Better Days Out, Children's Activites, East Mids
  Children's activities and events
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  Theme parks and centres
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Theme Parks & Centres


Conkers Derbyshire 01283 216633

There are two main areas - Conkers Discovery and Conkers Waterfront. The discovery centre is brilliant with loads of interactive exhibits and loads for the kids to do, see and learn. There is a cafe, outdoor seating, waterplay, nature walks, forts, and ducks.



Conkers

Take the Conkachoo train to the Waterfront where there is an adventure playground with equipment for older children as well as younger ones. A great day out! Toilets and baby changing facilities are available.

"My family & i recommend Conkers Discovery & waterside center as there are activities for the whole family to do as a family or to just walk around & enjoy the tranquility of the english countryside."

"Conkers Discovery Centre is an ideal place for young and old alike. I went with an age group from 6 - 60 and all enjoyed themselves."

Open daily except Christmas Day
10 am - 6pm (Summer)
10 am - 5pm (Winter)
Last admission 1 hour before close

Please call for current prices.

Located five miles from Junction 11 on the M42

See more Pictures HERE!

Drayton Manor Park near Tamworth, Staffordshire, 08708 725252

Full day of fun and lots to do. brill.
Lots of family fun and rides for little ones too. The zoo has over a hundred species from all over the world including big cats, reptiles, monkeys, owls, eagles, parrots - plus there is an exotic creature reserve.

Ticket Hotline 0870 240 69 50.

Located near Tamworth, Staffordshire on the A4091, close to Junctions 9 & 10 of the M42 or exit T2 of the M6 Toll.

"I really recommend Drayton Manor Park, if you have small children who love Thomas the Tank then this is the place to take them. It's amazing and great value for money."

"I have been going to Drayton Manor Theme Park for years. It's great value for money and there are many things to do there, from rides and attractions to museums and animals. New this year is a 4d cinema which is a must see and they also have thomas land which is great for young children."


Great Central Railway Loughborough, Leicestershire 01509 230726

If your child loves trains, then this is the day out for you! Main Line Steam trains - every weekend and selected weekdays throughout the year. Re-creating the experience of famous expresses of the steam age. There is also a museum, refreshment room and shop.


Days out with Thomas and Santa trains are some of the annual special events at Great Central Railway.

Talking timetable 08 708 308 289
Loughborough Central Station is located south east of Loughborough town centre. There is roadside parking nearby.

Gulliver's Kindgdom Matlock Bath, 01925 444888

Gulliver’s Matlock Bath is nestled in a stunning hillside where much of the magic comes from the amazing scenery and views.A world of wonder and fantasy, where anything is possible and your imagination is inspired. From the Alpine joys of Little Switzerland, the escape from reality on Fantasy Terrace to high noon in Western World. Enjoy all the magic of Lilliput Land and then step back in time to Palais Royale.

From the M1 exit Junction 28 and follow the signs.
From M6 from the south, take the A38 towards Lichfield, following it north until you
see signposts.

Adults
£8.99
Children
£8.99
Under 90cm
FREE
O.A.P.
£7.99

Jumicar Ferry Farm Park, Boat Lane, Hoveringham NG14 7JP

Located within Ferry Farm Park, children from the age of 6 upwards can drive real junior sized cars, powered by real engines, just like the grown-ups do!

Although Jumicar is for older children (6 and up) Younger children just enjoy being driven around as a passenger.

Jumicar
So, if you have an older sister or brother, get them to drive you around in a Jumicar mini car!

Making It! Discovery Centre, Chadburn House, Weighbridge Road, Mansfield, Notts, NG18 1AH Tel: 01623 473297/473200

An exciting family attraction based around design & technology - it's fun, entertaining, engaging and educational - fully hands on galleries to keep you inspired and amazed for hours.

Are you inquisitive? Do you like to find out for yourself? Do you like to experiment? Do you like to make things? Do you learn better by doing it yourself? If the answer is "yes" then you need to visit Making it!

"I would like to recommend the Making It discovery centre at Mansfield. It is a great hands on interactive centre for all the family. you also get to make a model like a ball launcher or speed machine to take home with you!"

Admission time 10am-5pm, last admissions 3.30pm (recommendation only).


Midland Railway Centre, Butterly Butterley Station, Ripley, Derbyshire DE5 3QZ 01773 747674

Lots to see and do, steam and diesel train rides, museum, model railway, mini railway, country park, small farm with animals, children's play area, cafe and gift shop.

"I recently visited The Midland Railway Centre at Butterley with my 2 children. They were amazed at seeing the "real" steam trains and couldnt wait to take a ride. 

Firstly we paid our entrance fee at the ticket kiosk, had a drink and snack at the Station Cafe, then boarded the train for our short journey to the station at Swanwick.  Here we pottered around the museum where we saw a large collection of steam and diesel locomotives. A great day out for the family whether your a train enthusiast or not."


The Midland Railway Centre is on the B6179, one mile North of Ripley, sign posted from Ripley town centre and from the A38, M1 Junction 28.


Roliston Forestry Centre Burton Road, Roliston, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 8JX 01283 563483

Set in the National Forest, this centre is brilliant for playing, walking and cycling. There's a huge outdoor adventure playground with play areas suitable for all ages.



Roliston Forestry Centre
There are picnic tables and loads of spaces for picnic blankets and cricket games. And, don't forget your bucket and spade for the lovely sand pit play area.
Indoors there's a softplay area (small fee), a restaurant and a crafts centre. All in all, a fun day out!
FREE Admission
Small fee for car park
Located off the A444 (follow brown signs), accesible from the A42 and M1.

See more Pictures HERE!



Snibston Discovery Park Ashby Road, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 3LN
01530 278444 

Lots to do inisde and out and lots of hands on stuff.
One of the largest and most dynamic museums in the Midlands, Snibston is Leicestershire's all-weather science and industry museum.

Snibston Discovery Park


Visitors can get their `hands-on' loads of fun in the popular Science Alive! Gallery or explore the County's rich heritage in the Transport, Extractives, Engineering and Textiles and Fashion Galleries.

The brand new Extra Ordinary gallery explores the technologies and inventions that have shaped our every day lives and then asks the visitor to vote for what they think is the most important and influential.

"Not expensive for adults, and even better for under fives as its free! My Three year old loves it, inside there's lots of hands on for all ages (adults too) and outside is the best play area I've seen! Well worth a visit whatever age your kids are!"

"We would like to recommend Snibston museum because there was something for everyone in our family (ranging from 4-10yrs). Our 4yr old loved the train ride, they all enjoyed the oudoor activities and the eldest loved the interactive science experiments."

April to October Open daily 10am - 5pm
November to March open Mon – Fri 10am – 3pm, Sat & Sun and school holidays 10am – 5pm

Prices:
Adults (aged 16 and over) £6.75
Children (aged 5 - 15) £4.50
Under 5's Free
Family of 4 (max 2 adults) £20.00
Family of 5 (max 2 adults) £22.00

Snibston is located on the edge of Coalville town centre on the A511, just 4 miles from Junction 22 of the M1 and Junction 13 of the A42/M42. It is clearly signed on all major approach routes.


Sundown Adventure Land Theme Park Rampton,
near Retford, Nottinghamshire 01777 248274

Sundown is a theme park uniquely designed for under 10's and features Storybook village, Lollippopet House, Captain Sandy's Play Cove, and much more.

Sundown Adventure Land

There is also a farmyard where you can take a tractor ride, an indoor junglemania play area, an outdoor play area, a shop, and Mother Hubards Kitchen where you can get fudge. It's a great day out for the whole family and it's great for stimulating the little ones as well - it is full of bright colours and it's really clean.

Adults & Children - £7.50
Under 2's - FREE
Free car park

" It's a great day out for the whole family and it's great for stimulating the little ones as well - it is full of bright colours and it's really clean."

"I took my 3 and 5 year old to Sundown near Tuxford recently and had a really lovely day out. They really undersell themselves on their website and in their leaflets. It really is a lovely day of enchantment and discovery for younger children. Unlike most similar places, there is something to see and do in every single nook and cranny. I cannot recommend it highly enough and am aldready planning our next day back there."

"Fantastic day out for under 10's."

"We had the best day out we have had for ages!! The girls (9 and 3 years) were kept happy and had great fun for hours. They climbed, swung and slide for over an hour in Fort Apache. It was really good to get them active and running about in the fresh air. The girls have already asked to go back again tomorrow!!"

"Sundown adventure land was great for my daughter and her father! would recommend this place for children of all ages, my husband is 35 and he thought it was great!!"

"Sundown adventureland land at retford is lovely so much for children to do even indoor play area if raining. Took grandson, i have never seen him so happy and us grandparents, can't wait to go back."

"Sundown Adventure Land is fantastic for both children and adults. Amazing value for money as there is plenty to do for a full day out. You can take a picnic and eat on the grass if its a nice day. If you prefer you can eat in the cafe in the indoor play area and the food is really nice. The gift shop was really good as well as we got something to remember our day :-)"

"Fantastic, it's even fun for adults aswell as children...indoor play area is fantastic and food isnt over priced...a well and truely recommended day out for families of all ages with children"

Sundown Adventure Land is 6 miles from the A1 Markham Moor and sign posted 3 miles from Dunham on the A57.


Twinlakes Park Melton Spinney Road, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE14 4SB Tel: 01664 567777

Twinlakes Park is park is packed with playtime magic for all ages and all weather.  There’s 10 playzones and over 100,000 sq.ft of indoor adventure and rides. Designed for every member of the family to have a great day out. Plus a brand new Ice Skating Rink has opened!

Twinlakes is the most recommended day out!

"I would recommend twinlakes at melton mowbury to anyone, it was brilliant, a little bit of everything for all ages, a great day out"

"Great family fun for kids and adults of all ages. Plenty of indoor and outdoor attractions, so weather can't spoil your day! Rides, animals, play areas, everything in one place."

"I have been to Twin Lakes Park many of times is brill for all the family. There are loads of really good things to say and not one bad. It's packed with loads of fun from seeing the animals to going on rides, i would recommend this theme park to all families at all ages. Iwill keep going back as you cannot get bored at all there is too much to do there to get bored."

"I recently visited Twinlakes Park with my family. Fabulous day out. My little one 3 years old really had good fun."

"Absolutely brilliant place for children, the best value for money that I have found yet. The season ticket deal is second to none. The family and I love it."

"I would recommend Twinlakes because its absolutely fantasic and kids from all ages can enjoy it personaly i am 12 years old and at first i though it was a kiddy thing to go to but when i has gone it was absoutely fantasic and i loved it."

"I have 3 children 3, 5 & 7 Twin lakes is one of the best places to go for a full day out of fun to suit the whole family whatever the weather and without breaking th bank."

"Twinlakes in Melton Mowbray, a great family day out with the kids. They will simply love it, alot to do and it will keep them entertained."

"my absolutely true recommendation is twinlakes park, it is definately fun for ALL the family and better than any place i have ever been before. It was a brilliant experiance and would definately go back again, definately worth the money!"

Open every day from 10.00am, closed December 24th, 25th & 26th.

Please ring 01664 567777 for current admission prices.

From Melton Mowbray take the A607 to Grantham. Bear Left onto Melton Spinney Road for 1/4 mile, Twinlakes is on your Right.
Win a FREE entrance voucher!

Wheelgate Adventure Park Farnsfield, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG22 8HX Tel: 01623 882773

Family fun, rides, indoor play and much much more!

"We had a full day out and the kids really enjoyed it, there is loads to do including rides, a big new indoor play area, a new assault course, carousel, crazy golf and more. The best bit is that the adults can go on most of the rides too and in the indoor play area on the slides! There are lots of picnic areas and a cafe/toilets/shop. Kids need to wear socks in the indoor area so don't forget- my daughter was wearing sandals but they do sell socks in the cafe."
"I think wheelgate is really good value for money. We bought a yearly pass for £27 and can go as many times as we want, even if its for an hour or two. Really pleased as my 4 year old loves it."


Wicksteed Park, Kettering, Northamptonshire NN15 6NJ, 08700 621 193

It costs £6 to park and then you buy tickets to go on rides so it's not cheap. But the rides are in a massive park with a lake so the surroundings are impressive. You can spend a whole day there - picnic etc. (Outdoor activities only).


Wicksteed Park
There's a playground area (FREE), arcade area with rides, lakeside area with walks and water rides, and the arena area that has the larger rides.

Opening Times - Rides Open at 10:30am  Park Opens at 9:00am

Beamish Wild Beamish Country House Hotel, Beamish, Co Durham DH90YB
Tel: 0044 1207 233733

Set in the grounds of Beamish Hall in Co. Durhamt, Beamish Wild is a Birds of Prey Centre, Ropes Activity Course and adventure playground providing a fun day out for all the family.

If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush then Beamish Wild High Ropes is an adventure course set 35ft up in the trees. Take on a range of obstacles such as climbing through tunnel nets, zip wiring between the trees, jumping off the ‘leap of faith’ and freefalling on the incredible 35ft power-fan.



Beamish Wild

Whether it be face-to-face encounters with our feathery friends in our free flight demonstrations, taking the baby owls on an Owl Walk or letting the kids run wild in the adventure playground, Beamish Wild really is great fun for all the family.”

Tel 01207 233 733