30 Best Amusement Parks for Kids in the UK (2024)

Looking for a great theme park to visit with the kids? As a parent myself, I know the troubles of trying to find a theme park that’s:

• Nearby
• Doesn’t cost the earth
• Has something for everyone

As such, I’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to the best amusement parks in the UK. From family-friendly rides to thrilling rollercoasters, this list has a theme park for everyone.

1. Alton Towers

Alton Towers is one of the most popular theme parks in the UK. Situated in Stoke on Trent, Alton Towers has a wide selection of rides, so there’s something for everyone.

Little kids will love CBeebies Land. Here, you can meet Postman Pat and the Octonauts or enjoy the thrills and spills of the Go Jetters Vroomster Zoom Ride!

Kids under three visit Alton Towers for free. Plus, there are plenty of rides here with no height restrictions. Meanwhile, for older kids, Alton Towers has some fantastic thrill rides, including:

• The Smiler
• Nemesis Reborn
• Wicker Man

You can also extend your stay at Alton Towers at the on-site hotel. This hotel has themed rooms, and there’s even a water park, too!

2. M&D’s Scotland’s Theme Park

M&D’s is Scotland’s premier theme park. This place is filled with indoor and outdoor entertainment options.

Little kids will love the award-winning shows and entertainers, plus the meet and greet with superheroes. Meanwhile, the older kids will love the rides and attractions, including:

• Mini Dodgems
• Twister, Rip Tide
• Runaway Mine Train

There are plenty of nearby accommodation options for those looking to stay over. Plus, the theme park often partners with local hotels to offer discounted rates.

3. LEGOLAND Windsor

For fans of LEGO, Legoland Windsor is an absolute must. This theme park has a fantastic range of LEGO-inspired rides and attractions.

From the thrill-seeking rollercoaster The Dragon to the interactive and exciting Ninjago ride. Kids can even earn their own driving licence at the LEGO City Driving School!

Little kids visiting Legoland Windsor won’t be left disappointed either. DUPLO Valley features smaller rides as well as a great splash pad.

Meanwhile, Miniland features some of the most iconic landmarks from across the world, made from more than 42 million LEGO bricks.

4. Pleasurewood Hills

For those looking for a great family theme park near Suffolk, Pleasurewood Hills has a lot to offer. Older kids visiting Pleasurewood Hills will love rides such as:

• Cannonball Express
• Jolly Rodger
• Marble Madness

However, there’s plenty for smaller kids, too. My little boy loved going into the soft play area, Woody’s Cub House. However, as a family, we all enjoyed seeing the parrot and sea lion shows.

5. Drayton Manor Resort

Drayton Manor Resort has a lot to offer families. There are 50 rides and attractions, Thomas Land and a 15-acre zoo, meaning you could easily spend more than one day here.

Little kids are, of course, going to love Thomas Land. Here, you’ll enter The Island of Sodor and enjoy Thomas The Tank Engine-themed rides, including:

• Cranky’s Tower Drop
• Captain’s Sea Adventure
• Winston’s Whistle-Stop Tours

Meanwhile, older kids are going to love the thrill rides such as:

• Shockwave
• Maelstrom
• Stormforce 10

6. Chessington World of Adventures

Chessington World of Adventures is one of the largest theme parks in the UK. This theme park includes:

• 40 Rides
• Zoo
• Sea Life Center
• Go-Ape Course

Unsurprisingly, this epic theme park has something for everyone. So much so that I recommend two days at Chessington World of Adventures if you want to see and do everything here.

7. Adventure Wonderland

Inspired by the mad hatter world of Alice, Adventure Wonderland is Dorset’s top family attraction.

There are 30 rides and attractions here, 14 of which have no height requirement. Subsequently, this is one of the best theme parks in the UK for families with young kids.

Aside from the rides, Adventure Wonderland offers lots of entertainment options. The theme park also offers special events throughout the year, including Halloween and Christmas.

8. Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Situated on Blackpool’s famous front, Blackpool Pleasure Beach is one of the oldest amusement parks in the UK, dating back to 1896.

This theme park boasts 19 fantastic rides. However, the most famous is The Big One, which stands at 235 feet and is the tallest rollercoaster in the UK.

Little kids visiting Blackpool Pleasure Beach will love Nickelodeon Land. Here, you can hang out with SpongeBob SquarePants and Paw Patrol characters. Plus, enjoy themed rides from TV shows such as Rugrats and Dora the Explorer.

9. Blackgang Chine

Blackgang Chine is the oldest amusement park in the UK, opening in 1843. Situated on the Isle of Wight, Blackgang Chine offers several fantastic rides for families to choose from, including:

• Rumpus Mansion
• Pirate Barrels
• Waterforce

There are also several immersive lands to explore at Blackgang Chine, including:

• Cowboy Town
• Dodo Valley
• Pirate Cove
• Nursery Land

10. Lightwater Valley

Lightwater Valley is one of the best family-friendly theme parks in Yorkshire. The park first opened in 1969 and today has more than 40 rides for guests to choose from, including:

• Clownaround
• Hall of Mirrors
• Skyrider

Lightwater Valley has several rides for older kids. However, the theme park has recently shifted its focus to families with children under 12. This makes Lightwater Valley a great theme park to visit if you’ve got young children.

11. The Milky Way Adventure Park 

The Milk Way Adventure Park has something for everyone. Preschoolers will love Ziggy’s Blast Quest and the Jumping Jupiters. Meanwhile, older kids are sure to enjoy Cosmic Typhoon, Gravity Rider, and Droid Destroyer Dodgems.

This fantastic adventure park also features several live shows and special events throughout the year. Plus, the new Ninja Stars Arena is perfect for family challenges.

12. Thorpe Park

Thorpe Park is one of the best value-for-money theme parks in the UK. Little kids visiting Thorpe Park are sure to love:

• High Striker
• Flying Fish
• Mr Monkey’s Banana Ride

Meanwhile, families visiting Thorpe Park with older kids will enjoy:

• Dobble Tea Party,
• Storm Surge
• Depth Charge

Thorpe Park also offers short breaks at their on-site hotel. This includes two days of entry into the theme park, one night in the hotel, breakfast and parking.

13. Wicksteed Park

Wicksteed Park is a Grade II English Heritage Listed Park & Garden that dates back to 1921. This unique theme park boasts rides, nature, and heritage, making it one of the best theme parks for families in the UK.

Popular rides include;

• The Clown Coaster
• Sway Rider
• The Water Chute

However, be sure to leave plenty of time between rides to visit Wicky’s Farmyard and take a ride on Wicksteed Park Railway.

14. Paultons Park

Paulton’s Park is home to several fantastic rides and attractions. However, the main draw of this theme park is Peppa Pig World. Inside Peppa Pig World, you can meet all of the Peppa Pig characters, including:

• Peppa
• George
• Mummy Pig
• Daddy Pig
• Suzy Sheep
• Zoe Zebra

There are also nine Peppa Pig-themed rides, which include:

• Grandpa Pig’s Little Train
• Miss Rabbit’s Helicopter Flight
• Grampy Rabbit’s Sailing Club

15. Gulliver’s World

Gulliver’s World is one of the UK’s largest and most popular theme parks. This theme park has excellent rides for little kids, like The Wriggler. Meanwhile, older kids will enjoy the Grand Prix Racers Coaster and the Overdrive 360° Spin Ride.

The on-site Pirates Play Area at Gulliver’s World is a great place to burn off some energy. Meanwhile, Cape Canyon Crazy Golf is ideal for family competition.

16. The Big Sheep

The Big Sheep is one of the most popular family attractions in North Devon. This attraction includes:

• Animal Petting
• Animal Feeding
• Indoor soft play area
• Pedalos

The Big Sheep is also home to Devon’s largest rollercoaster, The Rampage. Meanwhile, family-friendly events are held here throughout the year.

17. Wheelgate Park

Wheelgate Park is set across 30 acres and features rides and attractions as well as:

• Animal Petting Farm
• Crazy Golf
• Sports Court
• Indoor Soft Play

Wheelgate Park doesn’t feature high-end rides and thrilling rollercoasters. However, it’s still a great place to visit with young kids. Plus, it’s also home to the largest outdoor water park in the UK, perfect for the summer months!

18. Crealy Theme Park & Resort

Crealy Theme Park has more than 60 rides and attractions for visitors to choose from. Making it one of the best places for family entertainment in Exeter. Families visiting Crealy Theme Park will love rides such as:

• Aqua Blasters
• Dino Jeeps
• The Twister
• Maximus Rollercoaster

Plus, the park is home to more than 200 animals and Sooty Lane which features indoor attractions and live shows.

19. Dymchurch Amusement Park

Situated a stone’s throw from the beach, Dymchurch Amusement Park is great for family fun. Popular rides here include:

• The Twister
• Dumbo Ride
• The Shootin’ Star
• The Wave Swiger

Plus, Dymchurch Amusement Park has no admission fee. Instead, you buy tokens which can be exchanged for each of the rides and attractions within the park. This is great if you’re travelling with older adults or kids who can’t or don’t want to go on the rides.

20. Flambards Theme Park

Flambards Theme Park has several fantastic rides and attractions for families. Popular family rides here include:

• The Cornwall Eye
• Human Cannonball
• Rocking Tug Boat

Meanwhile, families with older kids looking for thrill rides will love:

• Sky Swinger
• Hornet Rollercoaster
• Thunderbolt

21. GreenWood

GreenWood was recently voted “The Best Family Day Out in North Wales”, and it’s easy to see why.

This family-friendly amusement park is packed full of action and adventure. Some of our favourite rides and attractions here include:

• The Barefoot Trail
• The Green Dragon
• Enchanted River Ride
• TreeTop Towers

GreenWood offers several seasonal events throughout the year. Plus, there’s Tipi Glamping nearby if you’re looking to extend your stay.

22. Diggerland

There are several Diggerlands situated across the UK. However, they all offer the same fantastic experience.

Diggerland is a construction paradise for kids aged between 4 and 14. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to go on construction-themed rides and even drive a digger or dump truck of your very own.

Kids under 100cm visit Diggerland for free. Plus, there’s an indoor soft play area to keep the kids entertained if you’re caught in any rain.

23. BeWILDerwood 

There are two BeWILDerwood sites in the UK:

1. Cheshire
2. Norfolk

However, both offer a fantastically unique outdoor experience unlike anything else on this list. BeWILDerwood is based on a series of books by Tom Blofeld and features:

• Zip wires
• Treehouses
• Wonky Bridges
• Super Slides

As a family, you’ll explore the woodland and join in the storytelling. Try your hand at den building and navigate through mazes as you explore this outdoor world.

24. Oakwood Theme Park

Oakwood Theme Park was opened as a small family park back in the 1980s. However, since then, this theme park has grown to be the biggest theme park in Wales.

Family rides at Oakwood Theme Park include:

• Creepy Crawler
• Snake River Falls
• Dizzy Disc

Meanwhile, older kids visiting Oakwood Theme Park will love:

• Jolly Roger Pirate Ship
• Crocodile Coaster
• Tink’s Flying School

25. Sundown Adventureland

Sundown Adventureland first opened as a farmyard in 1968. Today, however, this is one of the best amusement parks in the UK.

With more than 20 different attractions, there’s much for families to see and do here. Some of our favourite rides and attractions at Sundown Adventureland include:

• Rocky Mountain Railroad
• Monkey Mischief
• Buck & Duke’s Sing-A-Long Show

The park also has several special events throughout the year, such as Grandparents Weekend and Locals Weekend.

26. Southport Pleasureland

Southport Pleasureland is a free-to-enter amusement park. There are lots of rides here for all ages. Kids visiting Southport Pleasureland will love:

• Loki’s Log Flume
• Grand Canyon
• Frisbee

Plus, if the theme park has to close due to the weather, guests can use the “Rain Check Policy” to return on another day.

27. Twinlakes Family Theme Park

Set over 100 acres, Twinlakes Family Theme Park is a theme park, farm and water park all in one. Located in East Midlands, this park is split into different sections and features some fantastic rides, including:

• Rum Runner Coaster
• Pegasus Parade
• Pilgrim Pedallers

During the summer, you can keep cool in the water park area of Twinlakes, Au Guang Dragon Zone. Meanwhile, the character meet-and-greet experiences are fantastic!

28. Landmark Forest Adventure Park

Situated in the Scottish Highlands, Landmark Forest Adventure Park is one of the best theme parks in the UK.

This theme park has 20 different rides and attractions as well as immersive themed areas. One of my son’s favourite areas at Landmark Forest was the Dinosaur Kingdom.

Meanwhile, climbing 105 stairs to the top of Forest Tower is a must for the incredible 360 views around the Highlands.

29. Flamingo Land

Flamingo Land is one of the best family theme parks in Yorkshire. This theme park pairs some fantastic rides with an award-winning zoo. Plus, there are lodges, cottages and holiday homes on-site for those looking to stay over.

Some of the best rides at Flamingo Land include:

• Dino Roller
• Lost River Ride
• Sik

However, the zoo really sets this theme park apart from others. Animals here include hippos, lions, rhinos, penguins and lemurs. Plus, aspiring zookeepers aged between 5 and 15 can even go on a Junior Ranger experience.

30. Adventure Island 

Adventure Island is Southend’s best theme park. This theme park is free to enter, meaning those who don’t want to go on any rides don’t have to pay.

If you do want to go on some thrilling rides at Adventure Island, there are several ways you can do so, including:

• Buying tickets for individual rides
• Purchasing a wristband for several rides

The rides at Adventure Island include:

• Ramba Zamba
• Time Machine
• Green Scream

Meanwhile, the Kiddi-Koasta is the perfect starter coaster for younger visitors.