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A trip to the amusement park is a fantastic way to create lasting memories with family and friends, and as your foodie-friendly theme park website, I know a thing or two about packing for the parks.
A day at the theme park isn’t only about thrill rides and magical moments, it’s about food and snacks! But between corn dogs, churros, and butterbeer, it’s easy to forget the essentials that make your food-focused adventure smoother (and tastier).
So, this isn’t your average packing list. I’m sharing foodie-approved hacks to help you:
✅ “Sneak” in snacks without breaking park rules
✅ Keep leftovers fresh within reason (yes, you can take that giant turkey leg home)
✅ Navigate allergies safely
✅ Eat like a pro without overspending
Grab our free Ultimate Foodie’s Packing List below—it includes bonus park snack hacks!
Food-Specific Packing Tips
I used to be a big eater, but I no longer can eat big portions so I had to find ways to not waste food when I was in the parks. So, if I know that I’ll be eating a lot in the park for content, here are ways that I try to mitigate food waste:
Collapsible Containers for Leftovers: Theme park portions can be huge. Pack a silicone collapsible bowl (like [this one](Amazon affiliate link)) to save half that $20 BBQ platter for later. Only bring in what you need and leave the rest at home!
Pro tip: Use it to store pre-cut veggies and hummus for guilt-free snacking for snacking in line.
Ice packs: If you’ll be storing food as you walk around the parks for a while, you’ll want to keep it cool, and you’ll need to do that with an ice pack.
Reusable Utensils & Straws: Trying to help the environment or sick of disposable everything? Bring in bamboo utensil sets and metal straws to you enjoy Dole Whip, milkshakes, and salads sustainably. Just remember to bring the cleaning brush for those straws in between drinks.
Spice Kits & Condiment Packs:
Add flavor to bland fries or pretzels with –
- Mini hot sauce bottles (to my fellow millennials, remember the obsession with those little sriracha bottles? yeaaah)
- Everything bagel seasoning in a tiny container
- Special sauce packets from home (you’re certainly not going to find sweet & sour sauce packets at Six Flags, so bring it if you’re gonna crave it)
Allergy Defense Kit:
For food allergies, pack –
- Custom allergy cards (link to your “Navigating Parks with Allergies” guide)
- Reusable straws to avoid cross-contamination
- Single-serve nut-free snacks (approved by your blog’s “Best Allergy-Friendly Parks” post).
To find the custom allergy cards, you can find them on our Navigating Theme Parks with Allergies Guide.
Must-Haves for Everyone
Tickets & ID: Don’t forget your park tickets or passes, and bring a valid ID for any age restrictions or purchases (like alcohol). Consider downloading the park’s app for easy access to maps, wait times, and show schedules (see below for links to some popular park’s apps).
Cash & Cards: While most parks accept credit cards, it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases or lockers (if those parks are not 100% cashless). Consider bringing quarters for arcades or games.
Tip: Not all parks will accept cash, for example – Knott’s Berry Farm is 100% cashless and you’ll either need to convert cash to card at one of their ATMs or bring in your own card. When in doubt about where your amusement park stands, call.
Sunscreen & Sunglasses: Protect yourself from the sun with broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and a comfortable pair of sunglasses.
Recommendation: My favorite sunscreen is from Alba Botanica. It’s a spray-on, dark-skin friendly, coral reef safe, and smells like coconuts!
Hand Sanitizer & Wipes: Keep clean throughout the day with hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes. As you can probably imagine, theme parks are dirty places, so getting those hands clean in a jiffy in between meals is an easy way to go when you’re rushing around.
Sun & Weather Protection
Hat: A wide-brimmed hat protects your face and neck from the sun.
Rain Gear: Pack a poncho or a small umbrella for unexpected showers.
Tip: You may scoff at this, but if you’re heading to Universal or Disney you’ll be paying roughly $10-15 for a poncho in the park. And yes, I have seen people with umbrellas, but they are difficult to store in between rides, so I’d buy a poncho ahead of time.
For Your Comfort
Cash Stash/Fanny Pack: Keep valuables like your ID and cash close to your body with a money belt or fanny pack.
Sunglasses Case: Protect your sunglasses from scratches with a sturdy case.
Lip Balm: Sun and wind can dry out your lips. Pack a travel-sized lip balm for on-the-go hydration (and bring extras).
Hair Ties & Headbands: Keep your hair out of your face during rides with secure hair ties or headbands (and yep, bring extras).
Pain Relievers: Pack a small amount of pain relievers in case of headaches or minor aches.
Foodie-Centric Essentials
Portable Utensil Kit: If you’re someone who doesn’t like to use either the restaurant utensils or one-time use utensils at parks, think about carrying one of these kits. I own one and as long as you leave the knife, you’ll be a-okay to go through security with it.
Extras for a Fun Day
Snacks: Amusement park food can be expensive. Pack some non-perishable snacks like granola bars, trail mix, or fruit to keep your energy up between meals.
⟶ Check out our blog post for snacks that are great to bring into the parks.
Wet Wipes: Clean sticky fingers or spills with handy wet wipes.
Ziploc Bags: Packable and versatile, Ziploc bags can hold wet items like swimsuits or protect your phone from splashes.
Cash for Arcade Games: Bring some extra cash or a card loaded with a specific amount to enjoy arcade games without breaking the bank.
Camera (Optional): If you prefer a camera over your phone, bring it with a comfortable strap.
Small First-Aid Kit: Be prepared for minor scrapes or blisters with a small first-aid kit containing bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.
Change of Clothes (Optional – especially for young children): Pack a change of clothes and an extra pair of shoes in case of spills or unexpected weather changes.
Small Towel (Optional): A small, quick-drying towel can be useful for drying off after water rides or wiping away sweat.
Things to Consider Leaving at Home
Large Bags or Bulky Items: Large bags or bulky items can be cumbersome and may not be allowed on some rides (or if you do choose to bring it, you’ll have to pay for those large-sized lockers at rides or within the general park area).
Expensive Jewelry: Leave valuable jewelry at home to avoid losing it on rides or from being stolen.
Glass Bottles or Containers: Most parks don’t allow glass bottles or containers for safety reasons.
Selfie Sticks: Many parks restrict selfie sticks due to safety concerns. Check the park’s website for their specific policy.
Remember, this checklist is a guide, but it will help you plan and pack ahead. Adapt it to your specific needs and preferences for a fun-filled and unforgettable amusement park adventure!
Additional Tips:
- Check the park’s website for any specific restrictions on what you can bring inside (recommended: Food Policies at Theme Parks).
- Pack light and wear layers to adjust to changing temperatures throughout the day.
- Apply sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
- Stay hydrated by sipping on water.
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!