Really fun kids trip ideas needed please!

[hatesoggybread]

DS is going to be 7 during feb half term, he is diagnosed with ASD and a party is something that he just wouldn’t particularly enjoy as he finds social situations and friendships quite difficult. However he gets a bit upset that he doesn’t have friends so I’m looking for something special to do with him. So we are thinking of going away for a few days for a little trip, he absolutely loves caravans, pods etc so he would love to have a few days away. We’ve been to lots of places in the UK with the kids over the years but this time I’m looking for something really fun/unique for kids. Obviously theme parks are out of the question as they are mainly closed this time of year. Anyone got any suggestions?

Loch Insh outdoor centre has cabins (some with hot tubs) an ice rink, dry ski slope and tubing. There are walks and a reindeer farm nearby.

Whereabouts do you live and how far would you travel? Aquariums are great but can be expensive. There are pirates caves in Hastings which mine loved. Warwick or Dover Castle?

If he likes trains, I propose tickets via Penrith or Carlisle to Ravenglass in the Lakes, then the steam train to Boot, and a stay at the National Trust Eskdale site in a camping pod. There are many fabulous waterfalls.

Although the steam train doesn't re-open till mid March.

Depending on his interests, this is a cool place in Norfolk and there are other attractions nearby to it like a bug parc if open (and the coast/norwich).
https://roarr.co.uk
it’s a dino park but with a couple of rides, indoor shows, climbing frame / slides stuff and car racing, and animals. And a decent soft play. It’s open all year but different levels of stuff open - you could phone up and check or scrutinise their calendar.
it’s fun and feels spacious / relaxed to me.

Kelling Heath (if open) is a nice caravan park in north Norfolk about 40 (?) mins from there and has statics as well as camping plots. It has stuff on for kids usually in holidays.
There’s probably quite a lot of nice places in Norfolk tough to stay though closer too.

Hope you find something fun for him and you guys!

https://www.aspinallfoundation.org/port-lympne/

There is some really cool accommodation at Port Lympne (safari park).

I was going to suggest an overnight in an animal lodge, west mids safari park does them (can vouch it’s a fab experience!) and I think Chester zoo do them too now