Here's What To Bring To An Amusement Park
Here's What To Bring To An Amusement Park

While you may have thought nothing of a spur-of-the-moment trip to the amusement park as a teenager, you’re probably more into planning nowadays. I mean, if you can avoid sunburn, getting soaking wet, and running out of battery on your phone, why wouldn’t you?

A trip to the amusement park brings a full day of fun outside, but you can't necessarily bop back to your hotel or car on a moment’s notice when there’s a 20-minute ride back to the parking lot. So what is necessary to end the day at a theme park as happy as you were when you started? We’ve collected a list of 20 theme park essentials to make your day run smoothly and leave you smiling as big as a cheery mascot instead of feeling a hot, melting mess like a forgotten ice cream cone.

The Bag

Unless you’re rocking cargo pants with the most pockets known to man, at least someone in your party will likely need to carry a sling or daypack. It will let you keep the essentials on hand, from snacks to sunscreen to a poncho in case it rains. However, the bag you bring will depend on your needs and where you’re going.

Single travelers can get away with something smaller since you’ll have less to carry, whereas if you’re responsible for a family’s worth of gear, you might need to go with a large backpack. Whatever size you need, prioritize comfort and look for a bag with at least one exterior pocket where you can stash your phone and wallet to keep them in easy reach for photos and snacks. Whether or not you need internal organization will depend on your personal preference: gear could shift around open space on a roller coaster, yet it’ll give you more flexibility to toss in souvenirs.

You could have to wait in a longer entry line if you’re carrying a bag, yet more and more theme parks are adding X-ray machines and metal detectors that you can walk through without waiting for an employee to search your pack.

Patagonia Atom Sling
Patagonia Atom Sling In Ferndale
The 8L Patagonia Atom Sling has some organization, but not so much that it gets in your way. Your phone fits in the stretchy pocket on the shoulder strap, so you can pull it out to make a ride reservation, order food, or snap a pic with your favorite mascot. There’s also a quick grab pocket on the front for smaller theme park essentials, like hand sanitizer, and a larger main compartment to hold a poncho, sunscreen, and snacks.
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Hydro Flask Slingback Bottle Pack
Hydro Flask Slingback Bottle Pack Review
If you're carrying an insulated bottle throughout the day, the Hydro Flask Slingback Bottle Pack has a stretchy front pocket just for that reason. It holds wide-mouth bottles as securely as slim ones, so you don’t have to worry about your favorite bottle getting left behind on Millenium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge (not that that EVER happened to us…). A stabilizer strap keeps the bag from flopping around as you run walk to be the first in line. Stick your park ticket in the stretchy strap pocket to have it ready to swipe, and stash park maps and snack bars in the small front pocket so you can save the main area for the rest of your gear.
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KAVU Switch Slinger
KAVU Switch Slinger Bag Back
Some slings are slung over one shoulder, but we like the KAVU Switch Slinger if you want options. The comfortable climbing rope strap clips to either side of the bag, so you can carry it on whichever side you prefer and switch when your shoulder gets tired. The padded back panel hides a zippered pocket where you might stash your minimalist wallet to keep it close, and the top pocket easily fits your phone, sanitizer, and lip balm. Vertical zippers on either side open to the divided main compartment, so you have plenty of open space to fill.
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Matador ReFraction Packable Backpack
Matador ReFraction Packable Backpack Review
If you’re traveling with family or carrying gear for a group, you’ll probably want a bigger bag. The Matador ReFraction Packable Backpack has a 16-liter capacity yet only weighs a half pound. The thin shoulder straps are comfortable, and there's a removable sternum strap, too. There are side pockets for travel water bottles, a stretchy pocket on the front for your phone, and another on top for quick-grab gear like your wallet and keys. The main compartment has space for everything else, from ponchos to sunscreen.
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Loungefly Mini Backpack
Loungefly Mini Backpack
If you frequent theme parks, you’re likely familiar with Loungefly Mini Backpacks. They allow you to show your fandom and spark fun conversations in line. Are you a Slytherin or a Hufflepuff? Do you prefer Princesses or the Fab Five? While they lack the comfort of a more traditional bag, these mini backpacks are more about expressing your style. They may be the best backpack for Disney, Universal, or anywhere else you want everyone to know your favorite character or team. Styles vary, though most have a pocket or two in addition to the main section for tiny accessories you don’t want to dig for at the bottom of the bag.
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Sunglasses

Plenty of parks are open year-round, but there’s a good chance you’ll at least try to visit an amusement park when it’s sunny. Some theme parks are working to install sunshades, trees, and other ways to keep you out of the glare, but there are plenty of amusement parks where you feel like you might as well be walking on the sun. Since you’ll be standing in lines all day, whether you hit one or 20 rides, prepare with eye protection.

Sunglasses top our list of what to wear to a theme park because squinting for hours is a surefire way to start your day with a headache. The best travel sunglasses will let you watch the midday parade and stay put as you race from ride to snack to ride. Since you could lose them if you forget to take them off before riding a loop-the-loop roller coaster, we prefer going for inexpensive alternatives that block U.V. rays and keep you comfortable throughout the day. However, if you have special needs—or a prescription—it’s better to pay attention to the warnings and hold them tight than it is to leave them at home.

goodr OG Sunglasses
goodr OG Sunglasses
We’re rockin’ it old school with these wayfarer-style sunglasses, but goodr has other styles and colorway options, too. They’re comfortable and durable enough to toss in your bag without worry, and they come with a protective pouch to prevent scratches that doubles as a lens cloth to clear accidental smudges.
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Foldies Folding Milanos
Foldies Folding Milanos
Foldies fold up to be roughly the size of one lens, so they’ll take up less space in your bag. They come with a protective case, so they won’t get crushed in the bottom of your bag as you watch the nighttime fireworks spectacular. They cost a little more, but you can get them with prescription lenses—bonus!
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Sunscreen

Speaking of the sun, it can sneak up on you and wreak havoc on your skin when you spend 12-15 hours outside during the longest days of the year. The chill of spring and fall can also lull you into thinking that you don’t need extra protection. But sunscreen is an essential pick if you want to know what to wear to a theme park (and you’ve already remembered to get dressed).

This isn’t the time to skimp on SPF. Apply a layer of quality lotion sunscreen before leaving your hotel room or in the parking lot to give yourself a good base of protection for the day. Then bring the bottle in with you, or opt to reapply with a spray, which we find easier to use when standing in a line. Don’t forget your lips, either! They’ll be slurping down water, soda, and slushies, so coat them with a lip balm with sunscreen and reapply throughout the day.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen
We like to start the day with a high-SPF, quality sunscreen like Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch. It spreads easily and won’t turn you white as a ghost. Plus, it will keep you from burning till at least lunch, depending on the U.V. index where you are.
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COOLA Organic Classic Sunscreen Spray
COOLA Organic Classic Sunscreen Spray
Reapplying sunscreen lotion can leave your hands greasy, and you won’t be near a sink to wash up if you reapply in line. A sunscreen spray like COOLA Organic Sunscreen has a narrow mist to aim right at your arms and legs without spraying the people behind you. Recoating your face is easy, too; spray some on your hands and rub it in. Even if you overspray, we like that this sunblock is easy to wash off your shorts and sandals later.
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Banana Boat Sport Ultra Sunscreen Lip Balm
Banana Boat Sport Ultra Sunscreen Lip Balm
Traditional sunscreen doesn't taste great, and you're probably not supposed to ingest it, anyway. Banana Boat Sport Ultra Sunscreen Lip Balm has a pleasant tropical flavor and will keep your pucker pleasantly hydrated in the summer sun.
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Water Bottle

Between fried food, sweets, and the sun, we get thirsty in a theme park. Bring a refillable bottle instead of buying dozens of soft drinks or an overly-expensive refillable mug you’re unlikely to use again. Most amusement parks offer drinking fountains where you can refill as needed; some even offer bottle-filling stations. If you need something super cold, ask for a cup of iced tap water at the snack stand and pour it in for an instant cool-down. Rehydrating with water will keep you from feeling sluggish, and it’s cheaper, too, so you can save money for themed dinners or animal-shaped snacks. Of course, you could also buy a bottle each time, but we prefer to be Earth-friendly, sustainable packers when we can and reduce the plastic we waste or have to recycle.

However, you’ll have choices to make before leaving home. Is insulation more important to you or saving weight? Each choice has pros and cons, and your mileage may vary. However you prefer to enjoy your beverage, drink up!

Vapur Eclipse Water Bottle
Vapur Eclipse Water Bottle Review
If you’re a minimalist packer wondering what to bring to an amusement park, we dig the Vapur Eclipse Water Bottle because it rolls up smaller than your fist when empty. There’s a small learning curve to drinking from it, and it lacks insulation, yet it includes a large plastic carabiner to attach to the outside of your pack, and it's sturdy enough to handle roller coaster rides and laying down in lockers.
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Hydro Flask Bottle 21 oz (Standard Mouth)
Hydro Flask Bottle 21 oz (Standard Mouth)
Maybe lukewarm water makes you gag, and you don’t want to search for cold refills. In that case, you might prefer a bottle with insulation, like a Hydro Flask. Your drink will stay cold for hours, whether you opt for the screw-top Flex Cap or to sip through the Flex Straw Cap. It will still weigh you down, even when empty, although you may not notice if you refill it often enough.
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Poncho

It’s one thing if you opt to go on a water ride and end up soaked. It’s quite another if Mother Nature does it for you. If you end up experiencing an afternoon deluge, you’ll be much more comfortable once it’s over if you can stay dry. Ponchos are theme park essentials because they keep more than just your head and torso dry. You can use them to cover up your backpack or sling, and they may even cover your shorts, depending on your height, so you won’t end up with a damp backside once the shower has subsided.

Skip the scramble in the park store and avoid overpaying when you bring along a high-quality poncho you can use for years. While you can get super cheap ones at the dollar store, all it takes is bumping into a fence to rip a hole, and no one likes wearing a garbage bag. Instead, pay a little more for quality, and it’ll be durable enough to withstand the crush of the crowd. Even if you manage to be inside when it rains, you’ll likely appreciate having something to spread on wet benches or rides after the storm.

frogg toggs Ultra-lite2 Poncho
frogg toggs Ultra-lite2 Poncho
Some plastic ponchos hold more humidity than a steaming sauna. The frogg toggs Ultra-lite2 Poncho is waterproof, yet breathable, with a lining that lets moisture escape, so you don’t end up as damp from sweat as you would have from rain. Cinch cords on the large hood keep it from blowing off your head in the wind, and the polypropylene material dries quicker than standard plastic. It comes with a large stuff sack, so we prefer using an extra-small Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Packing Cube instead.
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Mister Fan

When you end up in the dead zone between two fans in line (or there aren’t any), you can feel like you’re melting faster than an ice cream cone on Mars. If you pack a personal fan, you can stay cool without paying exorbitant theme park prices for a large bottle that hangs around your neck.

There are many styles to choose from, with some wrapping around your neck, like unused over-the-ear headphones, to smaller ones that fit in your sling. We like bringing one that includes a slight mist because it makes the breeze feel a little cooler. If you’re traveling for several days or a week, it’s nice to have one you can recharge overnight, otherwise, you could find yourself scrambling to find batteries if you use it constantly in the summer sun.

HonHey F11 Portable Fan
HonHey F11 Portable Fan
This compact fan is one of the smallest we’ve found and is super easy to use. It spins at three speeds with a 1-ounce water reservoir that sprays a light, intermittent mist. It won’t get you wet, though it noticeably cools the air from the fan. Just be careful not to hold it too close to your face or hair, or you may need a detangle. At the end of the day, recharge it via the included USB-A cable, although you may not need to, as it lasts 6-20 hours, depending on the fan speed.
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Snacks

You may have been scrolling through food blogs and are excited to eat around the amusement park, and that’s OK. Packing some snacks is still a good idea, just in case. Your hunger doesn’t necessarily work on the same schedule at the amusement park as at home, with dehydration, heat, and adrenaline combining to make you hungrier faster—as does the scent of popcorn, funnel cakes, and cookies wafting through the air. Whether you’re in line for the newest ride at the park or find a long line at the food truck you’re dying to try, take the edge off your hunger with a snack.

We like packing something sweet and salty with a little protein, like Kar’s Nuts Sweet ‘N Salty trail mix. It has a good mix of protein and sugar, and the 2-ounce packets are easy to pour into your mouth without touching every nut. Another good snack to bring to an amusement park is organic Clif Kid Zbar protein bars. These are smaller than regular protein bars to save your appetite for the themed food you came for, yet they’ll keep you from snapping at your companions like the crocodile during the 90-minute wait for Peter Pan’s Flight. I mean, look what happened to Captain Hook!

Ticket Holder with Lanyard

Every amusement park has different ways of doing things, so a little research ahead of time is worth headaches at the park. Some pass out paper wristbands to indicate admission, while others use high-tech bands that you scan to get into the park, onto rides, and pay for food. Others issue admission cards you need to scan to get into the park and, potentially, to skip the line if you’ve paid for that privilege.

Instead of digging your wallet out of your backpack or pocket each time, our theme park essentials include a ticket holder on a lanyard. You can have your ticket exactly where you need it at all times, right in front of you and ready to scan, and be able to wear it on nearly every ride since the roller coaster harness can hold it in place. While you’d most likely be able to buy one at the park, you can save money if you bring your own and buy fun pins to personalize it instead.

Specialist ID Premium Quick Release Lanyard
Specialist ID Premium Quick Release Lanyard
This 5-pack comes with different color lanyards so everyone in your travel party knows which is theirs. The sturdy zip-top closure will keep your card dry and has extra room for cash or a second card. The cardholder detaches from the lanyard with a buckle if you need to remove it.
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Minimalist Wallet

If you don’t need your ticket at all times and you’re wondering what to bring to an amusement park to carry a few cards plus cash, leave your large everyday wallet at home in favor of something more minimal. After all, only a few theme parks let you pay with your admission band, and they may not offer Apple Pay.

To buy lunch, an afternoon ice cream sandwich, and that tie-dye sweatshirt that all your pals are picking up, look for a minimalist wallet that will hold what you need, keep it quick to access, and still be easy to find at the bottom of your mini backpack. After all, you don’t want to hold up the line for Dole Whip when it’s 90 degrees outside.

Chums Duckie Wallet
Chums Duckie Wallet Outdoor Review
This water-resistant budget option is easy to use and probably has all the space you need for a day at the amusement park. Its small footprint fits in most pockets and slings and can hold up to seven cards. If you leave a few at home, you’ll also have space for some cash.
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Fjallraven Kanken Card Wallet
Fjallraven Kanken Card Wallet
If you carry more cash or want a place for loose change or the key to your locker, check out the Fjallraven Kanken Card Wallet. It zips closed, so quarters won't slip out of a loose pocket before you need them for a locker. Plus, you can use it for cards, cash, your ticket, and any receipts you need to bring home.
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Battery Bank and Cord

If you planned a trip to the amusement park to get your family off their phones, the joke’s on you. Many theme parks have apps you’ll use throughout the day to check how long the wait is for a line, book a fast pass to skip said line, order food, or play a game themed to the ride you’re waiting for, not to mention the photos and videos you’ll want to take of your awesome trip for the ‘Gram.

Even the newest phones will struggle to make it through a long day of fun, so battery banks and charging cords are theme park essentials. That way, you can top up while eating lunch or waiting in line to be ready to complete missions in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge or fulfill your own mission of recording all the fun times.

NITECORE NB10000 Power Bank
NITECORE NB10000 Power Bank Review
The lightweight and slim NITECORE NB10000 is great to pack for an amusement park because its 10,000 mAh is powerful enough to recharge a few phones throughout the day. That means you can be the hero of your party if everyone needs another 30% to make it through the evening fireworks show.
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Rolling Square inCharge Mini
Rolling Square inCharge Mini Review
You’ll need a cord to connect your phone to a battery bank, and the tiny Rolling Square inCharge Mini won’t take up extra space in your sling. It comes in several connection styles, so find one that matches the port on your phone. Plus, you can use it to recharge your battery bank at the end of the day, too.
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Clutch Charger V3
Clutch Charger V3
While it doesn’t have as much power, the super-thin size of the Clutch Charger means that you can carry it in your pocket or squeeze it into a tightly packed bag. The cord to charge your phone is connected; just pull out the upper left corner of the card to reveal the connection point for your phone and plug it in. It can get hot while charging in the summer heat, but who are we to judge? We do too!
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Sanitizer

We’ll save you from dealing with a sick kid at the end of your trip and let you know beforehand that you should bring some sanitizer to the amusement park. Uncountable pairs of hands have touched those same hand railings, shoulder harnesses, seat belt buckles, and screens before you, even if you’re riding in the first hour of the day. Liquid hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes won’t take up much space in your daypack yet have the potential to save you from feeling terrible when you return home.

Although we just said “or,” you may want to pack liquid sanitizer and wipes. Use the liquid to clean your own hands after playing the games in the ride queue and before digging into your mid-morning snack, and turn to the wipes when you grab a sticky turnstile and realize too late that the kid in front of you enjoyed a giant lollipop before getting on the next ride. We also use them to wipe down messy tables when the park staff can’t keep up during the lunch rush.

NOMATIC Refillable Spray Vial
NOMATIC Refillable Spray Vial
While you can grab disposable sanitizers just about anywhere, we like the NOMATIC Refillable Spray Vial’s aluminum construction and anti-leak nozzle. It ensures your sanitizer stays inside, is more eco-friendly than plastic, and is easy to refill. There’s a side clip to attach it to your pocket and a loop to keep it on your key ring, although using a carabiner to hook it to the outside of a bag is a surefire way to remember to use it.
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Wet Ones Antibacterial Non-plastic Hand Wipes
Wet Ones Antibacterial Non-plastic Hand Wipes
When you want to wipe something sticky off your hands or melted chocolate off your face (no judgment—chocolate-covered ice cream bars are harder to eat than they look!), it’s handy to have wet wipes on hand. These are gentle on sensitive skin yet will clean up any mess or germs you encounter throughout the day.
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Waterproof Phone Case

Some amusement parks have separate water parks, while some have rides where you get soaked. If you’re wondering what to bring to the amusement park when you might get wet, a waterproof phone case is a theme park essential. While most phones are now waterproof and some standalone cases promise water resistance, it’s nice to have the reassurance of added protection, so packing a pouch with a locking closure may be better for your trip down the water slide. Many come with lanyards for hands-free carry and often have a little extra room to stash cash for that late-afternoon slushie or your ticket to the park. You may even be able to take photos through the case since some have clear backs, and most allow you to use the touchscreen to take a call or return a text while your phone is still inside.

Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Phone Pouch
Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Phone Pouch
Video your trip down the log ride without worrying about the safety of your phone with this waterproof pouch, rated IP67 and submersible to 1 meter. The zipper is easy to use, and the pouch includes a lanyard you can wear around your neck. It fits most phones, and you can roll it up when you don’t need it, so it takes up less space in your sling.
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AiRunTech Waterproof Pouch
AiRunTech Waterproof Pouch
If you don’t like carrying gear around your neck, this waterproof pouch is a waist pack. It provides the same level of protection—the triple zip lock is submersible up to 10 meters (32 feet) and includes enough space for your phone, cash, cards, and even keys, so it works as well for trips to the amusement park as indoor water parks or, on your next vacation, snorkeling.
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Bandages

Even the world’s most comfortable shoes can rub you the wrong way after 15 hours on your feet or after getting wet in the rain. Stop a blister from ruining your day by bringing bandages. They blunt the irritation so you can be more comfortable for the rest of your trip.

They also come in handy if you trip or bump into something as you head to your next ride. While amusement parks all have first aid stations, you’ll save yourself the time and effort of finding it to get relief if you come prepared. Stick a few bandages for each person in your party in a zippered bag and stash it in the bottom of your pack, or pick up a travel first aid kit.

Coleman First Aid Kit
Coleman Travel First Aid Kit
This pocket-sized first aid kit includes the essentials for minor injuries, from bandages to antibiotic ointment and antiseptic wipes. The metal tin keeps everything clean and dry, and you’ll know exactly where to find what you need when you have an accident.
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Pain Medication

Everybody loves an old-school wooden roller coaster, but not everybody loves the headache afterward. Even if jerky rides aren’t your thing, there’s a chance that heat, dehydration, or noise could leave you feeling less than 100% by midday. Come prepared with over-the-counter pain medication, just in case. If you bump your head against the headrest or your neck jerks in a direction you didn’t anticipate, a pill might keep you going throughout the day with a smile on your face. If you’re prone to motion sickness, bringing anti-nausea medication could also be a good call.

Use a small waterproof travel size bottle that doesn’t take up much space to keep your medicine from getting ruined on a wet ride. Look for one durable enough to take the bumps and drops of a day of adventure, and you’ll be glad you have it after riding the newest, fastest ride in the Magic Kingdom next to a screaming thrill-seeker (Sorry! That was us).

Matador Waterproof Travel Canisters
Matador Waterproof Travel Canisters
These aluminum containers come in two sizes; the smallest is the same size as a pill bottle. The silicone cap pops off easily yet creates a watertight seal to protect your meds from moisture. Whether your knee starts to ache from too much walking or you wrenched your back on the Iron Dragon, these canisters can fit enough pills for a week’s adventures, and you’ll be happy you brought along something for the pain.
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Packable Towel

You might drop your water bottle on the bus or want to sit on a bench after the rainstorm. Maybe your favorite seats are in the splash zone for the sea animal show and the nighttime spectacular projected onto the mist. Whatever the reason, there are plenty of reasons you’ll want to bring a packable travel towel to the amusement park. They come in clutch to dry off after a water ride or to wipe your sweaty face, plus you can dampen them in cold water to wrap around your neck for an instant cooling towel.

What size you need will depend on the weather forecast and who you’re bringing to the park. If you’re traveling with children, pack a larger one to dry them off after they play in the splash pad or wipe them down if they ride a spinning teacup ride one too many times. If you’re solo or spending the day with others carrying their own gear, you can probably get away with something smaller.

REI Co-op Multi Towel Mini
REI Co-op Multi Towel Mini
The REI Co-op Multi Towel Mini is a theme park essential because its small size is perfect for wiping your face after a saucy barbeque dinner or wiping down as you melt in the afternoon. It fits in your pocket to have on hand for those just-in-case situations.
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Matador Ultralight Travel Towel
Matador Ultralight Travel Towel Review
The Matador Ultralight Travel Towel comes in small and large, with the large about the size of a standard towel—yet much thinner. It packs into a mesh bag which you can clip outside your bag with a carabiner so it won’t get everything else wet as it dries. Hang it up when you return to your hotel room so it can be ready for the next day. It can absorb quite a bit of water, so you’ll have no trouble toweling off after Kali River Rapids, but it’s not as cushioned as standard towels, so we don’t plan to use it for a comfortable seat on the bleachers.
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What to Wear to an Amusement Park

When shopping your closet for a day at the theme park, look for lightweight, breathable clothing that will wick away sweat without chafing. Merino wool has natural antimicrobial properties that will help you feel fresh all day, although it irritates some skin types. If that’s you, check out bamboo or synthetic athletic fabrics for a similar lightweight feeling.

You may feel cooler with bare shoulders, but you’ll leave yourself more open to sunburn and potential rubbing from the strap of your bag. That’s why we prefer T-shirts or sleeveless shirts with thicker straps. Comfort is key when it comes to your shorts or pants. We like ones with a larger pocket to hold your phone for times when you can’t get to your bag or leave it in a locker for a more intense ride. Avoid a belt if you can since you could have lap bars and seat belts pressing on it all day, but if you need one, choose one that’s flexible and soft with as minimal a buckle as possible.

Whatever you wear, make sure it’s something you know you’ll be comfortable in all day long. While it’s fun to sport sayings and slogans showing your love for the particular theme park you’re visiting, make sure they’re printed on fabrics you know you like, or you could regret wearing them before your second ride of the day.

Supportive Shoes That Stay Put

Sandals are a good shout for a summer day at the amusement park because you won’t have to worry about your socks getting soaked on a water ride or in an afternoon thunderstorm. Look for ones that lock in place and don’t hurt your feet, and try wearing them for a day of standing at home before packing them for your trip.

However, many people prefer closed-toe travel shoes for the extra support they can provide to sustain you through the day. If this is you, bring an extra pair of socks so you can switch them out if yours get wet. Otherwise, you could feel that puddle for the rest of the day.

Teva Tirra Sandals
Teva Women's Tirra Sandals
The arch support and cushioned sole on these sandals will support your feet throughout the day. The recycled polyester uppers adjust at all points to get the perfect fit. They stay put as you dash through the parking lot at the end of the day, even in the pouring rain, and are easy to clean if you accidentally spray them with sunscreen. However, they only come in women’s sizes.
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Teva Original Universal Sandal
Teva Original Universal Urban Sandal
For support and adjustability for everyone, turn to Teva Originals, which also have recycled polyester uppers and tons of adjustability to fit a variety of feet. The EVA foam soles cushion your feet for hours, and they’ll stay locked in place as your feet dangle off the ride car for Raptor.
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Vessi Cityscape
Vessi Cityscape
If you’re looking for a comfortable closed-toe shoe, the Cityscape is the lightest, sleekest shoe Vessi has to offer—and it’s water-resistant, too. The lightweight, breathable knit fabric keeps your feet cool in the heat and warm in the cold, so you can be ready for any weather, and they feel just as soft barefoot as they do with low-profile socks.
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Tropicfeel Monsoon Sneakers
Tropicfeel Monsoon Sneakers Review
The recycled EVA Monsoon Sneakers from Tropicfeel dry quickly and work as well as water shoes as they do for a day on dry land. Wear them in the water park or to run to your first (and last) ride without worrying about them coming untied, thanks to sprint laces. Ventilation keeps your feet from sweating if you wear them sans socks, and they keep odors at bay with an antibacterial coating.
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Hat

Sunglasses may not be enough when the sun beats down midafternoon, and there’s no shade for miles. What to wear to an amusement park to beat it? A hat! It reduces the sun’s glare and works with sunscreen to protect your face from burning, too.

Look for one you can stash in your bag for fast rides, or be ready to hold it on roller coasters so it doesn’t join the collection below The Barnstormer in Magic Kingdom. Finding a good fit is key because it’s a lot easier to take off and put on if you don’t have to pin it in place or re-tie your ponytail each time.

Melin A-Game Crushed Hydro
Melin A-Game Crushed Hydro Blue
This hat dries quickly and packs into its own pouch when the sun sets. The sporty style fits in well in the theme park and comes in several designs and colorways to coordinate with your outfit. The adjustable back is easy to use and includes a place to stow the extra strap, too.
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adidas Superlite 2 Visor
adidas Superlite 2 Visor
If you don’t like crushing your hair under a cap, or you wear a high ponytail or bun, a visor gives you shade without the extra material on top. Plus, you’ll have a smaller package to fit into your daypack. We like this one because it’s moisture-wicking and has a hook-and-loop back closure for a good fit.
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Extra Layer

Even if the temperatures climb into the triple digits, you may be spending a lot of time indoors, depending on the theme park you visit, and that sudden chill from the air conditioning can feel pretty cold. Or you may avoid the summer crowds and need to know what to wear to an amusement park in shoulder season. Either way, an extra layer is a good call.

Look for one that’s light enough to carry throughout the day if you think you’ll need it and can roll up small to fit in the bottom of your bag. If you choose one that’s moisture-wicking and includes U.V. protection, you can avoid having to reapply sunscreen so often while adapting to different temperatures throughout the day.

Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoodie
Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoodie
This breathable, lightweight, quick-drying layer works best in warmer weather, although it’s thin enough to wear under another sweater or jacket if you use it on the plane as you fly from a colder climate. Built-in odor control helps when the theme park employees tell you to move up to reduce all available space in line, and a deep hood shades you from the sun.
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prAna Sunrise Hoodie
prAna Sunrise Hoodie
For trips to the park in early spring or late fall, or a visit to Canada’s Wonderland up north, you may want to pack something a little heavier. The prAna Sunrise Hoodie is thinner than the sweatshirt from your high school cross country team, so it’s easier to pack, but it’ll keep you fairly warm throughout the day. When the day heats up, it’s easy to roll up and toss in your daypack; the hood acts as a de facto pouch and prevents it from coming undone.
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Now for our final recommendation of what to pack for a trip to the amusement park: Your patience. Everyone is there to have fun—remember? That’s why you planned the trip, too! Take a deep breath and enjoy the atmosphere, even as your toddler has a meltdown, your teenager gets hangry, and your best friend decides today is the day she can’t deal with crowds. Chances are that within a few moments, a character, parade, or enticing aroma from the churro cart will snap everyone back into their happy place, and you can continue to enjoy the day, knowing that you packed well for all potential situations.

We hope this list was a great jumping-off point for your upcoming trip to the theme park. Add or subtract as needed, and let us know what your theme park essentials are for the perfect trip.

July 18, 2023

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