The Secret to Theme Park Happiness--Pacing

“One more time,” 3-year-old Melanie pleaded.

It was starting to rain and getting dark and cold. The older kids were ready to quit after a long day of being turned upside down on roller coasters, splashed on water rides and gobbling too many hot dogs. Needless to say, we grown-ups would have gladly gone home hours earlier.

But not Melanie. Without waiting for a no, she ran into the 38-foot-tall Snoopy’s Bounce to jump herself silly on big air-filled cushions. She then took off on the pint-size Red Baron’s airplane ride, a big grin plastered on her ketchup-smudged face.

We had wandered into Camp Snoopy, the six-acre area of Knott’s Berry Farm that is designed for younger children. Melanie obviously thought she had found theme park heaven and we got a kick out of seeing her enjoy herself so much. But I was beat and wondering how fast we could get out of the park--without provoking a tantrum.

“Parents shouldn’t plan on having a lot of fun at amusement parks,” said Tim O’Brien, who has written a book on the subject. O’Brien, an editor at Amusement Business magazine and the author of “The Amusement Park Guide” (Globe Pequot, $12.95), has ridden roller coasters all over the country with his two daughters. (This summer, O’Brien said, marks the 110th anniversary of the roller coaster.)

Whether you love them or hate them, amusement parks are part of growing up in America. So smear on some sunscreen, pack some healthy snacks and extra clothes for the kids (they will probably get wet on the water rides) and brace yourself for an exhausting day.

From California to Florida and Texas to Ohio, America’s 400 theme parks--both small and large--are rolling out new attractions designed to thrill and entertain. Increasingly, they’re designating areas that contain pint-size rides for young children, building elaborate playgrounds and touting their family appeal with musical shows. Here’s what’s opening across the country for families--even those traveling with young children.

In Texas, head for the new $7-million Fiesta Bay Boardwalk at Fiesta Texas park in San Antonio. The boardwalk is flanked by a giant Ferris wheel, kiddie rides, paddle boats and a water balloon game (telephone 800- 473-4378).

Knott’s Berry Farm has spent $10 million developing Mystery Lodge, an attraction that uses special effects technology to take families on an adventure back in time, led by a mysterious special effects-created Native American storyteller (tel. 714-827-1776).

Settle down in Hollyrock, U.S.A. for “The Flintstone Show,” which will open June 14 at Universal Studios Hollywood, complete with flying Pterodactyl planes (tel. 818-508-9600).

On the East Coast, Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Va., has just opened the Land of the Dragons, where kids can cavort with friendly dragons in more than a dozen play elements (don’t miss the three-story tree house).

Sesame Place outside Philadelphia is trumpeting its AmaZing Alphabet parade, complete with Sesame Street characters and chances for the preschool set to take part (call Busch Gardens at 804-253-3000 and Sesame Place at 215-752-7070).

There are plenty of new heart-stopping thrill rides and attractions for older kids too. See dinosaurs as tall as 24 feet come to life at the Monster Marsh at Sea World of Texas in San Antonio (tel. 210- 523-3611).

Enter the Wayne’s World areas of Paramount’s Kings Dominion in Richmond, Va., and Carowinds in Charlotte, N.C., and ride the Hurler at speeds up to 50 m.p.h. (Kings Dominion, tel. 804-876-5000; Carowinds, tel. 704-588-2606).

Go to the moon on Time Warner’s Six Flags Great America new high-speed Space Shuttle, just north of Chicago, or escape from Gotham City on Batman the Ride, which also is making its West Coast debut at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia (Great America, tel. 708-249-1776; Magic Mountain, tel. 805-255-4100).

Hersheypark in Hershey, Pa., has just opened Tidal Force, the world’s tallest splashdown water ride--with a drop of 100 feet (tel. 800-HERSHEY).

“Remember that kids can have just as much fun at smaller regional parks,” Tim O’Brien said. Smaller parks are easier on the wallet too. With some park admissions now more than $30 a person, it’s worth seeking out any bargain available. Call ahead to see if discount coupons are available. Disney World, for example, is inviting teachers to visit Epcot free through the end of 1994 (bring verification of current employment and a teaching credential).

O’Brien recommends this secret to theme park happiness: “Pace yourself so that you’re riding when everyone is in the food lines and you’re eating when they’re in the ride lines.”

Of course, don’t eat and then head for the biggest roller coaster. Nor should parents ever force kids to ride anything.

“They have reasons for not wanting to go on something,” said UCLA child psychologist Jill Waterman, a veteran of many amusement park excursions with her 9-year-old twins. “If parents ignore their feelings, then the kids feel like they don’t count.”

O’Brien suggests checking out the ride before waiting in line to make sure the child knows what he’s in for. And once he’s on, if it’s more than he bargained for, don’t hesitate to signal the operator to stop it.

“Try to look at it from the child’s perspective,” Waterman said. “When they’re tired and cranky, it’s time to go, even if you haven’t ridden every ride.”

But try telling that to a 3-year-old when mom’s the one who’s cranky.