Best day out for 3 year olds birthday?

[LittlemissMama67]

My daughter will turn 3 in May, I know it's a while off but I like to start planning early..

im thinking London zoo, we're in the East Midlands so it's about 2.5 hours away which is fine. But I've never been? Is there a play area there, soft play? I want to be able to break up the day with some play time for her.

also open to any ideas, we did peppa pig world for her 2nd birthday so want to go somewhere different. And we're going bewilderwood for her sisters birthday so anything but those two.

thankyou!

Honestly, I wasn’t impressed with London zoo, we live in Essex, and I think Colchester zoo was much better, as is Chester zoo.

If you wanted to do something in London, my two DDs both loved the transport museum in Covent Garden.

Legoland? I’ve avoided going but if you’re looking at going during term time it’s probably a bit quieter.

I don't think London Zoo is worth it tbh (although I haven't been for a while so maybe it is now?!)

Whipsnade is better. Or Woburn. Longleat. Chester.

Legoland.

Chessington has a zoo, aquarium and rides.

The Deep in Hull is also apparently amazing. I haven't been but everyone I know who's been raves about it.

Do you have one of those leaflet board things in your local supermarket? DS loves choosing his birthday day out from there, and they are all local to us.

This is what I thought, judging by what I can find online it seems to be just animals which is great if you want to go and just see animals but maybe not ideal for a full of energy 3 year old

Don't bother with London Zoo.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Thomasland
We did both these when DS was 3

Not that I've noticed and I work in a supermarket 😄

i only really see those at service stations and by the sea side, maybe because there isn't much near us the stand would be empty 😂

I'm happy to travel anywhere in the uk we usually book a hotel for birthdays if it's further a field

Really recommend Legoland. Recently went with my three year old, it was incredible. There was lots in the duplo section for this age group.
If you're in London for the trip, I think the recommendation of Transport Museum up thread was a good one. Also recommend the science museum and the Thames Clipper boat rides :)

If you’re happy to travel anywhere, Folly Farm in Pembrokeshire is fab. Took DD for her 2nd birthday years ago. It’s got loads. Also onsite accommodation, I understand, nowadays.

Whipsnade is a lot better than London zoo!

Maybe chessington so that there is a mix of animals and rides?

Any opinions on Chessington?

Alot of places seem a little to grown up for her, her brother is 8 soon and we're going to ninja warrior for his birthday and not taking the girls, we went to splash landings at Alton towers for his 7th he's January though so harder because ally of places are closed for winter, hers being May we have all the options but no idea 😂

Cbeebiesland at Alton towers

Was debating that too, is it good?

I would highly recommend Willows Activity Farm, great for a day out, has animals (obvs) but also big softplay, tractor rides, bouncy castle, live shows and loads of other stuff all included in price. Just North of London, would recommend over London Zoo, especially for her age.

London Zoo is crap. Go to Thomasland, its brilliant, and has loads of play areas and a little zoo. We've been three times.

We took our DS to Chessington for his 3rd birthday. He had a lovely day, but the animal enclosures are tiny and cruel. The park is dated.
Legoland is the best for this year. So much to do and see.

Chessington is good for this age group, I took my daughter for her 2nd birthday the May before last. The animals are great, the zoo aspect is all at kid level and many of the rides work for toddlers. Really liked it overall! They have a hotel too which gives early entry I think? And on a weekday it's pretty cheap for a parent plus toddler ticket. Enjoy the big day wherever you end up!

PS london zoo is really not very good for small kids! Def not worth travelling for! It's pretty teeny, whipsnade is much better. If you go to whipsnade, don't bother driving inside. It's so boring! Just leave the car outside and take a scooter or buggy inside if your kid won't walk long distances x

Legoland Discovery centre in Birmingham - it has 3-4 rides, a soft play, lots of Lego activity stations, mini Lego models of Birmingham landmarks and a 4d cinema that shows 10min movies. The one watched, we got splashed with water too. Outside of the centre, you're right by the canals/boat rides, Brindleyplace, the Sealife Centre - plenty to do outside of there. My 4yo said he preferred Legoland DC to Cbeebies Land.

Yes, that's perfect for her age. It's Peter Rabbit themed if she likes that. There are little carousel rides, play areas and a softplay too.

YWP has been ruined by the new entrance. From the closest part of the car park to the old entrance it is over 2 miles. You & your 3 year old will have to walk forever before you get to something interesting.

If you want to go to London how about the natural history museum?

We took our daughter for her 3rd birthday in October and it was a lovely day out! Really enjoyed it.