Kids With Crohns at Amusement Parks

When we were first diagnosed with Crohn's Disease it was hard to imagine all the different ways we'd have to plan ahead for traveling. For our first visit to Busch Gardens Williamsburg with Crohn's we were a little worried about what we could eat, ride, and whether we would feel too tired or sick to enjoy ourselves.  The good news is:  everything was manageable and we had an awesome time!  If you're a kid with Crohn's (or any other physical challenge) read on for our tips on making your next trip to an amusement park as easy as possible: 

1) Check Out Special Access Provisions: many amusement parks offer special access, wheelchairs, or line passes for people with physical disabilities.  If you feel your symptoms may make it hard for you to enjoy the park, seek out these accommodations.  Some parks may require a note from your doctor or other documentation, so check out the eligibility requirements in advance.  Although we didn't need any special accommodations on this trip, it was nice to know they were there.  Click here for Busch Gardens' Accessibility Guide.

2) Time it Right:  We made sure to visit the park at the beginning of the season, during the week.  Lighter crowds meant shorter lines for everything from food to the restrooms -- and by visiting early we avoided the exhausting heat. 

3)  Map It:  We carried a map so that we always knew where the nearest restroom was.  Thankfully, there was always one close by!

4) Stash It: We used a locker to store extra sets of clothing-- just in case.  

5) Hitch a Ride: To conserve energy, we planned our route around the park so that we didn't have to double back and do any unnecessary walking.  We also took advantage of cross-park transportation such as the train and sky ride to get us from one end of the park to other without breaking a sweat.  

6) Eat Well: We were surprised at how many good choices there were to eat.  Most of the cafeterias had fresh fruit and salads.  We were also able to find grilled chicken and turkey legs.  But our favorite find was the fresh fruit smoothie bar.  Because the smoothies were made by hand (and not from a sugary remade mix) , we were able to ask for a simple mix of bananas, berries, and ice without milk or sugar.  Although we were a little sad not to be able to get fried dough and ice-cream like we used to, we loved the smoothies and had such a good time on the rides it didn't matter.

7) Avoid Germs & Burns: One of our medicines (methotrexate) suppresses the immune system and makes us more susceptible to sunburns, so we made sure to wear sunscreen and hats, wash our hands before eating, and use hand sanitizer frequently.  

8) Don't Forget Your Meds:  Wherever we go, Mom carries any meds we might need in their original packaging.  That way, if her bag is ever searched by security there are no problems.  Mom also set her phone with a timer so that we wouldn't forget to take our meds in the middle of the day.  

9) Quit While You're Ahead: Most importantly, we tried not to push ourselves too hard.  While our big brother went on the extreme rides, we took it easy and enjoyed ourselves on less stomach-lurching adventures.  We played a lot of games, took frequent breaks and left happy -- well before we started feeling too tired. 

 10) Have Fun!  Having a chronic disease is stressful, painful, and sometimes even embarrassing.  Visiting an amusement park is a great way to blow off some steam, scream, and act like a regular kid again.  With a little advance planning you can have blast just like you did before Crohn's.  Afterall, sometimes laughter, a whole lot of fun (and a little screaming) can be the best medicine.