1. DON’T tell your kids about the visit ahead of time. This can be tough, but if the kids are in the know, rest assured that no one will get any sleep the night before. Yuck. Instead, try surprising them with the news the morning of your visit.

2. Don’t forget to put sunscreen on the scalps of your children with super-short or thin hair. “Really! Sunburn hurts and is unhealthy. And it hurts.”

3. A good rule of thumb to stay hydrated in the heat, according to one amusement park Director of Communications, “Drink until you pee.” “Pay attention to how often your children usually need to go potty. If that schedule isn’t kept during a day in the park, you’ve got dehydrated kids.”

4. Don’t let your children jam their knees in the vertical railings in the queues and by the rides at many amusement parks. Why?

a. They get stuck.

b. … and it hurts.

c. It usually takes something oily to slide the knee back out.

d. Now you’ve lost your place in line.

If they manage to get their knee stuck in there anyway, here’s another tip: Sunscreen works well to help grease up their leg and ease it back through the railing.

5. Bring swim shoes for the water park. “Yes, they’re hideous, but your feet won’t burn on the hot walkways and you’ll feel cleaner walking into restrooms.” Good point.

6. Come up with some fun games ahead of time to help pass the time in the ride lines.

7. Don’t forget the live shows. They’re especially good for some stomach-settling time between eating and hitting the rides again. And if they’re indoors, they’re a great way for your child to rest for a bit and cool off.

8. Before you start your day, take a photo of each parent and child from the phone you’ll carry with you all day. “If you get separated, it’ll refresh your memory what each person is wearing, plus, you can show the photo to park staff who are helping you in the search.”

9. Consider going to the park even if the forecast is iffy. Here are the pluses:

a. Many will cancel, which means smaller crowds.

b. No sun means less chance of sunburn.

c. Many will cancel, which means shorter lines.

10. If you’re going to a park that has a connecting water park, wear a swim/beach cover-up dress over your bathing suit for the amusement park portion of your visit. Most amusement parks feature rides that get you wet, and those will inevitably be your kids’ favorite ones on a hot day. A swim dress is designed to dry quickly. You’ll be much more comfortable in it than I was in my soaking-wet denim cutoffs. Even if you’re not going to a water park the same day, remember to wear clothing that dries quickly and isn’t see-through when wet!