Have you ever spent months planning a magical day at your favorite theme park, only to have the weather forecast predict rain? Don’t let it dampen your spirits! With the right mindset and some handy tips, anyone can have an unforgettable time at a theme park, even in the rain!

1. Pack Some Ponchos

Ponchos are more effective than umbrellas and much less cumbersome. Theme parks are often too crowded to carry an umbrella and you run the risk of poking a stranger in the eye! Yes, you can buy ponchos inside the theme parks, but they’re extremely overpriced. It’s best to stock up on disposable ponchos before you leave home, like these from Amazon. They’re lightweight, inexpensive, easy to pack, and because they’re made to be disposable, you can just toss them in the trash when the rain stops.

Pro Tip:

If you opt for a non-disposable poncho or a rain jacket, you’ll want to pack a large ziplock bag or other waterproof bag to store your wet gear once the rain stops. That way, you can avoid soaking the rest of your belongings inside your backpack.

Whether it rains, you get soaked on a water ride, or just get sweaty walking around the park all day, you can stay comfy with clothing made from moisture wicking and fast-drying fabrics. For your feet, while I definitely do not recommend wearing flip flops all day, they can come in handy for a quick change to prevent socks and sneakers from getting wet. At the very least, an extra pair of dry socks can do a lot to ensure blister-free comfort for the rest of the day.

My favorite theme park attire is a pair of 2-in-1 running shorts (like these), a sports bra, and a light t-shirt or tank top. Everything dries quickly and the built in bike shorts help prevent the dreaded chub-rub!

3. Take Shelter

When the rain really starts to come down, you can seek out shelter, but don’t just duck under the nearest awning. Use the opportunity to explore indoor attractions, grab a snack or meal at a restaurant with indoor seating, or do a little browsing in one of the shops. Most theme parks have plenty of indoor experiences that are just as fun as the outdoor ones.

Pro Tip:

Timing is everything. If it seems like it’s going to rain, head to the indoor attractions early. They will fill up quickly once the rain starts.

4. Visit During the Less Rainy Season

If you have the flexibility to choose when to travel, aim for the drier season. While it’s not a guarantee against showers, it does lower your chances of a complete washout. Research your destination’s weather patterns and pick a time when rain is less likely.

Pro Tip:

In Central Florida (think Disney World and Universal Studios), the rainy season typically spans from May to September. My favorite times to visit these theme parks is January through the beginning of March. Not only do I get to skip the worst of the rainy season, but temperatures during these times are often much cooler, there are fewer crowds, and the prices for hotels and park admission are lower. That’s a win-win-win in my book!

5. Embrace the Rain

Rain might not be part of your ideal theme park day, but why not make the best of it? Embrace the wet weather and have fun! As a pluviophile (noun: someone who enjoys rain and rainy days) I love visiting theme parks in the rain. I welcome the cooler temperatures that usually follow a rainstorm and love to take advantage of the lower crowds and shorter lines for my favorite rides.

Pro Tip:

Consider heading to water rides when it’s already raining. You’re going to get wet anyway, so why not just go for it? Most of the time, I skip the hassle of trying to wrangle a sticky poncho and let the rain do its thing. It’s just water, right? Things will dry and everything will be fine!

Final Thoughts

Rain at a theme park doesn’t have to ruin the day. With a positive attitude and these handy tips, a rainy day at the park might just become one of your favorite memories. Instead of running for cover, dance in the rain, splash in the puddles, and let your inner child run wild!