Essential Guide for What to Pack for Indoor Waterparks

Is this your first time visiting an indoor waterpark, and you are wondering what to pack? Or you are experienced but looking for ways to optimize your trip. I’ve been to all the indoor waterpark resorts in Wisconsin Dells, and here is what I pack for a trip to an indoor waterpark with kids. I am a minimalist packer, so if things make the list, it means they’re important to us!

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Here is my comparison of the leading indoor waterparks in Wisconsin Dells, along with other recommendations for Wisconsin Dells from a local.

Things for the Waterpark

1. Two swimsuits per person
2. Towels/cover-up
3. Waterproof bag/belt for money or a phone
4. Sandals/Crocs
5. Goggles
6. Toys
7. Water bottle and Snacks
8. Swim diapers and wet wipes
9. Wagon/Stroller

I always bring two swimsuits for everyone. You’ll probably be spending a lot of time in the water, and no one wants to put on a wet, cold suit on their second session at the waterpark. Make sure to have easy-to-slip-on shoes that are comfortable if they get wet. Crocs are easy for kids to put on themselves, but as they get older, we transition to flip flops for lower pack volume.

Where do I put my valuables? I try to leave whatever I can in my hotel room. Many resorts allow you to link your credit card to a wristband, so you don’t need to bring a wallet! I use my running belt when I need a card or ID. It will also fit a phone, but it is not waterproof. You can buy a waterproof phone pouch to wear around your neck, still allowing access for you to take pictures. These work great for the lazy river or wave pool, but may not be allowed on all slides. When I am on slides that don’t allow me to bring my phone, I usually put it under a towel, but you can rent a locker for more peace of mind.

We have forgotten our goggles and had to buy them at the resort stores. They worked ok but weren’t great. We like these kinds of goggles for the kids because they are super easy to adjust and come in fun colors.

Most resorts offer towels, but I like to bring my own. That way, we dry off with the resort towels and have our towels, or a cover-up, to wear on the way to/from the park. We just grab whatever towels they have at home, but if you are planning to buy something special, I would consider a quick-drying poncho for multiple uses. Our favorite adult towels are Nomadix because they have a low pack volume and dry quickly. Many times, if you have a day pass, rather than being an overnight guest, you will not be allowed to use the resort towels, so plan accordingly.

Should you pack toys for the water? I’m on the fence on that one. I hate keeping track of more things, and there are so many other things to do that toys aren’t essential. I think it’s reasonable to pack a few small toys if things get dull. We love simple diving rings to use in the wave pools when the waves aren’t going. Going through the toys you already have and finding some small toys that will sink can be equally as fun. We like small animal figurines. Avoid bringing favorites because they may get lost. A ball or frisbee for a game of catch is another great choice for kids a bit older. When in doubt, bring fewer pool toys.

I always bring water bottles. There are almost always food options to buy at the waterpark, but they tend to be pricey and not super healthy. I like to bring some of our own snacks too. Bring quick, somewhat healthy things to balance all the treats we are sure to eat on the trip—fruit snacks, pretzels, carrot sticks, apples, etc. Of course, the waterparks would prefer you buy their snacks, so they frown on outside food, but most places don’t enforce it if you are discreet.

You should plan on having to walk a decent distance from your hotel room to the waterpark. If everyone can walk, bringing a couple of backpacks, one for each adult to carry, should get you by. If you have little kids with you, a stroller or a wagon is a must. No need to buy something new; just use what you have.

Is it worth bringing your lifevests? I used to bring them and leave them in the car. That way, I had them if we didn’t like the ones at the resort, but as the kids become better swimmers, they are less particular, so I don’t bring ours anymore. If your kid has a special kind or wants something other than a standard life vest, you will want to bring your own.

Stuff for the Overnight Stay

1. Comfort items (stuffie, blanket, pacifier)
2. PJ’s
3. Night Light
4. Sleep Sound
5. A few toys
6. Bedtime Books
7. Quick-dry clothes and a portable clothes line
8. Clothes to be comfortable outside
9. Shampoo and toothbrushes
10. Long charging cords
11. A plastic bag to pack out wet suits

Comfort items are an obvious choice for a parent. You have to pack that blanket or stuffy, whether going to an indoor waterpark with your kids or on a trip to Grandma’s.

Make sure the PJs are ones they feel comfortable in so the kids can go to breakfast with them. It’s hard to predict how dark different hotel rooms are so we always bring a nightlight for midnight bathroom trips. I always pack one but only use it 50% of the time. My kids are used to using a sleep sound at night. This makes it more familiar at hotels and helps drown out some of the sounds of people in the halls.

How many toys to bring? It’s always a question. At 4 and 5, my kids started learning to pack their toys. They can bring whatever fits in their small backpacks. They are starting to get better at knowing what the best things to pack are. (It was a learning curve. Once, our 4-year-old, packed four pairs of slippers!). If you plan a short and busy trip, you won’t need much for the hotel. On longer trips, more than a long weekend, it’s nice to have creative toys with endless possibilities, such as a container of Legos or a box of MAGNA TILES. I usually throw crayons and a coloring book in my purse to use at restaurants.

We are dedicated bedtime readers, so we always have a few books to read. I was so happy when we started reading some chapter books; they are much easier to pack!

I like to have some quick-dry clothes for the kids. They stay warmer when wet, which is perfect for water parks or rainy days. I love getting outside, so we always have clothes to keep the kids comfortable. A good hat and mittens can go a long way. We found REI gloves to be reasonably priced and high quality. Some hotels have clotheslines, but not all. This portable clothesline can be put up anywhere, so you can dry things out.

Finally, as a convenience factor for adults, it’s nice to have longer than normal charging cords. Sometimes, it’s hard to know how close a plug will be to your bed.

Food and Snacks

1. Plates/Cups/Utensils
2. Cutting board/knife
3. Pre-made meals
4. Picnic-style meals
5. Snacks
6. Breakfast

I love food and trying new restaurants! Here is the list of my favorite restaurants in Wisconsin Dells, but my wallet and health can’t handle going out for every meal. We try to limit going out to once a day on vacation, which overall feels doable. With kids, it’s important to pack food to stay within budget for your time at the indoor waterpark. Eat in your hotel room or have a picnic outside. To make things easier, I try to bring favorite snacks, novel items, and meals that are quick and easy to put together.

Don’t stress too much; there is a Wal-Mart and Aldi’s near the resort areas. I like to make a list from the comfort of home and do a pick-up order once I arrive in town.

It helps to have a short list of items that make picnics easier, including plates, cups, a cutting board, and utensils. Our go-to packing list is PB&Js, meat and cheese sandwiches, chips, veggies, fruit, crackers, fruit snacks, granola bars, and chips. If you forget any essentials, hit up a Kwik Trip for gas and grab what you forgot such as a plastic knife, or a packet of mayo.

Recently, I started buying more treats from the grocery store ahead of time, like candy or juice. This makes it much easier to get the kids away from the gas station without a king-sized candy bar or full-size bag of gummy worms.

For longer stays where you need to mix up the menu, we like microwave Mac and Cheese, pre-made salad packs, sausage and cheese platters, hot dogs, or microwave veggies. If you have time, consider making pasta salad before you leave. It is fairly easy to have a pre-made soup in the crockpot. Nothing is better than returning to your hotel after a long waterpark day with a pre-made and well-loved crockpot meal that’s ready to eat!

If you are staying in a suite or with a group in lodging that includes a kitchen, the options open up! We like to keep it simple by prepping sauces prior or doing meal prep recipes where all you have to do is throw it in the oven. Do you have a favorite recipe for family trips to the waterparks? Please share it below! I’m always looking for new ideas.

In Conclusion

Don’t stress too much when packing. There will always be something you wish you had brought but didn’t, and something you lugged along that you didn’t need. Just do your best and then go have fun. I try to err on the side of fewer things, knowing there is a Walmart in town if we need something.

What else should you pack for an indoor waterpark stay with kids? What did I miss on my list that you always bring? I’m always looking for new tips and tricks!