Southern California is home to some of the most beloved amusement parks in the world. With over 20 parks in Southern California alone, there are options the entire family will enjoy, along with some that cater more to specific age groups and interests. You’ll surely find a park that has everything you’re looking for.
- 6 Best Theme Parks in Southern California
- How to Stay Hydrated at Theme Parks
- How to Stay Cool at Amusement Parks
- Schedule Mobile IV Medics to Recover After a Long Day at an Amusement Park
One of Southern California’s beloved resources is its near-constant sunshine. While mild weather makes California a perfect place to be, it’s also essential that you and your family stay hydrated and safe while exploring the amusement parks you decide to visit while in California. Dehydration can come on quickly while you’re spending all day walking under the sun, so take steps to stay in good health.
6 Best Theme Parks in Southern California
While there are more than 20 amusement parks in Southern California alone, here are six of the most incredible theme parks you can find in the area.
- Disneyland: Disneyland is one of the world’s best-known amusement parks for a good reason. Its attractions appeal to children, teens and adults through various offerings like “Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance,” which takes you on a 15-minute interactive experience in the Star Wars universe, and the classic “It’s a Small World,” where you board a magical boat ride to sail around the world. Your children will love meeting all their favorite Disney characters in real life.
- Disney California Adventure: Adventure Park is right next door to the classic Disneyland, and it pays homage to its home state. Spending a day at Disney California Adventure is similar to touring the entire state because it has a wealth of Californian culture, history and nature. Older kids and adults will love action-packed rides and experiences, but there are also many options available for younger children. A Bug’s Land is a kid-friendly section of the park based on the film “A Bug’s Life.”
- Universal Studios Hollywood: Universal Studios Hollywood wraps around the famous Universal Studios. Some of the most popular shows and movies film here, like “Family Feud” and “The Incredible Hulk.” You can take an in-depth tour of the studio, explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and finally get a taste of butterbeer. The park has various rides that appeal to people of all ages, like “Fast & Furious — Supercharged” and “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.”
- Pacific Park: Pacific Park is on the Santa Monica Pier and has a roller coaster, carnival games and various other rides like a swinging sea dragon and the Pacific Plunge that drops 44 feet. The Pacific Wheel is the world’s first and only solar-powered Ferris wheel, and it offers a fantastic view of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Monica and the coastline.
- Knott’s Berry Farm: Knott’s Berry Farm is America’s first theme park, and it’s great for children because it has many slow-paced rides where you can watch animated characters like Snoopy and Charlie Brown. Teens will enjoy the park for its many roller coasters. There’s also a large waterpark area that offers rides for all ages.
- Six Flags Magic Mountain: Magic Mountain is the place to be if you enjoy the excitement of riding roller coasters all day. Magic Mountain is home to over 18 thrill rides and the world’s tallest and fastest pendulum ride, “CraZanity Giga Discovery.”
How to Stay Hydrated at Theme Parks
Staying hydrated at theme parks is one of the most crucial things you can do to guarantee you have a safe and pleasant experience. You can quickly become dehydrated when you spend all day outdoors at an amusement park, mainly because California stays hot and sunny year-round.
Dehydration occurs when you lose more water through sweat and bathroom breaks than you take in throughout the day. Many people become dehydrated at theme parks because they require a lot of walking in the heat. Dehydration can lead to heatstroke and heat exhaustion, both of which can be life-threatening.
Follow these tips to stay hydrated while enjoying the rides and sights.
- Bring a refillable water bottle: Refillable water bottle stations are becoming more prevalent in many theme parks. You can find stations throughout parks and quickly fill up your bottle to always have a supply of water.
- Pack plenty of water or sports drinks: If you prefer disposable water bottles, you can pack a few in a backpack and bring them into the park with you. Sports drinks are a good idea if it’s an extra hot day or if you sweat heavily. You can also fill up a disposable water bottle at a water station. It’s best to bring water bottles from home because parks can charge a premium for bottled water.
- Take advantage of water fountains: Water fountains are even easier to find than refillable water bottle stations. You can find many near bathrooms, so look out for signs pointing the way. You can use water fountains to fill up bottles, too, depending on their layout.
- Ask restaurants or food stands for a cup of water: Most parks will offer free cups of ice water at any of their restaurants.
- Apply and reapply sunscreen: Sunburn can dehydrate you because your body diverts water to your skin to start the healing process. You should apply sunscreen over your entire body every two hours that you’re in the sun and reapply after being in the water.
Different amusement parks may have unique guidelines for what you can and can’t bring. While most will allow outside beverages and water bottles, you should always check the park’s website first and read the prohibited items section before you go to avoid any hassle while trying to enter. Keep in mind that most parks don’t allow outside alcohol or glass bottles for safety.
How to Stay Cool at Amusement Parks
To have the best time possible at amusement parks, you must take steps to maintain your body temperature throughout the day. Spending too much time in the heat can be bad for your health and lead to dehydration. You can make your day at the park more enjoyable by staying cool, even if the temperatures hit the triple digits.
Follow these tips throughout the day.
- Avoid getting sunburned: Sunburn causes increased blood flow to the afflicted area, which can make you feel hotter. Frequently reapply sunscreen to keep your skin from burning and becoming sensitive.
- Bring a water-misting fan: A portable fan that mists you with water will make a big difference in making you feel cool throughout the day. You can refill the water throughout the day at water fountains. Most amusement parks sell fans in the park, but you’ll be paying a higher premium than if you buy one online.
- Wear a hat: A wide-brimmed hat will do wonders for keeping the sun off of your face, neck and shoulders.
- Visit parks in the early morning or later evening: It’s best to visit theme parks first thing in the morning or later in the evening if you don’t plan on spending an entire day there. The sun is strongest between the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., so try to avoid being directly in the sun during this period if possible.
- Get wet on water rides: Water rides are among the most enjoyable ways to cool off at an amusement park. You can get wet and feel relief from the scorching heat. It’s a good idea to bring a change of clothes if you don’t want to walk around in wet clothes. However, depending on the temperature, your clothes may dry off quickly.
- Wear lightweight and breathable clothing: Cotton is an excellent choice for hot days because it’s a very breathable fabric that dries quickly and allows air to circulate, which will keep you comfortable. Linen is another option for maximum breathability.
- Slow down: A day at an amusement park is a marathon, not a sprint. Give yourself the freedom of an entire day at the park, so you can stroll at your leisure without feeling the need to rush around all day. Take it easy, appreciate the sites and know that you have plenty of time.
- Visit air-conditioned shops and restaurants: If you start feeling overheated, get indoors and take a breather. Most amusement parks have abundant climate-controlled shops and restaurants so you can escape from the sun and leave feeling revitalized.
Schedule Mobile IV Medics to Recover After a Long Day at an Amusement Park
Going to an amusement park is fun and exciting for the entire family. But when the days are long and hot, spending time in the sun can leave you feeling exhausted and dehydrated.
Mobile IV Medics offers an IV Hydration Package to alleviate symptoms of dehydration and restore your body with much-needed fluids and electrolytes. Our registered nurses administer the IV in the comfort of your home. Our IVs are perfect for anyone over age 12 who weighs at least 100 pounds.
Book online now, and we can be at your home within the hour to help you feel great!
