Perfect Snacks to Bring Into Theme Parks

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Hey there, my fellow budget-conscious theme park foodies!

We all know that a day at the theme park can be a blast, but it can also be pretty pricey (like take your wallet and just empty it on to the streets, pricey). That’s why I’m here to share some tips and tricks for bringing along high-quality snacks that won’t break the bank. And I really mean into the parks, not sitting in the car or hotel!

I’m dividing this into three major parts:

• Things to do before you pack
• A list of snacks to bring
• Products to help carry them into the parks

Alright, let’s dive in, so you can get ready to enjoy a day of fun-filled thrills without emptying your wallet.

What To Do Before You Start Packing

1. Figure out what you’re taking with you: Purse? Backpack? Fanny pack (bum bag)? Depending on the size of your bag you’ll be bringing into the park, that will determine how much you can bring. Of course if you need a lot of storage you’ll need a bigger bag.

2. Cool and refreshing treats: It’s imperative that you keep cool on hot days with items that will keep you refreshed. You can try snacks like frozen grapes or Frozen GoGurt alongside water. Aside from that, simply freezing your favorite fruits or yogurt ahead of time and packing them in an insulated lunch bag with some ice packs. Not only are these treats delicious, but they’ll also help you beat the heat and stay hydrated throughout the day (which is incredibly important!).

3. Share and swap: Get creative and plan a snack swap with friends or family members. This is a great idea if you’re looking to lighten the spending load across many people. Each person can bring a different snack to share, allowing everyone to try a variety of treats without breaking the bank. Plus, sharing snacks is a great way to build camaraderie – I’m a talker and if someone brought a snack I’d never tried, we’d be talking about it until the next ride.

4. Consider the temperature: Most of us go to theme parks when it’s pretty hot outside due to summer holidays, however, not every day is going to be 90º with a humidity index of SWAMP, so think about what you’re packing based on how fast something will melt/defrost/heat up before packing. I don’t think you want cheese in your bag to go sweaty and slimy because you either packed it wrong or didn’t realize how hot it was gonna get.

Snacks to Bring

Anything small and portable is the way to go, unless you’re bringing in a backpack. I say small because the larger the container (by however much you add) the heavier your storage.

There is a section with nuts, and even items I suggest that have a nut butter – if you can avoid it, it could save the life of someone near you (some people can get a reaction just off the smell). And if you need to bring in perishables I also have a section below for that and some recommendations on how to transport them into the parks in one of the headers towards the end of the post.

My favorite snacks are always gummy candies (Sour Patch Kids, anyone?), Teriyaki beef jerky, Pop-Tarts, and generally snack bars. They’re easy to grab, all portable, and are delicious.

¹Perishable items

Snacks You Shouldn’t Bring

Anything perishable for starters, unless you’re able to bring in a cooler that will keep it reasonably fresh. Since most parks do not allow for this, be sure to read up on the food policies at your designated park before trying to bring anything inside. And if you do manage to smuggle in contraband just know that you could very well be thrown out with no refund to your ticket.

Anyway, to reiterate: nut-related snacks should overall not be brought into parks (especially peanuts) to avoid someone else getting sick around you. However, if you’re adamant, I highly suggest eating those products away from others and washing your hands immediately so the oils don’t get on to surfaces that can create a reaction for someone else.

But anything fish-related (yes, that means your tuna sandwich), eggs of any kind (don’t do that to yourself either), and soups are snacks I’d leave at home or in a cooler inside of the car. Think about it… imagine if the soup accidentally spilled in your bag while you’re running from Guardians of the Galaxy to Soarin’, then what? Wasted time to head to a restroom to clean out everything and potentially even yourself if it leaks.

Recommended Articles: Budget-Friendly Lunch Hacks

Snack-Packing Tips

1. For small children, pack a small backpack for them with their favorite snacks and a book or two. I know, you’re at a theme park, but kids can be overstimulated and those books can come in handy if they need a moment to rest.
2. Pack wet wipes, you’ll be thanked by everyone with sticky fingers. Hand sanitizer is good in a pinch, too.
3. Use reusable silicone bags (and pack spares) instead of the Ziploc disposables to have as dedicated containers for sandwiches (and other snacks) if you’re always bringing items into the park. Plus, if you’re going to a water park they may be able to double as a place for you to store bathing suits so it doesn’t get anything wet.
4. If you’re planning on bringing loose snacks (e.g., Cheerios, apple slices, chips), use a Bento box to aid in keeping everything together. It’s also an easy way to see how much you have left of a specific snack, too.
5. Pack everyone their own Bento box – and if it’s a family living under one roof – I suggest having everyone pack their own box to avoid complaints of what they want but wasn’t actually packed.

Happy Snackin’!

With a little bit of planning, you can enjoy a day of fun at the theme park without spending a fortune on snacks. Pack smart, opt for DIY snack packs, choose allergy-friendly options, and don’t forget to stay hydrated. By bringing along high-quality snacks from home, you’ll not only save money but also ensure that you and your family stay happy, healthy, and energized throughout the day. If there are items you’d think belong on this list, let me know! I didn’t want the list to be too exhaustive, but if that’s what you’d like, I can most likely come up with a free printable for you to print off instead. Let me know.

And if you haven’t as of yet, please follow us on our other social media channels (YouTube, Instagram & Tik Tok – @themeparkbites) to stay up to date on food reviews. Thank you for allowing us to be your tasty theme park companion!