Pack for water, sun and waiting
A water park day mixes long stretches of sun, wet clothes and standing in lines. Packing well makes it far more comfortable, and a few smart choices can avoid the most common problems: sunburn, blisters, lost items and being cold after the water.
Start by reading the park’s website. Rules about what you can bring in, such as food, coolers, glass, floats, towels and cameras, differ by park. Hours, ride restrictions and weather closures also change. A short check ahead of time prevents surprises at the gate.
What to wear
- A swimsuit that stays put. Choose one that fits securely, since slides, wave pools and rapids can shift loose clothing. Many parks have specific rules, such as no metal fasteners, rivets or zippers on slides, and requirements that swimwear is made from suitable fabric. Check the dress code.
- Wear it under your clothes if changing rooms are crowded, and bring a change of clothes for afterward.
- A rash guard or swim shirt gives sun protection and reduces chafing.
- Water shoes or sandals protect your feet from hot pavement. Hot concrete can burn bare feet in summer. Check whether the park allows footwear on rides, since many do not.
- Hair ties for long hair, which can tangle or get caught on equipment.
- Goggles or a swim mask if you like to swim underwater, though some parks restrict them on certain attractions.
For young children, check the park’s rules on swim diapers and life jackets. Many parks lend life jackets, and some require them for certain attractions. Non-swimmers should be within arm’s reach of an adult in the water. Safety is a bigger topic than packing, and water park safety deserves attention in its own right, but the short version is to follow lifeguard instructions, observe height and age rules and supervise children closely.
Sun protection
Hours in the sun add up quickly, and reflection from water can increase exposure. General sun-safety advice from health organizations typically includes:
- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen before arriving and reapply as directed on the label, particularly after swimming and sweating.
- Use water-resistant sunscreen, and remember ears, feet, the back of the neck and the tops of shoulders.
- Wear a hat and sunglasses when out of the water.
- Take breaks in shade, and drink plenty of water, since you can become dehydrated even when surrounded by water.
- Be aware that infants under six months are generally advised to be kept out of direct sun; ask a health professional about specific questions.
Tanning-oil or low-protection products are not suited to a day of exposure. If you have sensitive skin or health concerns, speak with a doctor or pharmacist about the right approach.
Lockers and valuables
Most water parks offer lockers, typically for a fee. Using them is wise because you cannot carry a phone or wallet on most rides. A few tips:
- Bring as little as possible. Leave jewelry, watches and nonessential items at home or in the car.
- Check what the locker takes. Some use codes, some use keys, and some accept only certain payment methods. Know what you need before you arrive.
- Choose a location near where your group will spend most of the day, and note it.
- Share a locker if the rules allow, and agree who holds the key. A wristband key is easier to keep with you than one in a pocket.
- Waterproof pouches can protect phones for the shore or the lazy river, but follow the park’s rules, and do not use them on slides if prohibited.
- Keep a towel and a change of clothes in the locker, plus a small amount of cash or a card for food.
Food, drink and rest
Check whether the park allows outside food. Many do not, or allow only certain items. Drinking water should be easy to find, and refilling a bottle may be possible. Eat lunch at an off-peak time to avoid the longest lines, and avoid very heavy meals just before slides. Plan some rest in the shade and give younger children quiet breaks.
Meeting plans for groups
Crowds, wet hair and identical swimsuits make it easy to lose people. Set up a group plan before you go in:
- Pick a meeting spot that is easy to describe and unlikely to move, such as a particular snack stand or the lockers.
- Agree on check-in times, such as every hour.
- Assign buddies, particularly for children, and keep adults assigned to children in the water.
- Take a photo of each child at the entrance so staff can see what they are wearing if someone is lost.
- Tell children to find a lifeguard or staff member wearing the park’s uniform if they cannot find you.
- Use wristbands or written phone numbers on young children where the park allows it.
For a wider view of how a park day flows, the idea of an amusement park day gives a general structure that adapts well to water parks, and families thinking about the setting might be interested in water park design.
Before leaving
Do a final pass for forgotten items, rinse off chlorine if showers are available, and bring a bag for wet clothes and towels. A water-park day can be tiring, so plan for a quiet evening and drink more water afterward.