A great day at a water park starts with packing the right gear. From keeping your clothes dry to choosing the right swimwear for water slides, a few simple tips can make the difference between a stressful day and a smooth one. Here’s exactly how I pack.
ck and what I recommend wearing if you
Packing Smart: Start With a Compression Bag
My first packing tip is using a small compression bag or even a large Ziploc freezer bag.
Put your change of clothes inside it and squeeze out the air before you leave. This does two things:
- It keeps your dry clothes protected from water during the day.
- At the end of the day, you can reuse the same bag for your wet swimsuit and towels for the drive home.
It’s a simple trick that saves space and keeps everything organized.
Bring Two Towels
I always pack two towels.
- One to dry off with
- One to lie on when you’re sitting in a chair
It’s definitely a personal preference, but it makes relaxing between rides much more comfortable.
Footwear Matters
Water park walkways can be slippery, so traction is important.
I recommend:
- Flip-flops or sandals you don’t mind getting wet
- Shoes with good grip on the bottom
Sometimes you may need to leave them at the bottom of a slide, so don’t bring your favorite pair.
Aqua Socks and Water Shoes
Water shoes (or aqua socks) are great for:
- Lazy rivers
- Pools
- Walking around the park
Just check the slide rules—some attractions don’t allow them, and you don’t want to climb stairs only to be told to remove them.
Don’t Forget Sun and Tech Essentials
Some of the most important items to pack include:
- Empty refillable water bottle
- Phone charger
- Lip sunscreen
- Water-resistant sunscreen for body and face
- Spray sunscreen for scalp and hair
Hair and scalp sunscreen is especially helpful since you can’t wear hats on most water rides.
Protect Your Phone
A waterproof phone holder is one of the most useful items you can bring.
I like the cross-body style because it can hold:
- Your phone
- A credit card
- ID
- A car key
You can’t bring it on every ride, but on the ones that allow it, it’s really convenient.
What NOT to Wear on Water Slides
If you want to ride slides comfortably, here are some things to avoid:
Skip the Jewelry
Bracelets, rings, and watches can easily fall off—or you may be required to remove them before riding.
Be Strategic With Hair
If you have long hair, avoid putting it in a mid-level ponytail. When your head presses against the slide, it can come loose or even hurt.
Instead, place your hair higher or to the side.
Choose Secure Swimwear
Certain swimsuits can cause problems on slides:
- Ties in the back may come loose
- Open backs can rub against slides
- Loose styles may ride up
My Top Tip: Wear a Rash Guard
One of the best water park hacks is bringing a rash guard.
You can simply pull it on over your swimsuit when you want to ride slides. It helps:
- Prevent irritation on slides
Protect your skin
Keep your swimsuit secure
Then you can remove it afterward when relaxing.
Bottoms and Extra Comfort
For swim bottoms, comfort is key. Some people prefer shorts, but I’ve found they tend to roll up.
I personally like 1950s-style swim bottoms, which provide more coverage and stay in place better while sliding.
Watch the Reels
Final Thoughts
Packing smart and wearing the right gear can make a huge difference in your water park experience. With the right essentials—and a few slide-friendly outfit choices—you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the rides.
Follow @themeparkette for more theme park travel tips and insider tricks.