Parents News Forum
The best UK theme parks for younger children and babies
Quote from Beth Ashton on August 30, 2024, 11:11 amWhen it comes to family days out, theme parks are a firm favourite. But if you have younger children, choosing the right park is crucial to ensure the day is filled with joy rather than tears. From baby-friendly facilities to rides that cater to the little ones, we've rounded up the best UK theme parks for younger children, considering everything from minimum height restrictions to Tripadvisor reviews.
Peppa Pig World at Paultons Park
For toddlers and preschoolers, Peppa Pig World is nothing short of a dream come true. Situated within Paultons Park, this area is entirely dedicated to the beloved cartoon character and her friends.
Baby-Friendly Features: The park boasts an abundance of baby-changing facilities and nursing rooms, making it stress-free for parents. There are also plenty of quiet areas where little ones can take a break from the excitement.
Rides and Attractions: The rides here are gentle and designed with younger children in mind, with most having no minimum height requirement. From Peppa's Big Balloon Ride to George's Dinosaur Adventure, there's something for every young fan.
Tripadvisor Reviews: With an impressive 4.5-star rating, parents rave about the park’s cleanliness, friendly staff, and how well it's suited for children under five.
Do small children go free? Yes under 1 metre.
LEGOLAND Windsor Resort
LEGOLAND Windsor is another excellent choice for families with younger children. The park is packed with attractions that cater specifically to the little ones, making it a magical day out for budding builders.
Baby-Friendly Features: LEGOLAND offers a Baby Care Centre equipped with baby-changing facilities, microwaves for warming bottles, and private feeding areas. There’s also a “Parent Swap” system, allowing one parent to stay with the baby while the other enjoys the rides, then switch without having to queue again.
Rides and Attractions: The Duplo Valley area is a highlight for younger children, with gentle rTides like the Fairy Tale Brook and the Duplo Dino Coaster, which has a minimum height of just 90cm. The park’s many play areas and the ever-popular Miniland, featuring LEGO models of famous landmarks, offer plenty of non-ride fun too.
Tripadvisor Reviews: With a solid 4-star rating, families appreciate the variety of activities for children under 10, though some advise arriving early to avoid queues.
Do small children go free? Yes under 90cm.
Thomas Land at Drayton Manor
Located within Drayton Manor Theme Park, Thomas Land is a must-visit for young fans of Thomas the Tank Engine. The park has been designed with younger visitors in mind, making it perfect for a family day out.
Baby-Friendly Features: The park offers baby-changing facilities and private nursing rooms. Prams are welcome throughout the park, and there are plenty of seating areas where families can take a break.
Rides and Attractions: Thomas Land features a variety of gentle rides, such as Bertie Bus and Harold's Helicopter Tours, with many having no minimum height requirement. Even the more thrilling rides, like Troublesome Trucks Runaway Coaster, have a minimum height of just 1 metre.
Tripadvisor Reviews: Drayton Manor boasts a 4.5-star rating, with Thomas Land being particularly praised for its attention to detail, friendly staff, and suitability for younger children.
Do small children go free? Yes 0-23 months, 2-3 years discounted rate and there are term time discounts on adult and toddler tickets.
Gulliver’s Theme Parks
With parks in Milton Keynes, Warrington, and Matlock Bath, Gulliver’s Theme Parks are designed specifically for families with children aged 2 to 13.
Baby-Friendly Features: Each park provides baby-changing facilities and quiet spaces for feeding. Prams are easily navigated through the parks, and there are plenty of seating areas for tired parents and little ones.
Rides and Attractions: The parks feature a range of rides for younger children, many of which have no minimum height restrictions. The Adventure Land area and Safari Kingdom are popular with younger visitors. The parks also offer plenty of play areas, soft play zones, and shows designed for little ones.
Tripadvisor Reviews: With an average rating of 4 stars across the locations, Gulliver’s is praised for its value for money and child-friendly atmosphere, although some reviews suggest the parks are better suited for younger children than teenagers.
Do small children go free? Yes under 90cm.
CBeebies Land at Alton Towers
CBeebies Land at Alton Towers is another excellent destination for families with younger children. The area is based on the popular BBC children’s channel and offers a mix of rides, live shows, and interactive experiences.
Baby-Friendly Features: CBeebies Land provides dedicated baby-changing facilities, and there are plenty of spots for feeding. The park also offers a handy Parent Queue Share Pass, which allows parents to take turns on rides without double queuing.
Rides and Attractions: Most rides in CBeebies Land have low or no height restrictions, making them accessible for toddlers. Favourites include the In the Night Garden Magical Boat Ride and Postman Pat Parcel Post.
Tripadvisor Reviews: With a 4.5-star rating, CBeebies Land is highly recommended by parents for its engaging attractions and helpful staff. Many reviews highlight how well the area caters to younger children, though some suggest avoiding peak times to dodge crowds.
Do small children go free? Yes under 90cm and a parent and toddler ticket (under 4) is generally the same price as an adult ticket
When it comes to family days out, theme parks are a firm favourite. But if you have younger children, choosing the right park is crucial to ensure the day is filled with joy rather than tears. From baby-friendly facilities to rides that cater to the little ones, we've rounded up the best UK theme parks for younger children, considering everything from minimum height restrictions to Tripadvisor reviews.
Peppa Pig World at Paultons Park
For toddlers and preschoolers, Peppa Pig World is nothing short of a dream come true. Situated within Paultons Park, this area is entirely dedicated to the beloved cartoon character and her friends.
Baby-Friendly Features: The park boasts an abundance of baby-changing facilities and nursing rooms, making it stress-free for parents. There are also plenty of quiet areas where little ones can take a break from the excitement.
Rides and Attractions: The rides here are gentle and designed with younger children in mind, with most having no minimum height requirement. From Peppa's Big Balloon Ride to George's Dinosaur Adventure, there's something for every young fan.
Tripadvisor Reviews: With an impressive 4.5-star rating, parents rave about the park’s cleanliness, friendly staff, and how well it's suited for children under five.
Do small children go free? Yes under 1 metre.
LEGOLAND Windsor Resort
LEGOLAND Windsor is another excellent choice for families with younger children. The park is packed with attractions that cater specifically to the little ones, making it a magical day out for budding builders.
Baby-Friendly Features: LEGOLAND offers a Baby Care Centre equipped with baby-changing facilities, microwaves for warming bottles, and private feeding areas. There’s also a “Parent Swap” system, allowing one parent to stay with the baby while the other enjoys the rides, then switch without having to queue again.
Rides and Attractions: The Duplo Valley area is a highlight for younger children, with gentle rTides like the Fairy Tale Brook and the Duplo Dino Coaster, which has a minimum height of just 90cm. The park’s many play areas and the ever-popular Miniland, featuring LEGO models of famous landmarks, offer plenty of non-ride fun too.
Tripadvisor Reviews: With a solid 4-star rating, families appreciate the variety of activities for children under 10, though some advise arriving early to avoid queues.
Do small children go free? Yes under 90cm.
Thomas Land at Drayton Manor
Located within Drayton Manor Theme Park, Thomas Land is a must-visit for young fans of Thomas the Tank Engine. The park has been designed with younger visitors in mind, making it perfect for a family day out.
Baby-Friendly Features: The park offers baby-changing facilities and private nursing rooms. Prams are welcome throughout the park, and there are plenty of seating areas where families can take a break.
Rides and Attractions: Thomas Land features a variety of gentle rides, such as Bertie Bus and Harold's Helicopter Tours, with many having no minimum height requirement. Even the more thrilling rides, like Troublesome Trucks Runaway Coaster, have a minimum height of just 1 metre.
Tripadvisor Reviews: Drayton Manor boasts a 4.5-star rating, with Thomas Land being particularly praised for its attention to detail, friendly staff, and suitability for younger children.
Do small children go free? Yes 0-23 months, 2-3 years discounted rate and there are term time discounts on adult and toddler tickets.
Gulliver’s Theme Parks
With parks in Milton Keynes, Warrington, and Matlock Bath, Gulliver’s Theme Parks are designed specifically for families with children aged 2 to 13.
Baby-Friendly Features: Each park provides baby-changing facilities and quiet spaces for feeding. Prams are easily navigated through the parks, and there are plenty of seating areas for tired parents and little ones.
Rides and Attractions: The parks feature a range of rides for younger children, many of which have no minimum height restrictions. The Adventure Land area and Safari Kingdom are popular with younger visitors. The parks also offer plenty of play areas, soft play zones, and shows designed for little ones.
Tripadvisor Reviews: With an average rating of 4 stars across the locations, Gulliver’s is praised for its value for money and child-friendly atmosphere, although some reviews suggest the parks are better suited for younger children than teenagers.
Do small children go free? Yes under 90cm.
CBeebies Land at Alton Towers
CBeebies Land at Alton Towers is another excellent destination for families with younger children. The area is based on the popular BBC children’s channel and offers a mix of rides, live shows, and interactive experiences.
Baby-Friendly Features: CBeebies Land provides dedicated baby-changing facilities, and there are plenty of spots for feeding. The park also offers a handy Parent Queue Share Pass, which allows parents to take turns on rides without double queuing.
Rides and Attractions: Most rides in CBeebies Land have low or no height restrictions, making them accessible for toddlers. Favourites include the In the Night Garden Magical Boat Ride and Postman Pat Parcel Post.
Tripadvisor Reviews: With a 4.5-star rating, CBeebies Land is highly recommended by parents for its engaging attractions and helpful staff. Many reviews highlight how well the area caters to younger children, though some suggest avoiding peak times to dodge crowds.
Do small children go free? Yes under 90cm and a parent and toddler ticket (under 4) is generally the same price as an adult ticket