What to bring to a theme park: the definitive checklist

We’re fairly certain that you don’t spend a day at a theme park every week. So, to guarantee a fun-filled and gratifying experience, we recommend preparing for the big day well in advance. To help you get ready for your day out, we’ve drawn up a comprehensive list of everything you’ll need to bring with you!

The definitive checklist: what to bring to a theme park

Here’s a list of the absolute essentials that you’ll need to take with you on any day out at a theme park.

1. Essential documents

Printed or digital tickets: if you have the time and means to print out your tickets at home, fantastic! If not, make sure you download the digital tickets to your mobile phone or device – just in case there’s bad signal at the entrance!

Passport or ID: some parks may request to see your ID before they let you in or to offer you reduced prices. So, don’t leave home without it!

Cards and cash: while the majority of theme parks accept payment via credit and debit cards, we recommend taking a little bit of cash just in case the machines aren’t working on the day.

2. Comfortable clothing and footwear

Clothing: your best bet is to wear comfortable, breathable clothing. Theme parks are usually spread out across vast areas of land, which means you’ll need to walk a fair distance to see everything that you want to see.

Footwear: trainers, say no more! Keep in mind that you’re going to spend many hours walking and standing around, so comfortable shoes should be near the top of your list of priorities.

Extra layers: even in the summer months, it can get a bit chilly as the evening rolls in. We recommend sticking an extra layer or two in your rucksack just in case!

3. Rucksack or a practical alternative

If you can, bring a rucksack or bag with a zip – there’s nothing quite like losing your keys to put a downer on your day! A standard-sized bag will suffice, as you won’t need to carry anything too bulky around with you. If you’re not crazy about the idea of carrying your valuables around the park with you, you should check to see whether the park offers a locker rental service.

4. Protection from the weather

A key question to ask yourself before going to a theme park is ‘what will the weather be like?’ This will certainly have an impact on your day, as going to a theme park in winter isn’t the same as going to one in summer. But while it’s important, it won’t make or break your day. What will determine the success of your day is how well you plan in advance! Take a look at the list below for some useful tips:

• If it’s sunny:
  • A pair of sunglasses: to keep your eyes protected at all times.
  • A cap: to make sure you don’t suffer from heatstroke.
  • High-SPF sun cream: to ensure you don’t get sunburn.

• If it’s rainy:
  • A rain jacket or a poncho: both are more practical than an umbrella!

5. Drinks and snacks

Since you’re going, you may as well make a day of it. To avoid making unnecessary stops that eat into your time doing the things that really matter, we recommend bringing some snacks and a refillable water bottle with you. However, if you don’t fancy carrying these around all day, you’ll be pleased to know that most theme parks have establishments where you can purchase refreshments.

6. Technology and entertainment

Your mobile phone is a trusty ally on any visit to a theme park, and there are many reasons for this. You can use it to download maps of the park, allowing easy navigation from the palm of your hand; to quickly contact your friends, so that you can re-group after going on your favourite ride for the second time in a row; and to take selfies or other photographs to immortalise a memorable day with those special people in your life.

Make sure it’s fully charged before you leave the house. And if you happen to have a portable battery knocking around at home, bring that too!

7. Other useful items

While these items aren’t essential, you definitely won’t regret bringing them with you.

• Paper napkins or wet wipes: useful for cleaning your hands after eating.
• Hermetically-sealed bags: brilliant for keeping your phone and documents dry on water attractions.
• Basic medicines: ideal for dizzy spells, headaches or other discomforts.

FAQs concerning what to bring to a theme park

Can I take food and drink into the park?

The rules on entering with food and drink vary from park to park. As a general rule, many parks will allow you to enter with re-usable bottles and small snacks – especially if these are for young children or required for medical purposes. However, it’s much less likely that they’ll let you enter with enough food for a proper meal for you and the family. What’s more, eating inside theme parks is often restricted to designated dining areas. Your best bet is to check the park’s terms and conditions in advance to avoid any nasty surprises at the entrance gate.

Which objects are usually prohibited from theme parks?

Alcoholic drinks, dangerous items such as blades and selfie sticks, and anything else that could disturb or annoy other visitors are usually prohibited.

Tips for making the most of your visit

Here are some top tips for squeezing every last drop out of your visit:

• Use the park’s lockers to avoid having to lug extra weight around all day.
• Plan your route to make the most of your time in the park.
• Consult the park’s map to identify all the access points, restaurants and toilets.
• Rest when you’re tired to avoid getting worn out.
• Establish meeting points, just in case you get separated from any young children in your family or group.

By committing this guide to memory, you’ll be well placed to enjoy an unforgettable and problem-free day in any theme park.

If you’re planning on visiting PortAventura World and you’re wondering how to prepare for your big day out, take a look at this article on what to take to PortAventura Park. PortAventura Park is Spain’s largest theme park and home to record-breaking rides such as Europe’s tallest rollercoaster, Shambhala.

See you soon!