12 Tips for a Terrific Trip to a Theme Park with Teens

Nothing says summer like spending the day at a theme park!

Growing up in central Indiana, our theme park of choice was just a 2-hour drive away in Cinncinatti, Ohio. I recall several fun trips to Kings Island in my youth, and now my own kids are creating memories there as well.

This week I joined 2 other adventurous moms on a road trip for a fun-filled day at Kings Island.

3 vehicles…11 teenagers…and plenty of sunscreen!

The weather was perfect, the crowds were minimal, and a good time was had by all. Including the moms!

We screamed on the Vortex, got wet on White Water Canyon, and enjoyed the view from atop the fake Eiffel Tower. We snapped selfies and consumed plenty of free soft drinks. And we witnessed our kids and their friends having an awesome time!

Taking a large group of teenagers anywhere can be daunting. But these tips can help ensure a good (and safe) time is had by all when taking teens to Kings Island or any theme park.

12 Tips for Taking Teens to a Theme Park

1. Research Ticket Options: Don’t wait to buy your tickets at the gate. Research ticket options ahead of time, and you may be able to find discounted tickets or packages with freebies thrown in. We purchased our Kings Island passes at Kroger. For just $39.99 we received park entrance, free parking, and unlimited soft drinks. Not bad!!

2. Get a Map and the App: Pick up a paper map of the park when you arrive and download the park’s app. Each comes in handy when deciding which attractions to prioritize, determining where to meet up, finding out wait times for rides, and locating the nearest restroom.

3. Use the Buddy System: With teens the buddy system looks much different than it did when they were younger. Consider the thrill level of the teens you are taking and make sure everyone has at least one friend willing to ride the tallest coaster with them…or happy to stick with them on the calmer rides. And even though they are teens, remind them to stay together. Safety in numbers!

4. Recruit Fun Adults: Given that teens need far less monitoring than younger kids, adults can actually enjoy themselves at the park too. So make sure you bring along other responsible adults…who are also tons of fun. I hit the jackpot with these 2 moms!

5. Sunscreen. Sunscreen. Sunscreen! Nothing can ruin your summer fun like a painful sunburn. Remember to bring sunscreen and reapply throughout the day, even if it is overcast. This is one area where you may have to go into “parent mode” and nag your teens. They will thank you…someday.

6. Bring Your Phones and Check-in: Given that your teens don’t need (or want!) you to hover, responsible teens can have a bit of freedom to roam within the theme park. This works best if everyone has a cell phone. Touch base periodically via text or Facetime, and schedule regular times to meet up for in-person check-ins.

7. Pack the Portable Charger: Don’t be caught with a dead cell phone! Make sure everyone’s phones are fully charged before heading into the park, and carry a portable charger to ensure the lines of communication are always open.

8. Tote a Drawstring Bag: A simple drawstring bag can help contain those items you need to have handy while in the park and still allow you to be hands-free. Bandaids, ibuprofen, sunscreen, ziplock bags, sunglasses, and a phone charger all come in handy. You can reserve a locker if you don’t want to carry the bag all day or most roller coasters offer a place to stow your bag while on the ride so you can concentrate on holding on tight!

9. Drink Early: Some theme parks sell adult beverages. I wouldn’t recommend indulging while you are chasing a toddler around a theme park. But enjoying a beer or cocktail while your teens are having fun hopping from one ride to the next should be fine, assuming you are over 21! Just enjoy that adult beverage early in the day so you are ready to safely make the drive home later on. And always drink responsibly.

10. Drink Often: I’m NOT talking about adult beverages this time! Adults AND teens need to make sure they are staying hydrated and that means drinking plenty of water throughout the day. This is especially important in the heat of summer.

11. Bring a Change of Clothes: If you plan to enjoy a water park then a change of clothes is essential. Even if water rides aren’t in your plans an extra change of clothes in the car can be a lifesaver for a variety of possible mishaps.

12. Decide Between an Overnight vs. a Day Trip: Determine ahead of time if you will spend the night after your fun-filled day in the park or if it will be a day trip. If your crew wants to stay late to enjoy the finale fireworks, consider booking a hotel room. If you have more than an hour drive home and are responsible for getting a car full of teens there safely, plan to leave the park in the early evening. 8 plus hours in a theme park can be exhausting, and as the designated driver, there’s no sleeping on this road trip!