How to Have Summer Fun at Amusement Parks

"Zoom!" go the roller coasters; "whoosh!" go the water rides. A trip to an amusement park can be an exciting way to spend a summer day. But some planning is needed to ensure you have the most fun possible.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Amusement park map

1. Decide which amusement park you want to visit; there are thousands to choose from throughout the world. Sometimes choosing one close to home and going on a day trip can be a good idea. For bigger thrills, you might choose to travel to and stay at an amusement park and have a multiday adventure.
2. Visit the amusement park's website for detailed information. On the website you can usually obtain a park map as well as park hours and ticket prices.
3. Choose which rides and attractions you want to see most before you get to the park. This will ensure that if your day is cut short for any reason, you will not miss out on the rides or attractions that you were most interested in.
4. Plan to get to the park just as it opens, or go later in the day and stay until it closes. Parks are usually slowest at these times of the day, and you should spend less time standing in line.
5. Know your limits. If you don't care for fast rides, stay away from the roller coasters. There's nothing wrong with waiting outside while the others in your party ride these rides. But once you're on a coaster, there's no getting off.
6. Find the first aid booth on your map. You may not need it, but if you, do you'll know right where to go.
7. Be sure to drink plenty of water and eat when you're hungry. However, let your food settle before getting on the rides again to avoid getting sick.
8. Apply sunscreen liberally and often, even on cloudy days. This will keep you protected while at the amusement park and make your days after leaving the park much less painful.

Tips & Warnings

• If possible, plan your trip for a weekday that is not a holiday. Amusement parks are usually busiest on the weekends and holidays, and your wait time on those days could be extremely long.
• Have a plan if the members of your party get separated. Decide on a meeting place before you get to the amusement park and go there if someone in your party goes missing. Also, using the buddy system can help keep members of your party together.
• If you are pregnant or have a health condition, remember to heed all the warnings for the ride. If the park advises that you should not ride a certain ride, don't chance it.