Featuring friendship bracelets, roller coasters, and surviving the splash zone with your sanity intact.
The Silverwood Era Begins
There’s something about taking your daughter to a theme park that feels like the start of a core memory. Sticky fingers, belly laughs, and maybe one public meltdown. If you’re a girl mom heading to Silverwood, this guide is for you. We’ll cover the best rides for little thrill-seekers, low-stress places to eat, and yes, sprinkle in some Swiftie-inspired ideas to make the day extra special. As Mom’s we all have special little touches that we sprinkle into our mothering in the hope that it adds to the way that our children remember us. Some moms are known for their excellent baking, cooking, athleticism, spontaneity, humor and so much more. As for me, I’m a memory maker, just like my mom. I love creating moments of fun, comfort, connection and little touches that stick with the people I love forever. With that in mind, I decided to let my girls choose a theme for our Silverwood visit to add something a little extra to our day at Silverwood and of course – they chose Taylor Swift. This was perfect because we already had some themed shirts from events past and materials for friendship bracelets, which is key. Adding a special touch doesn’t have to be complicated, you could do it with anything around the house, dress up clothes, old costumes, fun and easy crafts – sky’s the limit! Because whether you’re deep in your “Speak Now” gentle parenting phase or embracing “Reputation” mom mode… we’ve all got our own era going on.
1. Let’s Get Real: What to Pack (and What You’ll Wish You Did)
You’re going to want a backpack that works harder than you do. Here’s what to throw in:
- Swimsuits + towels (you will get wet, even if you “weren’t planning to”).
- Extra clothes for everyone: yes, even you (see my post Thunder Canyon photo).
- Sunscreen, hair ties, wipes, a brush and detangler for post-splash pad chaos.
- Snacks you know they’ll eat (we love goldfish, pretzels & go-gurt).
Swiftie Idea: Pack a zip pouch with bracelet supplies: it’s a low-effort, high-fun activity for long lines or park downtime. Even better? Trade with other Swiftie moms and kids if you spot some in the wild.
2. Outfit Ideas That Survive the Day
Look, we all want to be cute, but function wins at a theme park. Aim for:
- Bike shorts under dresses (always).
- Comfy sandals or sneakers that can get wet (Chaco’s, Croc’s & Keens).
- A backup outfit that isn’t white if you’re doing water rides.
- Matching tees or accessories if your girls are into it (we opted for matching tees, friendship bracelets & red lips).
Swiftie Twist: Let your girls pick an “era” for the day. Maybe they want to be in their Lover pastel phase or Fearless cowgirl moment. Doesn’t have to be a full costume. Even nail polish and a scrunchie in that theme feels special.
Did You Know: The General Stuff Mercantile on Main Street not only carries custom name friendship bracelets, but also- DIY friendship bracelet kits? We had already packed our own friendship bracelets, but we HAD to grab the custom name bracelets as well!
3. What to Ride (and What to Skip if You’ve Got Littles)
- Butterflyer: A sweet little ride where your child feels safe and in control.
- Frog Hopper: The kind of ride that’ll make them giggle-scream.
- Lazy River: The ultimate “I need to sit down” mom move.
- Tiny Toot: Great first coaster for brave littles.
- Roaring Creek Log Flume or Thunder Canyon: For bigger girls who want to get drenched and scream a little.
Ride Tip: Skip the big coasters unless you’ve got older girls or a co-parent to swap with. Our oldest daughter became “Fearless” and decided to take her first ride on Tremors while our youngest daughter and Dad waited below cheering her on. Roller Coaster Alley is a GREAT place to ease your kids into the more daring and adventurous rides. To make things extra fun, my 7-year-old and I came up with a fun Silverwood Swiftie Rating System (see below). She rated Tremors “Reputation” – hair was flying EVERYWHERE.
Swiftie rating system: “Lover”- level chill: Easy, low stress, “Red”- level emotion: Medium thrill, fun for most, “Reputation”- level chaos: Hold onto your ponytail.
4. Real-Life Food Recommendations
You can buy food at Silverwood, and it’s so good, but sometimes the lines get long, and the kids get cranky. Here’s the game plan:
- Grab-and-go sandwiches or snack packs from home = smart move (soft sided coolers are allowed), we also opted to have a fun little tailgate before entering the park so that we went in with full bellies.
- Lindy’s Restaurant for a sit-down break or dinner option. They offer delicious food, drinks and… (air conditioning).
- Funnel Cake at the Sugar Shack is worth the line, but be prepared to share, they’re HUGE!
- Picnic in the grass near the train ride is peaceful and shaded.
Swiftie Moment: Call it your “Folklore lunch” sit under a tree, braid your kid’s hair, split a sandwich, and just chill.
5. Photo Moments (That Aren’t Staged)
Don’t stress about getting the perfect Instagram shot. Go for these instead:
- Post-ride hair selfies (realer = better).
- Matching sunglasses moments.
- A candid pic of your girls trading bracelets or dancing in line.
- Silly face by the Silverwood sign.
- Snap your friendship bracelets on your favorite rides.
6. End the Day with a Little Sparkle
- Stop by Huck’s General Store and grab the Swiftie inspired Coaster hoodie.
- Grab glow sticks or bubbles waiting in line.
- Hop on the train ride for a calm end-of-day activity.
- Change into dry clothes for the ride home.
- Let your girls pick a song and have a mini dance party in the parking lot.
Final Swiftie Moment: Turn on “Daylight” as you leave. Windows down, tired kids in the back, snacks on their shirts, and your heart full.
Final Words: You’re Doing Great, Mama.
Whether you’re on your third roller coaster or just bribed your toddler with a churro, just remember: your girls won’t remember the schedule, but they’ll remember how it felt to be making memories with you in the happiest place in the Inland Northwest.
Fun. Safe. Special. Yours.
You showed up, and that’s more than enough.
Mom survival hacks: Set a low-stress schedule. Don’t try to “do it all”. Take breaks. Like, real breaks – water, shade, snacks, and sitting. Bring a book or download a podcast for you in case they want a break. Don’t push past the tired zone, meltdown mode comes fast especially if you have little ones 3 or under. The Quiet Garden near Critter Camp is the perfect spot for this.
Swiftie mom mantra:
“When in doubt, shake it off (or find the nearest Dippin’ Dots).”
MEET THE CONDUCTOR
My name is Sydney Love. I am married, the mother of two sweet girls, and have one adorable border collie named Tucker. I love reading, writing, running, hiking, going on micro adventures and spending quality time with my friends and family. Family is EVERYTHING to me. All of my extended family resides in Washington and Idaho, and my immediate little family of 4 resides here in Montana- though it sometimes feels like we also live in Washington because we visit so frequently. I have been visiting Silverwood since 1995, if you can believe it! I took my first roller coaster ride on the Corkscrew with my late grandfather at the ripe age of 6 years old and I’m still convinced that he screamed louder than I did. It is such a cherished memory that I will never forget and carry with me always.
Comments (1)
Can’t wait for summer!!
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