Summer is upon us. With the unofficial opening marked with Memorial Day weekend, and thankfully warmer weather mixing into the rain, beachy trips, outdoor picnics and hikes in the woods can be in full swing. Another favorite summer outing for our family is theme parks.
My children were very lucky to have been gifted season passes to a local park, less than an hour’s drive away. This past weekend, we finally had a chance to check it out for the first time. They loved it.
But, as any mother does, I still noticed a lot of misbehavior at the park. It reminded me that there are, of course, many, many said rules, stated on signs, printed on your ticket, and online. However, there are many unsaid rules that maybe should be reviewed by parents and children alike.
In an effort to assist in that conversation, I’d like to outline the top ten that come to mind.
Therefore, I bring to you, the top ten unsaid rules that probably need to be said:
Sad, right?! That that even needs to be said, but it is true. The amusement park is not the place to leave your manners at the door. From basic “thank yous” and ordering manners, to being courteous to the hot and tired workers, there were plenty of instances this weekend that reminded me this is, and should continue to be, an ongoing conversation between kids and parents.
2. Act As You Would In Front of Us, Behind Us
Maybe this correlates a lot with number one, but it is an obvious hope that any way your children act in front of you, their parent, they would continue to do when they are not in front of you. You would not budge in a line in front of me. You also better not do it when I’m not there. As our children are tween and teenagers, they are old enough (in our eyes) to head to some rides on their own. This doesn’t mean they get to check manners at the door, either. With or without us, behave.
3. Dump the Diet
Each person has their own eating rules and expectations, and as allergies, diet trends and foods change, so do menus at theme parks. You can truly get almost anything walking around the park. From gluten-free to keto, there were very unique menus at our park. But my personal advice? Dump the diet for the day. Even the most health conscious folks should be aware: You will walk a lot that day. I don’t wear a fit bit or counter, but suffice it to say many miles were put in. That said, the calories don’t need to count too tightly. That funnel cake smells good. It isn’t a food you get every day. It is really the place to do it! Don’t deprive yourself while trying to have fun.
4. Don’t Pressure Non-Riders
I saw far, far too many parents pushing their children to do something they didn’t want to. The day at the amusement park is intended to be fun. I never understood parents dragging a kicking and screaming tot onto a roller coaster they clearly did not want to ride. Why?! That’s not fun for anyone involved. Kids will take steps as they are ready. Sometimes parents have to guide and help them. Sometimes it makes sense to encourage them, to push them to do their best, to be their best, to try…but when it comes to riding rides? Why push? They are going to hate it, make others miserable, and potentially come to hate rides forever.
Adding to that, there are also tweens, teens and even adults that may not enjoy riding. That’s OK. When I was young, I loved rides. With high blood pressure and my weight, I no longer enjoy many rides due to discomfort riding during the ride and/or the dizziness and nausea I feel far after, it just is not fun for me. My family gets this and doesn’t tease or harass me too much about it.
No matter the age, don’t make those that ride join you. I love going to the park just the same to see their faces, enjoy the games, shows and plenty of other attractions.
5. Pace Yourselves
There is so, so much to do in a theme park. From countless rides to yummy snacks, shows and games, there is so much to choose from it can be overwhelming. Don’t stress it. Those lucky enough to have season passes, or multiple days to spend there, don’t try to cram it all in the first visit. It is nearly impossible, and can be exhausting. Again, the idea is to have fun, so don’t pressure yourself to get it all in at once.
Even if you only have a single day, prioritize. Are the big coasters your goal? Then hit up as many as you can. Maybe you will miss the dance show, but get to those rides or activities that matter most.
6. Set a Budget
If you are on a budget, and money is tight, like it is in our family, don’t let it all go out the window during your outing. Set a budget before you go to the park. Are you buying food there, or are you going to pack lunch? Are you going to get the “drink-all-day” pass or just refill your own water bottle? Decide ahead of time. There are plenty of flashy signs, creative deals and “bargains” galore once you get inside. Don’t take out a second mortgage just to have a great day. There are plenty of ways to save, but think ahead.
7. Don’t Forget the Sunscreen (et. al.)
There are a few must haves, and I highly suggest packing them ahead of time (see rule six). Things like sunscreen, bottled water (or empty water bottles if rules require), bug spray, a hat, a towel, tissues, headache medicines, allergy medicines, etc. The lists can go on and on, and you don’t really need to pack an entire suitcase for one day out, but do remember the basics.
8. Wear Something Appropriate
I don’t even know where to start with this one…
I saw so many strange choices during our visit. And, of course, in a crowd of people you are always bound to see a variety. And, while I am all for individuality, being yourself, and dressing fun or creatively, please also remember a theme park requires a certain level of dress. If you are going to a water park, it makes sense. A swimsuit is required. If you aren’t, it probably isn’t required. Though the water park of our chosen destination was not in fact even open, I saw far too many strutting about in bikinis that would make a supermodel blush.
I get everyone is not going to dress like a nun, but be courteous of all of those around you. Dress comfortably. Again, you will walk a lot: have sneakers. If you will get wet on rides, plan another set of clothes or towels for the car ride.
9. Plan Ahead
This encompasses several of the above, but one thing that can help make the day successful is simply planning ahead. From checking the day’s weather report (helps to plan umbrellas, or sunscreen, or hats, etc.), to planning a budget, having some time to think ahead can really help. If you simply jump in the car and go, you can forget a lot of the things that you really may need. From having enough cash, to remembering to stay hydrated, there is a lot of planning that typically goes into a theme park vacation or single day. Moms probably already know this, and a lot of those plans likely fall on her, but don’t skip this one. It helps the other steps go a lot more smoothly.
10. HAVE FUN
That’s the entire point, right? Those of all ages head to a theme or amusement park to have a good time. There is no point of stressing over the concept. Planning for most steps can help a long way for the day of the trip. The more people in the family, the more difficult it becomes (at least for mom) to keep each one happy. Many will want to do different things. Some may have to compromise or spend more or less time than they’d like doing things they do and do not want to do.
No matter the moods, and yes, standing in lines can make kids cranky…try to keep a smile on your face.
Everyone has their own ways to approach big days like trips to the theme park. I hope the tips are helpful. I hope no matter your family rules, you remind your family members of those rules on your way.
I hope my rules are a good reminder, minimally, for that conversation. It can make your, and that of those around you, trip much more enjoyable.
See also:
Montco Mommy: Blame it On the Rain
Montco Mommy: Mother's Day Planning
Montco Mommy: Parental Drinking Etiquette
Montco Mommy: Real ID A Real Pain In The...
