If you have any travel plans or outings lined up for this summer, we have some great tips to help keep your children safe in crowded places like amusement parks, aquariums, or zoos. These popular destinations can be overwhelming if you don’t prepare your kids in advance for staying safe in large crowds.
We recently visited the aquarium with our three children, and while it was a lot of fun, it also felt a bit stressful due to the large crowds. We reminded the kids to stay close, but with all the excitement and things to see, it was easy for them to get a little distracted and wander off.
Dress Them Distinctively: Bright or unique clothing can make it easier to spot your kids in a crowd. You might also consider dressing them in similar colours or patterns.
Our first tip for staying safe in crowded places is all about dressing smartly. Consider putting your kids in fluorescent clothing! This makes it much easier to spot them, especially in dimly lit environments like aquariums. We simply used what we found in their closets, but if you’re well-prepared, matching fluorescent yellow shirts are a fantastic idea. In fact, why not go a step further and dress the whole family in matching shirts? This way, it’s not only easy for you to keep track of your kids, but they can also easily spot you.
Establish a Meeting Point: As soon as you arrive at the location, choose a specific spot to meet if you get separated. Make sure your kids can recognize and easily find this spot.
Teach Them Important Information: Ensure your kids know their full name, your name, your phone number, and their address. For younger children, consider using a temporary tattoo or wristband with this information.
Write Your Cell Number on Their Arm
Whenever you’re in a crowded place, it’s likely you’ll have your cell phone with you. This tip is especially crucial for younger children: write your cell number on their arm. It can be a lifesaver and significantly speed up the process of reuniting with them if they happen to wander off.
Stay Close: Keep younger children within arm’s reach, and make sure older kids stay within sight. Use strollers, carriers, or harnesses for very young children if necessary.
They don’t have to worry about holding onto a piece of paper with your phone number on it. Even if they’re old enough to memorize your number, they might be too emotional or scared to recall it if they get lost.
Use Technology: Consider using GPS tracking devices or smartwatches with location tracking for older kids. Make sure they know how to use these devices if they get lost.
Use the Buddy System: If you’re with a group, pair your child with a buddy or another family member. This can help them feel more secure and make it easier to keep track of them.
I used a pen for this, but a Sharpie marker or a tattoo marker would work as well. To prevent the number from smearing, especially if the kids might get wet, you can apply Liquid Band-Aid over it—this is particularly useful for outings to a water park. Since we were at the aquarium, the pen was sufficient. Make sure to write the number large and clear so that it’s easily visible, even if the child is upset and crying. This way, if they lift their arms, the number is right there for anyone to see and contact you quickly.
Teach Them Safety Rules: Teach your kids what to do if they get lost, such as staying in one place, asking a trusted adult (like a security guard or store employee) for help, and not leaving the area with anyone they don’t know.
Practice Scenarios: Role-play different scenarios with your kids, such as what to do if they can’t find you or if someone approaches them. This can help them feel more prepared and confident.
Show Them Who to Look For if They Get Lost
This is my most important tip, and I’ve been teaching it to my children for some time. If they get lost, they should find another mom. A mom with her own children will almost always help a lost child. So, if they can’t see mommy or daddy, they should look around for other kids and find their mom. They should approach her and say, ‘I’m lost, I need help. In my experience, this has been a reliable way to ensure they receive assistance, whether we’re at the grocery store, the movies, or a busy mall.
Another strategy we emphasize is recognizing uniforms. For example, at the aquarium, the employees wore blue shirts with the emblem. As soon as we arrived, I pointed out an attendant and told my children, especially the younger one, ‘If you get lost, look for someone wearing this shirt.’ If they can’t find another mom nearby, they should look for someone in uniform, whether it’s a safety vest, lab coat, or another distinctive outfit.
Know the Environment: Familiarize yourself with the layout of the area, including exits, restrooms, and information desks. This knowledge can be helpful if you need to find your way around quickly.
Stay Calm: If you do become separated, try to remain calm. Quickly go to the designated meeting spot or notify authorities to help locate your child.
They can also be taught to look for a desk or counter area where employees are likely to be stationed.
A Few Other Tips to Keep Your Children Safe in Crowds:
- Take a Photo: Snap a photo of each child with your cell phone in the morning. This provides a recent picture and, more importantly, a clear view of what they are wearing that day. This can be incredibly helpful if they get lost, as you can show others exactly what to look for.
- Establish a Landmark Meeting Spot: Choose a recognizable landmark as a meeting point where your children can return if you get separated. For example, at an amusement park, designate a prominent feature like the Ferris wheel as your meeting spot. This way, they won’t wander in circles trying to find you.
Sometimes, in our efforts to keep our kids safe, we can forget to enjoy the moment and have fun with them. So, remember to have a great time, moms and dads!
We hope these tips help you keep your children safe in crowds and make your outings more enjoyable. If you have any additional tips to share, we’d love to hear them in the comments!
