My kids and I are going to be heading to Wildwater Kingdom in Aurora, OH on Saturday. Though I am totally excited because I haven’t been there in years, I am a bit apprehensive about it since I am a worrier! I worry about not having everything I’m going to need, and I worry about where to put stuff when we are there and in the water. So this post is to prepare me and to inform you! I know if I’ve got everything planned out, I won’t be as stressed.
Let’s all take a deep breath and start planning…
Okay, I checked the FAQ’s. This is the first thing you should do when you are planning a trip to a water park, and you have questions. If you have questions, it follows that others will have the same questions.
The park has lockers for rent!
Prices:
$10 Small (aprox12x12)
$12 Large (aprox15x16)
$15 Jumbo (aprox17x22)
They are all-day rentals. Kiosks accept credit cards & exact cash only (no change given).
While this makes me a little less stressed, now I am wondering about stuff like my shoes…I guess I will just trust that no one is going to want my flip-flops when I leave them by my towel…hopefully no one will want that either!
So even though there are lockers to rent, there are still things you will have with you…like your flip flops. Take another deep breath. I know I wouldn’t want anyone else’s gross shoes, so they won’t want mine.
So here, we’ve already got some stuff planned for what we are taking. We’re taking towels and flip flops. That isn’t going to be enough! I usually wear my suit under my clothes, but if you don’t you’re not going to want to forget your bathing suit! Tip: check those FAQs again! Those suits have to be a certain style, and you can’t wear denim or thongs or anything inappropriate.
You are going to want sunscreen! Even if it is a cloudy day, you can get a bad sunburn! You don’t want your day ruined by sunburn, blisters or sun poisoning! This is an item you can leave in your locker since you can get into your locker all day long. Just be sure you are reapplying it frequently! Oh, and take sunglasses! You don’t want to be squinting all day! I’m taking this After Sun stuff too because no matter how much we reapply, there are always little spots that get burned! I don’t know how…it just happens!
I know there are those who can’t handle being away from their phones for long. Well, I would recommend leaving that in your locker too! If you want some pictures, keep it with you long enough to get some special pictures then put it back in the locker. That is definitely something someone might want to walk off with! If you’re not going to be sitting with your phone, put it in your locker.
That goes for your money/credit cards/purses too! Use common sense and don’t leave them unattended. Put them in your locker anytime you go in the water unless someone who is with you is not in the water at the time, and you trust them to keep an eye on your things. You should pack tissues, pain relievers (for unexpected headaches!), and a few first aid items too. Just stick them in your purse or bag.
Yes, you’ll need money at the park even if you print your tickets out ahead of time. Parking costs $10 where we are going. You can find out if parking is free or what the cost is by again checking those FAQs. And you know you’re going to want food and drinks throughout the day! Many parks are now offering all day dining deals. You can find that out on the websites as well. Wildwater Kingdom doesn’t allow outside food or beverages although you’re allowed one unopened water bottle per person.
All of this planning has actually calmed me down!
To sum up, here is what I’m taking to the water park:
- My suit, which I’ll wear under my clothes, and flip flops
- A towel for each of us
- Sunscreen, aloe lotion and sunglasses
- A small purse with my credit card and ID, ibuprofen, band-aids, tissues
- An unopened bottle of water for each of us
- My camera and phone which will stay in the locker most of the day
Can you think of anything I have forgotten? If you are traveling with little ones, your list will probably be totally different from mine! I’ve got it easy! If they forget their stuff, it’s on them 🙂
I had the exact same lost last month when I went, I just forgot the sunglasses in the car :/ it’s a good idea to.have them 🙂
Yes, sunglasses are a must! Take a couple of pairs next time 🙂
This is such a great list of what to bring and where to stash it when your traveling with teens to a waterpark. I love that they have lockers to rent. I completely agree, if things get lost or forgotten, it’s kinda on them (at that age). lol
Yes, exactly lol. It’s great having teens lol.
We always have lots of snacks with us. I swear my boys would eat non stop if I would let them! No joke.
I wish we could bring food in with us! It’s how they make money I guess.
It is so important to pack the appropriate things for a water park. Especially sunscreen. We love visiting a water park a few times in the summer.
I would love to go more often!
The locker rental is always worth it! Snacks and bandages a must! You never know!
I know it is definitely worth it!
This is a great list and bandaids are such a good idea! My son is entering his teen years and he’s been begging to go to the waterpark so I’ll have to make sure I have everything you mentioned packed when we go!
Thanks! I hope we and you don’t have to use them though lol.
We are going soon so awesome advice! I will get a locker next time for sure!
Have fun!!
Sounds like you are to go. Better to be prepared and know what you can bring. I always check-out web-site before I visit somewhere. Now just have fun!! and be sure to share those photos.
I sure will! I feel a little better since I’ve got my stuff ready lol.
This is a great list. We have a water park nearby, and it can be difficult to remember everything we need to bring.
Thanks! This is why I have it all here for me to look at lol.
This is a great list of stuff to bring. I have younger kids so I tend to pack a little on the heavier side with extra swim suits and towels but this list is great for teens.
Oh my, I know little ones require so much more stuff lol!
What a great list!
I need to print off a copy for when we go to the water park.
Without fail I always forget change for a locker or extra money for snacks.
I know it is easy to forget things like that if you don’t check the FAQs ahead of time!
This is a great list, even for those of us who have kiddos younger than teenagers.
Thanks!
Great to know! My kiddos aren’t quite teens yet but it’s approaching. My oldest is turning 12 and acts like a teen, so these could apply to him too!
For sure! Let him have more responsibility for getting his stuff to the park!
Your lists is on point sunscreen and fun will remind my teen next time we go for long walks or trips to a water park .
Thanks! You don’t want to ruin the fun with a sunburn!
Great list. Making sure that your swimwear/clothes are appropriate and fall within the guidelines of the water park is important. As my kids get older, my list gets smaller, but it is still longer than yours!
Definitely! Your list will shrink even more and then it will be like…grab what you want to take lol.
I would add water for drinking and snacks! Maybe even a sunhat and sunglasses too!
Those are great to add!
These are great tips. We haven’t been to a water park since my kids were little!
I haven’t been in so long, I’m looking forward to seeing how the kids like it now that they are older!
These are must haves for a day at the water park! I always make sure to pack good sunscreen!
I just wish I would never miss a spot lol.
They make waterproof pouches for your phone now.
If you have younger ones, see if the park has life jackets to use for free or determine if you can rent one.
Check height requirements so that you can plan your day. My husband and I has to spilt up during our recent water park outing because my little one wasn’t tall enough for some slides or lazy river.
I totally need one of those waterproof pouches!! Those are great tips for checking height requirements! They really need ones to see if you are TOO tall for roller coasters. My son refuses to go on ones with a harness because he is 6’6″ and feels like they are crushing him. I don’t blame him!
Nice tips! Not fan of water parks yet I guess is one of those you have to do once.
Even if you just go in the lazy river, it is fun!
Such a great list of items to bring to a water park, especially the sunscreen!
Yes, I’d be burnt to a crisp!
Very functional list! I’m usually great at packing for trips and whatnot but I always forget a first aid kit or even just band-aids!
I usually don’t need them, but they are good to have just in case!
What a great list and thanks for sharing today! I always think there is something I forget to bring dispute the best efforts! Sunscreen and water are a must! let’s not forget money!
I know! Lists save me lol.
I prefer rash guards over swimsuits. Even my six-year-old wears rash guards whenever we hit the beach or swim in the pool. 🙂
That is a good idea!
This is a great list. We love going to water parks and every time, we tend to forget something.
It never fails, does it!
We are going to Hershey PA next week and I have to pack our stuff as well. It looks like y’all ready!
Have fun! I’d love to go back there. I’ve not been in years!
This is a great list. Sunscreen is a must as my kids love to stay in the water all day.
I do too!
I don’t think you missed anything on your list, maybe some goggles? LOL not sure what to bring when you have teens since I have 4 kids under the age of 9.
It becomes much easier lol.
Looks like a great list. All I really need is sunglasses, sunscreen, and a book. I am not a big fun of most water parks, but the kids keep asking and so I know eventually this will be my fate – for at least one day.
Oh, yeah, you’ll have to take them one of these days 🙂
I haven’t been to a water park in SO long! I would love to bring my kids, but I feel like it is a lot of work!
It is! Wait until they can all enjoy it!
Just a question, if you wear a long-sleeve rashguard, would you still have to put on sunscreen on your arms? I’m not sure if the harmful UV rays can go through even when that part of the body would be clothed/covered.
I’m not sure. I’ve seen a lot of good things about the rashguards. They probably have it built in.
It seems like the kids always forget something when you head out to the pool. It is best that you pack it for them and use this list as a guideline, right? That way you don’t forget something yourself.
Exactly! Thankfully we had everything we needed.
I always used to love visiting water parks when I was a teenager. Lots of fun!
I did too! It is a fun time.
Aloe is always nice to take. It feels great on a burn!
It sure does!
Great list of must haves for a fun time at the water park. We are going to a water park next weekend! Cannot wait!
Have fun!!
I bet you’re going to have a wonderful time! I got a locker the last time we went to a water park, but I kept the towels, shoes, and sunscreen with me. I came back from the water and two moms were next to me. One had my sunscreen. I asked her if it was mine, she said no, her friend said yes. I got my sunscreen and moved. -_-
People are very rude! We kept reapplying but Molly and I got a little burned anyway. Kyle never wears it and never burns. He’s just got that type of skin that doesn’t burn.
I definitely think getting a locker is such a must at the water park. I don’t want to leave our stuff around for someone to find. It definitely is much easier to bring teens then little ones. But, they still forget their sunscreen, lol.
LOL yep that is true!
Thank you for sharing your list. Unfortunately, we don’t have a water park nearby. I think the closest is about a two hour drive. I will remember your list though.
Maybe one of these days you can make a weekend of it!
This is a great list, we are headed to a water park soon. I will use this list to make sure I’ve got everything covered.
Great, thanks 🙂
I am ALL about the appropriate swimming suit. I could pull off a two piece, but who wants that when they are just chasing kiddos around!?
LOL seriously!
Lockers are important to have available. Gotta have enough sunscreen too for a fun water park!
I know that I couldn’t ever just leave my stuff lying around! We saw so many people who did!
I have been using Banana Boat sunscreen for years. These are great tips for packing . I always make them bring a spare set of clothes.
We did get a little sunburned but it seems like it is inevitable with fair skin.
Thanks for all the tips! I don’t have teen just yet, but this is just good info in general!
Thanks!!
I don’t know if I could just leave my phone behind. I remember those times we had to wait until we got home before we found out if anyone even called! And as far as camera phones? We used to have disposable ones!
That is a great idea!
Your list looks complete! Looks like you are prepped for a wonderful time
We had fun, thanks!
IUt can be so difficult to get them to layer and use sunscreen! I always have the habit of lathering up at home before leaving
That’s a good idea. Once you get there, they just want to go!
Great list for all must have items. I always get headaches and forget to carry pain reliever now I will add it to my list of items to carry along.
I get them a lot too!
Hahaha love that you said appropriate suit! I actually have a blog post planned in the near future about such things as what to wear to such places lol.
LOL seriously! Some people just don’t quite know what appropriate for public means anymore!
Pretty good list even for taking younger kids too. We want to do a surprise visit to a water park with our 9 year old when we drop his sister off to camp. It will be a blast.
That will be so much fun!
I seem to always forget my flip flops in the winter! Appropriate suits are a MUST!
Yes! We didn’t see too many bad ones though one teen girl had a suit that had a lot of nude coloring and looked pretty risque.
This is a great list because it seems teens forget more than the little kids do. I will be passing this along to my sister in law, who has 3 teens in the house. This will come in handy for them.
Great! Yes, they do tend to forget things a lot!
should be easier planning for a water park visit with older kids, but yes nothing beats thoroughly planning stuff to keep your mind at ease. water + sunscreen are absolute must, + i always pack along my son’s favorite kick board. it is good we no longer need to pack floaters since he now swims very well.
I noticed that they do have life jackets there for the little ones, so that is a perk!