Appropriate attire for a waterpark

Tanya

I feel a little silly asking this, but I have no clue what makes sense to wear to a waterpark I am going to next week, as such activities are not my cup of tea - I am not sporty, am very clumsy, a lousy swimmer and burn in 5 minutes even with super high SPF. I am going with a large group of friends, and the activities are going to be water slides, then picnic and finally mini golf (which I have also never done).
Of course I get that this is super casual, so I was going to wear something along the lines of denim shorts/knitted top/flat sandals and a hat; but it is the waterpark part that confuses me. Do people usually wear their swimsuits underneath their regular clothes, and then remove the clothes to go on the water slides? The only bikini I have is 7-8 years old and hasn't seen the light of the day in at least 5 years, so I may have to go hunting for something appropriate at H&M. Also, should I bring some plastic flip-flops ( I own none)?
Thank you for helping clueless me and please do not laugh too hard at my ignorance

10 years ago

Dressing

22 replies

Latest reply was from Freckles

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I usually wear my swimwear under my t-shirt and shorts (or wrap skirt) and just put them in a bag and put them in a locker when I'm at the water park!

Bring plastic flip-flops for the locker room.

Have fun! I love putt-putt golf!

10 years ago

Sara L.

Veteran

I usually wear a swimsuit under my normal clothes. In addition, I usually wear a dress or skirt so it's easy to layer over the swimsuit. Since you will also be playing mini-golf, I would bring underthings so you can change out of your wet swimsuit. I would wear flip flops for the water park. They're the easiest to get on and off and it doesn't matter if they get wet. I have some that are pretty comfortable that I can spend all day in (that's not the same as doing lots of walking in them though).

10 years ago

Nicole D

Veteran

Flipflops, because you will probably be leaving your footwear on the edgeof the wave pool. So no nice sandals. Bathing suit and cover up. Have a great time!

10 years ago

MovingFashionForward

Active Member

Tanya, I was dragged extremely reluctantly (putting it mildly!) to a water park recently and were I to go again I would dress very differently. Not only was I not wearing a swimsuit under my clothes, I did not even take a swimsuit or towel, and I really wished I had. I also wished that I had worn clothes that would have made it easier not to burn (long, light maxi dress with long sleeves and that would have covered my shoulders and upper chest too, would have been much better than what I did wear). And I wish I'd worn a large-brimmed sunhat too. Incidentally, someone I went there with ended up cold after all the water-related activities, and she wished she had brought something warm. But most of all, I wish that I had not made it impossible to go near any of the water activities, because everyone else seemed to have a really good time, and I think it might have been more fun than I thought it would be.

So I say -- definitely take or wear a swimsuit or bikini. Definitely take good sunscreen, but also take clothes that will cover your skin. Sunscreen didn't cut it for me, despite the fact that I tried to stay in the shade. And take something warmer than you think you will need. People were wandering about in bikinis and not much else, irrespective of age or size. I certainly didn't see anyone looking stylish -- but everyone seemed to be having fun.

Enjoy it!

10 years ago

kkards

Veteran

I'm not very athletic either, but water parks are really about fun, not fitness. Since the slides and waves can be very active, make sure your suit fits really well. Make sure you bring a hat. As for the mini golf, make sure what ever you wear, you can move and bend over comfortably. And don't let anyone you are playing with take the game to seriously.
And target is another great place for swimsuits.

10 years ago

Diana

Veteran

Bathing suit with something lightweight and quick-drying (like, thin shorts and a tank or lightweight cotton blouse, or a sundress) over it. I would avoid denim as it's really uncomfortable if it even gets a little bit wet. Similarly, shoes that don't mind getting wet. Gear sandals like Tevas or flip flops. You'll likely take your clothes off and just wear the bathing suit for the pool/slide/etc but you might want to pull on shorts or sundress over the bathing suit while walking around between rides, getting snacks, etc, so the clothes might get a bit wet. I would consider bringing an entire second dry set of clothes and shoes and keeping them in a locker or the car for after the wet activities since it will be much more comfortable. And don't forget dry underwear or you'll have to wear the wet bikini bottoms all day!

Mini golf is fun and not very athletic. I have done it in impractical shoes and a dress. =P

10 years ago

Liz A.

Veteran

Exactly what Diana said. And I would add that plastic flip flops, especially new ones may not be the way to go. The always rub blisters on the tops of my feet. I would wear sneakers for the rollercoasters and whatnot. Bring the flip flops to throw on for water rides.

10 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Swimsuit, rubber flip flops, a full cover cover up since you burn easily, a big bag with a towel and sunscreen, water bottle and a full change of clothes for afterward- don't forget the undergarments and change of shoes.

10 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

For waterslides, make sure your swimsuit won't ride up. A wedgie with another two stories high of slide to go is not fun.

10 years ago

Tanya

Veteran

Wow, you ladies are amazing! So much awesome advice here.

So, it looks that I need to shop for a bathing suit and some rubber flip flops. And from everything it sounds like it would be the best to have completely different outfits: a swimsuit with a sundress as a coverup and flip flops first, and then my planned shorts outfit for later. I will be also bringing a lightweight cardi, a towel and a big gauzy white shawl, plus extras like water and sunscreen.

Thanks again!

10 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Oh, if you wear a string bikini, make sure you double knot. I didn't once and went on a waterslide.

Yeah. Everyone got a big eyeful of boob.

10 years ago

Tanya

Veteran

Hehe Lyn, that is precisely why I need to go bikini shopping, as my only bikini is a string one and I need to find something more secure.

I am sorry that happened to you, but I am sure that it was forgotten pretty fast.

10 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

HAHA, it wasn't forgotten, but it's a good laugh!!! I find it's hilarious!

I hope you find a very sturdy bikini!

10 years ago

Lisa

Veteran

A bathing suit with quick drying top and shorts are perfect. I really like terry cloth shorts, last year I got them from Old Navy. Also flip flops so you don't mind if your feet get wet and they will dry fast. Have fun!

10 years ago

Kat

Veteran

For active and wet waterpark, with mini golf afterwards, my very favorite attire is a swimsuit (tankini or bikini) with boardshorts and jambu gear shoes, baseball cap and sunglasses... I feel like I can be active without feeling like I'm walking around a park in my swimsuit. Then a long sleeve cotton voile top as a coverup (tunic won't work with bulk of boardshorts, even if they are quick drying). I always hate changing at those places because it's so tough to keep new clothes clean/dry with water, sand, etc on floor in bathroom and changing rooms. Have fun!

10 years ago

ClaraT

Veteran

I wear a rash guard because no sunscreen can survive/ protect me in a water park situation. Bring a baseball cap if you are going to do the ' lazy river' type ride ( which basically involves hanging out on an inner tube while chatting and slowing going in a circle ).
Can't emphasize sunscreen re-application enough--don't forget the tops of your feet because they will get fried.

9 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

I echo everything Diana wrote, Tanya. I just spent a long weekend at a holiday park in the Netherlands with a huge swimming pool complex with different rides (the one you are going too sounds much more immense though). Most people put on their swimwear underneath their very casual outfits, but we had the option of using changing rooms too. Definitely apply sunscreen before going in the water too, because your upper body will be exposed to the sun often, and with the reflection on the water it's very easy to get a sunburn without feeling it.

The hat is an excellent idea too. Make sure to wear it for minigolf as well. In my experience, lots of minigolf courses are not shaded and usually quite hot on the Summer. But it is fun

Have a marvelous time!

9 years ago

Tanya

Veteran

Thank you all for all the new responses, but this thread is over a year old, how strange that it is back. I am not planning a trip to watermark this summer, but if it happens, I will refer to this thread.

9 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator