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Amusement Park Packing List
What to carry for a full day of rides, sun and water attractions, plus what parks won't let through security.
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Before anything goes in the bag, the sources agree on what comes first. Maverick Family Life says to check the park's rules first of all. AAA names tickets and reservations as one of the first things to remember, because many parks require reservations in advance. After that come the bag, clothes, sun protection, food and a small first aid kit. This list is for a single day at a theme or amusement park, including a water ride or two. It leaves out multi-day luggage and park-specific rules, which vary: some parks allow no outside drinks other than water, so check yours.
Why these items are on the list
- Park rules checked before packing. Maverick Family Life and Travelpro both say to check what is allowed before you reach security.
- Tickets and reservations. AAA says to have them printed or on your phone, since many parks require advance reservations.
- Backpack within the size limit. AAA gives a typical limit of 24 by 15 by 18 inches, with no wheels.
- Small waist pack for rides. Keeps your phone, keys and cards on you when bags must go in a locker.
- Comfortable walking shoes. Maverick Family Life typically logs 15,000 to 25,000 steps on a theme park day.
- Sweatshirt or light layer. Travelpro notes that temperatures drop once the sun sets.
- Change of clothes. Travelpro and Play.Party.Plan suggest this so you are not soggy after water rides.
- Spare pair of socks. Dry socks after water rides, or for the drive home, says Maverick Family Life.
- Flip-flops for wet rides. Travelpro suggests these so your sneakers do not get soaked.
- Refillable water bottle. Travelpro, 10Best and Maverick Family Life recommend one, to save money and avoid dehydration.
- Wide-brim hat. AAA suggests a wide brim, and Travelpro prefers one that goes all the way around.
- Cheap sunglasses. Jill Cataldo and Maverick Family Life both pack a pair they won't mind breaking or losing on a ride.
- Sunscreen and lip balm. Reapply sunscreen every two to three hours, say Travelpro and AAA.
- Rain poncho. Folds small and works on water rides. Some parks ask you to leave umbrellas at home.
- Ziploc bags, several sizes. These keep phones and electronics dry on water rides and hold leftover snacks.
- A few hair ties. Travelpro notes that rides flip you upside down and hair ties are easily lost.
- Hand sanitizer. Ride restraints, queue rails and door handles mean your hands touch a lot all day.
- Wet wipes. Useful for sticky hands and for wiping down tables before you eat.
- Non-perishable snacks, if allowed. Jill Cataldo avoids anything with chocolate, because it melts in the heat.
- Power bank and cable. Parks increasingly use their apps for wait times, ride reservations and food orders.
- Small first aid kit. AAA suggests bandages and pain relievers. Maverick Family Life adds bandages for blisters.
- Prescription meds in original containers. Travelpro says keeping them in the original container proves they are genuine.
- Bug spray. Travelpro notes that some parks control mosquitoes and some don't, so pack a small bottle.
- Cash and quarters. Some kiosks and games take only cash, and quarters are handy for lockers.
- Cooling towel or personal fan. USA TODAY 10Best says a soaked cooling towel cools you for about three hours.
- Anti-chafe stick. Hours of walking in shorts or a dress can cause painful rubbing, notes 10Best.
- Selfie sticks and glass left home. AAA and Travelpro both list these among items parks typically refuse at security.
Most of the articles that rank for this phrase are long product roundups full of affiliate links, and the actual list is buried between the brand picks. This list pulls out only the items and keeps a one-line reason for each. You can tick it off while packing the night before, and share it so each adult in the group knows who is carrying what.
When to use it
Use it the night before a single day at a theme or amusement park, especially in hot months or when water rides are planned.