The Day My Son Rode His First Real Roller Coaster
There are certain parenting moments that sneak up on you—not the ones you plan for or circle on the calendar, but the ones that hit you in the heart out of nowhere. That was the day my middle child, Maverick, got to ride his first real roller coaster… Tremors.
If you’ve ever been to Silverwood Theme Park, you know that Tremors is no joke. It’s big, it’s fast, it’s wild—and it’s the kind of coaster that separates the little kids from the “big kids.” Last year, Maverick was almost tall enough. His older brother got to ride it, and Maverick had to sit and wait for his day to come.
And this year? It did.
We’ve been keeping a close eye on that growth chart at home. I swear Maverick’s been willing himself taller every night in his sleep. He’d run over barefoot in the morning asking to check again. It became part of the routine: breakfast, brush teeth, check height.
And one day—it happened.
42 inches.
I showed him, and he looked at me like I’d just told him he won the lottery. “That means I can ride Tremors??” he asked. And when I nodded, his face lit up like the Fourth of July. No hesitation, no second thoughts—just pure joy.
Waiting in Line: A Mix of Grit and Butterflies
We made our way to the ride and as soon as Tremors came into view, Maverick stood up a little taller. He could not believe that the moment he’s been waiting for was finally here! Standing next to that height check sign… whew. That moment got real.
You could see the excitement in his eyes, but there was a little flutter of nerves too. Not the kind that make you back out, but the kind that make your stomach feel fizzy and your legs a little lighter. He didn’t say much in line—just kept bouncing a little on his toes, holding my hand, peeking around the corner so he could take in every second of what was happening.
But when it was our turn, he stepped forward like a pro. No fear. No flinching. Just pure Maverick energy—brave, bold, and all-in.
Buckled In and Ready to Roll
We climbed into our seats and the ride attendant pulled the safety bar down over us. Maverick gave me the biggest grin. He looked so little in that seat. But he also looks so grown up and ready for the ride of his life.
And then we started that classic click-click-click up the first hill. You know the one. That slow climb that gives you juuuuust enough time to think “Wait, what am I doing?” before gravity takes over.
You could feel his excitement and about halfway up—he raised his arms. Full send. And I just about melted.
The first drop hit and we were flying. Hair whipping, wind rushing, the whole park blurring around us—and Maverick was living.
The Aftermath: Pure Joy
As the ride pulled back into the station, I looked over and saw him glowing. I mean glowing. Like someone had just handed him the keys to the whole park. He unbuckled, stood up, and then nearly sprinted down the ramp to tell Dad what he’d just done.
“I did it!” he shouted, bouncing like he was on a sugar rush. His face was flushed, hair messy, and eyes shining with the kind of pride that makes a mom tear up just thinking about it.
He looked taller somehow. Like the ride gave him an inch or two of extra confidence.
Why It Meant So Much
It wasn’t just about hitting a certain height. It was about belonging. It was about the moment your little kid crosses that invisible line between “almost ready” and “I’m so ready.” It was about seeing him face a moment that was just a little big, just a little scary—and rise to it with arms in the air and a smile on his face.
Maverick has always been our little adventurer. He’s not afraid to try things. He’s the kid who climbs a little higher, jumps a little farther, and always says yes to new things. But even for him, this was a big milestone. And getting to be there for it—getting to sit next to him as he hit that next stage of “big kid life”—was something I’ll never forget.
Your Turn!
If you have a little one waiting to hit that 42-inch mark, just know—it’s coming. And when it does, it’s magic.
So here’s to the brave ones. The coaster lovers in the making. The tiny thrill-seekers with big hearts. May their arms stay raised, their laughter stay loud, and may every ride be just the beginning of another adventure.
And Maverick? He’s already asking when he can ride the next one!
MEET THE CONDUCTOR
Hi, I’m Sadie! I love exploring and sharing about our community through my platform, Mom What’s Next. I had always had a love and passion for story-telling, which led me to pursue a degree at Washington State University. I spent 8 years working my way up the ladder in the news department where I honed my skills in media and communication. I “retired” to start a family. This new chapter brought me to start Mom What’s Next, a platform dedicated to exploring and sharing family friendly adventures and local businesses with other families. My passion lies in discovering new places and experiences, and nothing brings me more joy than taking my kids on new adventures.
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