Tips to Help You Enjoy the Theme Park With Your Grandkids

Going to a theme park with grandkids can be an exciting and memorable experience for grandmas and grandpas, but it can also be tiring and overwhelming.  A balanced and seamless travel experience for everyone, including those who are mobility challenged, is important as we age.  However, it’s also just as important that we have fun, which is why it’s essential to do some planning and put the proper tools in place prior to your trip.  Here are some tips to help you enjoy a theme park with (or without) your grandkids:

Plan ahead

Before going to the theme park, research the attractions and rides to know which ones are suitable for your age and physical condition, especially if you have mobility limitations. Also, check the park’s layout and plan a route to avoid long walks and steep hills.

Pace yourself

Don’t feel pressured to ride every attraction or keep up with your grandkids’ energy levels. Choose the attractions that you want to ride and take your time enjoying them.  Pro Tip: most large theme parks offer mobility scooter rentals which can be fun and help you navigate more of the park without limitations. Scootaround mobility scooters can be reserved and booked online for more than 2,500 locations in North America including theme parks. 

Be comfortable

Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and bring a hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle to stay hydrated.  If you regularly or even occasionally use a mobility device, make sure you bring that along.  Many newer mobility devices like the WHILL Model F are designed to be lighter and foldable with travel in mind.

Take breaks

Plan to take breaks during the day to rest and recharge. Find a shaded area or a bench to sit on and watch your grandkids have fun.

Enjoy the shows

Many theme parks have live shows and performances that can be entertaining and enjoyable for all ages.  Indoor shows also allow a respite from the heat, so take the opportunity to sit down, relax, and enjoy a show with your grandkids.

Have a snack

Sharing a snack or a meal with your grandkids can be a great way to take a break and spend time together.

Stay safe

Follow all safety guidelines and listen to your body if it’s telling you to take a break. Don’t hesitate to ask the staff for assistance or a wheelchair if you need it.

One last, very important suggestion: embrace the new technology and developments that allow everyone to enjoy a positive and active lifestyle, including going on outings and adventures with the younger generation.  Examples of these include exploring online maps offered by theme parks (see Tip 1), booking reservations and show ahead of time using the internet (see Tips 1 and 5), and taking advantage of mobility assistance such as scooter rentals to accommodate our needs.  

Following these tips will help you make the most of your adventure at theme parks with your family.  Remember that the most important thing is to enjoy the time together and create lasting memories.

Kerry Renaud is CEO & Managing Director for WHILL & Scootaround North America, a full-service personal mobility management company providing assistive device rentals to traveling individuals at hotels, convention centers, cruise ships, theme parks, and large-scale events across North America. Kerry is responsible for overseeing all operations in North America and more recently in expanded Global development for the company. Prior to his 15-year tenure with Scootaround, Kerry was the Director of an 1100-acre Canadian Zoo and previously served as Owner/President of a large-scale entertainment production company specializing in stadium concert production and artist management.

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