Let’s face it, finding the perfect day out with toddlers is a bit like trying to drink a hot cup of tea without someone yelling “Mum!” halfway through. But fear not, tired superheroes of the parenting world — we’ve scoured the UK for the best toddler-friendly theme parks that’ll have your little ones giggling with delight and your sanity (mostly) intact.
Whether your mini-me is into gentle rides, hands-on adventures, or meeting their fave TV characters IRL, there’s a park out there with your name (and a changing station) on it. From Peppa Pig to pirate ships and dinosaurs, this guide is jam-packed with toddler-appropriate fun that won’t leave you googling “closest wine bar” by 2 p.m.
Here’s our ultimate round-up of the UK’s best theme parks for toddlers — with all the inside scoop you need to plan a tantrum-free day out. Well, almost.
Editor’s Note: we have updated this article in April 2025 to reflect new attractions in the following theme parks.
1. Paultons Park (New Forest)
Let’s just call it what it is — the holy grail of toddler theme parks. Paultons Park is home to Peppa Pig World, and if your toddler is obsessed with that cheeky little pig, prepare for squeals of delight (from them, and probably you too).
There are nine Peppa-themed rides, all gentle, colourful and perfectly pitched for tiny thrill-seekers. George’s Dinosaur Adventure? Yes please. Grandpa Pig’s Boat Trip? Don’t mind if we do. The theming is on point and the queues are usually quick-moving, making for fewer tantrums and more “Again!” moments.
Beyond Peppa Pig World, there’s Critter Creek and Little Africa for animal encounters, plus beautiful gardens and splash zones for sunny days. The whole park is clean, buggy-friendly, and the staff are actual angels.
Trust us: this is where toddler dreams come true (and possibly where you get your best family photo ever).
2. Legoland® (Windsor)
LEGOLAND is basically a sugar rush without the sweets. This colourful, creative wonderland is built with kids in mind — and yes, toddlers can have a brilliant time here.
Head straight for Duplo Valley, where the rides are gentle and the water play zone is toddler heaven. There’s a mini train, a splash safari, and even a Duplo Dino Coaster that’ll make them feel like they’re conquering the big rides.
Plus, LEGOLAND’s walk-through attractions like the LEGO City Airport and Fairy Tale Brook are just the right mix of fun and chill. Bonus: the entire park is stroller-friendly and packed with baby change facilities.
It’s busy, yes. But it’s also magical — and let’s be honest, if you can tire them out with LEGO, it’s a parenting win.
📍 Winkfield Rd, Windsor SL4 4AY
3. Drayton Manor Theme Park (Staffordshire)
Here’s the magic word: Thomasland. Drayton Manor is home to this train-loving paradise where your toddler can ride with Thomas, Percy, and friends on a series of gentle, charming attractions.
There’s a mini Ferris wheel, Harold’s Helicopter Tours, soft play, and loads of ride-on fun without the height restrictions. Even the waiting areas are themed — and when a queue becomes part of the entertainment, you know you’ve struck gold.
Outside of Thomasland, there’s a zoo and dinosaur trail for a slower-paced wander. It’s like three days out rolled into one, and the compact layout means less walking and more giggling.
Basically, if your toddler has a “choo choo” phase — and let’s face it, they all do — this one’s a no-brainer.
📍 Drayton Manor Drive, Fazeley, Mile Oak, Tamworth B78 3TW
4. Diggerland UK (Kent, Durham & Yorkshire)
Calling all mini builders! If your toddler is obsessed with diggers, trucks, or anything with wheels, Diggerland will blow their tiny high-vis socks off.
Located in Kent, Devon, Durham and Yorkshire, this unique park lets kids (yes, even little ones!) ride real, working diggers and dumper trucks. Most rides are suitable from around 90cm tall, and the thrill of driving a mini-tractor or scooping dirt with a real digger is unmatched.
There are also playgrounds, sandpits, soft play and gentle rides — so it’s not all engine noise and gears. Staff are great with kids and help them feel like real builders-in-training.
Pro tip: bring spare clothes. Dirt happens.
5. Gulliver’s Theme Parks & Resorts
Gulliver’s is the low-key legend of the toddler theme park world. With locations in Milton Keynes, Matlock Bath, Warrington and Rother Valley, they’re specifically designed for families with children aged 2–13 — meaning you’re never stuck with “Sorry, you’re too small.”
Think mini rollercoasters, themed lands (pirates! dinosaurs! princesses!), and indoor play zones galore. Each park is slightly different, but the vibe is consistent: colourful, imaginative, and just the right level of excitement.
It’s the kind of place where toddlers can do everything — and that’s worth its weight in jelly babies.
📍 Milton Keynes, Cheshire, Derbyshire Yorkshire
6. CBeebies Land at Alton Towers (Staffordshire)
If your child knows every episode of Hey Duggee, In the Night Garden, or Bing off by heart, welcome to the promised land. CBeebies Land is a slice of toddler joy nestled inside the bigger (and slightly scarier) Alton Towers Resort.
Rides here are gentle, themed, and super interactive. Duggee’s Big Adventure Badge is a standout, as is the Furchester Hotel Live Show. There are also indoor play zones and buggy-friendly paths, so rain won’t ruin the fun.
Plus, there’s something magical about meeting their screen-time heroes IRL — and hey, that’s one less episode you’ll have to sit through later.
📍 Alton Towers Resort, Alton, Staffordshire ST10 4DB
7. Blackpool Pleasure Beach (Blackpool)
It might be famous for The Big One (hello, giant rollercoaster), but Blackpool Pleasure Beach has a hidden gem: Nickelodeon Land. It’s a bright, bubbly area perfect for toddlers, starring favourites like Dora, SpongeBob, and PAW Patrol.
There’s a mini log flume, a character carousel, and plenty of low-thrill rides for tiny daredevils. If they’re brave enough, the Blue Flyer rollercoaster is a great “first big ride” moment.
And when they’re tuckered out? Hit the beach, explore the arcades, or treat them to a stick of rock. Classic British fun, with a splash of nostalgia.
📍 525 Ocean Blvd, Blackpool FY4 1EZ
8. Wicksteed Park (Northamptonshire)
Old-school charm meets modern toddler fun at Wicksteed Park. This one’s a total bargain, too — entry is free, and you just pay for the rides you use.
There’s a toddler-friendly train that chugs around the scenic park, mini rides galore (think ladybirds, tea cups and carousels), and a fab adventure playground to burn off post-ride wiggles.
Add in pedal boats, animals, and a huge splash zone for sunny days, and you’ve got the full package. Wicksteed’s secret weapon? Space. Loads of it. Perfect for a picnic and a pram-nap under a tree.
📍 Barton Rd, Kettering NN15 6NJ
9. Chessington World of Adventures (Surrey)
Chessington is like a toddler’s imagination exploded — in the best possible way. It’s a theme park, zoo and SEA LIFE centre all rolled into one. And yes, there’s plenty for the under-fives.
Tiny adventurers can meet Gruffalo on a magical riverboat ride, explore Room on the Broom, and hop aboard jungle-themed carousels. Add in meerkats, lions, penguins and a splashy Sealife tunnel, and it’s wall-to-wall wonder.
Chessington also wins points for its laid-back layout and helpful staff. It’s one of the best all-rounders for families with mixed-age kids — so older siblings won’t get the hump either.
📍 Leatherhead Rd, Chessington, Surrey. KT9 2NE
10. Pleasurewood Hills Family Theme Park (Suffolk)
If you’re in East Anglia, Pleasurewood Hills is a must. It’s a cosy park with bags of character — and just the right size for toddlers.
Woody Bear’s Kingdom is the go-to zone for little ones, packed with gentle rides, train adventures, and colourful play zones. The seal and parrot shows are a big hit too, especially when tiny hands get to wave at performing animals.
With fewer crowds and a nostalgic feel, this is a park where toddlers can explore at their own pace — without sensory overload or mega queues.
📍 Leisure Way, Lowestoft, Suffolk. NR32 5DZ
11. Flamingo Land (North Yorkshire)
It’s a theme park! It’s a zoo! It’s toddler heaven with flamingos on the side. Flamingo Land has a dedicated “Children’s Planet” where toddlers can enjoy mini rides like the Go Gator coaster, balloon rides, and spinning dinosaurs.
When it’s time to slow down, the zoo side of the park is full of animals your toddler will adore — from penguins and lions to, you guessed it, flamingos. There are plenty of shaded spots and picnic areas, so it’s easy to pace the day.
Add to that a splash park, indoor play, and character appearances, and you’ve got a jam-packed day out that covers all the toddler bases.
📍 Kirby Misperton, Malton YO17 6UX
12. Lightwater Valley (Yorkshire)
Recently revamped to focus more on younger families, Lightwater Valley is now a top contender for toddler-friendly fun. The “Treetop Trails” area is full of toddler-sized rides, gentle coasters, and adventure playgrounds galore.
The Little Dipper and Ladybird rides are perfect first-time rollercoasters, while the Swan Boats and tractor rides are great for a more chilled vibe. Plus, the park’s layout is flat and spacious — ideal for buggies and energetic kids.
With fewer crowds than the bigger parks, Lightwater is great for families who want more fun and less faff.
📍 Water Ln, North Stainley, Ripon HG4 3HT
13. The BIG Sheep (Devon)
The BIG Sheep is part petting zoo, part theme park, part hilarious family day out. Yes, there are sheep (and hilarious sheep races), but there’s also soft play, pony rides, mini train rides, and toddler-friendly rollercoasters like the Piggy Pull-Along.
It’s got a homemade, countryside charm that toddlers love — think giant jumping pillows, tractor safaris and animal cuddles galore. Don’t miss the on-site brewery either (parents, that one’s for you).
It’s educational, adorable, and wonderfully low-key. Just bring wellies — it’s Devon, after all.
📍 Abbotsham Rd, Abbotsham, Bideford EX39 5AP
14. Milky Way Adventure Park (Devon)
If you want something a bit off the beaten path, Milky Way Adventure Park delivers. It’s indoors, outdoors, and full of toddler joy. There’s a mini dodgems arena, a gentle rollercoaster, and huge soft play zones that’ll burn off energy in no time.
There’s also a toddler sensory room, regular shows, and even a space-themed zone with aliens and rockets. It’s quirky, it’s charming, and it’s absolutely made with little ones in mind.
Perfect for rainy days or if you’re staying near the north Devon coast.
📍 The Milky Way Adventure Park, Bideford EX39 5RY
15. Landmark Forest Adventure Park (Scotland)
Tucked into the trees of the Scottish Highlands, this nature-meets-theme-park gem is packed with toddler adventure. There’s the Dinosaur Kingdom (lifelike but not terrifying), the Butterfly House, and an amazing woodland walk with talking trees.
Add in the Tropical Hot House, tiny train rides, and plenty of interactive play zones, and you’ve got a truly unique day out. It’s all set within a forest, so it’s shady, beautiful and full of birdsong — a welcome change from concrete and candyfloss.
Great for outdoorsy toddlers with energy to burn (and parents who want fresh air and pretty scenery).
16. Crealy Theme Park (Devon)
Crealy knows what families want: animals, rides, play zones and lots of snacks. The Toddler Zone has indoor and outdoor play, mini rides, and tractor-themed adventures. Meanwhile, Crealy’s mini zoo lets kids get up close with farm animals, meerkats and parrots.
There’s also a soft play area the size of a small village, complete with tunnels, ball pits and slides. If the weather’s kind, the outdoor splash park is a massive hit — pack a towel!
It’s clean, welcoming, and made for toddler-sized adventures. You can even stay over in a themed lodge if one day just isn’t enough.
📍 Sidmouth Rd, Clyst St Mary, Exeter EX5 1DR
17. Sundown Adventureland (Nottinghamshire)
Designed entirely for the under-10 crowd, Sundown is a toddler dreamland. No scary rollercoasters, no “you’re too small” signs — just adorable, interactive rides like the Robin Hood Ride and the Rocky Mountain Railroad.
There are entire miniature worlds to explore: Toy Town, Storybook Village, and Lollipoppet Castle are packed with imagination-fuelling fun. It’s one big playtime.
Parents will love how easy it is to navigate, how uncrowded it feels, and the fact that everything — yes, everything — is designed with little ones in mind.
📍 Treswell Rd, Rampton, Retford DN22 0HX
18. Playland Fun Park (Worcestershire)
Playland is a hidden gem with that nostalgic British seaside vibe. It’s small but perfectly formed, with classic kiddie rides like spinning teacups, bumper cars, and gentle coasters.
The whole place feels like stepping into a retro postcard — in a good way. Ideal for younger toddlers or nervous first-timers, it’s affordable, easy to do in half a day, and full of old-school charm.
Plus, it’s right near the beach, so you can tag on some sandcastle time after the rides.
📍 Severn Meadows, Martins Way, Stourport-on-Severn DY13 8UU
19. 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park (Hampshire)
Think of 4 Kingdoms as a mega mash-up of farm park, soft play and fantasy land. Toddlers can ride ponies, drive pedal tractors, pet bunnies, and zip down mini slides — all in one place.
It’s big enough to explore but small enough to feel manageable. There’s a strong focus on interaction here, from animal encounters to make-believe play in castles and pirate ships. And the staff? Super friendly.
📍 Newbury Road, Headley, Thatcham RG19 8JY
20. Adventure Valley (Durham)
Last but by no means least, Adventure Valley brings the farmyard meets funfair combo to the north. With tractor rides, giant inflatables, soft play barns, and a petting zoo, it’s a smorgasbord of toddler joy.
There are regular seasonal events (like Easter egg hunts and Christmas grottos), and the whole park is designed to be hands-on and child-led. Expect to get muddy, cuddly, and possibly a bit emotional during your third go on the caterpillar ride.
Northern families, this one’s a winner.
📍 Union Hall Farm, Durham DH1 5SG
Frequently Asked Questions
Which theme park is best for 2 years old?
Whilst some attractions have some height restriction, we found CBeebies Land at Alton Towers a fun theme park for 2 year olds children. Plus there are some great shows happening like Teletubbies Big Bank show that make the visit to the park even more attractive for young children.
What theme park is best for toddlers UK?
Depending of where you live and how long you have during your holiday, there are lots of parks to choose in the UK that are suitable for toddlers. Among our favourite parks, you can spend a day at Lightwater Valley or at one of the Diggerland parks.
Which team park is best for 4 year olds?
We find that Paulton’s Park is a great place to go to with 4 year olds children as the venue offers a lot of rides and attractions for this age group. Otherwise, Thomas Land is a good bet if your little ones are big fan of the tank engine animation TV series.
Is Thorpe Park suitable for 2 year olds?
Thorpe Park Resort has been known for years as one of the most exciting theme park in England with over 2 million visitors per year. However, if you bring your toddler or pre-school children, you might find that most of the rides are not suitable for them. So my advice would be to wait until your kid has the appropriate height to enjoy fully the theme park.
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