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A roller coaster at an amusement park

Theme parks

Family theme parks: where to go and how to pay less

Coasters for thrill-seekers, gentle rides for toddlers and castles for everyone. Here are the best family theme parks near and far, with honest tips from Scout on who each one suits.

Merlin passDisneyHarry PotterDiscount codes

Photo: Somruthai Keawjan on Unsplash

Scout the Fox

Scout’s verdict

Scout’s theme park rule of thumb

Pick the park for your youngest child, then find the extras for the oldest. A toddler at a thrill park is a long day for everyone.

Best for toddlers
LEGOLAND, Paultons, Efteling
Best for teens
Thorpe Park, Alton Towers, Europa-Park
Best saving
Annual pass if you go 2+ times

Family theme parks we love

Filter by where you want to go. Every card has ways to save and a tip from Scout.

Riders with arms in the air on a roller coasterUK

Photo: Hannes Knutsson / Unsplash

Theme park

Alton Towers Resort

Staffordshire, England

The UK’s best-known thrill park, with big roller coasters for teens and CBeebies Land for little ones, plus a water park and hotels on site.

All agesThrill ridesCBeebies Land
  • Included in Merlin Annual Passes (check exclusion dates)
  • A Tesco Clubcard Reward Partner in 2026: check the Clubcard app for current exchanges
  • Book online before you go: gate prices are usually the highest

Scout says: Split the day: thrill rides first while queues are short, CBeebies Land after lunch when little legs need a slower pace.

Merlin pass guidealtontowers.com ↗
Yellow, red, blue and green toy building bricksUK

Photo: Xavi Cabrera / Unsplash

Theme park

LEGOLAND Windsor Resort

Windsor, Berkshire, England

Built for families with children aged roughly 2 to 12: gentle coasters, driving schools, MINILAND models and plenty of hands-on play.

Ages 2–12Gentle ridesHotels on site
  • Included in Merlin Annual Passes
  • Listed on the National Rail Days Out Guide with a rail-ticket discount in 2026
  • Weekdays outside school holidays are usually the quietest and cheapest

Scout says: Under-3s go free, so it’s great value while they’re tiny. Check ride height limits before you promise anything!

Our LEGOLAND tipslegoland.co.uk ↗
People riding a spinning fairground rideUK

Photo: Ethan Hoover / Unsplash

Theme park + zoo

Chessington World of Adventures

Chessington, Surrey, England

A rare mix of family rides and a zoo in one ticket, which makes it a strong all-rounder for mixed-age families.

Ages 3+Zoo + ridesNear London
  • Included in Merlin Annual Passes
  • Animal areas are a calm break when queues build up

Scout says: Two days out for the price of one: plan your route around the animal talks and feeding times.

Merlin pass guidechessington.com ↗
A happy family running together in a sunlit gardenUK

Photo: Aleksandra Sapozhnikova / Unsplash

Theme park

Paultons Park, home of Peppa Pig World

New Forest, Hampshire, England

Peppa Pig World is a toddler favourite, and the park’s new Viking-themed land, Valgard, opened in spring 2026 with bigger rides for older kids.

ToddlersPeppa Pig WorldValgard (2026)
  • Not part of the Merlin pass: check Paultons’ own annual passes if you live nearby
  • Closed in January and on some winter dates, so check the calendar first

Scout says: Peppa Pig World is busiest first thing. Head there in the afternoon and do the rest of the park in the morning.

Toddler days outpaultonspark.co.uk ↗
A roller coaster track against a blue skyUK

Photo: Jonny Gios / Unsplash

Thrill park

Thorpe Park Resort

Chertsey, Surrey, England

Big, fast rides aimed at teens and adults, and a short hop from London. Younger children will find fewer rides that fit them.

TeensThrill ridesNear London
  • Included in Merlin Annual Passes
  • Online, date-based tickets are usually cheaper than buying on the day

Scout says: Best for teens and thrill-seeking grown-ups. With under-8s, LEGOLAND or Chessington is the better pick.

Days out with teensthorpepark.com ↗
A roller coaster at an amusement parkUK

Photo: Somruthai Keawjan / Unsplash

Seaside theme park

Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Blackpool, Lancashire, England

A classic seaside park with historic wooden coasters and a younger kids’ area, right by the beach and the famous promenade.

All agesSeasideClassic coasters
  • Kids Pass has listed discounts here in 2026: check the app before booking
  • Pair it with free beach time and the promenade to stretch the day

Scout says: Blackpool’s Merlin attractions (the Tower, SEA LIFE and more) are no longer included on new or renewed Merlin passes, so price them separately.

blackpoolpleasurebeach.com ↗
Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World, OrlandoUSA

Photo: Kitera Dent / Unsplash

Theme parks

Walt Disney World Resort

Orlando, Florida, USA

Four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom) plus two water parks. It’s a holiday, not a day out, so plan several days.

All agesMulti-dayUnder-3s free
  • Children under 3 don’t need a park ticket
  • Multi-day tickets cost less per day than single days
  • Check Disney’s official special offers page before booking

Scout says: Don’t try to do it all. Two parks done well beat four done in a rush, especially with little ones.

Disney deals guidedisneyworld.disney.go.com ↗
A castle-style building lit up at nightUSA

Photo: Aditya Vyas / Unsplash

Theme parks

Universal Orlando Resort

Orlando, Florida, USA

Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Epic Universe (opened 2025), plus Volcano Bay water park. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is spread across all three theme parks.

Ages 5+Harry PotterEpic Universe
  • Multi-day tickets are better value per day
  • For 2026, 3-day-plus tickets include Epic Universe visits; 2-day tickets don’t, so check before you buy
  • You need a park-to-park ticket to ride the Hogwarts Express between the two original parks

Scout says: Harry Potter fans: Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade are in different parks. Get a park-to-park ticket or you’ll miss half the magic.

Harry Potter guideuniversalorlando.com ↗
A fairy-tale castle lit up at nightUSA

Photo: PAN XIAOZHEN / Unsplash

Theme parks

Disneyland Resort

Anaheim, California, USA

The original Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure sit side by side, so it’s easier to tackle in two or three days than Florida.

All agesTwo parksWalkable
  • Under-3s go free
  • Multi-day tickets lower the cost per day
  • Southern California residents sometimes get special ticket offers: check Disney’s offers page

Scout says: The two parks are a short walk apart, so a park hopper ticket is easy to use here.

Disney deals guidedisneyland.disney.go.com ↗
Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland ParisEurope

Photo: Bastien Nvs / Unsplash

Theme parks

Disneyland Paris

Marne-la-Vallée, near Paris, France

Disneyland Park plus Disney Adventure World (the renamed Walt Disney Studios Park), where World of Frozen opened on 29 March 2026.

All agesWorld of FrozenUnder-3s free
  • Children under 3 go free
  • Check the official offers page: Disneyland Paris often runs seasonal hotel and ticket offers
  • UK tour operators sometimes include free child places on packages

Scout says: Go for at least two days so you can do both parks without rushing. Frozen fans should head to World of Frozen early.

What’s new in 2026disneylandparis.com ↗
Fireworks over a fairy-tale castle at nightEurope

Photo: Jayme McColgan / Unsplash

Fairy-tale theme park

Efteling

Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands

One of Europe’s most-loved parks, famous for its enchanted Fairytale Forest, plus coasters for older kids and grown-ups.

All agesFairy talesEasy from the UK
  • Date-based online tickets: quieter days cost less
  • Holiday parks nearby can work out cheaper than on-site hotels for longer stays

Scout says: The Fairytale Forest is a walk, not a ride, so it works brilliantly for toddlers and grandparents alike.

efteling.com ↗
A roller coaster at an amusement parkEurope

Photo: Somruthai Keawjan / Unsplash

Theme park resort

Europa-Park

Rust, Germany

Germany’s largest theme park, themed by European countries, with the Rulantica indoor water park next door.

All agesHuge parkWater park next door
  • Multi-day stays make more sense than a single day here
  • Combine with Rulantica on a separate day rather than squeezing both into one

Scout says: It’s big! Two days lets you enjoy it without sprinting between countries.

europapark.de ↗
Water slides at a water parkEurope

Photo: Konrad Burdyn / Unsplash

Theme park resort

PortAventura World

Salou, Costa Dorada, Spain

A beach-holiday-friendly resort with PortAventura Park, Ferrari Land and Caribe Aquatic Park, near the Costa Dorada beaches.

Ages 4+Beach holidayWater park
  • Hotel stays often include park access: compare packages with separate tickets
  • Combine with a beach holiday rather than a standalone trip

Scout says: Perfect for a sun-and-rides holiday. Pack the suncream and plan indoor breaks in the hottest hours.

Plan a trip →portaventuraworld.com ↗
A close-up of colourful toy building bricksEurope

Photo: Sen / Unsplash

Theme park

LEGOLAND Billund

Billund, Denmark

The original LEGOLAND, opened in 1968, a short walk from LEGO House, the brick-lover’s experience centre.

Ages 2–12The original LEGOLANDLEGO House nearby
  • Combine LEGOLAND and LEGO House in one trip to make the travel worthwhile
  • Check seasonal opening: the park isn’t open all year

Scout says: A dream trip for LEGO fans. Book LEGO House separately: it’s its own attraction with its own tickets.

legoland.dk ↗
People riding a spinning fairground rideEurope

Photo: Ethan Hoover / Unsplash

Theme park

Parc Astérix

Plailly, near Paris, France

A big, funny, very French park themed on the Astérix comics, with strong coasters and family rides.

Ages 4+Near ParisCoasters
  • Online, date-based tickets are usually cheaper than the gate
  • Easy to combine with a Paris city break

Scout says: A great second park if you’re already doing Disneyland Paris, and a different flavour of fun.

parcasterix.fr ↗
A fairy-tale castle lit up at nightEurope

Photo: PAN XIAOZHEN / Unsplash

Historic amusement park

Tivoli Gardens

Copenhagen, Denmark

One of the world’s oldest amusement parks (opened 1843), in the heart of Copenhagen, with gardens, rides and festive seasonal lights.

All agesCity centreSeasonal events
  • Entry and rides are priced separately: an unlimited-ride wristband suits ride-hungry kids, single entry suits strollers
  • Combine with a city break

Scout says: Visit after dark: the lights are the real star. Halloween and Christmas seasons are magical.

Plan a trip →tivoli.dk ↗

How to save on theme park tickets

  • Book online, in advance. Most parks use date-based pricing, and buying on the gate is usually the most expensive way in.
  • Go off-peak. Term-time weekdays are often cheaper and quieter than weekends and school holidays.
  • Check who goes free. Under-3s are free at most big parks, including Disney and LEGOLAND.
  • Use the train. The National Rail Days Out Guide lists rail-ticket discounts at some parks.
  • Think annual pass. If you’ll visit two or more Merlin parks in a year, compare the Merlin Annual Pass.
  • Use rewards. Tesco Clubcard vouchers and Kids Pass can cut the cost at some parks.

Making the most of the day

Arrive before opening, head to the most popular ride first, and save shows and gentle rides for the busy middle of the day. Ask about rider switch (also called baby swap) so grown-ups can take turns without queuing twice. Our theme park queue tips go into more detail.

Last updated: 14 October 2026

Frequently asked questions

What is the best UK theme park for young children?
LEGOLAND Windsor and Paultons Park (home of Peppa Pig World) are designed with young children in mind. Chessington mixes gentle rides with a zoo, which suits mixed-age families.
Are under-3s free at theme parks?
At most big parks, yes, including Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris and LEGOLAND. Always check the park’s own ticket page, because age rules vary.
Is it cheaper to buy theme park tickets on the day?
Usually not. Most parks charge the highest prices at the gate and reward booking online in advance, especially for quieter dates.

Keep exploring

Riders with arms in the air on a roller coaster

Merlin pass

Essential, Gold or Platinum? What’s included and how to tell if it pays off.

Explore → Cinderella Castle reflected in the moat at Magic Kingdom

Disney

Disneyland Paris, Walt Disney World and Disneyland: official offers and how to save.

Explore → A steam train crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct in the Scottish Highlands

Harry Potter

The Studio Tour, Wizarding World parks, Alnwick Castle and real ways to save.

Explore → Fireworks over a fairy-tale castle at night

Worldwide

Disneyland Paris, Efteling, Europa-Park, Orlando and Tokyo for families.

Explore → Riders with arms in the air on a roller coaster

Theme park queue tips: ride more, wait less

Rope drop, rider switch, single rider and when fast passes are worth it.

Explore → People riding a spinning fairground ride

Annual pass vs day tickets: when does a pass pay off?

A simple break-even method, plus exclusion dates and hidden costs.

Explore →

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