Amusement parks. Our children love them! Parents, on the other hand, seem to have a love-hate relationship with them. We love theme parks because of the fun and family memories that come with each visit. After all, most of us have our own youthful memories of the sights, sounds, lollipops, roller coasters and funnel cakes from amusement parks and carnivals. However, many parents cringe at the thought of the potential tantrums that often accompany these visits. So, with the help of a few Macaroni Kid readers and publishers, we've come up with a list of 10 tips for avoiding amusement park meltdowns.
1. Prevention. You know your child best. If your child may get upset in the park’s candy store, avoid it. If you already know that she gets extremely energetic with orange soda, the theme park may not be the best time to let her have it “just this once.” Also, consider if he’s even ready for an amusement park experience. “We waited until our son was older and went at his pace,” states reader Jee H.
2. Set Clear Expectations. Setting your expectations beforehand will at least reduce the opportunity for an in-park tantrum. If you are allowing your child to have two small souvenirs or one “treat” food, let him know prior to entering the theme park. Or, if you already know that your child is too short for certain rides, let him choose alternates beforehand.
3. Wait for Cooler Temps. Nothing invites frustration like walking around on asphalt on a sweltering day. If it’s possible, plan your theme park visit during cooler parts of the day or during cooler seasons.
4. Pack Entertainment for Waits. Some degree of waiting is expected at theme parks. If you know that your child will get antsy, consider bringing some type of in-line entertainment. “When we went to Disney, I took bubbles for my kids to play with while waiting in line,” suggests reader Susan M. “They occupied my kids and the other kids around us. What kid doesn't love bubbles?!”
5. Take Breaks. One of the most exciting parts of a theme park experience is bouncing from ride to ride. It’s also one of the most exhausting parts of the experience. Remember to take frequent breaks to keep fatigue at bay. This writer has even left the park, insisted that her family take a nap or have quiet time, and returned in the afternoon. It definitely made for a more pleasant experience.
6. Pre-plan Eating Times. It’s inevitable – your group will get hungry. Plan eating time slightly before the peak of your group’s hunger to prevent family members from being famished AND frustrated.
7. Take snack breaks, too. Reader Dana R. suggests that parents “carry a backpack with frozen juice bags and snacks.” Yep - snacks are essential to keeping hunger pangs at a minimum. Pack a few of your child’s favorites to manage between-meal munchies while enjoying more of the amusement park fun.
8. Hydrate. Planned water breaks are essential to any theme park visit, particularly in the summer and during extreme heat. And don’t forget to utilize the cooling mist stations that are in many theme parks. Sometimes simply cooling off is the best medicine for avoiding a potential meltdown.
9. Comfort is Key. A theme park visit is probably not the best time to break in new sneakers or wear a top with an itchy tag. Remember to dress your family appropriately for the season in which you’re visiting the park, and wear breathable clothing and shoes that have been road-tested for comfort.
10. Planning is great, but…. “Realize it’s impossible to do it all,” reminds reader and Macaroni Kid publisher Kelly P. Publisher Christel H. adds, “enjoy the moments,” and realize that it may be time to toss the best laid plans and roll with your child’s flow and needs. Adds reader Maria S, “Be fair to the children and do only as much as they can handle.” Sounds like a “plan!”
We hope that these tips are helpful. But, even with attempts to avoid them, meltdowns sometimes happen to the best of us. In the bigger picture, your child is sure to cherish the memory of time spent with you at a theme park, and the meltdown (or meltdowns) will become part of future stories about the trip.
Talk back.... What would you add to this list? What has worked for you? We'd love to hear from you in the comments below.
