This is a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% mine. How has your summer been so far? We have had some pretty hot days in my part of the country. When it gets that hot out, it gets harder to find places the kids can keep cool and have fun. The closest pool is almost a 45 minute drive, so we do not get there as often as I would like. We do have a great water park about two miles from our home. The kids could go there every day when it is warm outside!
We have been taking the kids to the Fountains at the World’s Fair Park for almost ten years. They can play in the fountains and have fun in the water for hours. Even on a cloudy day like this! There is also a playground about 50 feet away they love to play on too. Pack yourself a picnic lunch and we are good to go for the whole days!
We also love to spend the day at the larger water park dear Dollywood. We can spend the day at Splash Country and not get to all the attractions. Over the years, I have come up with a list on how to plan the perfect day at the water park. Here are my top tips:
How To Plan The Perfect Day At The Water Park
- Buy Tickets Early: For many theme parks, you get discounts when you buy tickets early. We have an option to save 20% on tickets for the summer when we purchase them in March. You can also buy upgrades for free parking or locker rentals with many parks.
- Set A Schedule: We have found getting to the park before 10:00 am or after 3:00 pm avoids the crowds. At our local water park, when you come after 3:00 pm. you get the next day free!
- Protect Your Belongings: I have ruined a cellphone because I didn’t have it in a protective case. I have also left things behind because I didn’t get a locker to keep our extra belongings. We found it was worth the extra $10 to get that locker and keep everything safe. This also keeps you from lugging all your stuff around the park.
- Wear A Cover-Up: Even if I use sunscreen, I tend to get too much sun if I am in outside all day. To cut down on my exposure, I wear a cute cover-up. As Caitlin gets older, she has found she prefers to wear one herself.
- Forget The Park Food and Drinks: One of the biggest money suckers at a theme park are the Food and drinks. We never eat a full meal when we are at the park. instead, we bring snacks and drinks from home. We save a ton of money this way.
Before we headed to the water park a few weeks ago, we discovered the coolest products from a company called Precidio Design. They make the most innovative drink and snack carriers you have ever seen! With their Multi Flask, Drink in the Box and Snack in the Box, we will never pack for an outing the same way again! I love how they created products that moms like you and me really need in their lives! Their products are BPA-free. They give me the option to carry healthy snack and drink options for the kids.
Caitlin and I love the Multi Flask. It is 6 different types of drink bottles in one system. You can carry hot coffee, make hot tea with Infuser or make fresh fruit infusions. Not only are we hydrated, but we are getting tons of flavor in our drinks! You can even make powdered drinks by shaking them up with the “Agitator” attachment to keep them stirred up. The soft silicone spout keeps me from bumping my teeth when I am at the gym! We LOVE it! The 6-in-1 sells for $39.99 and the 3-in-1 sells for $26.99 on Amazon.
We love the Drink in the Box. It is he world’s only reusable drink box. it is BPA and Phthalate free and will not squirt or leak. They are VERY durable too! Ask the mom with the clumsy kids! That counts in my house! The Drink in the Box. comes in Blue, Pink, Orange, Green and Purple. It sells on Amazon for $11.99 for the 8 ounce and $14.00 for the 12 ounce. Perfect for the smaller and the older kids!
The snack in the Box is brilliant! I hated taking snacks to the park in a Ziploc baggie. The kids struggled to keep them properly closed. With the snack in the Box, you can kiss that problem goodbye! They have two separate chambers, each holding 6 ounces of your favorite dry snack. Tritan pop-up lids let you easily pour out the snack from each chamber individually. Perfect for little fingers!
Oh, and no more smashed fruits or crushed Goldfish! They are super sturdy and keep your snacks protected. hey come in Blue, Pink, Orange, Green and Purple and sell for $9.99 on Amazon. So are you ready to plan the perfect day at the water park? Order your Multi-Flask, Drink and snack in the Box and print this FREE Water Park Checklist! Be sure to stay current with Precidio Design and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. One USA reader will win one 6-in-1 Multi Flask Hydration System, ARV $40.
What are your tips to plan the perfect day at the water park (or any park for that matter!?) I would love to hear in the comments below!
Renee Rousseau says
July 5, 2017 at 5:36 pmWe are going to the Bahamas in September and I found all the hints very helpful. I am going to purchase waterproof holders for my crew.
candy says
July 5, 2017 at 5:39 pmTotally agree on splurge on a locker and forget the bought snacks and drinks. They are so price and not good for you. Making and taking your own drinks and snacks so much better. Enjoy the water.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
July 5, 2017 at 5:48 pmI love these boxes! I always make sure to bring plenty of drinks and snacks when we go on any outing, so I am definitely picking up some of these. That is awesome!
Joely Smith says
July 5, 2017 at 6:10 pmI am loving these snack boxes!! Going to go get me some right now! I also ADORE infused water! Great post and great tips!
Jenna Hudson says
July 5, 2017 at 6:46 pmI make sure to pack sun screen because nobody has fun when their sunburnt! Also, a variety of snacks to munch on all day long.
Eloise says
July 5, 2017 at 7:06 pmthat IS a perfect way to a day at the water park… it’s always a pain when you forget something ; ) love those containers too!
Heather says
July 5, 2017 at 7:27 pmWe were just in this situation at Sesame Place. The locker is well worth it.
Cindy B says
July 5, 2017 at 8:37 pmMy top tips are to remember the sunscreen and spend the money on a locker. With 2 active children we afe constantly running from water feature to water feature and it is such a relief to know that my valuables are safe in a locker. I also really love the water parks that let me load my credit card onto a wristband- so much easier!
Jeni says
July 5, 2017 at 8:54 pmWater parks are so much fun! My favorite water park tips are: reapply sunscreen constantly throughout the day and always rent a locker to stash all of your stuff in during the day.
Adaleta says
July 5, 2017 at 10:40 pmThis is super smart and very helpful to plan the day!!
Marysa says
July 5, 2017 at 10:43 pmI always bring lots of sun protection, whether it is sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, rash guards.
Those containers look great – what an easy way to pack drinks and snacks!
OurFamilyWorld says
July 6, 2017 at 4:25 amSounds like you all had a blast. We love going to water parks. These containers look light and compact. I will check them out.
KENNETH OHL says
July 6, 2017 at 6:24 amI must say you need your beach towels ,sunscreen plenty of water and pack a few bandages in my wives purse which we always seem to need
mycraftingworld says
July 6, 2017 at 7:15 amOh plenty of sunscreen, water, towels and snacks. Add fun, water and you have a great day.
monique s says
July 6, 2017 at 7:53 ammy tips are to make sure you have plenty of sunblock and a hat. It is also important to have water to stay hydrated and snacks too.
Jill Rivera says
July 6, 2017 at 8:13 amMy tip is rent a locker and pack a lunch.
Kim Avery says
July 6, 2017 at 9:56 amWe always take the Little Tykes wagon with us! So much easier than pushing a stroller and always room to hold extra towels and other neccessities!
Lana simanovicki says
July 6, 2017 at 3:45 pmWe always bring our own snacks and drinks
Shannon Gurnee says
July 6, 2017 at 4:41 pmI’ve never heard of Drink in a Box or Snack in a Box, but it sounds like a great idea! Looks like your family had a blast at the water park!
wicklessusa says
July 6, 2017 at 6:05 pmI applaud you because you’re so organized and this makes your day at the water park awesome. You’re right about buying food and drinks from the waterpark it cost too much money. I love the containers that hold the drinks and snacks they are pretty nice.
Teresa Organ says
July 6, 2017 at 10:06 pmWe make sure to take sunscreen, drinks and snacks. Some cash for the extras, just in case it’s needed. This would be awesome to win.
rika says
July 7, 2017 at 2:27 amI love those boxes, never seen them before. I always make sure to bring extra sunscreen, cold water and a lot of snacks to water park.
sara says
July 7, 2017 at 7:36 amI plan a day at the waterpark by packing a big beach bag with all our essentials. I bring a first aid kit, extra water bottles, and changes of clothes for each of my kids.
Terri Beavers says
July 7, 2017 at 8:06 amI really love those snack boxes and need to purchase some for our outings. We don’t have Water Parks around here but we do go on a lot of outdoor outings where they’d come in handy.
Carol Cassara says
July 7, 2017 at 12:22 pmI could not agree more. It’s so much better to bring your own food than to buy them and I just love how you packed your snacks and drinks! These containers are a must have!
danell palmer says
July 7, 2017 at 1:51 pmI love these snack boxes!!! Found this very helpful.
Oyinkan Ogunleye says
July 7, 2017 at 5:52 pmDrinking water is essential for when you spend a whole day outdoors doing festivities!
Kelly D says
July 8, 2017 at 8:49 amMy tip is to bring your own snacks and drinks if they are allowed. Also I like to bring a backpack for extra items we might need and for souvenir purchases.
Cindy Merrill says
July 8, 2017 at 9:33 amGot elderly parents at home? Bring them! Just be sure they have everything required to keep them comfortable and safe, find a shaded picnic area/Gazebo where they can sit and relax.
Linda K. says
July 8, 2017 at 9:52 amI agree that a bit of preparation at the beginning can save a lot of money and frustration at the park. Planning healthier foods and snacks, bringing water, etc., can make for a healthier experience.
Michelle Donovan says
July 8, 2017 at 11:15 amI grab my big beach bag and pack snack, drinks, and plenty of sunscreen. Usually like to get everything in there and prepped day before so I don’t have any stress of forgetting an item.
heather kaufman says
July 8, 2017 at 12:30 pmI make sure to pack plenty of snacks & water. We also always slither on the sunscreen.
Angela says
July 8, 2017 at 4:53 pmMy tips are to bring a cooler bag with ice water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized! Sunblock and sunglasses are a must as well!
Cathleen King says
July 8, 2017 at 8:43 pmI make sure all of us have sunblock. We also make sure we wear proper footwear.
Chao Yeh says
July 9, 2017 at 1:22 amWe bring sunblock, sunglasses, and plenty of food and drinks.
Sue V says
July 9, 2017 at 12:30 pmbring plenty of sunblock, snacks, keep hydrated. and spend lots of time on the lazy river
Wendy Wallach says
July 10, 2017 at 3:44 amI like to bring powdered flavors to add to water to make it more exciting and fun to drink. I also pack plastic bags to put wet clothes in
Francine Anchondo says
July 10, 2017 at 12:32 pmMake sure to bring sunscreen . I also like to bring my own snacks to save money.
Rhonda Fuller says
July 10, 2017 at 8:18 pmMy tip is to stay hydrated and use lots of sunscreen
Tara Darity says
July 10, 2017 at 8:18 pmMake sure to bring sunscreen, towels and lots of snacks!!
Nancy says
July 11, 2017 at 7:48 pmIn summer at the park or water park, go as early as possible when the heat is less. Use sunscreen and re-apply it often. Stay in the shade as much as possible and drink as much water as you can. Drink before you feel thirsty.
Edward Reinholtz says
July 12, 2017 at 4:38 amI would say bring some waterproof sunscreen . Wear a hat when not in the water …..
Abigail says
July 12, 2017 at 10:48 amSunscreen and snacks are key! We cant seem to make it through an hour without needing a snack on any outing!
Adele says
July 13, 2017 at 6:39 pmI package snacks and fruits to put in little containers for everyone. I also bring a little cooler to store all the water bottles and the food in to keep the food cool and fresh.
Billie Rowell says
July 13, 2017 at 8:28 pmHave a meet up time and place. Lots of sunblock. Always stay hydrated, fruit infused waters are a great suggestion. Thanks for the chance to win.
natalie z says
July 14, 2017 at 9:41 amVenturing to a water park can be quite an ordeal at times. I think being prepared can help greatly! Rule #1 for us is to be prepared the night before since we are gluten free and #2 is arrive as soon as the waterpark opens. We are pale so I try to limit noon sun exposure time. Thanks for some tips to add to my usuals!
Byron C says
July 14, 2017 at 5:41 pmGoing into any park with a couple of kids can be a trip that requires planning. Always make sure to bring at least food and water, so your trip doesn’t get cut short!
Linda Walker says
July 14, 2017 at 6:57 pmWe always try to go when the park opens and hit the busiest rides for before too many people get there. I usually bring my backpack with snacks and drinks to hold us over until we leave and can eat at home.
Wendy R. says
July 15, 2017 at 3:14 amSo, the water park isn’t my favorite place to go, but I do like the pool if it’s big enough that I can swim! Those snack in a box things are awesome! Gonna have to look into those. As for tips, I like to take extra towels to use as pillows/blankets for anyone who gets tired and wants a little nap in the shade.
Cynthia Schmied says
July 15, 2017 at 3:06 pmI always have extra towels in the trunk because a couple of times we have left the water park in pouring rain. I also make sure that there is an extra pair of shoes for everyone.
Leela says
July 16, 2017 at 11:53 amBring snacks and drinks. Don’t forget your towels!
Anne Marie Carter says
July 18, 2017 at 5:39 pmMy tips for a perfect day in the sun is to bring plenty of fluids to drink, wear sunscreen and apply it often, and also wear a hat and sunglasses.
Angela Saver says
July 18, 2017 at 10:23 pmWe alaways apply sunscreen and reapply regularly, pack lots of water, sunglasses and Evian Facial Spray to keep cool when you’re not in the water!!
vickie says
July 19, 2017 at 11:53 amSunscreen, bug spray..towels, cooler of drinks and picnic basket of food..lawn games and a frisbee.
Keeps us comfortable, satiated and entertained.
Camera to capture the expience.
Linda Bradshaw says
July 21, 2017 at 3:23 amWe make sure we have our sunscreen, some towels, plenty of water and something for the smaller ones to relax in.
Linda Bradshaw says
July 21, 2017 at 3:24 amAnd we also have our snacks.
Soha Molina says
July 23, 2017 at 12:10 amBring your own water.
Crissie Woolard says
July 23, 2017 at 10:29 pmAlways make sure to wear sunscreen and reapply a lot. Also always stay hydrated. So easy to get burnt and dehydrated!! not a good combo
Allyson Tice says
July 26, 2017 at 8:16 pmperfect day is a bag packed with sunscreen, towels, extra clothing and flip flops! also we always have change for the lockers! they hel a lot!
latoya says
July 28, 2017 at 3:46 amMy main tip is to always have antibacterial wipes or gel. You never know when you might not be able to wash your hands.
Jeffrey says
July 28, 2017 at 2:57 pmWe love hanging out by the water and watching the kids play. We always make sure we have plenty of snacks and sunscreen!
Jennifer H. says
July 28, 2017 at 3:29 pmWe make sure that we pack a cooler with lots of drinks and food. We also make sure we have our sunscreen and sunglasses.
Teresa A Thompson says
July 28, 2017 at 5:38 pmI always pack up sunscreen, snacks and water.
elicia p says
July 29, 2017 at 11:27 pmWe always pack water bottles but I freeze it a bit the night before this way it last throughout the day. I also pack a lot of fruit mainly because the fruit holds water and can keep us hydrated.
jeremy mclaughlin says
July 31, 2017 at 1:54 pmMake sure you get to the water park as soon as it opens and bring lots of sunscreen.
Julie Waldron says
July 31, 2017 at 3:44 pmMy tips are to wear sunscreen and reapply it often. Also stay hydrated.
Sandra Preti says
July 31, 2017 at 10:55 pmBring plenty of snacks, drinks and a first aid kit! Also sunscreen and a surprise for the kids.
Carissa joslyn says
July 31, 2017 at 11:08 pmI always pack a cooler full of snacks, sandwiches, drinks. I have 3 boys and this saves money and time. and i pack healthy stuff so they aren’t eating last minute crap all day. lol