Any Family outing to an Amusement Park is a
challenge for Parents. Here are some tips to help make it
more enjoyable and safe for all.
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Down or click on Specific Tips
Safety Tips
Money Saving Tips
Sanity Savers
Season Passes Tips
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Supervise young
children vigilantly, especially children under 5 -
accompany children under 5 on the carousel.
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See Safety tips for Using Public Washrooms
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See Safety
Tips for visiting Petting Zoos and Farms.
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Make Sure all family
members practice sun safety - click Sun
Safety for more information
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Make sure Children know
what to do if they get lost - stay where they are or
go to a concession or park staff member and ask to be
taken to lost and found. With older children
pick a time and place to gather if they are exploring
the park on their own.
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If children are old
enough, pick a spot in the park, near the entrance, to
meet at designated times.
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Dress children in
bright colours so they are easily visible
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Wear lightweight
layered clothes and comfortable shoes. A hat is
a must but take it off on the rides. A jacket may be
needed for nighttime and may be stored in a locker.
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Insect repellent may
also be needed. See
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Tips for
Using Insect Repellents - Tips for Using Deet Products with Children
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Teach children to keep
an eye on you.
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Check height
restrictions before you line up for a ride to ensure
that the ride is safe for children (these
restrictions are recommended for safety sake).
The Park map may also show height restrictions.
Don't coax children onto a ride they are unsure of or
are too small for the seat/seatbelt.
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Avoid rides that go
in reverse.
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Use a fanny pack or
backpack to keep hands free to hold little children or
grab hold on the wild rides.
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Drink lots of water to
help keep your energy level up.
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A disposable wipe or
frozen cloth in a zipper bag can help cool someone
down and reduce nausea.
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Bring along a stroller or rent a
stroller at the park. See Tips for Purchasing, Renting and Using Travel Equipment for Babies.
Click here to return to list of Tips
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Look for discounts on
admission or buy tickets in advance at reduced costs.
Many Attraction web sites have a discount coupon.
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If you travelling from
Canada to the United States, look for Canadian Dollar at
par deals - especially Walt
Disney World® Resort, but check for
date and time restrictions for visits. Visit Travel
News - Family Attractions for special deals.
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Ensure everyone has a
good breakfast or is well fed before you enter the park
and take some healthy snacks and drinks with you.
You can also save a lot of money by having lunch in your
car or an outside picnic area if possible - make sure you get your hands stamped
before you leave the park.
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Consider ordering kiddy
meals if possible to save on cost or eat in the kiddy land.
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If there are rides you
can get wet on but don't want to, take along garbage bags to cover everyone - put a hole in the top for the
head and at the sides for the arms - be careful when
placing bag over head - make sure the holes are already
in the bag - saves buying a raincoat and these can be
discarded after they have served their purpose.
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Avoid buying overpriced
souvenirs, but if you must, consider buying a Christmas tree ornament (brings back the memory of the trip every
Christmas) or have each child pick out a postcard or pin
to become part of a collection. These are small,
easy to carry and can even be purchased as soon as you
enter the park to avoid hearing "can I buy
something" all day long. Even a T-shirt makes
a great souvenir.
Click here to return to list of Tips
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Try to get a map of the
park ahead of time and study it. If you are early
enough at the park, go to the back and work your way
forward to avoid crowds. Guide Books may also be
available. Check the Web Sites for Attractions for
maps and park tips.
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Try to maintain a sense
of humour and have fun. Take breaks to reduce
fatigue.
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Consider carrying your
stuff in a back pack or small shoulder bag so hands are
free - click on the link for information on a
recommended Kids Travel Product
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When travelling with
babies, have plenty of bottles handy and keep them
cool.
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If you have young
children - go to the kiddy land first so they are fresh
and enjoy the rides.
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Try to go on early in the
week instead of the weekend when parks are busier.
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Arrive as early as
possible, enjoy the rides while a parade is on and eat
an early lunch to avoid the crowds and enjoy the rides
during lunch hour when it is less crowed.
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Bring a Stroller
or Rent a stroller - even if
your kids are older, you can use it for souvenirs and
back packs. Many Amusement Parks have them
available. Consider taking a baby
carrier with you to offer babies a change of scenery
and position.
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Visit animal exhibits early
as animals are most active in the morning or see if you
can find out when feeding time is. See Petting Zoo and Animal Exhibit Safety Tips
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Don't forget the camera and
film, but if you do, visit a souvenir shop and pick up a
disposable camera.
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Wear comfortable leather
or cotton shoes so feet breathe. Also cotton socks,
changed half-way through the day will freshen feet and
reduce fatigue. See Tips for Happy Feet while Travelling. See Pool and Beach Safety Tips
for suggestions on treating and avoiding Athlete's foot.
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Bring the bathing suits
and towels if a water area is at the park. Store
them in a locker until needed. Don't
forget the sunscreen and practice Sun
Safety.
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Take the time to enjoy a
show. This offers everyone a chance to rest.
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School's out, and kids are excited as they rush
into summer. To keep your family active and avoid the dreaded refrain of
"I'm bored," it's important to plan your summer activities now.
There are many options for daytrips in and around
Toronto, but most families have a limited entertainment budget. A terrific
way to stretch your dollar is to invest in a season pass to a local park
or attraction. With a little research, and by asking the right questions,
you can choose the perfect season pass to keep your kids happy all summer
long.
Here are some things to consider when comparing
season pass offers:
Location:
Making several trips to the park is the key
to getting the most value from your season pass. Is the venue convenient? Is it
accessible by public transit or only by car? Many parks provide parking
discounts to pass holders, and some attractions offer free shuttle service from
the subway.
Special Events:
As much fun as a trip to the amusement park
can be, your kids will get bored if it's the same thing every time. Look for
parks that offer a number of special events throughout the summer. For example,
Ontario Place hosts the annual Festival of Fire fireworks series, but also
offers events like Toronto Sports Weeks and Today's Parent KidSummer
programming.
Age Appropriateness:
Make sure your pass will meet the needs of
your entire family. Choose a park that offers a number of activities such as
live entertainment, water parks, and games the whole family can enjoy. More is
not necessarily better if the options, rides and attractions do not suit your
family.
Value:
Ask about all the ways you can get value for
your dollar. Some parks allow you to bring your own food, and many season pass
holders get discounts on food and souvenirs from the park. Some attractions
offer discounts on day camps or educational offerings. Ask about everything a
pass includes before making your decision.
Tips for choosing the perfect season pass
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Take breaks, just relax and above
all - have fun.
Click here to view listings of Family
Attractions
All Tips are offered as suggestions only
While we have tried to provide you with a
list of suggestions to help parents when travelling with
children to keep them safe, unfortunately, we can’t think of
everything and it is the responsibility of parents to ensure
their children’s safety.
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For tips on visiting specific Amusement Parks see Travel News - Family Attractions
Walt
Disney World for Teens, Orlando, Florida
For Safety Tips when visiting Petting Zoos and Animal
Farms Click Below:
For Safety Tips for Using Public Washrooms Click on
For Tips for making the Most of Summer Fun
Click Below:
For Tips on Using Insect Repellent Click Below:
For Tips for Happy Feet Click Below:
For Tips on Who and What to Tip Click Below:
For Tips on Enjoying Live Theatre with
Children Click Below:
For Tips on Using and Purchasing Travel Equipment for
Babies Click Below:
For Tips on Travelling with Grandchildren Click
Below:
Keep the Bugs at Bay, Eight Tips for a Bug Free Summer
For Tips on Eating out with Children Click
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To view Travel News about Family
Attractions Click Below
To view listings for Family Attractions
Click Below:
See the following sections for specific tips:
For General Travel Tips
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For Travel Tips - Children with Severe
Allergies Click on
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For Travelling with Teenagers
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Travel Safety Tips Click Below
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