Toddler-Friendly Days Out in the UK To Discover This Easter
As we begin to enjoy the longer days and warmer weather of spring, you might be restless for a change of scenery and to explore new places. However, if you have toddlers, getting away for the day probably isn’t the spontaneous decision that it used to be before they came along.
It can be a challenge to find a destination that will be fun and engaging for tots, and accessible for prams, pushchairs, and convenient facilities. There are many excellent destinations in the UK that are specifically geared towards families with young children, so there’s no need to miss out. Here are some suggestions.
Legoland, Windsor
Legoland Windsor is specifically designed for children aged two to 12, so you can be confident that there will be plenty for them to discover and enjoy. There are over 55 interactive rides, plus live shows and attractions. With 11 separate themed lands to explore, you’ll need a whole weekend to make the most of it.
Experience the fun and exciting miniature Lego worlds of Knight’s Kingdom, Pirate Shores, Heartlake City, and the Duplo Valley, which has gentler rides and safe water play areas for little ones. The park is conveniently laid out for pushchair access and there are ample baby changing facilities, food outlets, places to sit, and free parking.
Chester Zoo
With over 31,000 animals and 128 acres of zoological gardens, Chester Zoo is one of the best zoos to visit in the UK. It’s also a very child friendly place, providing a safe and educational environment with plenty of play areas and places to rest and refresh. You can hire a buggy if you wish, or bring your own.
The zoo runs Mini-Ranger events for children aged four to seven years old, with a chance to view animals close up and learn more about their environment and conservation. As well as a huge range of animals, there are award-winning botanical gardens to explore.
Peppa Pig World
Paultons Park, situated on the edge of the beautiful New Forest in Hampshire, is home to the UK’s only Peppa Pig World, where little ones can see their favourite TV show characters brought to life. It’s specifically designed for young children and toddlers, with nine cute and fun rides to enjoy and the chance to have their photo taken with the stars of the show.
Paultons Park is one of the most popular family-friendly destinations in the UK, with themed lands and rides and attractions to explore. In the Wild Lands, youngsters can view a range of exotic animals close up and walk through a magical bird aviary.
Eureka! The National Children’s Museum, Halifax
The Eureka Museum is specifically designed for children aged 0-11 years old, and standard admission includes an annual pass and children under one year go free. All tickets must be booked online in advance.
The museum consists of six separate zones with interactive exhibits that are designed to inspire and educate children. There’s also a team of knowledgeable and friendly staff on hand to help out with explanations and guidance. It’s a wonderful way to give kids the confidence to discover new things for themselves and learn about the world around them.
The museum holds special toddler days with no school bookings and special tot-friendly activities, and also chilled out days for children with sensory conditions such as autism. This Easter, the museum is celebrating Earth Day with hands-on activities, storytelling sessions, and creative craft groups.
There are also educational films, talks, and events that are designed to raise children’s awareness of environmental issues such as recycling, climate change, and biodiversity.
When planning a day out with little ones, always check the website in advance for booking details, opening times, scheduled events, and facilities such as changing rooms and eating options. Remember that toddlers can get tired quickly, so make sure you don’t overwhelm them with too much at once and take plenty of breaks.
In crowded places it can be easy to lose sight of excited toddlers, so stress the importance of keeping in sight and not running off too far. If your tot is particularly energetic, consider letting them run off some energy outdoors before bringing them into an indoor attraction.