There’s no getting around it unless there’s a crazy cold front; if you’re heading to an amusement or theme park in the summer, it’s going to be hot, and you’re going to sweat. You’re also very likely to get wet.
While the kids are easy to dress (we love dressing them in bright tie dye because you can’t miss them).
Dressing yourself is a bit harder. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- You’re going to get wet on rides like log flumes and river rafts and, likely, not have a towel or a chance to dry off.
- You’re going to be taking on high elevation thrill rides as well as, possibly, flipping upside down (if you’re a daredevil).
- You’re going to be hot.
Learn more: Universal Studios child swap makes big kid rides family-friendly.
What to wear to Amusement or Theme Parks
Flip Flops and Running shoes
Don’t even bother with heels. Even on our nights out, I stuck to flip flops (which felt a little inappropriate with a strapless dress, but when in theme parks, anything goes.) I switched running shoes and flip-flops every other day. Last year, I wore my Sanuk Yoga Mat flip-flops, and they were perfect. This year, because it was the day before we left for our trip that I realized they’ve been worn and loved a little too much, I ran out and purchased Under Armour Marbella flip flops which are Memory Foam flips. On non-flip flop days, I wore my Under Armour Toxic running shoes, which I’ve been wearing since I received them as samples this spring (as a part of the #WhatsBeautiful ambassador program.)
The best shoes are those that offer enough grip. I don’t want to be like the theme park visitors who wind up tripping over and going to a personal injury lawyer to sue the park because their footwear isn’t good enough.
The grippiest shoes have a rubber outsole that’s soft and flexible (not super hard or old). This material creates more friction with the ground, preventing slips. The outsole also has a pattern that provides traction on the sort of surfaces you get at theme parks, such as wet concrete, dry asphalt, solid wood, and loose gravel.
Favorite Gym Skirts and Dry-Wicking Tops
This is my biggest and best advice, grab your most favorite skirts from the gym, and you’ll be set. Honestly, even if you’re going to be there for a week, you can really make do with just 2 or 3 skirts. These skirts are uber-comfortable (underwear is built-in!), are skorts so that we don’t have to worry about the skirt flying up, are made for movement and water–be that sweat or splashes. They dry super fast, so they’re ideal for log-flumes and river rafts, and you can wash them in the sink, and they’ll be dry about 24 hours later if you hang them in the shower. I brought two and felt perfectly dressed every time I wore them. In fact, I even wore one home on the plane.
For shirts, I had a few favorite lightweight t-shirts from both Lilly Pulitzer and Under Armour (I’m a # What’sBeautiful ambassador). My skirts were gray and black, so I could mix and match them with any top. I didn’t wash my tops in the sink.
See more of our pictures: Our Superhero family.
Light-weight shorts and t-shirts
And by light-weight, I mean really light-weight. I found a v-neck t-shirt at Old Navy that was perfect and stuck to tank tops that were cute but uber-comfortable. I hardly bought anything new for this trip because I wanted to wear only what I’d been comfortable in all summer.
Shorts were a big thing for me. I picked my most light-weight that also felt loose in all the right places. I had no interest in sweating down there!
Learn more: Packing for a week at Disney.
Maxi Dresses
If you’re not a thrill-seeker, a maxi dress may work for you. They’re extremely comfortable and move with you, rather than feeling constricting. But, if you like crazy roller coaster rides, I’d steer clear of these. I’m just so afraid of my clothing getting caught or getting in the way. I’d hate to feel like I have to keep my skirt down on rides–especially those where you are riding with nothing below you.
Learn more: Yes, you CAN get a sitter at Disney World
Will you need a nice dress?
At a theme park vacation, you probably won’t. In fact, the night we got a sitter and went out to Emeril’s Tchoup Chop (so delish!) I stayed in my park clothes. But I’d always pack one dress, just in case there’s a special occasion…
Learn more: 7 things I wouldn’t leave behind if I were going to Disney World tomorrow.
Readers Share Their Best Theme Park Outfits for Summer
Hello, Beautiful Adventurers!
As we dive into the heart of summer, our quest for the perfect theme park attire becomes as thrilling as the rides themselves. I’ve always believed that the best insights come from you, my fabulous readers, who bring such a wealth of experience and creativity to our fashion table.
Above, I shared some thoughts on what to wear to a theme park when the sun is blazing and the excitement is high. And guess what? You all had so much to say! From maxi dresses to skorts, and from international shopping dilemmas to safari adventures, your comments have turned our discussion into a veritable treasure trove of style wisdom.
Without further ado, let’s spotlight some of the brilliant ideas and experiences you’ve shared. Your tips not only make our theme park adventures more comfortable and stylish but also bring us closer as a community of fun-loving, fashion-forward explorers.
Maxi Dress Enthusiasts Unite!
Amiyrah shared, “I love the idea of wearing maxi dresses to theme parks. They’re so easy to put on, lightweight, and perfect for any family event. Plus, if there’s a powdered sugar mishap, just whip out an extra dress from your purse!”
Skort Revelations
Jamie admitted, “I don’t own an athletic skirt/skort but need to add that to my ‘theme park’ wardrobe. Comfy shoes that dry out quickly are also a must!” A sentiment I wholeheartedly support, as skorts truly are everywhere and for everyone.
Global Style Quests
From across the sea, Karen expressed her challenge, “Loved this post and the skort with the tassel bit. Problem being, I live in Northern Ireland and finding nice skorts is almost impossible.” To which I say, let’s turn that problem into an opportunity to discover new shopping horizons!
Safari Chic
“Spending the weekend with my family on a Kenya safari,” shared another reader, highlighting the universal appeal of cool, light dresses for any adventure, be it a wild safari or a day filled with theme park thrills.
Casual Comfort for the Win
Katys Boutique and Robert Hooke chimed in with their go-to theme park outfits and gratitude for the shared tips, reminding us of the joy found in simple, comfortable attire for those unforgettable family vacations.
Inquiry Minds Want to Know
Michele seeks advice, “I’m planning a trip in August and want to be as comfortable as possible. What style skort do you like from Athleta? And any recommendations from Target or Dick’s?” A fantastic reminder that our fashion journey is always evolving, as we seek out the best gear for our adventures.
Your contributions have truly made this discussion a delightful journey through the world of theme park fashion. Let’s keep this conversation going! Share your stories, ask your questions, and let’s inspire each other with our fashion-forward adventures.
Remember, whether you’re navigating the magical streets of a theme park or exploring the wilds of a safari, doing so with style and comfort makes the adventure all the more memorable.
Till our next stylish adventure,
Julie Meyers Pron
P.S. Keep those tips, questions, and stories coming. Our community thrives on the shared love of adventure and fashion. Who knows? Your insight might just be the inspiration someone needs for their next theme park visit!