16 Top Safety Items You Actually Need On A Theme Park Packing List

Theme parks are the epitome of fun. Roller coasters, spinning rides, slingshots into the sky, lazy rivers, wave pools, water rides, and more. There’s so much to enjoy at a theme park! But there are things you need to take into account to remain safe.

If you’re planning on visiting all of the best theme parks in the U.S., you need to have a safety plan set in stone. Just a few ways to stay safe include wearing a medical alert bracelet and bringing along some sunscreen. But what’s everything you need?

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What Should Be On My Theme Park Packing List?

Here is our list of 16 amusement park essentials you should pack and bring into the park every time.

Packable rain jacket or poncho

Poor weather happens, especially when you least expect it. A packable rain jacket and poncho will do you a world of good. If a sudden rain comes through, your poncho or rain jacket will protect you against getting wet.

Whether you opt for a sturdy raincoat or a disposable single-use version, these are a must for any park-goer. Best of all, it’s not something you have to necessarily worry about. Most of these can be either tied around the waist or placed inside a storage locker – where they won’t take up any space, leaving more than enough room for all of your other goods.

Medical alert bracelet

A simple way to stay safe while at the theme park is to wear a medical alert bracelet. This is a great way to stay prepared, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition. From diabetes to heart disease, you can carry your personal information with you wherever you go. In the event of a medical emergency, strangers can see your relevant medical information and provide assistance with that in mind.

Kids’ medical alert bracelets are equally great for your family, as they can also be used to identify your children and let them carry your personal contact phone number wherever they go. In the event you get separated at the theme park, park attendants can contact you by phone to help your child get back to you safely.

Portable phone charger

It’s a good idea to bring a portable phone charger with you, too. In the event that anything happens, you want to make sure your phone is ready for use, as it tends to be used for communication, photo-taking, and in parks like Disney World, serves as a mobile reservation system. If you’re ever running low on a charge, your portable charger can give it the boost it needs. Currently, I am using this super slim chargecard from Aquavault with integrated charging cords for both android and Apple.

Camera or Cell Phone Camera

In this day and age, there’s no reason to go without a camera of some sort. Using your cell phone as a camera is the best way to capture memories from the park – especially since you can upload them straight to social media instantly.

Family Travel Tip: Take a photo each morning of every member in your travel party in what they are wearing. In the event they are lost or separated from the group you can alert park staff or authorities to what they look like and what they were wearing.

Safety phone case

Lastly, chances are you may drop your phone somewhere along the way. Don’t let your phone be put in harm’s way. It’s a simple last line of defense to ensure that your phone remains safe – no matter the ride, no matter where you are in the park.

Sunglasses

When you’re at Disney World, Universal Studios, or any other amusement park, you need to protect your eyes. There are lots of rides that boast high speeds and low visibility. Plus, all the rides are made of metal and they can make for some glare. Add the openness of the park and you’ve got a day full of sunshine ahead. Sunglasses are a must!

Keep your vision clear with a reliable pair of active-life sunglasses. Why active shades? They tend to deal better with sweat and moisture. Best of all, they’re designed to stay on your head even while you’re bobbing around, so don’t have to worry about the roller coaster ripping them clean off your head.

Comfortable shoes

You might expect to spend the better part of the day on rides, but the truth is that the majority of your day at the theme park will be spent on your feet. Walking from ride to ride, standing in line waiting to get on the ride, walking to go and get food, and more.

You’re going to want a pair of shoes that supports your feet. They should have the support you need while also being comfortable. Wear a pair of shoes that is breathable, especially if you’re going to be out in the summer heat. We usually opt for athletic shoes and lightweight hikers in the parks. Currently, I love these Uneeks from Keen.

Travel Tip: For safety purposes, you should consider wearing closed-toe shoes. If you’re going to a water park, you may want to wear a pair of waterproof shoes or you’ll want to bring a pair of flip-flops or sandals along with you. Store them in a storage locker for safe keeping whenever you’re not using them – and be sure to bring along a towel, too!

Blister Relief

Even with the best pair of shoes, blisters can happen. When you start to feel a blister coming on, cover the area with a bandaid, blister relief strip, or moleskin to protect it from further friction. I pre-cut moleskin strips and store them in a mini first aid kit or pack 2-3 bandaids just for blister relief.

Want to ensure you first-aid kit pack has what you need? Get our DIY Outdoor First Aid Kit & Checklist here

Mineral Sunscreen

Along with all that sunshine, you’re going to want to protect more than your eyes. The sun is incredibly strong at theme parks! Be sure to lather up with sunscreen every morning before you leave your hotel room so that you can prevent sunburns and other painful reactions to the temperature. Then along enough to cover yourself and any family members throughout the day and make sure you have enough to apply a few times throughout the day. The brand I use most often is Sun Bum.

Remember that sunscreen needs to be reapplied every few hours, especially if you’re sweating throughout the day.

Moisture-wicking clothing

Do you want more protection? Protect your skin in another way. Moisture-wicking clothing is the way to go, as it’s porous enough to provide you with essential ventilation while using materials that are perfect for transporting moisture away from your skin. Not only can you stay cool, but you’ll avoid overheating, too. That’s the comfort you want during a full day of adventuring at the theme park.

Want to know what our favorite clothing pieces for hot summer weather are? Read this article on what to wear hiking in summer.

Secure wallet

You also need to guarantee that your money and cards are protected all throughout the day. Leave the fat, worn-out wallet at home. Instead, go for something that’s sleek and secure. It will make it easier to store the wallet in your pants or pocketbook, without worrying about it either being noticeable to pickpockets or being large enough to cause discomfort.

Extra food and drinks

You’re going to want some food to keep you going, too. If you’re bringing a bag in to leave in a storage locker, you’ll want to store some snacks and water for later – that is, if it’s allowed. If it’s not allowed, you’ll need to make sure you bring some cash along. However, most amusement parks do allow you to bring water bottles and small amounts of food in. To be kind to the park staff and vendors, you shouldn’t bring in a full meal, sodas and the works. Instead, bring some granola bars and water. Take enough to keep you satiated and allow you to continue having fun along the way.

Refillable Water Bottle

Staying hydrated is really important at theme parks, especially during hot summer days. Unfortunately, it can be really expensive to buy water bottles. But you can help the park staff by buying reusable water bottles that you can use throughout the day and then refill at a nearby drinking fountain or concession stand. Plus, it means one less plastic bottle to throw away, which is good for the environment.

Travel Tip: If you dislike how filtered water tastes in a park, bring drink flavor pouches to add to your water bottle.

Boredom Busters

If you are traveling with young children, bring small items for them to play with while waiting in line. Small bottles of bubbles, stickers, glow in the dark sticks, etc. can be a lifesaver when a small child is beyond patience and is ready to get moving instead of waiting in line.

Family Travel Tip: Buy some small trinkets at a dollar store and throw them in your diaper bag or backpack. Pull them out while waiting in line to keep the kids entertained.

Hand Sanitizer

After everything you’ll be experiencing during the day, your hands are bound to get dirty. After many hours of sweating and grabbing onto sticky surfaces, it’s nice to clean your hands after all that fun! Bring some hand sanitizer along to keep your hands’ germ-free throughout the day.

Waterproof Bag

If you’re going to be riding any water rides, it might be a good idea to bring a waterproof bag. This can be a small fanny pack to a larger backpack. Size is up to you and what you want to carry, but at a minimum, it will help ensure that your phone and other items remain dry as you splash around through the ride – not just for safety reasons but also so that they can still take pictures of you! Check out this selection of travel daypacks at REI including Patagonia, Osprey, and more.

To wrap up, you should never go to an amusement park without considering the safety and security of your personal items. One way to do this is by investing in a safe wallet or phone case that offers some protection from theft. You can also protect yourself with these tips for staying hydrated at theme parks during hot summer days, as well as how to keep children entertained while waiting in line. Set aside some time to prepare and make sure you can make the most of your day.

Want more help with packing for a family vacation? Look here:

Quick Facts about Visiting A Theme Park

What Should I Pack if I Tend to Be Motion Sick?

There are many things you can do to combat motion sickness. Here are three things you can bring to help prevent motion sickness. Pack strong mints and try chomping on a few before your ride. Acupressure bands can also be helpful. You can also purchase motion sickness wristbands like a Reliefband that help subdue nausea and anxiety quickly. I have used them and can attest that they work great.

How To Carry Your Stuff at an Amusement Park?

What are Recommended Food to Bring to an Amusement Park?

If you’re on the hunt for a quick snack without spending too much money, bring beef jerky, dried fruits, trail mix, or granola bars with you into the park. Alternatively, if it’s not too hot outside and you could use a bigger meal to keep you going, bring sandwiches! If heat is an issue however, avoid bringing foods that could spoil.

If I Am Going to an Amusement Park, Should I Bring an Umbrella?

If you don’t want to pack rain ponchos, bringing an umbrella is a good idea. While most theme parks are indoors, some attractions can take you outside. If it’s raining on the day of your visit, make sure you have something to shield yourself from the weather. You don’t want to get caught in a storm without protection. If you are training with a stroller, you can also get a rain cover for the stroller to keep not only your children, but also your belongings dry.

Where Is The Best Place to Store My Belongings While I Am at the Theme Park?

There are lockers located around every theme park, but these can be pricey depending on your time frame. It’s recommended that you bring a small backpack or fanny pack to store any belongings along with you during the day. If you tend to get thirsty or hungry, pack your bag with small bottles of water and snacks you can eat right away. The backpack will also come in handy when it comes time to go on rides! If you are traveling with a stroller, it also makes a great place to store your belongings. For added security, you can also store valuables, cell phones, etc inside a travel safe attached to the stroller frame.

16 Top Safety Items You Actually Need On A Theme Park Packing List