Your BEST Day at the Waterpark - updated for 2025
Pro-tips for pool and waterpark fun!
Updated Tips for 2025
Before we dive into the original post, here are some updated pro-tips to help you get the most out of your water park visit this year:
Leave all metal items behind. This includes Stanley-style water bottles, metal eyeglass cases, and aerosol sunscreen cans. These slow down security lines and may not be allowed through the gate.
Oceans of Fun no longer allows early entry for Season Passport holders. There's no need to rush — arriving around 11:00 AM is sufficient.
Wave pool and Caribbean Cooler changes: Tubes are no longer allowed in the wave pool. For a relaxing float, grab a life jacket! It works great in the lazy river too, especially when tubes are in short supply.
With a busy schedule that doesn’t allow much time for travel, I started taking my vacations one afternoon at a time at our local water park, Oceans of Fun in Kansas City. Having been to the park more than 20 times in 2018, 30 times in 2019, zero in 2020, and more than a dozen times in 2021, I feel qualified to offer some expert advice on how to have the best day ever at the water park of your choice. A day at the water park can be more than just fun — it can be a true mini vacation. If you're curious about how I started using Oceans of Fun as my go-to escape, read this story about how floating in the wave pool became my version of the beach.
Never miss a chance to enjoy a sunny day. With a little planning, you can maximize that joy.
Of course, rules vary from park to park. But in general, the more you keep it simple, the more you can enjoy the ephemeral joys of the season. Here in Kansas City, Oceans of Fun opened in 1982 and was once the largest water park in the world. It’s now connected to Worlds of Fun, a full amusement park. These are the parks I know best, so the following tips are based on those locations.
Packing List Essentials
Cooler with ice packs
Zipper pocket (on fanny pack, swimwear, or rash guard)
Easy-clip key ring
Small ziplock with ID, credit card, and entry info
Low-value shoulder bag
Sandals or water shoes (plus plastic bag for them)
Sunscreen
Cheap sunglasses
Microfiber headband
Waterproof watch
Must-Have: A Zippered Pocket
My number-one essential is a zippered pocket. It can be on your swim shorts, rash guard, or a compact water-safe fanny pack like those from FitKicks. You need a place to keep your car key, ID, and payment card. Oceans of Fun is now cashless, so bring a card. If you carry cash, keep it minimal and seal it in a snack-size ziplock.
Your car key is your lifeline. Attach it securely to your clothing, top strap, or drawstring, and double-check it often.
Nice-to-Haves That Improve Your Day
Bring a low-value shoulder bag for anything you can’t wear on a slide. This can hold your water shoes, printed tickets, or approved water bottle.
Instead of relying on sunscreen alone, consider wearing a rash guard with UPF protection. Apply facial sunscreen before leaving the house (I like Cotz or Neutrogena), and only bring extra if you’ll be at the park a long time.
A microfiber headband is better than a hat: it keeps the sun off your scalp and ears, tames flyaways, and won’t fly off on rides. It even doubles as a sleeping mask if you want to nap in the adult pool area.
Water shoes aren’t essential unless you’re phobic about germs or messes. Still, they’re handy for avoiding the occasional goose or raccoon accident. Just remember to carry them in a plastic bag after use.
Opt for cheap sunglasses, not your designer pair. You’ll have to remove them for slides anyway, and a microfiber headband is a great place to stow them.
Most Underrated: A Waterproof Watch
Leave your phone behind and bring a waterproof watch. Most parks don’t have visible clocks, and it's helpful for timing shows (like the Bow Wow Luau at Worlds of Fun) or keeping track of breaks.
What About Snacks?
Most parks don’t allow outside food. If you’re planning a full-day visit, you might pack a lunch and leave it in the car. Just time your break carefully — re-entry may be limited and parks are large. Check if the park offers a drink or meal plan that makes sense for your group.
Bonus Tip
Previously, I advised arriving right at opening. For 2025, there's no early entry for passholders, so arriving around 11 AM is just fine. Less stress, same fun.
A water park day can be a mini vacation. A season pass? That’s therapy.
What’s your favorite trick for a successful splash day? Let me know if I missed something essential!
Hope this helps you have the best day ever at the water park!
