How to Keep Kids Safe at Theme Parks and Festivals-Part I Preparing for Crowds

Summer is the time to Get Out and Have Fun!
Explore new places or favorite old spots.

But guess what? Everyone else is also getting out and having fun which means big crowds and lots of opportunities to get separated or lost.
Nooooooooo!
It’s ok—I’ve got your back. Before you go wrap your kid in a bubble and tag them with a bionic tracking code, read my three part series on keeping kids safe in crowds for simple solutions, then breathe in, get out there, and have fun!

As parents, our biggest fear is something happening to our kids. And there is nothing worse than that sinking feeling in your stomach when you get separated from your little one. It happens to all of us, so the best thing you can do is just arm yourself with a few easy tools and strategies so you can be reunited as quickly as possible.

These tips can, and should, be used everywhere (Disney World, any theme park, the zoo, the aquarium, the boardwalk)… wherever you go that you may become separated, especially if it’s crowded.

Editor’s Note: This is the first in a series of 3 in Keeping your Kids Safe in Crowded Theme Parks

Click here for Part 2 and Part 3.

Tip #1: Talk to you kids about “Safe Strangers”

When my girls were young, we had a lot of talks about Stranger Danger. I made sure they knew not to talk to strangers unless Mommy or Daddy was with them. I also explained that it’s ok to talk to “safe strangers” like a store clerk or a policeman or a security guard if you’re lost.

But when visiting a crowded theme park or festival, it can be difficult to identify who a “safe stranger” is and where they can be found.

So as soon as we enter the park, I point out personnel with name tags so my girls know what to look for. Then if they’re lost, they can find a “safe stranger” to help them get to Lost and Found.

Tip #2: Designate a meeting spot for older kids (and adults)

Do you remember those days back in ancient times when we didn’t have cell phones? We couldn’t just call or text if we lost a member of our party.
So it was pretty common to create a Designated Meeting Place if the group got separated. This is still a great strategy to use today if you’re traveling with a big group or have older kids.

Then you can quickly go to the Designated Meeting Place and be reunited without losing too much fun time.
Remember, sometimes cell phones get lost or run out of batteries, so this is a great back-up plan for older kids and adults in the group.

Tip #3: Arm your kids with your cell phone number

If your kids haven’t memorized one or both of their parents’ cell phone numbers, then you can literally arm them with the facts and digits.
Here are two great ideas for creating fun phone number bracelets and temporary phone number tattoos.

How to Make a Phone Number Bracelet

How to Make a Temporary Phone Number Tattoo

Next up in our series—Have you thought about how to keep your kids safe at night when everything is dark?

Come back tomorrow for my favorite Go-To Item to Keep Kids Safe at Night.  It was literally a life saver for us when my (then) 2 year old got lost at Sesame Place.

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HI! I’m a Shana, self-proclaimed Media Mixologist, wife, and mom to two little girls. I love to mix up cocktails of crafts, recipes, wellness, family and business with just the right amount of sparkle to help you shine everyday. So, grab a glass, and let’s celebrate the cocktail of life!