How to Have Fun at Water Parks with Young Children

1. Planning Your Visit: What to Know Before You Go

As a parent of young children, I know how challenging it can be to find an activity that keeps everyone happy. Visiting a water park is one of those magical experiences where everyone – even the littlest ones – can have a blast. But with so many things to consider, like safety, age-appropriate rides, and meal times, planning a successful trip to a water park requires a little preparation. Based on my experiences, I’ve compiled a few tips that will ensure your day at the water park goes smoothly, and that your kids have the time of their lives!

2. Choose the Right Water Park for Young Kids

Not all water parks are created equal when it comes to catering to young children. Some parks are more suited for older kids or adults who crave thrilling slides and fast-paced rides. If you're visiting with young children, you want to make sure the park offers plenty of kid-friendly attractions. Look for parks with shallow pools, gentle water slides, splash pads, and age-appropriate areas. When I went to Legoland Water Park in California with my kids, they were able to enjoy small, safe slides and a massive interactive water play structure designed for younger children.

Another park we’ve enjoyed is Aquatica Orlando, which has a fantastic "Kiwi Banks" area specifically designed for kids under 5. The water is shallow, and the slides are small and slow, which made it perfect for my little ones to play without feeling overwhelmed.

3. Keep Safety a Top Priority

Safety should always be your number one concern when visiting a water park with young children. Before you leave for your trip, make sure your kids are wearing the appropriate swim gear, including life jackets if necessary. Many water parks provide free life jackets, but it’s a good idea to bring your own if your child is still getting used to swimming.

On our last trip to a water park, I made sure to keep an eye on my kids at all times while they were in the water. While they had a blast playing in the splash zone, I made sure they were never too far away from me. Some parks even have wristbands that help identify kids in case they get separated from their parents, and I highly recommend using them if available.

4. Take Advantage of Kid-Friendly Attractions

One of the highlights of a water park for my kids is exploring all the child-friendly attractions. Many parks now offer areas specifically designed for little ones, like gentle slides, water fountains, and interactive water play areas. At Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Los Angeles, we had an amazing time at the “Lil’ Rippers” area, where my kids could enjoy tiny water slides and pools that were the perfect depth for them. They loved splashing around and competing to see who could slide down the fastest (even though it was more of a leisurely glide!).

Don’t forget to check out the wave pools as well. Many parks offer small, shallow wave pools that are perfect for young children. When my son was 3, he had a blast splashing in the gentle waves at Blizzard Beach in Disney World. Watching him giggle as the waves rolled in was a moment I’ll never forget!

5. Plan for Breaks and Snacks

Water parks can be overwhelming for young kids, especially with all the excitement and physical activity. Make sure to schedule breaks throughout the day. My kids get tired easily, so we always take time to rest under one of the many shaded cabanas or lounge areas. It gives them a chance to cool off and recharge before heading back to the water.

Be sure to pack snacks and drinks to keep your little ones hydrated and fueled. Many water parks offer snack stands, but I’ve found it’s often easier (and cheaper) to bring our own snacks. Fruit, granola bars, and plenty of water are always my go-to choices. We usually take a break around mid-morning and mid-afternoon to keep energy levels up and avoid meltdowns.

6. Don’t Forget the Sunscreen!

If there's one thing I’ve learned from years of water park visits, it’s that sunscreen is a must. The sun can be brutal, especially on a hot day at the water park, so make sure to apply sunscreen generously to your children (and yourself) before you hit the pools. Reapply every couple of hours, and don’t forget areas that are often missed, like the backs of ears, the tops of feet, and the neck. The last thing you want is for your child to end up with a sunburn after a fun day in the water.

7. Manage Expectations and Enjoy the Day

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a water park and feel pressure to experience everything. However, with young kids, it’s important to manage expectations. Not every child will love every ride or activity, and that’s okay. If one of your little ones isn’t interested in a particular water slide, don’t push them. Instead, focus on the activities they enjoy the most, and take your time exploring the park at their pace.

During one trip, my daughter wasn’t sure about going down the bigger slides, so we spent the day exploring the splash pads and shallow pools instead. She had so much fun just splashing around and interacting with the water play areas that we never made it to the slides. And you know what? She had the time of her life!

8. Make It a Family Adventure

Water parks are a fantastic way to bond as a family. After all, it’s not just about the rides and attractions – it’s about making memories together. Whether it’s holding hands as you splash around in the wave pool, sharing a snack, or just watching your kids’ faces light up with excitement, there’s something magical about spending the day together at the water park. Take plenty of photos, enjoy the little moments, and soak in the joy of watching your kids have a blast.

On our last visit, I noticed how much closer we became as a family. My husband and I took turns watching the kids and participating in fun activities, while our little ones eagerly shared their favorite moments from the day. It's these types of experiences that make water park visits so special!