The Best Two-Way Radios for Amusement Parks
If you go out and buy the first radio that you see for your team, you might be in for a rude awakening. Static, poor battery life, messages that sound like a drive-through speaker...
That’s why you need a quality radio tailored to your park, and we’ve got you covered!
We don't want you to buy any radio just because you like the name or the price. We want you to make an educated decision and purchase the perfect radio within the scope of your needs, staff, and location.
We’ve sold thousands of radios and have compiled all that knowledge right here in this brief guide.
What do you need in a walkie talkie for fun parks?
The line for the roller coaster is stretching past the main gate... A kid just dropped their ice cream near the carousel and there’s no cleanup in sight.
Security is needed at the arcade, but no one’s responding. Meanwhile, the ride operator at the Ferris wheel is trying to call for backup because the seatbelt on Car 7 isn’t locking—and no one’s hearing them.
These are all common issues in a theme park - and they can easily be solved with clear, quality two-way radios.
Let's walk through some important components when comparing radios....
Coverage Considerations
When choosing two-way radios for your park, it is important to match radio power and coverage of your building size and layout.
Selecting a radio that is too powerful for your needs can lead to overpaying, while choosing one with insufficient coverage may result in poor quality and dead zones.
For small fun parks, 1 to 2 watts of power will do the trick - you can get from 100k - 200k sqft of coverage.
Larger amusement parks (or multiple buildings), covering up to 350,000 square feet, require more powerful radios in the 3-4 watt range on analog (or 1 watt on digital) that can transmit clearly through walls and across larger distances.
You also need to take obstructions and building materials into account. If you have thick concrete walls, it may be necessary to go 1-watt stronger.
For unlimited coverage, across multiple locations, consider radios that use LTE and Wi-Fi, like the Motorola WAVE PTX series.
Number of Channels Needed
Channels help segment team conversations, to simplify radio chatter.
Recommended groups for Amusement Parks:
- Operations for ride attendants and operators to coordinate loading, safety checks, and downtime alerts.
- Security to quickly respond to lost children, guest disturbances, or emergency situations.
- Maintenance for on-the-spot fixes like ride malfunctions, electrical issues, or plumbing problems.
- Custodial to handle spills, restroom cleanups, and high-traffic area maintenance.
- Guest Services for ticketing, crowd control, and general guest assistance.
- Food and Beverage to manage stock issues, equipment problems, or long wait times at stands.
Easy breezy. That’s concise and direct communication.
Channels can also be used to set up private conversations: “Sarah, call Tom on channel two.”
Sarah and Tom can then have an in-depth conversation over the radio without bothering the rest of the staff.
Quality Brands Make a Difference
You need a radio that is not going to fall apart within a year. You need one that will last so you’re not throwing away money.
Motorola and Kenwood two-way Radios are the most quality brands on the market because they are purpose-built for reliable communication with a durable build.
Designed to be easy to use and intuitive their radio series are affordable, cost-effective and eliminate monthly cell phone plans.
Tested for 5 years of field use, Motorola and Kenwood make sure you see a return on your investment.
Not to mention the included manufacturer warranty (1-3 years depending on model).
What features make a great amusement park radio?
Clear Audio in Loud Environments
Between screaming roller coasters and crowd noise, staff need noise-canceling mics and high-volume speakers to hear every word, even in the chaos.
Long Battery Life
Radios should last an entire shift or longer—no one has time to hunt down a charger during peak hours.
Durable and Weather-Resistant Build
Whether it’s dropped on the pavement or caught in a sudden downpour, the radio should be rugged and water-resistant (look for IP54 or higher ratings).
Multiple Channels
Different teams (security, operations, custodial, food service) need their own channels for focused communication. Bonus if there’s an emergency priority override option.
Hands-Free Options
Staff working rides or handling food need headsets or earpieces for hands-free communication without missing a beat.
Wide Coverage Range
From the front gate to the far edge of the water park, radios should cover the entire property without dead zones.
GPS Tracking (Optional, but useful)
For larger parks, GPS helps supervisors know where team members are in real time when dispatching help.
License-Free or Licensed—Depending on Needs
Smaller parks may get by with license-free (FRS/PMR446), but larger ones often benefit from licensed radios (like UHF) for more range and less interference.
Our Top Two-Way Radio Picks for Amusement Parks
To help you with your selection, we've highlighted several different models below that are perfect for parks of every size.
These recommendations come from our own experience working with thousands of these radios. Each one has a rock-solid history and great reputation.
Small Fun Parks
You’ll want a compact and lightweight radio that is discreet and easy to carry. Offering modest power and 1 to a handful of channels, you will have enough groups to keep operations running smoothly.
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User-friendly with reliable coverage and extended battery life.
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The Motorola CLS1410 lives up to its name. CLS stands for Clear, Light, and Simple, and that’s what you’re getting with this device.
This is a UHF Radio with four channels (or this 1 channel version), which will allow you to divide your staff and give the managers their own private channel.
It has 15 floors of indoor range with up to two miles of clear communication outside.
This device features Audible Call Alerts and Vibracall technology, so the [staff won’t accidentally receive confidential information in front of residents or their guests.]
It’s also an easy device to set up thanks to simplified cloning.
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One of the most durable radios on the market.
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If you’re looking for a tough and powerful UHF device, look no further than the Motorola RMU2080d.
With this device, you’re getting a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, reliable outdoor communications for up to two miles, and an indoor range of 20 floors or 250,000 square feet.
This is a heavier device than most on our list at nine ounces, but it makes up for that with raw power. This is a radio that has two watts of power and a massive eight channels that will let you segment a large staff.
The RMU2080d works on 99 UHF business exclusive channels and 219 PL/DPL codes, so your communications are going to be protected.
It’s also great at getting around steel and concrete.
This device is easy to clone and highly durable.
It’s made from a military standard design and can handle dust, wind, shock, vibration, and more.
It is also covered in an antimicrobial coating to curb the spread of bacteria.
The included display makes the radio easy to use and navigate.
Larger Amusement Parks - Multiple Buildings
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This digital beauty is the closest thing you’ll get to a cell phone without the monthly bill.
The DTR700 runs on a 900 MHz ISM band which means no FCC licenses apply to the use of this radio.
With up to 200 contacts and 50 groups for all the flexibility you need in your communication.
The Motorola DTR700 covers three miles, making it ideal for most _.
This device can communicate up to 350,000 square feet using a long whip antenna.
Honorable Mentions:
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Best Nationwide Coverage (LTE & Wi-Fi Enabled)
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Ideal for operations across multiple locations, cities or states.
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Request a Quote for Bulk Purchases
Need to equip your team? We want to help!
Make sure to request a quote for our best possible pricing.
We are here for you!
If you have any questions on which radio is right for your park – do not hesitate to reach out to our support team.
We have a very knowledgeable staff with over 25 years of experience in the two-way radio industry that can answer all your questions.
You can’t get rid of us that easily after purchase - we include lifetime tech support to be there for you every step of the way!