Preparing for your water park outing:

• Bring two sets of car keys, wear sunscreen, strap your glasses to your head. (Car keys are the most frequently lost item at a water park with glasses in a close second.)
• Head for waterslides early and late in the day. When those attractions are the busiest, usually mid-day, plan other activities so you maximize your time out.
• Since most people choose to eat between noon and 1:30 p.m., plan to eat earlier or later and take advantage of the water activities while others are eating.

• Check your park's schedule as they often vary depending on the time of year. 
• Plan on being wet most of the day, and waterproof sun block is a necessity!
• June is often the best time to go to a water park since some schools do not close for the summer until later in the month and many families are still planning their vacation. 
• Parents do not need to go all day long. Noah's Ark has 4,000 lounge chairs. Bring a fun book to read if you want to rest. Stake out your territory by plunking down a beach towel on a lounge chair early in the day.
• Be sure to carefully read all the precaution signs at the rides.
• Plan on bringing or purchasing a "neck safe", a sealable container on a necklace to keep money or other small valuable items with you. Available in most park gift stores.
• Bring your camera because family adventures like this are great memory makers!
• Arrange a meeting spot and time that is very specific.  Some area with a prominent sign.
• Most parks do not provide towels!  Please bring them with or you may need to purchase one in the gift stores.
  

Top Ten Water Parks

Wet-n-Wild Emerald Pointe is a North Carolina waterpark that is open during the summer months. The park features over fifteen water rides, as well as food and beverages, and a kid's only area.  Wet-n-Wild has been open for twentyfive years, and Splash Island, and area for the entire family.

Water Country is a New Hampshire waterpark that is a thrill for the whole family. The park features over fifteen water rides, as well as a variety of concessions and events.  Water Country has a giant wave pool, and cabana rentals.

Typhoon Lagoon is a Florida waterpark that is open year-round. The park features ninevwater slides, as well as one of the world's largest artificial waves.  Typhoon Lagoon has been open since 1989, and features a fifty foot geyser that erupts every thirty minutes.

Splashtown Waterpark is a Texas waterpark that is open year-round. The park features the Texas Freefall waterslide, as well as a variety of water and thrill rides.  Splashtown Waterpark offers online discount admission, and features a water tornado, a water thrill ride that launchers tubers into a giant cyclone of water.

Read more: Top Ten Water Parks