Don’t bring swimsuits that have zippers, buttons, belts, rivets or metal ornaments. You may not be allowed to get on certain slides with them because they can cause damage to the equipment at the water park. Furthermore, you don’t want them to get caught on anything and cause your swimsuit to tear. [1] X Research source Bikinis are not recommended for water parks. They tend not to stay put on water slides, and some parks even forbid skimpy bathing suits. For females, one piece swimsuits are advisable. Look for suits with straps in a sports bra style so that they don’t slide off your shoulders. Avoid suits with ties that can come undone.
If you’re going to an outdoor park, consider bringing a hat to help shield your face from the sun.
For example, tearaway athletic pants can be snapped on so that you don’t have to stand on one leg to put your pants on in a potentially wet locker room or bathroom.
Have sandals with treaded or rubber soles to minimize your chances of slipping on wet walkways.
Try asking, “Do children of a certain age or height need to wear life jackets or vests?” If the answer is yes, you can also ask, “Do the life jackets need to be Coast Guard approved? Are they provided at the water park, or should I bring my own?” If your child is a practiced swimmer, you may want to follow up these questions with, “Is there any type of swimming test exemption from this rule?” Water wings are considered swimming aids but should not be used as a replacement for life jackets or life preservers. Some water parks don’t allow swimsuits with built-in tubes.
Test the seal of your goggles by putting them over your eyes without strapping them on. Press the lenses gently towards your eyes. If the lenses maintain suction for a few seconds without you holding them into place, they will provide good protection against water leakage. Goggle straps are for keeping goggles on your head, not for keeping the seal suctioned. Make sure you can adjust the straps so that they stay put without being too loose or too tight.
Reapply your sunscreen every two hours at least. You should put sunblock on again after getting out of the water and drying off. Make sure to reapply sunblock after riding any water slides. [9] X Research source
Bring enough feminine care products for the length of your stay, if needed. Other items you may want to bring are a hairbrush or comb, travel-sized conditioner, deodorant, and hair ties.
Other items you may want to pack in the diaper bag: wipes, diaper rash cream, changing pads, a bib, baby food and spoon, bottle and nipples, pacifier, formula, blanket, and bath toys.
Consider putting food and drink in a cooler lined with ice packs. Plan to stay hydrated: this can help prevent motion sickness. Check what type of coolers, if any, are permitted at the park first. Some parks may not allow coolers, or may allow soft foldable coolers only. [13] X Research source If the water park doesn’t allow food, find out if you can leave and re-enter the park without paying admission again. That way, you can still pack a cooler, and eat your meal in the parking lot or a nearby picnic area instead. If you plan to do the latter, bring picnic items as well, such as a tablecloth and clips. If the water park doesn’t allow food and you have dietary restrictions or are bringing an infant, find out if they make exceptions for such situations.
You may want to check with the water park first to see if they have stroller or wagon rentals available, and where strollers and wagons can be safely stowed while you’re on a ride.
Those most at risk for getting motion sickness are children ages 2 to 12, women (particularly when menstruating, pregnant or taking hormones), people prone to migraines, and those taking certain medications. Infants and toddlers are typically immune. [15] X Research source If you have a history of motion sickness or other reason to believe you may experience it at the water park, consider talking to your health care provider about a possible prescription option. Scopolamine is a transdermal patch which is put behind the ear four hours beforehand,[16] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source and is considered a first line of defense against motion sickness. [17] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Don’t wear a watch to the water park. Even if the watch is labeled as “waterproof” or “water resistant,” there is no watch that is completely waterproof, especially when it will be submerged underwater forcefully at water park attractions. [20] X Trustworthy Source Federal Trade Commission Independent U. S. government agency focused on consumer protection Go to source
Bring two sets of keys to your vehicle, and keep them in different places. This is a safety precaution in case you lose a key. You may want to put money or a credit card, your license, a car key, and a cell phone all in one waterproof bag to be stored in your locker. Keep the key to your locker around your wrist throughout your stay at the water park.
