There are a number of things that Mom and Dad can do before the family leaves that will make a big difference. Extremes of weather can ruin the trip if you aren't prepared. Hot, cold or wet - be sure to bring dress yourselves and the kids appropriately. The more comfortable your clothing, the more fun everyone will have. And it won't hurt to keep an extra set of clothes and shoes in the car as a backup. Especially if rain is expected.

And along with the proper dress, take careful consideration of the shoes you will wear. It's pretty much a given that a day or two or more in a major theme park means a LOT of walking. Sandals are great for the beach but they won't cut it here. This is also not the time to be breaking in a new pair of shoes. Make sure you and the kids are wearing shoes that you know is going to be comfortable for extended walking.

Walking around and standing in line under a blazing sun can be quite brutal. Please use sunscreen liberally and cover up with a hat. And make sure everyone stays hydrated with lots of water.

Once you are at the amusement park, now it's time to keep those kids happy. Yes, happy kids mean happy parents. But don't push it. If there are specific rides that the children don't want to go on, that's ok. Never force them. They are there to have fun and what looks like fun to you may be scary for certain children. Respect their feelings.

Before the kids spend a long time waiting in a line for a ride, make sure they know what the ride is really like. The name of the ride may sound really cool, only to turn into something a little to scary when it comes time to step aboard. If the child seems hesitant but goes on the ride anyway, try to watch the child throughout the ride. If necessary, alert the attendant to stop the ride.

If the kids are old enough to go off on their own, give them very specific instructions about when and where you will meet up. Make sure they have a map of the theme park. Clearly mark the map and make sure that they understand how to read it. Have a backup meeting place for emergencies. Make sure that every child knows how to contact park authorities if they get lost or need help.

Before getting into a long line, take the kids to the rest room. Enough said.

Don't try to run the show. Let the kids have a major say in what they do and when. Sure, you can keep an eye on the big picture and help out with major decisions that affect the whole family but let the kid's feel like they have some choices. If they want to rest, get something to eat or maybe ride the same ride a second time, let them have their way.

Planning and preparation are important to a successful family outing to an amusement park. But keep it within reason. Schedules can be useful. But remember, this is supposed to be fun. Keeping things loose and flexible will help keep things fun for the kids.