Essentials for taking toddlers to a theme park
Essentials for taking toddlers to a theme park
After a big hiatus from the blog, I’m back with probably some of my most helpful content. The essentials that you’ll need to take your toddlers to a theme park, zoo, or a long outing outside. I would say that I am pretty knowledgeable in this area. We frequent Busch Gardens, DisneyWorld and ZooTampa pretty regularly. At this point, we have our needs down to a science.
So, where do we begin with essentials? Stroller accessories, of course.
I recommend you use a double stroller, one that faces both kids the same way. Yes, they are bigger, but the kids wont feel like they’re sitting on top of each other. We have never owned a wagon, so I have no recommendations on that. We have a Bumbleride, highly recommend.
For me a cupholder on the stroller is a necessity.
Mesh net catch all. This is simple to attach to anything, and simple to store away. *might be my favorite thing on list*
Depending on how young your kids are, these clips are simple and perfect so they don’t drop the pacifier. You can even attach these to cups with handles or snack bowls.
Fans that clip are a preference for me. I dont like the octopus leg fans, I have never found one that stayed correctly.
Portable hand-help misting fan (battery operated). For the kids to hold.
Essentials for the diaper bag
I would recommend using a bookbag type bag. If you want to ditch the stroller to do some walking, you can easily put a bookbag on your back and go.
Speaking of ditching the stroller to do some walking, you will want to have some air tags.
I recommend getting an air tag to put in your stroller. At Disney, it isn’t uncommon for the cast members to move your stroller around.
Also, stick some air tags on your kids if you want to.
I love this large pack of mesh bags to organize everything in the backpack. I have a snack bag, a clean clothes bag, wet clothes bag, bag for my personal items, and literally anything.
We exclusively use Blue Lizard. The stick is amazing for faces and necks! Would also recommend the lotion.
If you have any kids who are just starting to walk, would highly recommend a small first aid kit. Some alcohol wipes, Neosporin, and band aids. I recently got a spider bite right before a trip to Disney, we had to buy band aids on site and it was more expensive.
I absolutely love Boogie Wipes. Great antibacterial wipes for keeping things clean at a park.
SLIM 18oz stainless steel water bottles. I LOVE simple modern. Click the link to see that they have a ton of options for characters and colors. The 18oz gives you more water, and the slim container makes this fit easily in cup holders or bags. Some options may take a couple days to come in, so order well ahead of time.
Essentials for entertaining your toddlers while waiting in line
if you follow me you might remember me asking for recommendations on this toddler camera (it was highly recommended by a lot of people to me). Beau ended up getting one from his aunt for his birthday and we can confirm, its great. It is very easy for small children to use. If you need something to occupy the kids while waiting for something, I recommend this.
I bought the tiny cam for both kids. They are simple enough to use. Ours are still kicking. Beau mostly plays the little games or listens to the stories. Good for occupying the kids while waiting in a line.
No spill bubbles so they can “do it themselves”
Buy a party pack of small toys. Give them out as you need to (not all at once, sparingly).
Snack essentials for taking toddlers to a theme park
CHOMPS are my obsession. They are the best protein packed park snack. They are pricey but worth it.
Puffs for the kids.
These pops are made from juice, organic. Better option for my kids for candy.
Toddler pouches. On a park day this might be the most nutritious thing I can convince my kids to eat. We will take it. I also bring yogurt pouches for the hotel.
Fruit snacks! Not much more to say about this. Toddler parents will know.
Small paper cups for sharing snacks! paper cups because they drop, get dirty, and I just like to throw them away personally.
Interactive disposable placemats. This is a good idea if you’re going to sit down at a restaurant and eat while you’re out. One, because tables can be gross. Two, because not all places give out activities for kids. Three, redirecting attention to something like this could help avoid a hunger meltdown. Also, bring a couple small markers or crayons in a bag. I keep crayons in our diaper bag.
Clothing Accessories
My favorite part of the parks, getting dressed up! I could do an entire post on clothing alone and I think I might. But here are my essentials.
Athletic skort with hidden cell phone pocket. These skorts are game changers.
Family pack of rain ponchos
Travel umbrella. Just used this at Magic Kingdom for some light rain, it was perfect and very compact.
Large brim hat for toddlers. I like a large brim because it protects a wider area of the face and neck.
https://amzn.to/4dnO3gF
Sunglasses with the strap! Get your baby used to wearing sunglasses and hats early on. My kids have learned now that sunglasses actually help them see, so they typically keep them on and even request to wear them.
Water shoes for a water park. These are the water shoes I have for my daughter. They are so light weight and stay on well, but I would size down.
Thanks for taking a look at my list for essentials for taking toddlers to a theme park! Hopefully, you found something helpful. Also, check out Get Ready for Disney World With Us!, Our Stay at Disney’s Old Key West Resort, and Top Items to Keep Kids Occupied During Disney Lines
*As an Amazon Associate, I earn commissions from qualifying purchases
17 Comments