Summer thrills mean summer fun.  Make sure you get the thrills without the spills when your chilling our with carnival fun.

Summer is the season of fun and much of that fun is spent with some spine-tingling, blood-chilling excitement on amusement park and carnival rides. The theme of theme parks seems to be how many ways can you be turned upside down, inside out and flung about.

Most people have a great time on the rides with no injury and only the promised thrill. Let’s face it. Accidents are bad press and parks and ride providers work to keep injuries from happening.

Riders – especially adults bringing children – also need to take thoughtful safety precautions. Prepared with information and good sense, you can work toward having the fun without the worry. It is completely possible to be a responsible adult and have a great time.

If you are an adult accompanying children (which includes teenagers), you are the one in charge. You are responsible for making sure everyone gets to the end of the day safe and happy.

Set and explain rules ahead of time then stick to those rules. No one will have a good time if someone gets hurt or sick. A ride to the emergency room may be thrilling but it is not fun.

Read and follow the rules set by the parks and each ride. Familiarity breeds contempt which leads to foolish choices which can lead to disaster.

Do not be pressured into going on a ride you do not feel comfortable about riding. Do not let your children pressure you into letting them go on a ride you think they are not prepared for or you feel is unsafe.

In turn, do no force someone else into boarding a ride if they do not want to. A day of fun means letting everyone, including yourself, set personal limits – within reason. If you or one of your party does not fit the criteria for safety on a ride, then don’t ride.

Make the most of your time at any attraction by planning. Theme parks usually have websites where you can get information on what is available, the cost, the times and anything else you need.

Since cost can be a real consideration in any economy, taking a family to an amusement park without breaking the budget will require planning. Do the planning with all the family so everyone gets to do or see or ride at least one of their “must-do” items.

If everyone is in on the planning, there may be less confusion and chaos during the trip. Allow for delays and necessary breaks. Divide the responsibilities for things like carrying necessary items and holding them while others go on rides.

Decide ahead of time what rides are off limits. If you can, avoid going by these rides to avoid problems once you are in the park.

Decide how much you are going to spend for items within the park. If possible, avoid purchasing in the moment. Make a note and at the end of the day decide what you want to buy and go back and purchase the item. Plan this time into your schedule.

Remember that anything you purchase as you go along has to be carried and is at risk of loss. Many theme parks have large concessions and stores near the park entrance and exit that feature all the items available for purchase throughout the park.

Many parks offer picnic areas and pet care. If you are going to use the pet care, know the rules before you arrive. Your pet may need inoculations and a veterinary statement before they can stay in the facility. Reservations may be required.

If you plan to use the picnic area, pack your food wisely. Use good food safety tips and make sure cold items are kept cold.

Have a plan to stay together for safety and a plan if you getaccidentally separated. Children should know where they can go for help and parents should know where they can get help immediately if their child is hurt or missing.

After you enter the park, use your cell phone or camera to take a good picture of each person in your party. If someone gets lost, the photo will help authorities search.

Know where first aid is available. If you plan for a possible crisis you can actually have a better time because everyone knows what to do if something goes wrong.

Dress appropriately for the activity. Long hair should be secured in a way it cannot become caught in a ride.

Clothing should not have loose parts that can also tangle in equipment. Wear closed-toed shoes and secure laces close to the shoe.

Minimize and simplify. Forego jewelry. Even rings and earrings can get caught and cause injury.

The less stuff you have to keep track of the more attention you can spend on what is going on around you. It is not fun being the one who has to haul all the stuff around.

Before you get on a ride, know what it is going to do. Many rides are hidden within a structure or travel so you cannot see the full ride. Thrills are good; surprises may not be so much fun. If the ride doesn’t look or sound in good condition, don’t get on.

Don’t drink alcohol and don’t play until you are overtired. Both conditions can make you less careful and more susceptible to injury.

Avoid people or crowds that are rowdy or incautious. Their mistakes can hurt you.

While all this information may seem too much to consider, then consider this. You want your day to end with memories not injuries. A little prudence, a lot of common sense and an informed plan can go a long way toward guaranteeing your day of fun.

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