Visiting an amusement park with toddlers or preschoolers – 7 tips for a great day
🎠 An amusement park with young children: fun, but it takes some planning
A day at an amusement park sounds like a dream for young children, but taking a toddler or preschooler along involves quite a bit of work. A park that’s too big, rides that aren’t age-appropriate, or a day that goes on too long can easily lead to tears instead of fun.
With the right preparation, it can still be a great day. Below are seven tips to help make your visit run smoothly and be enjoyable—based on what works well for families with young children.
🌟 What should you look for in an amusement park for young children?
Not every amusement park is suitable for toddlers or preschoolers. Parks with strict height requirements or thrilling rides often lead to disappointment. So when choosing a park, keep in mind a few key factors that make all the difference.
- 👶 Suitable for ages 2 to approximately 10
- 😎 A well-organized and compact park with short walking distances
- ⏱️ Short lines, so kids don't lose focus
- 🌳 Quiet spots to relax
- 🍎 You may bring your own food and drinks
⏰ 1. Choose a quiet day on purpose
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays outside of school holidays are often the quietest days. Fewer crowds mean shorter lines, fewer distractions, and more space to set your own pace.
🌅 2. Be there early
Young children have the most energy in the morning. Those who arrive when the park opens often manage to explore half of it within the first few hours. A lunch break around noon fits perfectly with the natural rhythm of toddlers and preschoolers.
🛋️ 3. Schedule a break
A whole day of stimulation is a lot for a little brain. A small wooded area or playground without any attractions is perfect for taking a quick break. Ten minutes of doing nothing helps prevent an afternoon slump.
🥪 4. Bring some familiar food and drinks
Most kid-friendly parks allow you to bring your own food. Familiar snacks work better than unfamiliar amusement park meals—especially for picky eaters. Plus, bringing extra drinks saves you from having to wait in line on a hot day.
📸 5. Prepare your child
Show them photos or videos of the park at home, tell them about the attractions, and go over some simple rules (staying together, holding hands in lines). This will build excitement and prevent any surprises once you’re there.
🎯 6. Set realistic expectations
Not every child is brave enough to try every ride, and that’s perfectly fine. An afternoon spent happily riding the same carousel is just as enjoyable as checking off every ride on the list. Go at the child’s pace and follow their preferences.
🏡 7. Don’t be afraid to head home early
A successful day at an amusement park doesn’t have to last all day. Many kid-friendly parks are compact enough that you can see absolutely everything in four to five hours. Heading home as soon as the kids start to get tired often makes the difference between a wonderful memory and a meltdown in the parking lot.
🎢 Which amusement parks are suitable for toddlers and preschoolers?
In the Netherlands, there are a number of parks specifically designed for young children. They are well-organized, safe, and feature attractions that appeal to this age group.
- 🏰 Julianatoren Children's Amusement Park in Apeldoorn – Ages 2 to approximately 10
- 🎪 Fairytale Garden in Zuidlaren
- 🛝 Linnaeushof in Bennebroek
- 🌊 Oud Valkeveen Playground in Naarden
What sets these parks apart is that they’re easy to navigate, have short lines, and feature rides that aren’t too scary or too big for kids. That makes for a relaxing day out—for both the child and the parent.
