I would love to take my daughter to an amusement park.

we were going to take a family outing to a theme park and I just had a few questions before we started planning. My daughter Clara is six years old but she has dwarfism and is 1‘5“ tall and 18 pounds. Clara really wants to go to a theme park, and I would love to let her experience that, but I’m concerned it isn’t going to be easy.

We were thinking of going to a place like Six Flags, or another theme park. And I know one big thing at theme parks is the minimum height requirement for the rides. Do you think this would be an issue for Clara?

And for the carnival type activities (games) that are set up for you to play and win prizes, do you think there would be any issues there? I know one of the main issues would probably be that she would not be tall enough to reach controls or see over the counter/ledge.

Additionally while at the park we would be walking around and eating out at the food places there.
We will also be staying at a hotel for two nights. And it would be amazing if we could find a portable stepstool that was able to get Clara up on the bed as well as able to reach the counter comfortably in the restroom.

we are going to be eating out most of the time, so this means we are going to be sitting in different chairs and boots with different chair and table heights. I am still looking, but would anyone have a suggestion for something portable that would allow her to climb up into the booth or chair herself and also be raised up high enough to be comfortable? I posted about this before but that was for our house which is more permanent. This would need to be moved around and also the heights very pleased place.

If y’all have anything else I should keep in mind please

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Heartlander · 80-89, M Best Comment

There are multiple safety issues, ranging from being trampled by the crowds to being ejected from some of the rides to being able to slip under safety railings or barriers. A 6 year old can’t be trusted to heed warnings and avoid potentially dangerous situations, especially considering her weight and size.

So maybe a stroller in combination with a backpack or chest perch carried by an adult may be the best option for her enjoying the adventure park. 18 pounds isn’t tooheavy a weight to be carried on an adults back for a short time, but for a 3 or 4 hour day at the park, having a stroller to transition to would make for an ideal arrangement.

Rather than finding ways for a small child to fit into an adult or big kids world, also consider ways for adults and big kids to fit into a small child’s world.

Another thought is to be careful and be ready about exposing your daughter to possible emotionally abusive situations with big crowds. Our friends child was severely burned in a house fire that had multiple injuries and a death. After months of skin grafts, medical care, etc., the child had to wear pressure clothing, including a whole face pressure mask. His parents took him to an amusement park where he was hit on by a band of older kids pointing him out and yelling “LOOK, a Martian!”

Clarashelper · 36-40, F

@Heartlander Thank you thank you thank you so much. That was extremely helpful and a very good explanation. Could you please take a look at my other post also? About finding her a “highchair“, helping her with the furniture, skiing etc.?

Heartlander · 80-89, M

@Clarashelper A kid climbing up into a high chair risks toppling it. So maybe a high chair in combination with 2 or 3 step mini step stool? You may have to experiment, but maybe connect them with those plastic bundling straps used for bundling wires, or used by the police as handcuffs.

Clarashelper · 36-40, F

@Heartlander can you please make a fly on the actual thread itself? That way all of everyone’s suggestions are all together grouped sort of by topic. Thanks ❤

Penny · 46-50, F

i would suggest keeping in mind her limitations . i understand taht if she actually exists youd want her to experience life as close to "normal" as possible but i think to do that could cause unnecessary strain on you and her. the last thing you need is a spoiled kid who thinks youre gonna bend the world to her needs.

Clarashelper · 36-40, F

@Penny She’s young now though, I want her to enjoy being a kid. And as she grows up we can work on those things. How would you go about the amusement park? She wants to go Our self, and I really want to try and make this happen if I can

Penny · 46-50, F

@Clarashelper id take her but it might not be fun if she cant go on any rides. id warn her that she wont be able to but she might have fun anyway. how you treat your kids when theyre young is what sets up all their expectations in life. dont set her up for disappointment.

FEMALENATURIST74 · 46-50, F

There will always be some rides she can still go on. Age biggest concern. X

Clarashelper · 36-40, F

@FEMALENATURIST74 you’re saying her age is the biggest concern?

FEMALENATURIST74 · 46-50, F

Yes in regard to being allowed on some rides.x

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