Top tips to get the most thrills out of your visit to Playland and the PNE Fair

If it’s fun times, crazy rides and tasty delights you’re looking for this summer, nothing beats a day at Playland or the PNE Fair.

• 1. Purchase passes online and save

  Avoid losing precious ‘scream-at-the-top-of-your-lungs’ time on rides by buying your passes online in advance. BCAA Members get the best deal online with savings of 30% on Playland Passes and on PNE Fair Gate and Ride Passes all summer long*. And if you’re planning a trip to one of the Summer Night Concerts, use your BCAA Membership to get ride passes and double down on the fun!

• 2. Prepare the night before, not the morning of

  Spending time at Playland and the PNE Fair can take up a whole day and evening, so packing the night before can help ensure you’ve brought all the essentials and can cut down the morning stress of getting everyone up and out the door.




• 3. Key essentials to bring (use a backpack to keep your arms free)
  
  
  • Waterproof phone case to protect your cell phone
  • A rain poncho to keep you dry when riding the Cedar Rapids Log Flume
  • Sunglasses and case, sunscreen and hat
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Blister relief strips
  • Kids' medical alert bracelets
  • Reusable Water bottle
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Waterproof backpack or fanny pack
  • Portable phone charger (texting, taking photos and video, and posting on social media can drain your cell phone battery much quicker)
• 4. Maximize your ride time!

  If you’re seeking thrills and spills, the last thing you want is to be spending too much time waiting to get your fast ride fix. Here’s a smart hack to avoid long lines – go to the best rides first thing in the morning when the crowds are smaller. And if you’ve already seen a popular show, hit up the rides during show time when lots of people will be busy watching.



• 5. Stay hydrated, be sun safe and take breaks

  Drink plenty of water, especially if your family and friends will be indulging in all the sugary stuff like ice cream, cotton candy or mini donuts (yum, yum and yum!). Wear a hat and apply sunscreen throughout the day. And, find time to sit and rest. If you are a family with younger ones, look out for the BCAA kids tent for a chance to take a break and do some colouring with the free books and crayons provided. Then, during the PNE Fair, give your feet a break and bring your family to our BCAA ToonCity to enjoy the musical stage show, multimedia dance party and BCAA Family Flicks, a series of family-friendly short films every night of the Fair.




• 6. Take a photo to remember what your family is wearing

  Just before you head out, take a picture of your child so you remember what they’re wearing. Have them standing up in the photo so it’s easy to visualize their height. You can also take a picture at one of our Child Find photo stations, found at each entrance to ToonCity. Then, turn the tables around and have your kids take a close look at you and what you’re wearing. It can help them locate you in a crowd or if they need to give your description to a PNE employee.



• 7. Get a BCAA 'Child Find' sticker

  BCAA supports the "Child Find" safety program that helps PNE staff reunite lost children with their parents or caregivers. Find PNE Brand Ambassadors and PNE security at the gates to get a free Child Find sticker for your child to wear on their back. Teach your child to identify PNE staff who will be wearing PNE branded blue t-shirts in case they need assistance.



• 8. Set a meeting point as soon as you arrive

  Establish an easy-to-spot place to be your family’s meeting point in case you get separated (avoid busy entrance/exit ways and parking lots). You can also select other meeting spots as you enter the different areas of the park. Walk over to the meeting point with your kids to show them specifically where to go.



• 9. Follow park rules

  Park accidents can happen when anyone ignores park rules by climbing a fence or entering a no-trespassing zone for example. Follow park safety signs and the instructions given by park employees to ensure a great and safe time.




• 10.Walk the park backward to stay ahead of the crowd

  Note the direction people tend to follow and head the opposite way. Then you can bypass larger crowds that often form near the entrance by starting off further into the park. You can check out the sights located near the entrance later in the day when less people will be arriving.



• 11. Research your fave attractions in advance

  Visit PNE/Playland on Instagram or Facebook for ideas of rides and events your squad will most want to enjoy. Then write down a list, find them on the Playland and PNE Fair map and tick off each one as you go.

Make the most out of your trip to Playland and the PNE Fair by enjoying a safe and memorable visit. Don’t forget to stretch those dollars by getting those discounted Playland and PNE Fair Gate and Ride Passes online with your BCAA Membership. Have fun!

Not a BCAA Member? Join today and start saving on Playland and PNE Fair passes and much more!

^{*Passes are subject to park capacity. If a date is not displayed on the ticket purchase page, it is sold out and no longer available.}