For many moms and dads, the water park trip is a parenting rite of passage. And even though most kids absolutely love waterslides, lazy rivers, and splash pads, water parks are not always ideal for grown-ups. Shrieking kids, the nagging fear of water safety and the fact we have to wear a swimming suit for days might erode parental enthusiasm.
However, whether it’s your first trip or what seems like your 80th, here are a few tips to make your trip more affordable, more relaxing and more parent-friendly.
1. Splurge on a suite. You will not regret renting the largest space you can afford. Parents and kids will appreciate their own spaces – even if it means the kids or the parents sleep on a pull-out couch and endure that irritating bar under the skinny mattress – having individual space at the end of the day or midday for naps or recharging time is much appreciated by everyone. Also, having access to a full kitchen, for us, makes or breaks the experience. Cooking our own food is healthier, cheaper and serves as a way to have some “normal” family time that’s away from the water park scene. We usually go out once or twice, because it’s fun – and hey, no dishes to wash! – but cook / prepare the rest of our meals in the suite. (We eat a lot of sandwiches to keep it simple.) Also: having a balcony is awesome if possible – especially for parents after the kids are asleep.
2. Get there early. Finding a table to claim for the day is key to a more enjoyable experience. It will serve as a “home base” and, especially with older kids, provide an easy way to check in and stay connected. Finding a table with an umbrella – if the waterpark is outdoors – is especially key. Everyone needs time away from the sun … and even the fun. Also, lines are shorter early in the morning, at the end of the day and around 5 p.m. when most families are dining.
3. Wear swim shoes. Most swim shoes are weird looking, but absolutely necessary to provide a buffer between tender feet and hot pavement, slippery walk ways, rough pool floor surfaces and nasty germs in standing pools of water. Plus, they’re cheap, so why not?
4. Consider bringing your own towels. Most water parks provide towels, but they are usually small and scratchy. We have opted not to bring our own towels multiple times to save room in the car or suitcase but regretted it every time. Water parks sell beach towels, but for more money than you’d pay at a box store or online.
5. Bring your own snacks, including “grown up” snacks. Most water parks are not known for their food and buying snacks all day really adds up, so bring a bag of your own. We usually allow a treat or two form the concessions stand but have granola bars, pickles, nuts and maybe cookies or M&Ms available. Don’t forget to bring treats for adults, too, whether that’s cheese and crackers, sushi, chocolate, beer or wine. And to avoid massive disappointment, if you pack a bottle of wine, don’t forget to pack a wine opener.