A day out at a water park could involve considerable planning to visit one of Australia’s major attractions, or it could mean an impromptu visit with the little ones to the local park to enjoy the water features.

There are certain essentials you should never forget, whatever the finer details of your plans, to ensure a safe and enjoyable day for you all. Then there are those other bits and bobs that will make your life a whole lot easier, things you might not consider – or remember!

The Essentials

• Towels and swimwear.
• Sun cream, lotion or spray.
• Sun-hat and drinking water.

Make sure swimwear is comfortable for all day wear. Bear in mind certain restrictions if you are visiting one of the larger water parks and your children plan on riding the slides, rides, and attractions. Clothing with rivets, studs, and zips could damage the attractions or cause discomfort or chafing to their skin.

Things to Remember

• An easy to carry bag with pockets and compartments.
• T-shirt or rash vest to cover up from the sun.
• Plastic bags for wet towels and swimwear.
• Snacks that don’t need to be kept cool.
• Swim nappies, nappy bags, and wipes.
• Sun-shade if necessary, particularly for babies.

First Aid Kit

Although there is usually a First Aid centre at the water park, it is worth having a mini First Aid kit tucked in your bag. You will want antiseptic wipes and cream for stubbed toes, cuts and grazes, and bites and stings. Also, include age appropriate painkillers, plasters, and tweezers for splinters.

There may be a First Aid Centre that will store equipment such as ventilators and medicine that needs storing in a fridge. A compact but well thought out first aid kit will be invaluable and you can keep it in your bag wherever you go. It will come in handy at home as well when the children are playing outside.

Remember that eyewear including goggles and prescription glasses are not permitted on rides and slides for safety reasons.

Hints and Tips

Water Parks will have special areas allocated for the little ones, with age restrictions to keep older children away, and age-appropriate attractions. There may even be days at the water park allotted as special baby or toddler days. Mums and Dads are encouraged to bring babies and toddlers to the park and are charged a special reduced admission price.

Parks may well have a rule forbidding you to take your own food into the park, so you may want to eat before you go in, and take some cash for snacks whilst you are there. Other parks will allow you to take a picnic lunch, but no commercially prepared food or takeaways are allowed, and some parks have gas BBQs for you to use.

At larger water parks:

• You may be able to hire a stroller for children over six months of age.
• There are usually lockers for you to stow away your possessions for the day. Electronic security lockers are available for about $10 for the day, and you can access them as many times as you like.
• You may not need to worry about carrying cash around with you. You can credit a special waterproof wristband with a chosen amount of money and when you want to pay for a drink, snack, souvenir or photograph, you simply swipe the wristband at the pay-point and the amount is deducted from your balance. At the end of your day, any remaining balance is returned to you.

When heading to a water park for the day, check online for specific information as different parks vary. You may find the park offers inflatables, parkland, gardens, playground, an interactive play station, movies, kids clubs, retail areas, and more. And you will certainly want to be prepared for that!

Do you have anything to add to this list? SHARE with us in the comments below.

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