From Port Aventura (Tarragona) to Terra M�tica (Benidorm) and Isla M�gica (Seville), these days there are myriad heirs to the old tradition of amusement parks or carnivals. For example, to cool off in summer there is the Aqu�polis chain with outlets in Madrid, Cullera, Torrevieja, Huelva, Seville and Mallorca (there it is called Aquacity). Ski buffs can use artificial slopes year round at Xanad� (Madrid) and animal lovers can have a blast at Faunia (Madrid), the Parque Oceanogr�fico (Valencia), Selwo (Estepona) and Valwo (Matapozuelos).

 

The list also includes the Warner Bros parks and others that imitate the legendary Disneyland parks in the United States and Paris. The common denominator is that they are
all geared to families with children.

 

Besides the slides, rides and scenes that recreate movie sets, there is also a booming merchandising industry and bars, restaurants and financial services so nothing is missing. There are also ample rest areas, restrooms, information booths, meeting points, lost and found offices and parking lots.

 

Safety first
The safety measures in effect in these places generally meet stringent standards because of the large numbers of people they draw. They all specific sanitary facilities, trained personnel (lifeguards, technicians, tour guides) and procedures to follow in case of emergency.

 

Rules for each attraction leave no room for doubt, wariness or arbitrary interpretation.  These are enforced by trained staffers who make sure the facilities are used properly, no one acts carelessly and no one gets on a ride they should not for reasons of size or age.

 

The risk of accident on rides is small, even if just because these parks must guarantee such safety in order to stay in business. Furthermore, the parks' insurance policies for personal or material damage are expensive and insurers make sure terms are carried out, staging inspections, maintenance plans, eyewitness monitoring of rides and other kinds of safety measures.

 

So people who go to these parks and worry about their physical safety have more reason to fret over other more mundane issues like heat stroke, dehydration, sunburn, small injuries related to fatigue or jitters when someone in the family gets lost.

 

Practical tips
Keep these tips in mind in order to have a fun day at the theme park:
- Agree on a place to meet in case someone gets lost.
- Plan the visit ahead of time to take maximum advantage of your time
on your favourite rides.
- Wear comfortable clothing that suits the weather.
- Keep in mind the theme park's schedule..
- Avoid days when the park is most crowded.
- Take cash in case the automated teller machines don't work.