Welcome to the 30 Days of Summer – Go-To Guide for Moms!
Day Nine
Here’s a riddle for you: What has water and waves but is not a beach? Figured it out yet? Well, if you want some family fun, spend the day at a Waterpark. If you are extremely lucky, your park will have both, water and rides!
Going to a Family Fun Park for the afternoon, or even the entire day is a great way to spend some time during summer vacation. But if you don’t plan accordingly you could end up with a bunch of crabby people.
Amusement Park:
Filled with rides and games of all types, an amusement park is one place you will never grow tired nor become bored with after a few hours. Between the Ferris wheel, bumper cars, go-carts, and the roller coaster, there is plenty to do to occupy everyone’s time. I love that different age groups can find their own level of fun.
Can you remember a time when you were young and your parents took you to an amusement park? When I was growing up, there was no park near our home. I can remember my first time at Disneyland – I was in the fourth grade and I thought it was the best! It took me another 15 years before I went back again, and another 20 after that!
Waterpark:
Spending the day at a Waterpark is not only fun for the whole family but has so many diverse attractions you’ll wonder why you even considered going to the beach. {No sand to deal with!} Depending on the Waterpark, you and your family can participate in tube slides, body slides, wave pools, and rafting.
In addition, if your children are younger they may also have a children’s playground and wading pool. You don’t have to worry about the safety of your children either since most of these waterparks offer life-jackets for them as well.
Last summer we made the trek to the family fun park near our house. I have to admit, it is really not my scene, but I sacrifice for one day so that everyone can enjoy the crowds, the craziness and fun. This summer should be a bit better, as our little guy was a bit overwhelmed at just 2 years old, this year he is a bit more adventurous! {Now, before I get notes from you all about being the fun mom – just remember, I’ve done all this many years ago with my older kids, a little grace for this older mama with a 3 year old!}
You can find a waterpark near you with this handy guide.
Know Before You Go
Contact your local Family Fun Park or check online for information on opening times, special admission tickets and height restrictions for your children. As safety is their main concern, the park will outline the regulations as well as inform you that children must be accompanied by at least one adult who is a very good swimmer.
Be Prepared
You will want to bring along all the normal necessary items – swimsuit, towels, sunscreen, water, snacks, dry clothes and patience! Packing all these goodies the evening before is even a better idea! If you plan to stay all day, pack a lunch to bring along. If you can’t bring it into the park {our local park does not allow outside food} then plan to leave the park and eat a picnic out near the car and save some money. Eating at a park can be a huge expense. To make things easy on me, we often will stop at Subway on the way to the park and order $5 sandwiches – place them in a cooler we brought along with some drinks and we are set for lunch later during the day.
Ticket Deals
Peruse any means of gaining a discounted ticket. In our area you can find discounts for our local park at grocery stores, AAA discounts, Entertainment Book Coupons and even people selling unused tickets on Craigslist. Never pay full price for your admission. Park websites also sometimes offer discounted tickets. You can learn about special offers by following the park on Facebook and Twitter too. If you plan to go to the park several times during the summer, look into purchasing an annual pass which could really pay for itself!
Meeting Place
When you travel with a group it is always a good idea to have a meeting place set up ahead of time in case people get split up. As soon as you arrive, pick a spot that is central and easily recognizable so if someone gets astray, they will be able to locate the spot. If you have toddlers, then go over stranger rules as well as where it would be appropriate to go if they are lost.
Having fun and creating memories at Family Entertainment Parks is great, just remember to not over do it. It is much better to have everyone leave on a high note, then stay too long and have a bad experience as you venture out to the car!
What is your best tip for Family Parks?
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