Safety (and fun) tips for the Amusement Park

Amusement parks with their rides and games are great fun. They have been a huge draw for families ever since the first Ferris Wheel started to turn in 1893 in Chicago. Here are some tips to really enjoy a safe, fun outing.

1) THE PARENT RIDES, TOO: What may look to an adult like the softest possible amusement ride, even a carousel, can be completely terrifying to a small child if it is his or her first time on such a ride. One parent can take the photos; the other needs to ride or stand (in the case of a carousel) alongside, at least, until the children are happy on their own.

2) FOOD AND RAPID MOVEMENT: Do not really mix well. Of course, everyone is going to want to fill their pie-hole with candy floss, hot dogs, fudge and, well, pie. But do try and time out the snack break so that there is some mild activity, such as looking at craft exhibits or animals, for a good hour after eating before getting on the roller coaster. 

3) BUDGET FOR LOSSES: If the amusement park has games like shooting baskets, or popping balloons with air rifles, those games are rigged. Don’t argue the point. They are rigged. There are enough winners chosen to walk around with the giant teddy bear, so people think the games are not rigged, but they are. Budget accordingly. The game-player will essentially buy that giant teddy bear through repeated trade-ups.

4) FIND THE RESTROOMS: Find these early upon arrival before an emergency occurs. 

5) REMEMBER SUNSCREEN: And do use it. Just because the family is not out at the beach does not mean that a nasty burn won’t happen after three or four hours walking around outside. The sun will find the family.

6) KEEP THE CHILDREN WALKING AHEAD: Otherwise, they will vanish. And who wants to be the parent being called over a megaphone to report to security, so all the other parents can stare in rude assessment of one’s parenting skills?

Most of all though, have fun!