6 Pro Tips for Getting Kids to Wear Masks in Parks!

Worried about your kids wearing masks all day in the parks? For the time being, mask-wearing is here to stay. But it doesn't have to be a battle! I've compiled my list of the top 6 tips for getting kids to wear masks!

Face Coverings

Tip #1: Practice Makes Perfect
The first tip here is to have your kiddo practice before you even leave for your vacation! Remember, the face covering rule applies to everyone ages 2+ at both Universal and Disney. While school age kids may have some experience wearing masks at school, your younger kids may not. Practice at the grocery store, at parks, or even at home. Make sure your kids can handle wearing the masks indoors, outdoors, in strollers, on walks, etc. The parks are strict about the face covering mandate, and the last thing you want is to have to cut a park day short because of noncompliance with rules!

Tip #2: Decisions, Decisions
Let your kiddo choose the masks that they'd like to wear each day. Letting them choose increases the likelihood that the mask stays on. (Just make sure to pack extras, especially if they only want to wear the same dinosaur mask every. single. day.)

Tip #3: Let Them Eat Cake!
Okay, so maybe not cake. But, as you know by now, face coverings can be removed while stationary and actively eating or drinking. (At Disney, face masks can also be temporarily removed if taking an outdoor photo while physically distanced!) If you see your kids getting a little fussy, stop for a snack or drink break. This way, no one gets hangry and everyone gets to relax and enjoy a snack. It's a good idea for everyone in your party to stop and drink water once per hour anyway.

Tip #4: A Little R&R
Every park has several areas where guests can take a mask break without following the food/drink rule. These areas have physically distanced seating and are also normally in a shaded area. At Universal, they're called URest areas. At Disney, they're Relaxation Zones. Know where the nearest one to you is, and how to get there quickly.

Tip #5: Throw Some Shade
No, not that kind of shade. Keep your kids (and yourself!) cool and shaded. Stroller fans, hats, and cooling towels are just some of the ways you can keep your party cool. Overheating will inevitably lead to masks coming off. This stroller fan has very high reviews on Amazon, while these cooling towels are the ones I personally use!

Tip #6: Treat Yo Self
At the end of the day, your kids have worn masks all day long. This isn't an easy feat! Treat your kids to a nighttime swim at the resort pool, a special souvenir, or fun dessert for following those directions all day long. And don't forget to treat yourself, too! After all, you're on vacation!

Read more about Face Covering Tips for the Parks here!