How old before you let your kids go into the park unsupervised?

[Anna114]

Mine was 1 month shy if 14. He had his phone and he told us where he was planning on doing, the road the cars in tomorrowland over and over again, lol. We were one land over in Fantasyland riding the carousel.

 

[hmacmahony]

I am all for free range kids, our kids have many more freedoms than almost all their friends (my oldest is 8).
BUT...at disney, they would stay with me. And here is the only reason why, we are on vacation. We go on vacation as a family, I want to spend my time with them. Granted, I might very well change my mind when my kids are a little older,but I see no need for them to be off on their own, when we are on vacation together.

But, honestly, if you trust your 12 year old, and her friend, I think they would be fine. Set them up with a cell phone to contact you if needed and enjoy!

 

[princessmom29]

I always find this discussion interesting, since on middle school trips the kids are allowed to roam (in groups) alone. Why all the disagreement? Do those people who think 11, 12, 13 is too young not allow their kid to go on school trips? Or is it a "city/country" thing (what you're used to)?
DS13 is going to Washington DC in May with school and the first thing they do on arrival is set them free (at one place) for 2 hours! There are rules of course...but still, why all the worry?

This is how all our field trips are structured after 5th grade in the syatem I teach in now, as well as when i was in school. Groups of 3 or more and check in at 2 hour intervals. When I was 14 we did New Orleans this way on a band trip: We were let off the bus at the aquarium and told we could do aquarium, zoo or french quarter, and to be back at the bus at dark. We were told where chaperones would be in each area if we needed them. Given that i think a 12 year old with a cell in the same park you are snould be fine.

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

I am all for free range kids, our kids have many more freedoms than almost all their friends (my oldest is 8).
BUT...at disney, they would stay with me. And here is the only reason why, we are on vacation. We go on vacation as a family, I want to spend my time with them. Granted, I might very well change my mind when my kids are a little older,but I see no need for them to be off on their own, when we are on vacation together.

But, honestly, if you trust your 12 year old, and her friend, I think they would be fine. Set them up with a cell phone to contact you if needed and enjoy!

We don't have to spend every second together on vacation. My kids range from 23 to 8 months. They enjoy diferent thigs. besides, kids sometimes like a break from their parents. DH and I also enjoy a soda together, alone, on occasion, too.

 

[scooterpig]

My girls, 12 an 13, will not be walking around unattended at Disney. Separate for a ride, maaayyybe. But, maybe not!

 

[MSSANDRA]

Field trips must so depend on the area. In our Area, middle school children are NOT allowed to walk around without adults. This includes but is not limited to amusment parks.

 

[RN01]

My daughters are 16 and 12 and I would have no problems letting them go to the parks by themselves (together of course). Even going from the hotel to the parks would be fine with me. And I know they would love it!