Theme parks are full of fun and adventure, all the things young children love. And with UK holiday parks now at a premium, fun days out might be your best bet for quality family time this summer.
The important thing is having rides and activities that suit their age, which is what all of the following theme parks were made for. So, you can have all the fun and stay safe and happy!
CBeebies Land
Inside Alton Towers, Alton, Stoke-on-Trent ST10 4DB
Whilst your children may not be able to go to Alton Parks, they definitely will be tall enough for the rides at CBeebies Land, which is in Alton Towers.
They can see beloved storybook characters Peter Rabbit and Lily Bobtail as they try to discover his hiding place in the Peter Rabbit Hippity Hop garden adventure. There is also lots of live shows where they will be able to interact with their favourite CBeebies friends, or they might enjoy going on the Go Jetters Vroomster Zoom Ride.
It is the perfect place to bring young children who are CBeebies fans!
Diggerland
Castleford WF10 5NW (also Durham & Kent)
This theme park has locations in Kent, Devon, Durham and Yorkshire, and is the perfect place for a fun family day out.
Children and adults alike can ride, drive and operate real diggers and full-size construction machinery. There are 20 different rides with indoor and outdoor play areas and coin operated rides if you need a break from the bigger ones.
It is an exciting, one of a kind theme park that is aimed for 4 to 14 year olds, so there will be a diverse selection of things to do.
Gulliver’s Theme Parks
Mansfield Rd, Sheffield S26 5QW
Gulliver’s have a range of theme parks across the country, all designed for children under 12. Gulliver’s Valley in Sheffield has a lot of attractions and rides perfect for lots of different ages.
They have a Dragon’s Peak climbing wall, the Crimson Caves for the bold adventurers, and lots of different themed play areas. You are also able to go and see the animals at the Mini Farm, which is a great opportunity for young children to see and learn about animals they may not have encountered before.
As for rides, they have little Tree Top Tree and Melody Mayhem which is perfect for toddlers, as well as a classical Gully Town Carousel. You can also join your child in the T-Rex Tower waterslide, and take a tour of dinosaurs in the Lost World River Tour.
There is so much to do, but you can stay over at the accommodations there in order to have as many days of adventure as you’d like.
Chessington World of Adventures
Leatherhead Rd, Chessington KT9 2NE
If you’re heading south at some point this Summer, check out Chessington World of Adventures which has lots of rides and attractions perfect for young children such as the Dragon’s Playhouse and Adventure Tree Carousel.
You can have a family adventure in the sky with the bouncing rope walkways of Canopy Capers. Over four year olds will also be able to explore and run wild in the ancient ruins of Wild Asia, the Temple of Mayhem!
Not only is Chessington a theme park, but it also has a fantastic zoo that you will be able to introduce your child to all kinds of exotic animals. If they enjoy that, then you may also want to go and see the Sea Life Aquarium that is also on site.
Peppa Pig World
Ower, Romsey SO51 6AL
At Paulton’s Park, the biggest attraction is by far Peppa Pig’s own theme park.
Your child will be able to meet the characters they love and go on rides which immerse them in the world of Peppa Pig. This includes rides such as Peppa’s Big Balloon Ride, George’s Dinosaur Adventure, Grandpa Pig’s Little Train and Windy Castle Ride.
There’s also a play area and playground for when you need a break from the rides. This is the perfect place to go if your child is a fan of this Peppa Pig!
Legoland
Winkfield Rd, Windsor SL4 4AY
Legoland Windsor Resort is a perfect place for children to not only enjoy themselves but to also let their imagination run wild, especially in the Planet Legoland area where they can make whatever they want.
They will be able to find out what it takes to become a model maker and see them in action. Whilst there are many models and attractions to see throughout, the most impressive by far is Miniland: an amazing model of scenes from all around the world, which is made up of near 40 million LEGO bricks!
Children will also have plenty to explore in the DUPLO Playtown, which is an interactive play village. You can stay in the Resort Hotel and keep on coming back for more!
Flamingo Land
Kirby Misperton, Malton YO17 6UX
As well as being an award winning zoo (famous for its flamingos, of course) Flamingo Land is also full of rides suited for young children and families.
You can have a bit of friendly competition in the Little Monsters Wacky Races, or have great views of the animal inhabitants with the Lost River Ride.
They can also go on a ride by themselves in the Frog Hopper, Vortex, Dino Roller and Go Gator, as well as other kids’ rides!
Wheelgate Theme Park
Mansfield Rd, Farnsfield, Newark NG22 8HX
Robin Hood’s Wheelgate Family Them Park is a family-focused, all weather park that will be perfect for a day out.
They have everything your child may be interested in, with different Zones for different themes. There’s the Alien Galaxy Zone, Animal Adventure Zone, Black Diamond Adventure Zone, Unicorn Rides, Land of the Pharaohs Zone, Robin Hood Zone, Robin Hoods Water Park, Sheriff’s Falconry Zone, and The Tropical Zone.
If you don’t get a chance to do everything in one day then no worries, you can get an annual pass and visit the park whenever you want without charge. Children under 95cm are also allowed in free.
Lightwater Valley
Water Ln, North Stainley, Ripon HG4 3HT
Another theme park close to home, Lightwater Valley has lots of rides suitable for young children.
A lot of them are animal themed, Elephant Flight, Jumping Kangaroos and Monkey Drop, as they have a Safari area to explore through the African wilderness. They also have fantastic children’s play areas, such as their Soft Play, Outdoor Play, Adventure Play, which is full of activities and safe equipment.
Children also have the opportunity to meet the park’s mascots Jester and Jasmine, which will definitely be a memorable experience.
Sundown Adventureland
Treswell Rd, Rampton, Retford DN22 0HX
This park is specifically for under 10 year olds. They have lots of indoor and outdoor play areas, including an Angry Birds Activity Park where they will be playing with their favourite characters, or a Noah’s Ark play area just for under 5 year olds.
You will also be able to see the picturesque Storybook Village where your children can walk through their fairy tale dreams, or go to the Sunnydown Farm. There’s lots of age-appropriate rides, such as the Jolly Pirate Boat Ride or the Giddy Piggies Ride, in which the pigs can fly!
If you decide to go later this year, you can also go on the Santa’s Sleigh Ride and The Night Before Christmas Ride.