SUN in the Fun at the Water Park! Tips and Tricks for Successful Trip

Guest Post by: Tammy Litke

Summer is off to a roaring start and the warm days are some of the best to take advantage of a water park in your area.

Unlike time at the community pool, going to a water park is likely to be an all day event so you want to be prepared. Here are some tips that will help you make the most of a day when heading to the water park.

TICKETS
Water parks can be expensive but there are a number of ways to cut down the costs of admission. Here are a few that our local park offers that may be similar to others in the country. If not they still might give you an idea of where to look for some discounts.

* Coupons are often available on local products. Locally distributed ice cream in our market have buy one get one free admission coupons on them.

* Are you serving in the military? Many parks will give you discounted admission with a military ID card.

* A chain of gas stations in our are sells tickets at a 30% savings.

* After 4 PM the cost of admission goes down at our local park. That also might be advantageous to those with littles who might need naps and/or those who want to avoid the prime sunburn hours.

* If you plan on spending a lot of time at the water park consider getting a season pass. The December prior our local water park offers different season passes for a fraction of the cost of admission. The passes we purchased will pay for themselves if we visit the park just three times this summer.

* Check the website of the park you are visiting. A host of offers may be available.

CLOTHING

* Water shoes for the small ones might be appropriate. The cement can get hot and burn little soles. Also if the park provides a toddler play area, it might give them better mobility with the extra grip on their feet.

* Swim shirts and swim shorts are appropriate over a bathing suit. Be aware, most parks will not allow traditional shorts to be worn down the slides. Sunglasses and hats on slides are also usually a "no".

* Sunscreen is a without a doubt required. Be sure to apply it before you leave for the water park. Most sunscreens aren't effective unless they've been applied at least 10 minutes before sun exposure. Your kids are likely going to want to hit the activities as soon as you are through the gates, and won't want to wait until that sunscreen has a chance to work! Don't leave it in the back hallway either, make sure it's in your bag. You will pay a huge markup if you have to purchase some in the gift shop.

ONCE YOU'RE THERE

* Consider having change to rent a locker. It's never fun to come back to your lounge chair to rest to find your cell phone or iPod missing.

* Stay hydrated. Bring some water bottles from home to refill. It's sometimes hard to remember to get water in us - when it is all around us!

* Remember to take pictures. A disposable camera is great to bring along if you don't want to bring your expensive digital camera. You want to preserve these fun memories!

DINING

* Make sure you know your specific destination's policies about food before you bring your own in. Our local park does not allow outside food, but a daily admission pass allows you to leave and re-enter the water park.

*A cooler with fruits, veggies and sandwiches can be packed, and a picnic lunch from the trunk can be had if you don't desire the fast food offering or prices the park offers for dining choices.

WEATHER

* Unfortunately none of us have the ability to know a week ahead of time what the weather will be like. This could change your plans if the water park you want to visit is a significant driving distance from your home. That can turn into great disappoint, especially if it has been planned for some time.

* Make sure and save your receipts, some parks may refund your money or give you an alternate pass or discount coupons if they close for a certain number of hours on the day of your visit due to inclement weather.

Whatever your plans are this summer if you head off for a day at the water park, I hope that it is filled with much fun and memories to last for years!