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As a new Mom, I quickly learned the top three rules of visiting a theme park (or really, anywhere) with a child:

1. Be prepared.
2. Always know where to find the nearest restroom
3. See first two rules.

Rule number one...be prepared.  Murphy's Law is one of the first things a new mother learns.  Kids are a ton of fun and super cute, but they get dirty, they get hungry and they get sick.  I recently took my dd on a long car trip only to find the back seat of my car covered in half digested spaghetti about 30 minutes outside of town.  And, I thanked my lucky stars for that gigantic diaper bag I carry.  However, planning for any scenario can be a little tiring, especially if you are carrying said gigantic bag around SDC all day. 

That's where Tip #1 comes in...rent a locker.  Lockers are the perfect size for a change of clothes, a purse or diaper bag, and bottled water or a snack; and are conveniently located in a variety of locations on the park.  Lockers are available for rent on a first-come first-served basis and are located behind the Ticket Booths, at Lost River Of The Ozarks, Wildfire®, PowderKeg® and outside of the Hospitality House.  The cost for lockers is $ .50 for each entry. 

Tip #2, consider renting a stroller.  I have done this both ways, but usually if I bring my stroller from home I have dh with me to help with lifting it onto the tram.  Sometimes, I just want to visit the park without the hassle of loading up the stroller, so I rent one upon arrival.  Both single and double strollers are available for rent on a first-come first-served basis at the Stroller Booth located on your left after you enter the turnstiles. Stroller rental costs $10 per day for a single and $14 per day for a double.

Rule number two...always know where to find the nearest restroom.  Tiny little bladders can sometimes wreak a lot of havoc, so it's always a necessity to know where to take care of this natural process.  And sometimes, it's not as easy as one would think.  I once took dd into the restroom at a well-known chain restaurant only to find it was incredibly dirty and lacked a changing table.  Not very family-friendly! 

Luckily, Silver Dollar City has anticipated the needs of its Moms with a variety of mom-friendly restrooms and amenities.   First, Silver Dollar City has placed Baby Stations in every restroom on park (except in the Mine Restaurant); and diaper dispensers are available in restrooms located at the Hospitality House, Red Gold Heritage Hall, Riverfront Playhouse and at The Giant Swing Mother's Nursing Station.

That brings me to my favorite amenity, the Nursing Stations.  Silver Dollar City has provided several comfortable and private locations for a nursing mother to meet the needs of her infant while visiting the park.  I was never very comfortable with nursing my daughter in public, but when I brought her to SDC at 4 months it was such a relief to enter the quiet nursing station, sit down in a rocking chair and spend that time making sure my daughter's needs were met at her pace.  Nursing stations are conveniently located in the restrooms by the Hospitality House on the square, in the Geyser Gulch play area, next door to the Red Gold Heritage Hall near the Grand Exposition, and near the Giant Swing. 

Silver Dollar City also recently added several Family Assist Restrooms on park, which are a wonderful convenience, especially for a family with more than one child or if you are visiting with a child of the opposite sex.  Family assist or companion restroom facilities are available at Thunderation, Red Gold Heritage Hall and First Aid.

That's all the tips and tricks for now.  All you loyal SDC Moms feel free to post your own tips and tricks as well!