Should we all carry a bag for the parks?

[5stljayhawks]

I pack each day based on weather, hopefully leaving ponchos out as well as if there are any trips back to RV/hotel during day. IF we are staying late, there is usually jackets. I go for the 2 pack system to spread weight and share the carry between our 5 family members. I have also spent the money for good(should straps and adjustable) lightweight packs, and have banned cinch/string strap packs. If my kids want to carry that pain in the shoulder, then its there responsibility the ENTIRE day. (We are talking comfort not fashion and that usually puts an end to the conversation) Also when we went to the photopass route, we ditched the SLR camera which makes a world of difference from weight and also a parent does not always have to have it their control for damage control. Also I just buck for liquids in the parks or carry an empty water battle in and fill at water fountain.

 

[Mousemommy1]

We are a family of five and only carry one backpack. DH and I take turns holding it. That's all we need.

 

[Blackadder337]

I just got back from our trip and I can give you my thoughts. A friend of mine told me "don't take a bag into the park, its a much longer line and they search every bag". So based on that, and the fact that we had the dining plan, I figured sure, no lineups for me!

But while I was there, I noticed the bag lines were moving pretty quick, and every time we went in the non bag line, I got searched anyway and had to empty out everything I had in my cargo shorts pockets so the timing was about the same.

So what I WISH I had done (for 3 people), is take a backpack, throw 2 bottles of water in there (or resort mugs to fill up at a fountain), our ponchos and any necessary meds.

The bag wouldn't have been too heavy, would have been quick to search, and still lots of room to put souvenirs etc.. if needed.

 

[Pesky]

We carried one drawstring backpack, more by accident than design -- we forgot our designated park backpack at home! So while at USO, I bought a HP-themed drawstring bag and that became our park bag. It was perfect. DH just carried his phone with him, I had a lanyard with a clip (so either around the neck or clipped to a belt-loop) of IDs, cash, CC, and then we had the backpack with a ziploc of first aid, couple water bottles, and any other gear we thought we needed. I usually either had my phone in my pocket or oftentimes would stick in the bag on rides. Turned out we didn't need any more and it was great because DH and I could switch carrying it and that made it a lot easier.

 

[kwdw]

So, I planned to have a bag (portable charger, poncho, snacks, water, tylenol, band-aids) but is it best that we all have our own bags? Traveling with my husband and 9yr old and 6yr old. I don't want my bag to be too heavy but also don't want the kids leaving their stuff somewhere. What do most families do?

I would not make the kids carry a bag unless they wanted to bring something extra (ie - a game, stuffed animal, etc). Usually kids that age don't NEED to take anything. I'd take one bag - that you and your hubby can share carrying. I would NOT carry four water bottles, however. Either share a bottle - or use drinking fountains or get free water at CS places. And don't go overboard on snacks. Yes - things like goldfish, fruit snacks, etc - can be a lifesavers in a line, a money saving tool, or when you need a short break with a grumpy kid - but if you overdo it - they can be heavy. At those ages - having them carrying a bag is just going to add to your stress of making sure they still have it!

 

[EvilQueen2018]

We each carry a bag. Men get small backpacks, girls get fanny packs. Everyone carries their own stuff, men get a few extras like snacks, drinks, cooling towels, anything we can't fit in our packs.

 

[hsmamato2]

once they outgrew strollers (by 6) the family rule was 'you want it,you carry it'..... easy enough! usually the kids had a waistpack when younger, they carried their money, and a couple of snacks,some pins maybe. I carry my purse for my stuff,(plus the little first aid kit etc if needed) DH always carries whatever fits in his pockets and that's it.Long ago they learned to tie a light jacket around the waist in most seasons- we don't carry drinks since the water is free for the asking.

 

[familyfirsttimer]

I was contemplating this same thing for this trip. mine are teens, My DH and I have always carried everything even just 4 waters and 4 sweatshirts along with the standard stuff like firstaid, phones, chargers, etc, it was heavy! I am thinking they should carry a bag this year, they are old enough to be responsible. Seems easier for everyone to have their own bag with snack, water, sweathsirt, phone and battery backups, then my DH can carry the heavy one LOL