Theme Park Outfits to Keep You Cool and Comfortable All Day

A day at a theme park can be hard on your body, especially if you aren’t as young as you used to be. Sure, you’re having fun, but you’re also going through long hours of walking and standing and baking under the sun. Not to mention, you’re not sure if that last roller coaster agreed with your stomach.

A comfortable theme park outfit is a part of staying safe and having a good time. The most important way to stay comfortable is to listen to your body. If the novelty headband or glasses you bought are giving you a headache, take them off. If you’re tired, take a break. It might be tempting to tough it out and power through, but it will only wind up ruining your day.

Keep these smart theme park outfit ideas in mind for your next family vacation.

Theme park outfit ideas that will keep your feet happy

Comfortable shoes are the most important part of any theme park outfit. Remember, your feet are going to carry you throughout your theme park vacation. I recommend running shoes with comfortable socks. Wear them to the airport as well. You might take a moment longer at security, but the reduced stress on your feet is worth the wait. Sandals are perhaps the worst types of shoes to wear at a theme park since they leave your toes exposed, can slip off easily and provide little support.

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If your feet are starting to feel a little tender after a few days of walking and waiting in line, pay attention to them. Stretch and massage your feet and legs at the end of the day, and before you go out in the morning, tend to your foot’s problem areas. Apply blister cream and bandages to developing blisters, and apply moleskin to areas of your foot that undergo the most stress. Moleskin is a slim, adhesive layer of canvas and gauze designed to cushion and protect your feet. It can be cut into whatever shape you desire, or slapped on whole-cloth. It sounds gross, but it’s a lifesaver.

Theme park outfits that keep you cool

Most theme parks are in warmer climates or are most popular during summer, so you’ll have to get creative if you want to stay comfortable and cool.

Wear a wide-brimmed hat or a baseball cap to keep the sun off of your face. This will keep you cool, and has the added benefit of getting the sun out of your eyes. Just make sure not to lose your hat on the tilt-a-whirl.

In addition to the hat, make sure to apply and reapply sunblock throughout the day. If you’re fair-skinned, you don’t want to get a painful sunburn. If your skin is darker, it still needs protection from the sun’s harmful rays.

Speaking of staying cool… 

The best way to stay cool is to stay hydrated. A frozen bottle of water is the smartest theme park outfit accessory; it will melt throughout the day while staying frosty and refreshing. If you want to travel lighter, you can usually get water for free at the theme park’s quick-service restaurants. Or seek out a fan-and-mister combo to spray yourself and your (only slightly annoyed) loved ones.

Another great way to stay cool is to seek out indoor rides and shows. Waiting in line seems a lot nicer when you’re waiting in air conditioning. And there’s no shame in going back to your hotel during the hottest hours of the day. When it’s hotter than the surface of the sun, the smartest move is to go to the park in the morning, siesta at the hotel around midday, then return to the park afterward. This is also a good move for parties with small children who may get tired and cranky. Some younger kids need a midday nap to keep up their theme park energy.

When it comes to keeping up your energy, there are tons of foods and snacks waiting for you within the theme park gates. Many people allow themselves to go off their diets at theme parks, where funnel cakes and turkey legs are the local cuisine. But if you’re not used to eating all that sugar and fat at once, you should pace yourself. One deep-fried Oreo could be the difference between a fun ride on the merry-go-round and losing your lunch on horseback.

Keep these tips in mind for a safe and comfortable theme park vacation. And maybe you’ll even be able to walk when you get back home.

Have any other tips to add? Tell us your theme park outfit ideas in the comments. 

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