Going to an Amusement Park?

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

Theme parks are great places for family fun. Take time to plan your trip, and talk to your kids about ways to stay safer before you arrive at the park. A few minutes of advance preparation can make your outing more enjoyable and safer for the whole family.

Before you leave²:

• Make a plan to meet in a specific location should anyone become separated; a good place is the closest Help/Information Center.
  
  
• Pay attention to where kids are and who they are with at all times.
  
  
• Tell kids to check first with you before accepting prizes or gifts from anyone.
  
  
• Tell kids to tell you if anyone makes them feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused.
  
  
• Teach children to runaway and yell, “this person is not my father (mother)!” if someone tries to take them away.
  
  
• Make sure kids never wear clothing or carry items that display their names.
  

At the park:

• Get a map of the park and immediately show your kids where the Help/Information Centers are located.
  
  
• Give examples of people who can help (park personnel, mothers with children, etc.) if they become lost.
  
  
• Have children carry some form of identification and emergency contact information with them.
  
  
• Accompany young children on rides.
  
  
• Accompany children to restrooms.
  
  
• Report suspicious or inappropriate activity immediately.
  
  
• Immediately report your child missing if you become separated.