The school summer holidays will be here before we know it, I’m having slight palpitations at the thought… so it’s time to start planning how to keep the kids entertained. If you don’t want them to stay indoors the entire time, a day out to a theme park might be a good option. Theme parks continue to be a popular choice for families, particularly during school holidays. They are an excellent way of spending time together while also being active and having fun. But theme park trips can also be stressful, expensive and chaotic if you aren’t fully prepared for them. To help you enjoy your next theme park adventure a little more, read through these survival tips.
Get to know the park
No matter which theme park you choose to go to, each one will have it’s own unique layout, rides, and shows. So getting to know the park before you arrive is a brilliant technique you should use. It can help you and your family beat the crowds, conserve energy and prevents you from wasting any time. It can also help you establish whether the park will be suitable for your family or not. Start by looking online for theme park maps on sites such as www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com, which is still on my Bucket List! Look at each of the rides on offer and remember to check the height and age requirements. If there are only a few rides your children can go on, you might be better going to a different and more suitable park instead. Also, use these maps to find out where the toilets and restaurants are located. It will also be beneficial to find out which rides are the newest and most popular. It’s likely that other visitors will go on these rides first so you can take advantages of smaller lines on older rides instead. This might seem like a lot of hard work before you arrive, but it’s definitely worth doing. When you get in, go to the far end first and work back, as everyone else will do it the other way around.
Take a photo of your car’s location
As soon as you arrive at the theme park, take a photo on your phone of your car’s location. Remembering to include any signs or nearby structures such as lampposts or buildings. At the end of a long day, the last thing you want is to be unable to find your car – I’m forever losing the car in small car parks! This is a tip that many parents fail to use, but it could save a lot of hassle as well as time. You could also make your car more distinguishable by tying a coloured ribbon to the antenna. You could also use bright window sticker on the inside of your car for a similar effect. This will make finding your car far easier. You can also turn finding your car into a game by asking your kids to help you find the coloured ribbon or stickers. This will enhance the fun of the day and make this mundane task more enjoyable. If all else fails, write the number of the carpark on your wrist with a pen, so it cannot be washed off.
Bring your own food
It’s no secret that theme park restaurants and cafes are expensive. Some even raise their prices during peak seasons, such as the summer holidays. There is also often a limited choice of healthy food on offer. So instead of paying a fortune for your food, it’s always best to bring your own. This will help you make healthier choices for you and your family while also helping you to save some money. You can buy a cooler bag from amazon, a local camping shop or supermarket. Buy one that is big enough to store enough food for each member of your family. Also, make sure it is easy to carry and can fit into your car or under the buggy. Take your children shopping with you in the run up to your theme park day out. Ask them to choose what healthy snacks and drinks they want to take with them. Water, fruit packs, and granola bars are all brilliant options. Always pack extra water and snacks to leave in the car for the journey home. Ask your children to pack their own Tupperware box with their chosen snacks the night before. Keep these items in the fridge and pack them on the day. Leave yourself a reminder so you don’t forget. You might also want to pack a picnic blanket and plastic cutlery too. Then all you need to do is find a suitable spot when you get into the park.
Label your children
Use a wristband on each child with your name and phone number, make sure your phone is fully charged and then if they do get separated from you, you can be contacted. Other methods include a necklace, keyring or label attached to clothing.
These tips should help you have a more enjoyable and more budget-friendly theme park adventure. Start planning today to give you and your kids something to look forward to in the coming weeks.
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