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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think Kidzania is a bit of a rip off?

27 replies

itsallbollocks · 14/01/2017 14:43

I was going to take ds to kidzania for his birthday, but tickets are costing us almost £120 for a family, and that's not for the day, that's for 4 hours!!! I don't think that we'll be going now. It wouldn't be so bad, if it was for the whole day.

OP posts:
wizzywig · 14/01/2017 14:44

I think they have discount vouchers on groupon?

Cindbelly · 14/01/2017 14:47

Did you check the times? I think When we went it was cheaper the later in the day you went.

I won't lie it was amazing the DCs loved it

SparklyLeprechaun · 14/01/2017 14:50

It is very expensive but there are offers around. The kids love it. Tbh I think 4 hours is quite enough.

Original poster
itsallbollocks · 14/01/2017 14:50

Thanks, I'll check.

OP posts:
SnowBallsAreHere · 14/01/2017 14:51

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

SerialReJoiner · 14/01/2017 14:54

It is very pricey, agreed. We've only gone with groups, getting a cheaper rate. Is that an option? Something you could organise maybe?

AmberNectarine · 14/01/2017 14:55

I thought it was pretty good value, actually - there's so much to do!

sqidsin · 14/01/2017 14:56

I'm not sure you can say it is a rip off if you haven't actually been. It is expensive but no more so than a lot of London "attractions" where you might spend 4hrs (zoo, aquarium, etc). Even cinema costs us £30-40 for 2 hours so actually It's not even that bad compared to that! Kidzania was £90 for family of 4 last time we went. The kids absolutely love it so in my view, it's worth the money. Although we have to save up so it's a special treat!

PippaFawcett · 14/01/2017 14:59

What is it?

hungryhippo90 · 14/01/2017 15:20

Can I just say, whilst it may seem a rip off, I've honestly never seen anything like it.
Kidzania was one of the best days out we've had. It is worth the money.

I do think it's sad that some people are priced out though.

AcademicNerd · 14/01/2017 15:29

Pippa It's a kid-sized environment where they can role-play different activities and jobs. Chocolatier, engineer, firefighter, all sorts. You get their own little currency to spend inside, and I think maybe a passport too. It's a heavily branded environment: you're a Cadbury's chocolatier, or a Renault engineer.

They are very popular in the Middle East, and seem to be picking up pace in the UK.

If I had more time on my hands (which being pregnant and doing a PhD, I do not!), I would LOVE to study KidZania.

Original poster
itsallbollocks · 14/01/2017 15:47

Thanks everyone. I changed the time, and the price dropped to £87 for all of us. :) That's much more like I was expecting to pay. Looking forward to going now.

OP posts:
Trills · 14/01/2017 15:50

Glad you're looking forward to it.

There's a big difference between "expensive" and "rip off" though.

Original poster
itsallbollocks · 14/01/2017 15:53

I guess that I was being unfair. Most days out and attractions feel like rip offs these days, (we've been to Legoland) and I thought that I was just getting suckered in again. I didn't realise that it would have such positive feedback.

OP posts:
MrsJamin · 14/01/2017 15:57

Ds1 went on a school trip (when he was 8) and loved it. If you're you can get in on 2 for 1 by the train it'd be worth buying the cheapest train ticket for that day as you'd still save money.

AmberNectarine · 14/01/2017 16:10

Try a west end musical for a family of 4 - I think Kidzania represents MUCH better value!

beanfilledfish · 14/01/2017 16:17

ew it sounds awful 'meet our zupervisors' and do fun and educational activities - sounds like a weird concept that sucks the imagination out of children but then again i could be wrong

NE14T · 14/01/2017 16:21

Sounds like Eureka in Halifax!

SerialReJoiner · 14/01/2017 16:58

bean it can be a bit heavy-handed in the educational aspect, but only if you want it to be. The idea is to let the kids loose to make their own choices for the four hours, but I've seen school trips and families hover over the children and enforce which activity is "next". Which, imo, defeats the entire purpose of the experience - deeply immersive imaginative play.

PippaFawcett · 14/01/2017 22:20

What is the target age range?

Madeyemoodysmum · 14/01/2017 22:50

My son went on a trip but imo there is nothing for adults. May as well ship them in and go shopping Adults can't even go in the activity rooms. Kids loved it but I wouldn't pay for myself again.

Scotinoz · 14/01/2017 23:21

NE14T Is Eureka good? I read a couple of articles mentioning it. We're new to the area, and can't decide if it's worth the drive with two preschoolers

PoptartPoptart · 14/01/2017 23:43

My DC love Kidzania. I love Kidzania because it means they are happy and entertained and safe for four hours, while I go shopping in Westfield Wink

NE14T · 14/01/2017 23:45

Oooh Eureka is wonderful! I think you still get a years pass once you've paid for the ticket too... we rarely go, only once a year as it's near relatives but wish wish wish there was something similar nearby. I much prefer it to science museum/ think tank for littlies.

tinyterrors · 14/01/2017 23:47

Eureka is brilliant Scotinoz my children love going. You pay once and can go as much as you want for a year. It gets very busy during school holidays but if you only have preschoolers you can go term times and it's quieter.