Too young to go to an amusement park by himself?

Question

Hi! My almost 11 yr old son wants to go on the school bus to an amusement park by himself (though there will be other kids too) for his school picnic. He'll have no adult supervision from teachers or anything like that. My husband thinks I definitely should let him go and have a good time, but I'm worried that he might not be old enough. What do you think? Thanks!

Answer 1

Is it a school trip?

When i was 11 we had a school trip to six flags great america, we didn't have "adult supervision" but 10-12 teachers went with us and we had to check in at certain times.

I think it should be fine!

Answer 2

If no one is there to supervise then I wouldnt let my kid go. There is too many crazy people these days and you never know whos gonna do what.I hope you make the right choice. Good Luck

Answer 3

I would go with the class as a chapherone and be *at* the park but not necessarily with him. I would have him check in with me at certain times during the day. I would assume they need some sort of chaperone besides the teacher right? And this way you will be there so your son will know he's not "sans parents" know what I mean? But thats just me.

Answer 4

Not buying it. No adults, WHO THE **** DRIVES THE BUS!?

Answer 5

This trip doesn't sound well planned.  Normally there should be one adult for every 8-10 students at his age.  Have your principal give you a copy of the trip request form or obtain it at your local school board.  This will list everything, time, date, number of chaperones, etc. so you'll know what's going on.  No supervision just doesn't sound right.

If there's enough adults (2 or 3 for a class of 20 kids his age), definitely let him go.  I went to water parks with my school back when I was as young as 9yrs old.  He's old enough to know how to behave, but set ground rules with him before the trip and if he has a cell phone make him take it.

Answer 6

If he were my child the answer would be a definite NO. He is too young to be without adult supervision. Like I try to explain to my kids, It's not that I am afraid of what you might do, I am afraid of what the other nuts in this world could do. There are some real sicko's out there.

Answer 7

An 11-year-old is not old enough to go to an amusement park unsupervised by an adult.   Who is organizing this trip without adult chaperones?  It's a recipe for disaster!!

Answer 8

No way.  At that age, the child experiments with things.  Also there might be other people who know he will be alone and that is their chance to snatch him away.  I understand your concern.  Although I think my parents were way to strict, I wasn't able to be alone at all until I moved to college.  When I went out, my mother had to hold  my hand.  Even when I was 18 years old.  Yes I do think that took it a little too far but still, if you are having doubts-listen to your concious.  It is better to be safe than sorry.

Answer 9

I seriously doubt the school would organize a field trip and not provide any supervision.  That is simply illegal.  If that is true I'd keep him home.  I wouldn't let him go.  I don't think you have this info right though, did you call the school?

Answer 10

give him a chance to prove that he is old enough to go and explain to him how u feel about this and let him know that if he cant show u responsibilty on this trip that thats the end of unsupervised trips

Answer 11

No way in h**l.  And why is the school involved to the extent of providing a bus but no supervision??  All other considerations and concerns aside, accidents happen.  Then what?  Speak up and put a halt to this nonsense, for the sake of the other kids as well.  Maybe hubby would like to volunteer as a chaperone?

Answer 12

When I was 11 and went to the school picnic, I was allowed to walk around by myself, but my parents were in the park, and I had to meet with them around every 2 hours, which is fair.  I wouldn't send him off alone, I would go too if I were you

Answer 13

Let him go and volunteer to chaperone whether he likes it or not.

Answer 14

I personally think he is too young to go alone. Most boys that age are still very immature and cannot carry themselves properly when with adults nevermind other children. Though your son may be mature, when boys get together (even when they're older) things get outta control! lol

Answer 15

Cut the apron strings and let him enjoy the trip with his class.

Answer 16

I went to an amusement park in 7th grade as a school trip but that was about 25 years ago. My oldest turned 10 in February and I would not let him go by himself. To many bad thing can happen. If the kids were going to be in groups with a chaperon that would be one thing but to be loose in an amusement park at almost 11, no way.

Answer 17

What do you mean "school picnic" but "no adult supervision?"  

I personally would not let a 10-year-old be at an amusement park without some adult supervision.  A middle-schooler, yes, as long as adults were around somewhere nearby.

Answer 18

if other children are going, especially if it is a school function, i think it is fine. im sure there will be some form of supervision. even if there is not, an 11 year old is capable of being responsible of himself. make sure you give him you and your husbands cell phone number and/or work number just to be on the safe side.

Answer 19

I'm confused, so teachers will drop them off at the amusement park to let the roam free, but they'll still be there? Or they're completely alone?

If a teacher is there, I'd let him go. I went to plenty of places where my mom would let me roam free, but she was around when I needed her.

Answer 20

You want to let him have his own space, but keep him safe. Its not that you dont trust him but you wouldnt want to trust the other people at the park. Can you chaperone?

Answer 21

What school would take the liability to provide busses and no supervision?

No way an 11 y/o is mature enough to go alone. If there are a bunch of them its even worse.