Can anyone recommend the best theme park to go to with Children aged 4 and 7?

MelMum

I just brought a merlin annual pass on legolands website and got 20% off. I was really happy with the saving as I knew we would get our moneys worth going round all the attractions but I am not sure which attractions would be best for children aged 4 and 7? I know that legoland is perfect for that age which is why I went to their website first but can anyone recommend any others that they have been to and felt they were suitable?...Thanks!:j

Nikkisun

Chessington is perfect for that age and they'll find loads to do at Alton Towers but I'd not bother with Thorpe Park as it's aimed at thrillseekers rather than little ones.

chester19760

We've just got back from a weekend break and took our kids 6 and 4 to legoland and chessington and they loved it would reccommend those to anyone with kids

artichoke

Gullivers is perfect for little kids as the rides are nearly all gentle.

Look at the Gullivers website for details - i think there are 4 across the UK. I have been to the Matlock Bath one and the Warrington one.


art

Poly,put_the_kettle_on

Alton Towers and Chessington have the most for your littlies. We've just got our first AP's too We did Chessington on Weds, in the pouring rain- not much fun...anyway, it's quite compact and easy to get around. If you're just in for a day, I'd go there. Alton Towers is on a much grander scale- and feels more like a big treat from start to finish, but I'd reccommend giving it two days to do it justice.

I'm not a big legoland fan TBH, even when the kids were tots it didn't do it for me. However, as you have your passes I'd consider it at fireworks time- they're meant to be spectacular

Jo_Mc_2

artichoke wrote: »

Gullivers is perfect for little kids as the rides are nearly all gentle.

Look at the Gullivers website for details - i think there are 4 across the UK. I have been to the Matlock Bath one and the Warrington one.


art

I agree. We've been to the one at Matlock and it doesn't seem to get as busy as the main theme parks so queuing is easier on little ones.

Debt_Free_Dreamer

If you have a Merlin pass and are staying the night I'd still give Thorpe a go.

Our kids are 7 and 3 and in the Summer we stayed 2 nights at the Premier Lodge next door to Chessington. (NOT the Holiday Inn - nice but expesive, have stayed there twice).

We did Thorpe for 1 day and went back for the morning on the next day. Then did the afternoon and next day at Chessington.

Thorpe does not have that many rides for the kids, but the 3D show is good, the Dragon Roller Coaster, these rubber boats that go down a big flume, a kids ride area that your 4 year old will love, tea cups, log flume and rappids. So there is enough, so don't write it off.

But, Chessignton is the family favourite.

We live nearest to Alton Towers, so we do that one quite a bit. Lots of walking though.

Legoland, for me personally is over rated. With a pass it is worth the once a year visit, but no more than that. Queues are far too long as it gets much more busy than the other parks. Or it might be my imagination, but we do not rate it highly.

Don't forget Warwick Castle, we visit there most months. (only an hour away from us). Take a picnic for a great day out. Do the Dungeons! Our kids have been in there and the London Dungeons too! Brave kids......

And the Sealife Centres, to make sure you get the most from your passes.

mum26

We've had some lovely quiet days at Legoland with our passes, it is worth staying right up until closing too as after about 4pm lots of people leave and rides become virtually walk on!

Don't forget you get a discount on food etc at parks too, we've found the pizza/pasta buffet places at Alton Towers and Chessington to be good value and after 3.30pm they do kids eat free offers so that's worth looking for too, although I wish they'd offer a non fizzy drink option!

shirlgirl2004

Have been to all those mentioned and Gullivers is the best, not because the rides are the most high tec because they aren't but because the queues are almost non existent which is what you need when they're young.

Quinny_2

And if I'm not mistaken, Merlin own both the London and York dungeons, which if the kids misbehave, you can take them to and they won't misbehave again. :rotfl:

tinkerbell73

I got my merlin passes last week(i was sooo excited :-) ) and we did legoland, thorpe and chessington last week (i was at chessington in the rain on wednesday as well) my children are 5,10 and 13 and Chessington was the favourite - the children want to go there for halloween - even my 13yo wasnt impressed with Thorpe - too much like a fairground - her words. Legoland was great we went later in the afternoon as it was open till 8 so we didnt have to queue for rides

make sure you make use of the 20% off food, drinks and gifts it makes everything so much more reasonable.

We have also been to the sealife centre at Birmingham which again all 3 children loved. And they have a fast past entrance so you don't need to queue.

I can't wait for the rest of the year now :-) Enjoy your passes