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5 Easy tips to survive any waterpark with kids

Taking a break to reapply sunscreen and drink some water. My photographer was annoyed I wanted a photo and wasn't ready to get back in the lazy river so bad lighting. 



Not healthy but my kid
loves mac & chz
My kids love a day at the waterpark.  They love big ones like Disney's Typhoon Lagoon or little ones like the in my hometown.  Waterparks can be stressful but they don't have to be.  Here are 5 easy tips to make your day a success. 

My park bag,
cheap and different
1.  Eat first.  Waterpark and all amusement park food is expensive.  Plus eating first allows you to start on a full stomach and you don't have to worry that your kids won't eat because they are 'too busy'. 

2. Bring a unique park bag.  I use a reusable shopping bag this one is from a business in Colorado and I live in Montana so I was pretty sure no one else had one.  Pack light or pack a lock. I like to pack light and only carry what I need.  A couple bottles of water, sunscreen, towels, goggles (for the kids) and some cash.   

My reusable water bottle
and a snack for us to share
3.  Break for snacks and the potty.  I set the alarm on my watch to go off every 2 hours.  I make the kids take a break, drink some water, have a snack, reapply sunscreen and go potty.  This allows everyone to reconnect and keep from getting sun burnt.  I am the fairest in the land with a little Italian mixed in but I will burn in a hot second so I don't mess with it, just reapply all day.  I use spray sunscreen because it's easier with kids and to spray my own back. 
We both love 2 piece suits
so its easier to go potty
4.  Wear "athletic" swimsuits.  I'm sure that cute two piece looks great floating around the lake or even just sitting on the side catching rays.  But if at any point you plan to go down a water slide, chase your kid or bend over and pick up small children, do yourself a favor and wear something made to move. (Note: I'm not saying you have to be modest just wear something that won't come off easily.) It takes more fingers than I have to count the number of string bikini tops I have retrieved from the bottom of the slide for a rather embarrassed lady (or girl) and we all know that feeling of trying to pull out a weggie while the teenage lifeguard is yelling "clear the slide".  I wear a suit that is actually my running gear for the reason stated above and because it has pockets for things like keys and money I don't like laying around.  PLUS: we wear our suits to and from the park because locker rooms at water parks are crazy.   My husband notes:  do the drawstring gentlemen. 

This robe is so cute plus so functional
These are both Skirt Sports
(Kelly tank and Hover skirt)
they dry fast and I run and swim in them
5.  Bring big towels.  They cover chairs so you can relax, unless you have a 5 year old and then you just want one to dry off and cover your stuff.  You may be in and out of the water a couple times and no one wants to end the day with a towel that is soaked and cold.  I bought Sydnee is awesome robe made out of towel material at Costco.  It is perfect for her and she never drops it on the gross ground in the potty or on the way out.  I highly recommend.  A hooded towel works well, too.

The real key to having fun is to get in the water and play with your kids or relax and read a book in the shade, but just do something you enjoy.  The water park is loud and crazy but if done correctly it can be a great way for you and the kids to blow off steam on a hot day. 

What tips do you have? 


 

 
 
 
 
 

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