Posted on April 12 2017
Keeping kids entertained during the holidays can be stressful. Knowing what to do and where to go to break up the long week or fortnight can result in you not actually doing that much at all. Luckily however theme parks provide a fantastic failsafe option.
Ideal for kids of all ages, theme parks provide a fun and friendly family escape. Whether you choose to go for one thrilling day, or stay overnight in one of the fabulous hotels on site, theme parks are fanciful for the whole family.
So where should you whisk your family off to over this half-term break?
Packed with kids’ favourite Lego characters, Legoland is the perfect theme park for younger children. With 12 colourful lands to explore, including Miniland, the home of model scenes from Europe and the USA, Pirate Shores, where scallywags can be transported on a swashbuckling adventure, and the ever-popular Lego City which features Lego cars for white knuckle riders to get their thrills, Legoland has it all for the Lego-lover in the family.
For the cheapest tickets, you’ll need to book online seven days prior to going. During the school holidays, the prices do increase, but expect to pay anything from £30 to £45 per person for a one-day advance ticket. If you’re planning on staying for a few days, Legoland offers a short break deal which includes an overnight stay and park tickets. Advertised from £82pp based on a family of four, this does shoot up in the holidays.
Dotted all around the UK, Gulliver’s Theme Parks have become the go-to for families with children. Catering specifically for small children, the three Kingdoms in Milton Keynes, Matlock Bath, and Warrington are packed full of wondering furry friends, thrilling rides and a myriad of events throughout the year, so Gulliver’s certainly won’t disappoint smaller children.
Prices vary at each theme park, but with tickets for adults and children coming in at less than £20, little ones under 90cm getting in for free, and concession discounts available, the Gulliver’s Theme Parks offer great value for money. It’s also worth buying tickets online before you go to make sure you get the best price. Short breaks are also available at Warrington and Milton Keynes and offer flexible short breaks with fun, themed rooms.
Probably the most famous on our list, Alton Towers provides a thrilling day out for all the family. Perhaps most suited to teenagers due to the adrenaline-pumping rides on offer, there are still a handful of rides to keep little ones amused too. Cbeebies Land for example is a great choice for those not big or brave enough to take on Oblivion. The resort also features a splashing waterpark for families not keen on heights or fast rollercoasters.
Tickets for Alton Towers can be expensive, so it’s best to do your homework. There’s generally offers giving away 2-4-1 tickets on food boxes, in newspapers, and on the back of receipts, so keep hold of these if you see them. Online tickets for those ages 12+ are £32 (compared to the £52.80 on-the-day price) – although these must be purchased five days in advance. Child tickets currently stand at £27.50. Waterpark tickets are infinitely cheaper, coming in at £15 when booked in advance, and £17.50 when purchased on-the-day.
Short breaks are also available at the resort, with a number of hotels offering something a little bit different. Those looking for a more rustic experience can choose to stay in one of the themed enchanted wood lodges or a village treehouse. Prices vary depending on the time you go, but do include park tickets for each day you’re there.
If you are planning on taking the kids to a theme park you might find our blog on keeping children safe in crowded places helpful.
0 comments