Visiting with the dragon egg at Dutch Wonderland

Traveling to amusement parks with small children can be a great deal of fun or it can be a disaster, sometimes it is both in the same trip!

A good rule of thumb for children between the ages of 3 and 7 is that they can handle one hour of an amusement park for every year of age without a nap or significant rest.  Kids under 2 are often stroller-bound and will nap while being pushed so they can actually go longer than their walking toddler, pre-school and elementary school siblings.  Children over 7 pretty much work like adults but will need a breather in the afternoon.

While there isn’t much you can do to change your young child’s age or attention span, there are things you can do before you leave for your trip and while you are in the park that will help you have a more pleasant day.

BEFORE YOUR TRIP

• Review the website for the park you will be visiting to gain as much information as possible before you leave.  Things like ride minimum heights, outside food policy, breastfeeding policy, swim diaper policy, hand-held infant ride policies and the like can really affect your day.
• Measure your child in the shoes they will wear to the park to determine actual height.
• Have a rainy day plan in case the weather turns poorly and you can’t go – kids will be let down if there isn’t an alternative.
• Pack the night before to make sure you have everything.  Allow the child to take one small toy with them if there is room.
• If the park has a lot of costumed characters or people in face paint, try to get your kids used to that before they go at a local carnival or festival.  Toddlers especially are afraid of large costumed characters – it is better to know this in advance.

DURING YOUR TRIP

• Keep everyone hydrated with water and covered in sunscreen (including baby feet and heads sticking out of strollers!)  Hats and shoes with full foot covering are preferred attire.
• Make sure nobody gets too hungry and choose familiar food for children.  Amusement park trips are not the times to try new foods, stick to those nuggets folks.
• Find and remember places with shade for a cool spot to rest.
• Mix your day with high and low thrill activities such as rides and feeding the ducks.
• Never force your child to ride something.  This can lead to a lifetime of fear of amusement rides.  If they are mildly interested but not sure, let them watch the ride a few times.  Do not lie to them about how scary something is. They won’t trust you a second time even if you are telling the truth.
• If possible, have your child nap in a stroller or in your lap in a shaded spot.  Even just getting off your feet on a train ride or to see a show may make the difference between a tantrum and a peaceful afternoon.
• Know when to leave.  Sometimes it is just best to call it quits and head home.