Arts & Crafts
Learn more
Reading & Writing
Learn more
Math & Logic
Learn more
Sports & Active
Learn more
Music & Dance
Learn more
Social & Community
Learn more
Mindful & Reflective
Learn more
Outdoor & Nature
Learn more
FOR ALL AGES
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
Image © Unsplash.
Have a blast this summer at Thorpe Park!
One of the UK's most popular amusement parks has officially reopened its gates following the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. There's tons of amazing rides for kids at this theme park in Surrey, England.
Thorpe Park is easy to get to as it is located near the town of Staines. Tickets to Thorpe Park cost £33 per person when you book through Kidadl, and under-threes can visit for free. There's plenty of car parking at Thorpe Park, and parking costs £7 if you book in advance, or £10 on the day. If you want to do as much as possible at the theme park, then you could book an overnight stay in one of the park's Shark Cabins, which range from £49+ per person. There are also off-site hotels nearby.
Thorpe Park has put in a number of measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus. All visitors to the park must bring a facemask. You also have to pre-book tickets online, as the theme park is running at a reduced capacity in order to ensure social distancing. Purchases at the park should be contactless when possible.
During this time, queues for rides will also be socially distanced, and the rides themselves will allow fewer people on at a time to make sure there's enough space. Because of the reduced capacity of the park itself, it's likely that queues should still take around the same amount of time as usual, there will just be more spaced-out lines.
If you can't get enough of these great rides, have a look at our handy guide to the other theme parks that have now reopened in the UK. Or perhaps you've had your adrenaline fix for the time being after visiting Thorpe Park, and would prefer a more tranquil day out with the kids.
Image © thorpepark.com.
Crash About With The Angry Birds On The Dodgems
Vroom vroom! The Wild Hog Dodgems is a ride where kids can bash around the place in an Angry Birds-themed car! Drive rings around your family in this classic fairground ride experience.
Area: The Jungle.
Height Restrictions: 110 cm +. Kids under 130 cm must be accompanied by an adult.
Age Range: 5+ with an adult, 8+ on their own.
Great For: Fans of the Angry Birds franchise.
Image © thorpepark.com.
Go Bananas With Mr. Monkey On His Banana Ride
Take a trip with Mr. Monkey on his banana ride, an amazing swinging ship that will go back and forth in the air in a fun Thorpe Park twist on another fairground classic.
Area: The Jungle.
Height Restrictions: 90 cm +. Kids under 120 cm must be accompanied by an adult.
Age Range: 4+ with an adult, 8+ on their own.
Great For: Younger thrill seekers.
Image © Wikicommons, under a creative commons license.
Hold On Tight On Storm Surge
Take a trip from the top of the giant spiralling water slide that is Storm Surge, one of Thorpe Park's most popular rides. The whole family goes together in one of their massive rings; be careful; you will get wet!
Area: Amity.
Height Restrictions: 110 cm +. Kids under 120 cm must be accompanied by an adult.
Age Range: 6+ with an adult.
Great For: Kids who love a good water slide.
Image © Wikicommons, under a creative commons license.
Soar In The Air On Quantum
Take a magical ride on Thorpe Park's very own magic carpet. This fun ride is sure to thrill the whole family.
Area: Lost City.
Height Restrictions: 120 cm +
Age Range: 7+
Great For: Kids who love an adrenaline rush and fans of Aladdin.
Image © thorpepark.com.
Hold On Tight On Timber Tug Boat
The Timber Tug Boat takes you up into the air and around again on this wicked whirlwind ride. Jump about the Timber Tug Boat and hold on tight!
Area: Old Town.
Height Restrictions: 90 cm +. Kids under 110 cm must be accompanied by an adult.
Age Range: 5+ with an adult.
Great For: Younger thrill seekers.
Image © thorpepark.com.
Reach For The Stars On Lumber Jump
You'll be bouncing up and down on Lumber Jump! Lumber Jump will send you high into the sky and back down again and again.
Area: Old Town.
Height Restrictions: 90 cm +. Kids under 110 cm must be accompanied by an adult.
Age Range: 5+ with an adult, 8+ on their own.
Great For: Budding astronauts and pilots.
Image © Jeremy Thompson on Flickr, under a creative commons license.
Fly Through The Sky On Flying Fish
Hold onto your hats as you fly on Flying Fish, Thorpe Park's rollercoaster for younger visitors. If you're looking for a great first rollercoaster experience, this delivers the fun without any fear.
Area: Amity.
Height Restrictions: 90 cm +. Kids under 110cm must be accompanied by an adult.
Age Range: 5+ with an adult, 7+ on their own.
Great For: First-time rollercoaster riders.
Image © John K Thorne on Flickr, under a creative commons license.
Make A Splash On Depth Charge
There's fun for all the family on Depth Charge, where you can race each other down the gigantic waterslide. This ride is sure to deliver a thrill.
Area: Amity.
Height Restrictions: 90 cm +. Kids under 120 cm must be accompanied by an adult.
Age Range: 4+ with an adult, 8+ on their own.
Great For: Kids who love to make a splash and don't mind getting wet.
Image © thorpepark.com.
Speed Along The Rumba Rapids
Get ready for a bumpy ride on the Rumba Rapids. This fun family experience will have you holding on tight as you speed down the Rumba river.
Area: The Jungle.
Height Restrictions: 90 cm +. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Age Range: 5+ with an adult.
Great For: A thrilling family ride.
Image © Sebastian Ballard on Wikipedia, under a creative commons license.
Take A Ride On A Runaway Train On The Rocky Express
You'll be on the edge of your seat for this exhilarating ride. The Rocky Express will go up, down, and all-around in this exciting theme park experience.
Area: Old Town.
Height Restrictions: 90 cm +. Kids under 120 cm must be accompanied by an adult.
Age Range: 5+ with an adult, 8+ on their own.
Great For: A flying family experience.
Hold Onto Your Hats On Storm In A Teacup
You'll be twirling around and around in huge teacups on this fun ride. This ride is a great time for the whole family.
Area: Amity.
Height Restrictions: 110 cm +. Kids under 130 cm must be accompanied by an adult.
Age Range: 6+ with an adult, 9+ on their own.
Great For: Fans of classic fairground rides.
Moving to New York aged fifteen was a big step into the unknown for London-born Zachary, but the adventure led to some incredible experiences and strengthened his bond with his two younger sisters. Now back in the UK, Zachary has a passion for writing and music. He is currently studying for a BA in Politics and Modern History at the University of Manchester.
Read The Disclaimer
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising.
We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published.
Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.
We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
Was this article helpful?
Get Inspiration For Education!
Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more
Browse Category
We’ll send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out.
Check your inbox for your latest news from us. You have subscribed to:
Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter.
