What to Pack to an Amusement Park (& Printable)

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A trip to the amusement park is a fantastic way to create lasting memories with family and friends. But with all the excitement, it’s easy to forget something essential.

While this is a theme park food website, it’s important to still know what to pack to an amusement park outside of snacks, food, and beverages.

This checklist will ensure you’re prepared for a smooth and enjoyable day filled with thrills and laughter. If you’re looking for extras there’s also a printable you may like to download by signing up for the newsletter below.

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).

⟶ Walt Disney World / Disneyland

⟶ Universal Orlando / Universal Hollywood

⟶ Dollywood

⟶ Six Flags (Apple / Android)

Comfortable Shoes

The average theme park goer walks roughly 10 miles daily. That’s a lot of pressure on joints, heels, and your body.

Opt for supportive, closed-toe shoes you can walk in all day. Consider water-resistant shoes if there’s a chance of rain or water rides.

Recommendation: I recently bought Hoka’s and if you want to walk on marshmallows and be part of the trend you get these shoes. However, they’re incredibly expensive, pretty ugly, and quite frankly you can buy better looking walking shoes under $100 that will last you a very long time.

Amazon SCHEELS

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!

Reusable Water Bottle

Stay hydrated throughout the day! Bring a refillable water bottle to avoid buying expensive park drinks and reduce plastic waste.

Tip: I will always speak highly of any steel, insulated water bottle as it keeps water cold for hours. Personally, I have used everything from Contigo to Hydro Flask to Owala brands. Just remember to bring it!

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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.

Phone & Charger

You don’t want to miss out on the memories, so stay connected with a fully charged phone and a portable charger for extended use.

Recommendation: I carry around a flat pink charger that can do roughly 6 full charge cycles on my iPhone. Some parks offer portable chargers for use (at Walt Disney World they use Fuel Rod, which you can buy in-park for $30 + tax and recharge for free, but if you buy outside of WDW you can get it for roughly $15), while others do not.

Fuel Rod (2) Slim Power Bank

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.

Cooling Items

A small, handheld fan or a cooling towel can be lifesavers on a hot day.

Recommendation: Cooling towels are a life-saver in disgusting, humid, hot weather. I have a set from Frogg Togg’s (which was recommended to me by Disney fans) and it came in handy 100%.

Amazon Dick’s Sporting Goods

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.

Backpack or Bag

Choose a comfortable backpack or bag to carry your essentials throughout the day. Opt for a crossbody bag for added security on rides.

Recommendation: I used to use a purse, but it’s bulky. I finally decided to buy myself a sling crossbody bag at my local TJ Maxx. It carries a tall thin steel water bottle in the main pocket and a lot of other extras, plus there’s a small pouch around the breast that carries my charging bank, phone, chapstick, and several cards, and it fits within the free lockers at Universal Orlando. Win-win to me.

Amazon lululemon

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.

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).

Expensive Jewelry: Leave valuable jewelry at home to avoid losing it on rides.

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!