Essentials for a Fun Day at the Amusement Park

Who doesn't enjoy going to an amusement park, and acting like a kid again? With so many activities, everyone in your party will find something they enjoy.

With some advance planning, you can have an enjoyable day, and not break the bank.

Lunch/Snacks

Part of the fun of going to the amusement park is getting to eat all the goodies that you can't buy anywhere else. Fresh, hot caramel corn, foot long hot dogs, churros, and cotton candy are all favorites on my list.

Unfortunately, those yummy foods are very expensive, and after paying that steep admission price, you may need to pack some snack or lunch items to save money. At the top of the list, should be water bottles packed in an insulated lunch box. You're going to get thirsty walking all over the park, and if you have to keep buying water bottles, you can spend more than a chunk of change.

If you have your kids with you, pack peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, but go light on the jelly so it's not dripping off the sandwiches. Chips, nuts, pretzels, or fruit are good finger foods that won't make a mess. Cookies are good for dessert, but may crumble in your lunch box, so put them on top of your other foods. Don't forget napkins, and wipes to clean sticky fingers.

Hat/Sunscreen

Wear a hat and use sunscreen to avoid sunburn. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher before you go outside, to block UV rays. Use a liberal amount on any areas of skin that will be exposed. For areas that are hard to reach, such as your back, have someone else help you. Don't forget to protect your lips. You can buy lip balm with an SPF of 15 or higher. If you're outside for over 2 hours, or after getting wet on the water rides, reapply sunscreen.

Hats should have a wide brim all the way around, so your face, ears, and the back of your neck is shaded. A canvas hat with tightly woven fabric will protect your skin better than a straw hat, that has holes where sunlight can come through.

If you prefer a baseball cap, make sure your ears and the back of your neck are covered by clothing, or stay in the shade as much as possible.

Change of Clothes

You don't want to wear your better clothes on the water rides, and have to walk around the park in wet clothes. If the weather is warm enough, change into shorts or t-shirts, and don't forget to reapply sunscreen after the rides are over.

If you have flip flops, you might want to wear them on the water rides, and change back into regular shoes later.

Camera/Cell Phone

You'll want to take plenty of pictures to remember your day, so bring your camera, and film if you need it. You don' want to have to pay those steep prices at the park gift shop.

A cell phone will come in handy in case you get separated from your party. Carry a tote bag that you can store your phone and camera in, so that they'll be protected on the water rides.