No more pencils, no more books, no more teachers’ dirty looks! When summer arrives, little ones suddenly have nothing but free time on their hands. And one hot-weather ritual that helps drain their boundless energy is a day at the amusement park.

Unfortunately, planning for a day at the amusement park can just as efficiently drain parents’ energy. To help put some amusement back into a day at the theme park, we first culled some advice from the ultimate experts: moms.

To round out their tips, we turned to two employees of one of the best-known theme parks: Isabel, who drives the parking lot bus, and RJ, a theme park performer and co-host of the amusement-centric Disfunction Podcast. Based on their combined years in the trenches, they let us know what works and what doesn’t.

All moms advise: Go as early as possible; parks usually get crowded as the day wears on.

“The first hour,” Isabel says, “is the best time to get on that one ride you just have to go on.” For parents of older kids who can stay up late, RJ recommends returning to the park a few hours before they close. “[Most] families have given up and already retreated to their resorts.”

Kristen says, "Always [know] the direct route to your car!"

Take photos of your car's location, nearby signs, and the view from behind you (as if you're leaving the park).

Isabel sighs, “I wish more people would do this!” RJ can empathize: one of his past theme park gigs was in the parking lot, and at every shuttle stop, he was required to repeat the section number over and over “and over.”

As such, RJ wholeheartedly agrees with the recommendation, “Write it on your favorite child's forehead [if you have to].” All joking aside, charging the kids with remembering where the car is can help settle those end-of-the-day arguments over whether you parked in A12 or A13.

Kyra says, "Use a backpack—it's easier on your back than a shoulder bag."

“Agreed!” RJ’s packing list of just the essentials would include the following: a refillable water bottle for each person, sunscreen, bug spray, and a travel-size umbrella. Other additions might be extra clothing (including shoes and socks), towels, ponchos, sanitizing wipes, and plastic baggies to protect valuables. “And motion sickness bags,” smirks Isabel.

Tiffany's advice: Bring your own food and keep it in a cooler in the car.

The food at the park is usually fatty and expensive. Halfway through the day, “We . . . get our hand stamped, and go hang out in the car and eat. If I turn on the air my little guy will usually take a quick nap.”

While this is certainly an option, at larger amusement parks this may take more time than it’s worth. RJ advises to research what’s available at the park before you go; they often have healthier options. An alternative: pack snacks. “You have something to nibble on while you wait in line.”

Tiffany says, "Bring a wagon instead of a stroller."

“[You] can fit more, and then my other kids can either ride or my 2 year old can lay flat.” Sometimes he even naps in there!

Another great idea, says RJ, but he kindly made one suggestion: “If you know you're gonna bring in a double-wide or a wheelbarrow to the parks, be mindful that you are going to a place where there will be hundreds, maybe thousands, of people around you [and] you're taking up a lot of room.” Patience and extra awareness is key.

Isabel does caution families to call ahead: “Certain parks do not allow wagons as they are a trip hazard.”

Nora says, "Let the kids hold the map and lead the way. Always works."

“When my kids were small,” counters Isabel, “I kept them on their schedules.” So try to fit a nap down when you can, even if it means taking a break and heading back to the resort or car.

When it comes to the rides, says RJ, let your kids take the reins. “Don't feel pressured into doing something that you were told you must do if it’s not what your kids want to do.” If your eight-year-old wants to watch the show at the toddler park, that’s cool. “And if little Charlie wants to do the carousel again and again and again, then by all means do let him; the memory of Charlie crying in the car ride home could ruin all the other memories you made that day.”