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May 17, 2013
Theme Park Smarts for 2013
Check out our all-new Summer Vacation Special Section for 2013

Dear family travelers:

 

Are you ready?

 

Nearly 200 new rides and attractions will open this summer at more than 80 theme parks, water parks, family fun centers, zoos, aquariums, and museums in the United States and Canada, according to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. 

And they'll be crowded! More than 300 million people will visit U.S. amusement parks and attractions this summer.  (Let's just be glad of the 600,000 jobs they provide!  .

 

Love them or hate them, theme parks and water parks are e tops on kid's vacation wish list-a lot of parents' lists too.   

 

Sure they're expensive-and exhausting, not to mention frustrating (The lines!)  But they're also a lot of fun-as long as you plan smart.  Here's how:

 

1.     DON'T TRY to sneak kids on a ride if they aren't tall enough for or let them ride alone when they shouldn't. Those rules are in place to protect your kids. Seat a younger child on the inside and make sure they keep their hands and feet inside at all times. (Check out the website www.saferparks.org for more safety tips)   

 

2.     NEVER FORCE a child to ride an attraction if they are frightened-even if you've waited in line.  Never tease a child about their fear.  You can always return later-or next year.

 

3.     TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR before you visit so you and the kids can decide where you want to go first. Everyone should get to choose at least one attraction each day.

 

4.     IF YOU PLAN DINNER at the park (or want a sit-down lunch) book reservations ahead.

 

5.     BRING REUSABLE WATER BOTTLES, , healthy snacks and a lunch. Not only will you save money and eat healthier, but you won't be waiting in long lines for food when the kids are hungry.

 

6.     PACK A CHANGE OF CLOTHES  in case the kids get soaked  on the water rides.  Have them wear flip flops for those rides too.

 

7.     CHECK the theme park website and local tourism site  like www.visitorlando.com for coupons that can save you money on your admission. You can also get discounts through AAA, if you are a member, and sometimes even from your employers.

 

8.     IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT, opt for front of the line passes that will save you time or sign on with a VIP guide.  Here's what I wrote about that experience.

 

9.     USE FREE PROGRAMS  like Disney's FastPass  that  allow you to avoid long waits by getting a ticket with a specific time to return to the ride-and go to the front of the line. Stay at a Disney hotel and you will be able to enter the parks earlier. Stay at a Universal Orlando resort and your room key guarantees you front of the line privileges.

 

10.   BRING STROLLERS for younger children-much cheaper than renting them.

 

11.SLATHER on sunscreen and make sure you all get out of the sun periodically.

 

12.  DIVIDE THE GROUP if you have great variety of ages, keeping in touch via cell phone.

 

13.  DESIGNATE A PLACE to meet if you get separated and make sure the kids know where it is. Make sure the kids know to seek out someone in a uniform who is working should they get lost.   On a card, write your name, cell phone numbers, the name and hotel where you are staying and put it in each child's pocket. If they get lost, they may get upset and can't remember your name beyond "mommy," much less where you are staying!

 

14.DISCUSS the souvenir budget in advance.  Encourage the kids to start a collection-like pins, patches, stickers or autographs.  

 

15.  LEAVE WHEN THE KIDS-and you-have had enough. There will always be another visit.

 

   




Also on TAKING THE KIDS:

What's new at the theme parks this summer?

  

  And from our partners at Family Travel Forum  

Cayman Islands Supports Families with Teen Travel Writing Scholarship

 


Our Kids' Guides Series from Globe Pequot Press continues to grow with new books on Los Angeles and Chicago publishing later this year!
   
Kids Buide to New York City  
 

 

   

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