As I sit here nursing my third baby, freshly postpartum and freshly home from Dollywood, I’m thinking about how taking on theme parks changes so much when you have children. Specifically, when you have young children. There are millions of viral reels and posts that will tell you to bring snacks (and you should), but no one prepares you for adjusting your hobby to include diapers, nursing, snacks, teething, bathroom breaks, peed-in pants (from my kids), and telling your kids not to build towers with mulch and discarded cigarette butts in decorative planters.
I’m someone who likes to go on roller coasters as much and as often as possible. With young kids, that becomes a bit more difficult. Young kids force you to take on all of life’s adventures at a bit of a slower pace. And while taking snacks may help curtail the chaos temporarily, someone will always have a meltdown. There is the sunscreen to reapply, nursing cover to dust off, Dippin’ Dots to buy, and boo-boos to bandage. Which leads me to my first tip for the mom who likes to hang upside down on the reg:
1.) Go at their pace.
When you try to jam in everything you’d do when you were 18, you’re going to exhaust yourself and your kids. Take things slow. Do things you enjoy but also make time for detours: check out the spider spinning its web outside the gift shop, splash in a puddle with your kids, blow bubbles in the overpriced fountain soda. Figure out what your kids are into and what shows or rides they’d enjoy and do it with them! Go full out dancing with Snoopy or Mickey – they’ll remember that.
2.) List 3 non-negotiable things YOU want to do ahead of heading to the park.
Write down the 3 things you’re excited to do most. Whether that includes a restaurant, snack, ride, or show – that’s up to you! When you accomplish those 3 things, doing anything else will feel like a bonus and will help you feel less stressed.
3.) Wear comfy clothes and sneakers. Bonus points if you pack extra socks.
I always bring extra socks when I take on a park with my kids. Changing out socks is an easy way to refresh on a hot or rainy day and can be a little mood changer instantly. Wearing a broken-in pair of sneakers, comfy shorts, and a comfy t-shirt is my go-to theme park uniform.
4.) Bring the snacks (but not just for the kids).
Many parks restrict bringing in outside food but make exceptions for kids. Take advantage! Bring snacks your kids love and snacks you enjoy to save money and save your energy in the park.
5.) Pregame your day with electrolytes, anti-inflammatories, and compression socks (if you couldn’t tell, I’m in my 30s).
Wearing compression socks (they make awesome quarter sock ones) was a game changer for my theme park adventures! My feet don’t hurt as much after a 10,000+ step day. Loading up on electrolytes and supplements to counter inflammation will also help you to have a more pleasant day with your kids (or just by yourself honestly).
6.) Ride. The. Kiddie. Rides.
My kids LOVE when mom or dad get on a ride that’s more their speed. They have fun, you have fun – it’s a win-win. Kiddie rides also have the distinct advantage of being longer-duration rides so it’s a great opportunity to take a sitting break or even nurse your baby depending on how the ride operates.
7.) Don’t be afraid to take the trip just because you have kids.
It’s more complex to take kids anywhere…but the more you make a habit of going out and doing things with your kids, the more your comfort level rises – it’s hard but fun. Creating memories takes work but it’s worth it.
-TPM
