Theme parks for 9&7yo

[NorthernMC]

We want to take our Dc to a theme park but I’m not sure which is best for their age. They have no specific interest in any of the themed ones like Lego so purely on what rides would be best suited to their ages. They’re 1.2m (just) and 1.3m. We were meant to be at Disneyland Paris so want a replacement for this year. Happy to travel but want ideally within 4 hours of Manchester

Chessington is a bit far for you? But good for those ages..

We’re thinking of making it a weekend if far so it’s a possibility.

Legoland is amazing for kids, we stayed in the hotel and had the best time. We brought the q bot tickets so didn’t have the queue much and had the best weekend

Just price up the hotel, don’t fancy paying more than £800 for one night.

There’s a Premier Inn at Chessington . A lot cheaper! I’ve never stayed there as we’re just down the road but I assume it’s like all Premier Inns everywhere. And has the advantage of being walking distance to the park.

Otherwise lots of affordable hotels in nearby towns.

Thanks for the tip. The Chessington hotel looks nice and is less than half the price of Legoland at £390 including tickets but I’ll price up the premier inn as we’ll probably go into town to eat etc.

Chessington but need to buy fast passes to make it more enjoyable

Or Alton towers might be closer ? Blackpool pleasure beach ?

We don’t like LEGOLAND and got children the same age as yours - rides seem to be a longer wait and not as exciting park - we never go there and live super close to it (even with merlin passes for yrs we only went for the fireworks)

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We’ve enjoyed several trips to Drayton Manor, there is Thomasland and a zoo as well as a good selection of bigger rides. We usually just stay at a local premier inn but they do have an on-site hotel.

Flamingoland was surprisingly good when we went, and a bit closer to you. I went pre pandemic, and there are water areas, might be worth checking they are all open.
Some of the rides were amazing!

I think Alton towers might be more for when the older one is a bit older and taller. We do like the water park there though. We’ve been to Drayton a lot and they loved it but they’re a bit old for Thomas land and too young/small for the big rides unfortunately as we really like it there. The hotel is lovely too and feels nice and grown up rather than just aimed at the kids.
I haven’t been to Blackpool pleasure beach in years but I’ll take a look at what rides they have. Will be cheaper as day trippable. We’d be going the first bank holiday weekend in May so I am worried about queues

I’ll take a look at flamingoland too as that’s not far. I hate the motorways but we can avoid it going there as regularly go to the dales etc.

Chessington is great for that age, but I don't think hotels open for general use til the 17th.

Gullivers at either Warrington or Matlock Bath are good for that age.

Legoland has some amazing rides and you don’t need to stay in the resort hotel- there are far cheaper ones nearby.

Bewilder wood is brilliant, it’s not exactly a normal theme park but well worth a visit

www.bewilderwood.co.uk/

PILs take ours to Light water Valley in Ripon most years (from toddler good, eldest child is now 13). Last year they concentrated on the family market only, so young teens down, and didn't open the biggest three rides. Not sure for this year. Meant it wasn't busy. Never had to queue long.

Chessington to Windsor is 30 miles and Chessington to Thorpe park is 12 miles, so you could easily do 2 parks on different days.

@OhYouBadBadKitten

Chessington is great for that age, but I don't think hotels open for general use til the 17th.

Why didn’t I think of that! It’ll have to be self catering or a day trip then unless we go in June.

I wouldn’t recommend making the journey all the way from Manchester for Chessington especially on a bank holiday. We live nearby and like it but don’t think it is any better than any of the nearer ones recommended. Although I haven’t been to Lightwater Valley or Flamingoland since I was a teenager and lived relatively close by but I would travel with my kids to them now even though I loved them then.

If you are thinking Lego land there's a de vere hotel nearby that's family friendly

• wouldn’t

Gullivers in Warrington would be perfect for you, we stayed in one of the themes rooms to male it seem a bit more special and the kids loved it they were 7 and just turned 10. No worries about what they could and couldn't go on as they are no big thrill rides but still plenty of things to keep them entertained all day.

My children are nearly that age and can't stand the queues, so I would say visit somewhere with plenty of non ride entertainment. Legoland has the mini land and two play areas. Chessington has the zoo.
An annual pass takes the stress out of the idea you have to do all the rides in a day, so perhaps something within an hour of where you live?

A bit different, but Greenwood Forest Park in North Wales? Not an alton towers type but has a people powered roller-coaster, grass sledging and pull yourself boats.

Crocky Trail south of Chester with lots of rope swings, and obstacles. Or Manley Mere which is like Crocky Trail but muddier? Option to canoe as well.

Paultons Park is absolutely the best for this age group and without the ridiculous queuing you get at Chessington. It's a bit further but definitely worth a 2 day trip.