theme park staff can ring you promptly. Obviously, be sure to take your mobile phone.
* Wear comfortable walking shoes. You will all be literally walking for kilometres so make it easy on your feet.
* Take some band aids.
* Take some head ache pills, just in case. The blaring sunlight, squealing children, and the crowds can be a sure fire head ache trigger for some.
* Get the newest and popular theme park rides out of the way first. The queues will be shorter first thing in the morning.
* If you are a group with 2 adults and kids of various ages, split up. One adult can do the toddler rides with the youngsters and the other parent can do the older rides. This will considerably shorten the time you are there, or alternatively, allow the children more turns on their favourite theme park rides.
* If you split your group, ensure that all groups have mobile phones for ease of meeting up.
* If you are a bit of a wuss elect to do the toddler rides to save embarrassing yourself in front of your own children.
* Use the middle of the day to have lunch in the shade. This is also a great time to do any indoor or undercover rides as you will be protected from the sun.
* Give your older children a stranger danger chat before you arrive.
* Waterproof backpacks or zip lock bags are great for ensuring your phones and cameras are not destroyed on any water rides.
Our final tip is to buy your tickets in advance to avoid standing in the ticketing queue. There is nothing worse than waiting in lines when you have very excited children just bursting to get through the gates and have fun. Buy theme park tickets online
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