You Don't Want to Step Foot in a Waterpark Without These 18 Essentials From Just $9

Perhaps it's a tribute to our inner child (or maybe it's a sign that we should never grow up too much), but there's really no fun quite like a summer excursion to a waterpark. Although I don’t have kids, I love playing aunt to the families of my dear friends, which means I’ve been on my fair share of exciting waterpark adventures (in addition to my work as a food and travel writer).

One thing I've noticed after visiting many different types of waterparks throughout the years, both standalone and those inside resorts, is that — similar to a theme park — you have to prepare for a long day on your feet, while also protecting your belongings from, well, water.

To help you prepare, I created the ultimate waterpark packing list, featuring items both big and small that will make any type of visit fun, easy, and headache-free. I took into account what frequent travelers, beach and water lovers, and waterpark enthusiasts say they pack for their own trips, as well as considering items I make sure to have on hand. The result is a list of 15 waterpark essentials, from swimsuits to waterproof tech.

Eomenie One-Piece Swim Dress

When visiting a waterpark, you need a swimsuit that will not only fit comfortably, but will also offer full coverage and flexibility while enjoying the various rides and activities. No one wants their swimsuit to float up in the middle of a raft ride or heading down a waterslide! This bathing suit offers full coverage, an elastic waist, wide adjustable straps, and non-removable padded cups for a comfortable fit that’ll stay in place while enjoying the park.

"This swimsuit is perfect for those who prefer more coverage," shared one reviewer.  "I wore this to an indoor waterpark. I wanted something cute and comfortable and this was exactly that!" 

Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch

Compatible with a wide range of phones, this underwater pouch is waterproof with three layers of protection to keep devices safe from not only water, but also sand and dirt. The pouch is also sensitive enough that face ID and calling will still work through the front cover, which means you can keep your phone on hand for photos or answering calls or texts throughout the day.

One person said this waterproof phone pouch worked great while visiting Hershey Park’s waterpark section. "Went on multiple rides and it was completely underwater in the wave pool. It held up great and did not leak at all," they wrote. "I could even take underwater videos."

Alvababy Cloth Wet Dry Bags  

Although this may be a baby product, it doubles as a great wet/dry bag for a day at the waterpark. It contains two different zippered compartments so you can keep wet swimsuits and towels separate from the dry change of clothes you packed for the trip home. Each bag includes a handle for easy carrying, and they can hold a surprising amount of items.

"We went to the waterpark this weekend. When we were ready to leave and we took our suits off and put them inside...they kept everything else dry!" wrote one shopper. "And they washed well in the washing machine once we got home."

Opard Sports Water Bottle 

A refillable water bottle is essential for staying hydrated out in the hot sun, and this versatile one is ideal for a waterpark day. It has a leak-proof design and a latch that’s easy to open and close with just one hand. Plus, it has a carry ring that makes it easy to carry with you around the waterpark all day.

Amazon shoppers love packing this water bottle for hiking adventures, which means it’s a great choice for a busy day outdoors. "Bought these for a recent Disney Cruise, and they worked perfectly. The flip-up clip made it easy to grab them and we used carabiners to attach them to our backpacks," shared one five-star reviewer.

Speedo Unisex Swim Goggles

You're going to want to protect your eyes while in the water, so packing swim goggles is essential. Water in the eyes isn't only irritating, but it can also blur our vision and that can create accidents when on water rides or swimming. This pair offers a basket shape, which helps to make sure the whole eye area is covered and protected, and the head strap will make sure these goggles stay in place.

One person who uses these goggles said that they’re great and provide a good seal. "No water gets in and they don’t hurt my face like other brands," they wrote.

Antfuny Turkish Beach Towels

Once you’re done with riding waterslides and heading down the lazy river, you will probably need to towel off before heading home. Turkish towels are known to be lightweight and absorbent, thanks to high-quality cotton, making them a great choice for the waterpark. And, they’re durable enough to go through multiple washes and hold up well, making them perfect to use over and over again at the pool or beach.

One reviewer praised this "beautiful" towel for its large size and versatility. "[It’s] perfect for the beach or park," they said.

Vifuur Water Sports Shoes

Water shoes are necessary at waterparks to avoid accidents from slipping and sliding on wet surfaces. These machine washable synthetic water shoes have a smooth design to help avoid chafing and a breathable, comfortable fit for all-day wear. Amazon shoppers call them a "stylish must-have" for the beach, pool, or waterpark.

"My family went to the waterpark for a weekend and wearing these made a big difference. They fit well, snug to the foot but comfortable," wrote one person. "They have a no-slip bottom which is helpful for walking on slippery walkways. I took them off for a water slide and after walking on my bare feet for a few steps I quickly wanted to put the water shoes back on because they made that much of a difference."

Ekouaer Sleeveless Swimwear Cover-up

This soft cover-up is lightweight and breathable, making it a good choice for throwing on over a swimsuit while at a waterpark. Keep it in your locker or by your section of chairs so you can throw it on before grabbing lunch or when you’re ready to leave.

One shopper attests to this cover-up being "very comfortable" and offers "a perfect cover up for the waterpark." Another five-star reviewer who wore this coverup to the beach and wave pool said, "[It] was long enough…to give me the coverage I needed to feel comfortable and to have a great time with my family in all the water fun."

Srise Mesh Beach Bag

With so many items to remember to bring to the waterpark, you’ll need a place to store everything that won’t get ruined if it gets a little wet. This cute, roomy mesh bag comes in loads of fun colors and has tons of space and pockets for towels, sunglasses, valuables, snacks, and anything else you may be carrying during a day trip to the waterpark. The mesh design also means that it can get wet without getting damaged — and it’ll dry quickly.

People love that it has tons of pockets and is quick to dry. "We have tons of things we take to the beach and this bag has tons of pockets that are semi see through so it is super easy to organize and find everything you need," said one reviewer.

Storycoast Polarized Sports Sunglasses 

Sunglasses are a non-negotiable when planning a day at the waterpark, as there'll be hours spent in the sun, which can be dangerous for yours eyes. You probably won’t want to bring your favorite pair of expensive sunglasses to the waterpark, so opt for these lightweight, budget-friendly frames instead. These Storycoast sport sunglasses will stay on your face, especially if you use the included strap. Their polarized frames also protect your eyes while helping you see in the bright sun, and the anti-scratch coating allows them to be durable.

Travelers love that these glasses are a good value for the price: "Between sand, salt water, and pool water, they were pretty good," one person said. "They're comfortable, affordable. And really lightweight!" 

Touchland Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer Spray

At the waterpark, you'll be touching all sorts of surfaces that many others have touched, like railings and inner tubes. It's always a good idea to have hand sanitizer packed in your bag, and the more compact it is, the easier it'll be to remember to carry and use. The Touchland hand sanitizers are small enough to be TSA-friendly (just in case you’re flying to the waterpark), but big enough to last a long time — each travel size mist is good for up to 500 sprays. They are also nurturing for skin and won't dry out your hands after all that spraying, as they are made with aloe vera and essential oils.

Travelers love that these hand sanitizers are compact and smell great. "Don't let these little bottles fool you, there is a lot of product in them. They are perfect for travel," wrote one five-star reviewer. 

Neutrogena Beach Defense Spray Sunscreen

Much like a good pair of sunglasses, daily sunscreen is another non-negotiable when spending time outdoors. This Neutrogena sunscreen has SPF 70 and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it perfect to pack for a trip to the waterpark, beach, or pool. Plus, the spray design makes for easy application, which is especially ideal if you’ll be traveling with kids.

"I have fair skin and burn easily. I bought this for a recent trip to the zoo and water park. I did not burn and we were outside all day. It has a nice light scent that did not irritate my skin," shared one shopper.

Johnson & Johnson First Aid Kit

From cuts and scrapes to more serious falls and injuries, it's important to have a first aid kit when traveling anywhere, including a place where everyone will be running around and slipping and sliding, like a waterpark. This first aid kit is compact, but don't let that fool you — it's well stocked with gauze pads, bandages, rolled gauze, antibiotic cream, an instant cold pack, and more.

"Bought this after my son crashed into a picnic table at the park and needed stitches. I didn’t have a first aid kit, but luckily another mom did. Now I feel prepared!" wrote one person. "It has plenty in it for almost any scenario and very compact."

Body Glide Anti-Chafe Balm 

Many rave about this anti-chafe balm as a must-have for travel involving a lot of walking, and the same goes for a waterpark day. Apply it anywhere you may experience rubbing or chafing, such as your inner thighs, under your swimsuit straps, or even your ankles that may rub against your footwear. It helps by smoothing skin to avoid irritation from rubbing. This plant-based formula is water-resistant, so it should hold up to even when you get wet from a ride.

"I scuba dive and this assists me when applying prior to putting on a wetsuit. Also great if at waterparks," shared one person.

Baleaf UPF 50+ Sun Shirt

Wearing sunscreen when out in the sun is a crucial way to protect your skin, but there are also additional ways to shield yourself from the sun’s harmful rays, including wearing UPF clothing. Whether wearing it as a cover up over a swimsuit or as a top for the day at the waterpark, this sun shirt wicks away sweat and moisture to keep skin cool and dry while protecting you from the sun with its UPF fabric.

If you’re extra sensitive to the sun, reviewers recommend this top for prolonged sun exposure. "I burn fast and bought these for a trip to SoCal to see family. I’m glad I did. I have since bought several of them and wear them when heading to the park or splash pad with my kid. If I’m going to be out for more than 15 minutes I tend to toss one on," wrote one person.

Ekrist Portable Charger Power Bank

Good luck finding a power outlet at a waterpark to charge your phone — which could affect everything from taking photos to ordering an Uber to get home. This power bank can be a lifesaver to have on hand, and it has enough ports to charge three devices, so you can use it for other members of your group, too.

"It's a great charger!' said one shopper who has used the same unit for several years and on many trips. "Bought this in 2021, now almost 3 years later I still use it on all of my trips, and sometimes in between. Went to the beach earlier this year, and it charged both my wife's iPhone14 and my OnePlus 8 pro, possibly even a couple times (we never ran it empty)."

Master Lock Portable Small Lock Box

If you plan on keeping your belongings on a beach chair while at the waterpark, you may want to get this small portable lock box to keep them safe. (Or, feel extra secure by storing them in this box inside a locker.) Because its compact, it’ll be easy to bring along, plus it comes with a cable that you can use to secure it to a chair. This water-resistant lock box has a code lock that’s easy to use, and shoppers like how versatile it is.

"I purchased this little safe to store my keys and cash in while enjoying the waterpark," said one customer. "We were able to latch the cord around our designated lounge chairs and loop the cord through our key ring before securing. That left plenty of room for my phone, cash, and cards to be secured inside the box while we were off enjoying water rides!"

Akaso Ultra HD Underwater Camera 

Underwater photos and videos may be the greatest takeaway from a waterpark adventure, but you’ll want to get a great underwater camera first. This 4K Ultra HD action camera can take professional-quality video underwater, plus it can be used for great shots above the water, too, without worrying about ruining your device. Another fun attribute is that it comes equipped with wifi, making it easy to share these photos and videos as the action happens.

"The clarity on it under water is amazing!" wrote one person. "I got my husband one for his birthday and we took it to a waterpark to test it out before our honeymoon a couple weeks later, and we loved how much we were able to capture."

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