It's summer again — the perfect season for riding rollercoasters, eating funnel cake, and spending time with friends at an amusement park.
Still, as anyone who's ever been to an amusement park knows, it can also be incredibly hot, sticky, and sweaty.
So, what should you bring to an amusement park on a hot day? Here are a few essential items.
Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the park, so you'll want to make sure you're wearing comfortable shoes. Leave the heels and dress shoes at home — you won't want to be hobbling around in pain all day. Instead, opt for a pair of sneakers or trainers that you can easily walk (and run) in.
We recommend closed-toed shoes over sandals since you never know when you'll end up stepping in a puddle or on something sharp. Plus, they'll offer more support for your feet and ankles. Sandals also leave your feet more exposed to the elements, so you might end up with a sunburn or blisters.
A Cool Links® Cooling Towel
This item is an absolute must on a hot day.
A Cool Links® cooling towel will help you cool down and feel more comfortable in the heat. The towel is made of a special material that absorbs sweat and evaporates it quickly, so you'll stay dry and cool. Plus, it's reusable, so you can get cooling relief over and over again.
The secret weapon in each Cool Links® towel is the reusable non-toxic frozen cubes. Simply store the cubes in your freezer. When you're ready to use the towel, pop them into the pocket in the towel. As they melt, they'll help keep the towel cool for up to two hours.
You can also get cooling relief from your Cool Links® towel by wetting it with some cold water. Simply wet, wring, and snap the towel to activate the cooling power — even after the frozen cubes have thawed.
Our cooling towels come in a variety of colors and patterns, so there's something for everyone. Whether you like to stand out or blend in, we've got you covered.
Sunscreen
Everyone has that friend who gets a painful, itchy sunburn every time they spend the day riding rollercoasters… or maybe you are that friend.
You might not think you need sunscreen if you're only going to be outside for a few hours, but trust us — you do. Even if it's not super sunny out, harmful UV rays can still penetrate clouds and cause sun damage. So, make sure to slather on some sunscreen with at least SPF 30 before heading out the door.
Don't forget to reapply every two hours or after swimming! Water reflecting off the pavement can actually intensify the sun's rays and lead to a nasty burn.
A Fanny Pack or Crossbody Bag
You're going to want your hands free to ride rollercoasters, eat cotton candy, and take pictures, so it's best to leave your purse at home. Instead, bring a small fanny pack or crossbody bag that you can easily carry around with you all day.
Make sure it has enough room to fit your Cool Links® Cooling Towel, sunscreen, lip balm, phone, and some cash, but not too much room that it becomes cumbersome to carry. You'll also want to make sure it has a zipper or snap closure so nothing falls out while you're on a coaster.
Water Bottle
It's important to stay hydrated when you're spending time outdoors in the heat, so make sure to bring a water bottle with you to the park.
You can save some money by filling up your bottle at a water fountain inside the park, but if you're picky about your water or tend to drink a lot throughout the day, it might be worth it to buy a bottle of water before entering the park.
Either way, make sure you're drinking plenty of fluids. Aim for around 2 liters or half a gallon each day. Just make sure not to gulp it all down at once — no one likes needing to pee while they’re on a rollercoaster!
Hand Sanitizer
This is definitely something you'll want to have on hand when you're around large crowds of people.
Since amusement parks can be breeding grounds for germs, it's a good idea to use hand sanitizer often throughout the day — especially before you eat. We recommend carrying a small bottle with you so you can easily access it whenever you need it.
In addition to using hand sanitizer, scrub your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds when you use the park's restrooms. It's such old advice that it's almost a cliché, but you can time your hand-washing sessions by singing "Happy Birthday" to yourself twice.
Antiacid Tablets
Most amusement parks are known for their legendary rollercoasters. However, the iconic junk food is just as much of a selling point, too. You'll probably want to enjoy some funnel cake, Dippin' Dots, ice cream, chili cheese fries, or another classic theme park treat while you're there.
However, this can sometimes lead to indigestion, especially if you're eating foods you don't normally eat or are chowing down a bit too fast. To avoid an upset stomach, bring along some antacid tablets just in case. This way, you can enjoy all the fun (and food) the park has to offer without any tummy troubles.
If you tend to get a little queasy on rollercoasters, you can also take an antacid before getting on the ride. This might help you feel more comfortable and prevent any accidents!
Bug Repellant
No one likes dealing with bugs, but unfortunately, they're unavoidable — especially in the summertime.
While you're unlikely to see many mosquitoes at an amusement park (since they tend to avoid crowds), there's always a possibility you'll run into other pests like bees or flies. You'll probably see them near food stands or restrooms, so it's a good idea to have some bug repellant on hand just in case.
We recommend choosing a natural bug spray made with ingredients like essential oils. This way, you can avoid any harmful chemicals, and you might even be able to find a scent you like!
First Aid Kit
You never know when you might need a bandage or some antibiotic ointment, so it's always best to be prepared.
A small first aid kit is easy to carry around with you, and it can come in handy if you get a cut, scrape, or insect bite while at the park. We also recommend bringing along some over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen or Tylenol in case you get a headache or start to feel nauseous.
An Emergency Change of Clothes
There's nothing worse than being stuck in soaking wet clothes all day. If you're planning on riding any water rides, we recommend bringing along a small bag with a change of clothes. This way, you can dry off and put on something fresh after getting soaked.
Even if you're not planning on going on any water rides, it's always a good idea to have an extra set of clothes just in case — you never know when you might spill your drink or get caught in the rain!
Which Amusement Park Should You Visit?
Now that you know what to bring to an amusement park, it's time to decide which one you want to visit! Here are a few of our favorite theme parks in the United States.
- Magic Kingdom: This classic Disney park is perfect for people of all ages. With iconic rides like It's a Small World and Space Mountain, there's something everyone will enjoy. Plus, you can't beat the feeling of walking down Main Street USA towards Cinderella Castle!
- Universal Studios Hollywood: If you love movies, this is the place for you. From rides based on your favorite films to an entire studio tour, there's so much to see and do. We recommend checking out the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter while you're there.
- SeaWorld Orlando: This park is perfect for animal lovers. In addition to rides and shows, you can also get up close and personal with some of your favorite marine animals. Make sure to say hi to the dolphins on your way out!
- Cedar Point: Are you a thrill seeker? Then you'll love Cedar Point, which is home to some of the tallest and fastest rollercoasters in the world. If you're feeling brave, make sure to ride the infamous Top Thrill Dragster!
Cool for the Summer
Now that you know what to bring (and where to go), all that's left is to buy your tickets and have fun! Just remember to stay safe, hydrated, and cool, and you're sure to have an awesome time.
Cool Links® Cooling Towels can help you regulate your body temperature, avoid feeling overheated, and stay comfortable while you ride rollercoasters to your heart's content. Visit our shop to find the perfect design or color for you.
Sources:
Hydration: Why It's So Important | familydoctor.org
Hand Sanitizer Use Out and About | Handwashing | CDC
Headaches: Types, Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment | Mayo Clinic
