All kids love a theme park, but many of them can be tricky to navigate with a frustrated toddler who is too small for the rides. However, there are now an increasing number of theme parks around the UK specifically aimed at this gap in the market. Character themed rides, age appropriate activities and lots of interactive play await on our list of the Best Theme Parks UK for Toddlers. Better yet, the prices are often much cheaper than a traditional theme park, making this an affordable family day out. So read on, then start planning your next child-friendly weekend!
1. Paulton’s Park (New Forest)
A family-focused theme park on the edge of the New Forest, Paulton’s Park offers over 70 rides and attractions, including Peppa Pig World. The latest additions to the park are the dinosaur-themed Lost Kingdom, and a safari area called Little Africa. Best suited to younger children, Paulton’s Park has won numerous awards including the coveted Trip Advisor Traveller’s Choice Award for 2019.
Address: Ower, Romsey SO51 6AL
2. Legoland® (Windsor)
Not just for Lego® lovers, this theme park has more than 55 rides, shows and attractions for children to discover. Suited to children between 3 and 12, they can see London in miniature at Miniland, ride down the rapids in a viking boat, get their driving license at the Driving School and conquer the dragon at Knights Kingdom. Lastly, it’s worth noting that you can save up to 40% by booking your ticket online in advance.
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Address: Winkfield Rd, Windsor SL4 4AY
3. Drayton Manor Theme Park (Staffordshire)
There is one reason parents of young children love Drayton Manor, and that is Thomas Land! Train-mad toddlers can enjoy over 25 rides and attractions themed around the famous locomotive and his friends like Jerry the Jet. There is also a 15-acre Zoo and a 4D cinema, so you can keep the little ones entertained all day long.
Address: Drayton Manor Drive, Fazeley, Mile Oak, Tamworth B78 3TW
4. Diggerland UK (Kent, Devon, Durham & Yorkshire)
If your children are into diggers and fascinated by builders and construction works, this park is definitely the best option for your family. You will enjoy as many as 20 rides with indoor and outdoor play areas for all kids ages. Diggerland parks are typically aimed at children between 4 and 14 years but younger kids will have fun as well. Last but not least, you will be able to drive and operate real diggers!
5. Gulliver’s Theme Parks & Resorts
Gulliver’s has four theme parks around the country, all aimed at children under 12. There are some great attractions spread across themed areas like a Log Flume, Dino Explorer Cars and Riggers Revenge zip line course. There are even animals to pet, if you need a break from the rides. 50% of their attractions are undercover too, so the wet weather won’t ruin your plans. There are also plenty of rides for under 5’s, so it’s a great choice among our theme parks in the UK for toddlers if you have kids of varying ages.
Address: Milton Keynes, Cheshire, Derbyshire & Yorkshire (Open in 2020).
6. CBeebies Land at Alton Towers (Staffordshire)
Enjoy 14 rides and attractions for under 5’s, where they can meet their favourite TV characters from top shows like In the Night Garden and Teletubbies. This one is on the pricey side, however you can book a toddler pass online for £25 (1 adult + 1 child under 5). Each additional toddler is £5. A great option if you can go off-peak.
Address: Alton Towers Resort, Alton, Staffordshire ST10 4DB
7. Blackpool Pleasure Beach (Blackpool)
Blackpool’s main attraction and one of the UK’s most popular theme parks. As well as thrilling rollercoasters you can challenge your family to adventure golf or ice skating. Meet favourite TV characters like Spongebob Squarepants at Nickelodeon Land. In addition, enjoy live magic or circus shows at the theatre.
Address: 525 Ocean Blvd, Blackpool FY4 1EZ
8. Wicksteed Park (Northamptonshire)
Discover over 30 exciting rides and activities, including one of the longest zip wires in the UK, at this family friendly theme park in Northamptonshire. For toddlers there are teacup rides, mini cars, sand and water play areas and astro slides. You can also camp here, and wake up seconds away from the rides, cafes and playgrounds.
Address: Barton Rd, Kettering NN15 6NJ
9. Chessington World of Adventures (Surrey)
One of the UK’s most popular themeparks, Chessington offers lots for younger visitors. There’s The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure, flying elephants, crazy cars and a dragon’s Playhouse, to name just a few. And best of all, Under 3’s go free!
Address: Leatherhead Rd, Chessington, Surrey. KT9 2NE
10. Pleasurewood Hills Family Theme Park (Suffolk)
Close to popular holiday spot Great Yarmouth and the pretty Suffolk coast, this theme park offers over 35 rides, shows and attractions. For toddler’s there’s a miniature railway,pirate ship, classic carousel, teacup rides and much more. Meanwhile older kids can enjoy more thrill-seeking rides like the Cannonball Express or Timber Falls. So there really is something for everyone. Children under 90 cm get free entry too – perfect for tiny tots.
Address: Leisure Way, Lowestoft, Suffolk. NR32 5DZ
11. Oakwood Theme Park (Pembrokeshire)
Based in the heart of Pembrokeshire, Oakwood boasts fun for the whole family – toddler friendly rides, and fast thrills for the older kids. There are plenty of gentle rides at the Peter Pan themed area for young visitors, such as the Crocodile Coaster, making this one of our Top Theme Parks UK for Toddlers. And there’s also a large soft play space indoors. So even if the rain arrives, you won’t have to cut your day short.
Address: Canaston Bridge, Narberth, Pembrokeshire, Wales. SA67 8DE
So there you have it, plenty of theme parks in the UK for your toddlers to enjoy all year round.
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