Enjoying Your Theme Park Experience

A day with the family at a theme park can be a wonderful fun time or the most frazzled irritating event of the summer. The single most important thing that you can do to ensure that your family will have a good experience is to prepare. Here are some tips to help you and your family enjoy the day: Start with prayer. Take God with you to the theme park! (Jesus knows how to have a good time). Here are some of the things you can pray for: Request that God would help every one in the family to have good attitudes.

Pray that no one will get lost. This ruins everybody's day. Pray that your family will be a great witness for Christ to everyone that you meet! Ask for God's protection -- Theme parks are not particularly dangerous places, but there have been ride accidents and stabbings at the parks in our area. Contact the park's guest relations office to get a map in advance of your visit or check out the park's web site for a map. Because entrance to rides is restricted based on height, parents can focus on attractions where everyone will be admitted.

Pack wisely: comfortable shoes, a change of clothes, money, snacks, sun block and a hat. If you live nearby, get a season pass. The big mistake that many parents make is feeling they have to see everything in one day. A pass lets you take your time without feeling rushed. Determine meeting times and places in advance.

Unless you have a clear meeting place, you can spend half the day looking for or waiting for each other. This can create some BIG family fights. Before you go to the park, talk to your kids about what to do in case they get lost. Most parks DO NOT page for missing children. Know where the "Lost Parent" area is.

Long lines are the most common frustration at large parks. As you enter the park go to the left. A study has shown that most people unthinkingly go to the right. Also go to the back of the park and work your way forward. Most people stop in the front of the park at the first major attraction that they see.

Plan "down time" during the afternoon to prevent late-day meltdown when children (and adults) become tired and cranky. Many shows and entertainments are held in air-conditioned theatres. Use these during the afternoon. Plan a budget ahead of time and think of ways to cut costs. Many families don't realize that a family of four can easily drop another $100 during the day as it pays for parking; stroller, locker and inner tube rental; food; drinks; games; and souvenirs.

Many parks have a hefty markup on these items -- sometimes as much as 100 percent. Some parks allow visitors to bring their own food and drinks -- a major cost savings. Other parks provide small picnic areas just outside the front gate. Think about how you can save money and stick to a budget limit.