But What Do I Wear? How to Dress Comfortably at the Theme Parks This Summer

The world-class theme parks in Florida and other warm climates top many families’ lists of summer vacation destinations when the kids are out of school and the sun is shining. Whether you’re a parent or grandparent bringing children for their first time or experiencing it through a child’s eyes as a first timer yourself, you’ll be sure to make memories that last a lifetime.

While theme parks offer fun for all ages, making it hard to run out of things to do during your vacation, many visitors aren’t quite prepared for the intense summer sun, and in Florida, the thick humidity that often accompanies it. And we’re here to help.

Whether you’re an out-of-towner visiting from another state or a seasoned local, you’ll benefit from some helpful theme park wardrobe tips from our healthcare experts to keep cool, comfy and well during your visit so you can maximize your happy memories while minimizing the potential for any health-related mishaps.

What to Wear to the Theme Parks in the Summer

Prepare for the Weather

Prepare for the climate. In Florida, rainy season is between June and November, and afternoon rain and thunderstorms are common. Packing an umbrella and a lightweight rain poncho with a hood can save the day and your clothes. Bring those out and head for cover when the thunderclouds gather.

It will likely be hot and humid in the summer months in Florida. Heavy humidity can make you feel tired and dehydrated, so listen to your body. Consider a slower pace than you might be used to and remember that you don't have to see everything in one day. Always keep an insulated water bottle filled with cold water with you and remember to drink from it often.

To stay safe while being active in hot weather, it’s important to pay attention to both the temperature and the humidity. In hot and humid climates, it’s harder for your body to keep cool because sweat doesn’t evaporate from your skin as quickly as in drier air. If you’re soaked in sweat, consider it a reminder that your body can’t cool itself and that the humidity is putting more stress on it. Check your weather, including temperature and humidity, before heading to the parks, and keep these tips in mind:

• Go out either earlier or later in the day when the temperature is cooler.
• Move to the shade or inside if you need to cool down.
• Slow down, giving yourself permission that you don’t need to do and see “everything” on your theme park vacation.

Hot-Weather Clothing

Your core body temperature increases when you’re active in the heat, so your body needs to send oxygen-rich blood to both your heart to keep it moving and help your skin cool down. To reduce this added stress to your body, it’s important to choose the right clothes.

Think About Color

Choose light-colored clothing to help deflect the sun on hot theme park days. Darker colors absorb more heat and will make you hotter.

The Right Fit

Choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothes. You want air to flow over as much of your skin as possible to help sweat evaporate and cool your body.

Fabric

Choose quick-drying, sweat-wicking fabrics, like polyester, polypropylene or nylon. Wool is also a good choice to keep you cool and dry. Avoid cotton, silk and linen, which absorb moisture and hold heat close to your body.

Accessorize With Socks, Hats and Sunglasses

Remember your accessories — especially socks, hats and sunglasses. Socks and hats are made from quick-drying fabrics that wick sweat. Socks with a polyester blend are a good choice.

Choose a hat with a wide brim all the way around or a “sun-skirt” to provide shade for your face, neck and ears.

Choose sunglasses that have 100% ultraviolet (UV) protection. UV rays can damage your eyes and lead to cataracts, macular degeneration and other eye conditions that can harm your vision.

Wear Your Sunscreen

Sunburn can decrease your body’s ability to cool itself. Be sure to wear sunscreen to protect against sunburn and long-term effects, such as skin cancer and premature aging.

Choose a water-resistant sunscreen with UVA/UVB protection, and SPF 30 or higher. Apply it at least 15 minutes before going out and reapply at least every two hours. You can also buy clothing made to block out the harmful rays of the sun, labeled with a sun protection factor (SPF) label.

Stay Safe From Heat-Related Illness This Summer

Our priority is to keep you safe and well. Spending time outdoors at the theme parks is a lot of fun, and many people might not realize symptoms of heat-related illness sneaking up on them.

Seek medical help if you or a loved one experience the following symptoms, as they could indicate heat exhaustion or heat stroke, which are medical emergencies:

• Altered Mental State: Confusion, delirium, agitation or slurred speech (common in heatstroke)
• Body Temperature Elevation: Fever, typically above 100.4°F for heat exhaustion and exceeding 104°F for heatstroke
• Dizziness: Lightheadedness or feeling faint
• Fainting: Brief loss of consciousness
• Fatigue: Extreme tiredness, weakness or lethargy
• Flushed Skin: Red or discolored, hot skin.
• Headache: Often throbbing, especially in heat exhaustion
• Irritability: Mood changes, confusion or unusual grumpiness
• Muscle Cramps: Spasms, pain or tightness in the legs, arms or abdomen
• Nausea: Stomach discomfort or feeling sick
• Pulse Rate Changes: Rapid or weak pulse
• Rapid Breathing: Shallow or quick breathing
• Skin Changes: Can range from pale, cold and clammy (heat exhaustion) to hot, red and dry (heatstroke)
• Sweating Changes: Heavy, profuse sweating or a sudden, dangerous stop in sweating
• Thirst: Excessive thirst
• Urination: Decreased or dark-colored urine
• Vomiting: Involuntary regurgitation of stomach contents

Your Trusted Partner in Healthcare Is Here for You

When you’re deciding on your theme park outfit, which may include fun themes like matching character t-shirts for the whole family and the obligatory mouse ears, keep sun safety in the back of your mind by dressing with your health and comfort in mind and always staying hydrated.

If you do need help during your theme park visit, we have many convenient emergency rooms and urgent care centers close by, as well as primary care providers. We’ll take care of you efficiently so you can start feeling better and get back to your vacation fast. You deserve to feel whole.