- Kids may be required to wear life jackets on some attractions.Ablestock.com/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
Life jackets are typically available at waterparks for no charge. Some rides require them. Check with the policies of the park and make sure your children know that they may be required to wear life jackets. Assess your own swimming ability, and your child's, and do not take chances by allowing anyone to be without a life jacket if swimming skills are not proficient. Raging Waters, California's largest waterpark recommends, "When in doubt, wear a life jacket!" - Most parks will allow a picnic outside of the grounds.Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
Check the policy of the waterpark regarding food. Most parks do not let you enter with your own food; it must be purchased on-site. Some parks do, however, have picnic areas outside and will let you exit and re-enter with a hand stamp or proof of ticket purchase. Do not bring any glass bottles on your trip, even if you're using them outside the park. You may be able to bring plastic bottles of water inside in a small cooler, but check with the park beforehand. Parents with babies may bring in baby bottles, but they are required to be plastic. - Be sure to apply waterproof sunscreen often throughout the day.Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images
Don't forget the sunscreen and apply it at least 30 minutes before you arrive. Use a waterproof variety and reapply it often during the day, as repeatedly getting wet and toweling off will wipe away any traces. Wear a hat and sunglasses to provide shade from the sun, but check the park website to make sure there are no restrictions on the types of hats that are allowed. Kids should drink plenty of water during the day to keep from getting dehydrated. - Keep valuables in a locker.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
Nearly every waterpark, if not all, will have lockers where you can store your valuables for a small fee. Do not allow your children to bring cell phones, iPods, or hand-held electronic gaming devices to the waterpark, which can end up destroyed. If they do, be sure to store the items in a locker for safekeeping. Never leave anything of value by your chair or towel. Check that all watches are removed before swimming. Parents' car keys should be kept in the locker--and not in a pocket while swimming. - Wear a swimsuit and bring a towel and a cover-up.Comstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images
Kids should wear a swimsuit with a cover-up or a t-shirt. Most parks have restrictions on what type of clothing can be worn, so check before you go. For example, items with zippers and buckles are not typically allowed. Water shoes work well to keep kids from slipping and burning their feet on hot asphalt and cement. Babies and toddlers in diapers are required to wear swim diapers or swim pants. Bring a towel, a hat, sunglasses and a waterproof camera to record the day's events.
