In the lead-up to the weekend, I always seem to be on my phone researching the best places to take my little one. She is a recent school starter, full of energy and needs entertaining. Don’t even get me started on school holiday entertainment plans.
It’s that time of year, when I am looking forward to warmer weather and planning lots of family days out, to enjoy throughout the year. If you are doing the same, be sure to check out this great list of attractions. It’s always great to have something to look forward to!
The purpose of my new page FAMILY DAYS OUT – is to help other families find great attractions to visit -without researching them. Want to be featured? Feel free to contact me and check out more details here.
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Let’s dive into my list of the Merlin Attractions To Visit With The Kids
Merlin Passes
You can book more than one adventure and save money! With annual passes starting from £99 per person, for over 200 Days of Entry (please do view the small print on the passes to ensure this fits with your circumstances).
- Unlock access to the UK’s BIGGEST and best attractions for the smallest price
- Off-peak entry only. Restrictions apply.
- Over 200 Days Entry (view calendar)
attractions in Blackpool
- Blackpool Tower
- SEA LIFE Blackpool
- Peter Rabbit™: Explore and Play
- Gruffalo and Friends Clubhouse
- Blackpool Tower Dungeon
- The Blackpool Tower Circus
- Madame Tussauds
attractions in and around Birmingham
- SEA LIFE Birmingham
- Cadbury World
- Bear Grylls Activity Centre
- LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
- Warwick Castle
attractions in Manchester
- LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
- SEA LIFE Manchester
attractions in London
- London Eye
- SEA LIFE London
- Madame Tussauds
- Shrek’s Adventure
- London Dungeon
Other attractions
SEA LIFE Centres in the UK
- SEA LIFE Bray
- SEA LIFE Brighton
- SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth
- SEA LIFE Hunstanton
- SEA LIFE Loch Lomond
- SEA LIFE Scarborough
- SEA LIFE Weymouth
Merlin Dungeons in the UK
- The York Dungeon
- The Edinburgh Dungeon
Short breaks
When visiting an attraction or theme park, it’s always great to stay overnight so you have more access to the array of things to do. Let’s have a look at Merlin Entertainments and their great offers – if you are considering visiting the theme parks anyway.
Short Breaks Offer – 2nd Day Free –
Add your 2nd Day in the Theme Park for Free when you book a Short Break
Chessington World Of Adventure – offer valid until 03/03/24
Chessington World Of Adventure is made up of 10 themed lands, Chessington Zoo and SEA LIFE.
WORLD OF ADVENTURE – Including Adventure Tree Carousel, Room on the Broom – A Magical Journey, the Tiny Truckers ride and Elmer’s Flying Jumbos.
CHESSINGTON ZOO – Hundreds of wild animals can be found in the zoo, with two live shows at Sealion Bay and Penguin Bay.
SEA LIFE – housing species ranging from tiny shrimps and starfish to magnificent sharks and stingrays. With over 20 marine life displays.
Here are some tips if you’re visiting the park –
Take a packed lunch.
Paying for parking in advance is much cheaper.
Mobility scooters can be hired on the day, to help you get around the park.
Thorpe Park Short Break – offer valid until 03/03/24
With an array of thrilling rides, a beach, a playground and rides for little kids – you will be guaranteed a fun-packed day out. Your short break booking includes two full days of theme park thrills!
Here are some tips if you’re visiting the park –
1. Check your height before you start the day, to ensure you know which rides you can go on.
2. Bring zip-lock sandwich bags or waterproof bags for your electronics – whilst on water rides.
3. Bring spare clothes in case you get a bit too carried away on the water rides.
4. Change into flip-flops when riding water rides – no need to worry about ruining your trainers!
6. Bring lots of water! You never know how long the queues will be.
7. Want to beat the queues? Head over to Nemesis Inferno & SAW first thing and work your way around the park from there. There are fewer queues at the back of the park at the start of the day and you’ll find yourself working against the crowds all day!
Days out
Shall we look at some of the other Merlin Attractions in more detail?
Nemesis Reborn Has Arrived! Opening Saturday 16th March 2024
Nemesis Reborn invites the bravest of thrill-seekers to tackle dominating drops and intense inversions aboard the ride. The Phalanx have lost all strength and now it’s your turn to encounter this terrifying creature.
Legoland Windsor
Legoland has launched a new mini-golf section and it looks fantastic.
You can book your family stay. Check out the seasonal events they have on. And the other special events, by clicking this link.
Bear Grylls Adventure
Located in Birmingham, at the NEC. There is an array of activities for your adventurous kids. Including – indoor climbing walls, archery range, iFLY wind tunnel and escape rooms.
Cadbury World
Join Freddo and a whole host of Cadbury characters as they whisk you away on an adventurous journey in the 4D Chocolate Adventure cinema experience, complete with motion seats!
Discover the origins of the cocoa bean and jump on the magical Cadabra ride. Seen the adverts? You will also get to meet the infamous Cadbury drumming gorilla.
Sealife Centre Scarborough
Scarborough SEA LIFE Sanctuary is a unique indoor and outdoor attraction ideal for a family day out.
Penguin Island is a specialist enclosure, which was designed to let guests get closer to the animals. You can also meet seal pup patients and stop by the specialist Seal Hospital.
Gruffalo Clubhouse
The perfect experience for all children under 10 years old.
Burst through the pages of your favourite stories into a magical place of imagination, creativity, discovery and play. Adapted from some of the UK’s most loved children’s stories by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, with 6 captivating and immersive zones, this 2-hour play experience is enjoyable for a family day out.
The Dungeons York
See, hear, smell and feel York’s stories come to life before your eyes as frighteningly funny characters transport you through time.
Surprises await you at The Dungeon… Fear the Vikings as they invade and conquer York. Discover Guy Fawkes’ Gunpowder Plot and what happened that November night. Step inside the carriage to the York Knavesmire, where one of the infamous highwaymen Dick Turpin has returned.
Warwick Castle
I remember a wonderful family trip we had to Warwick Castle, over two days. The castle itself is amazing. I remember the princess castle and I want my little one to experience it. We also managed to catch the knights’ battle, which was amazing to see.
What’s on in February?
- Watch the spectacular Birds of Prey display at 12 pm and 2:30 pm each day.
- Join an expert team of Historians for a free guided tour of Warwick’s past.
- Journey through the exquisite Great Hall, State Rooms, and Royal Weekend Party.
- Slide into the world’s first Zog Playland.
- Get lost in time in the Horrible Histories Maze.
- Indulge in a tasty afternoon tea at the Conservatory Tea House.
- Visit the Princess Tower for an immersive storytelling experience, perfect for children aged 3 to 8. Get your free-timed ticket (weekends only).
CLICK the links above, to stay up to date with the latest events.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoyed the rundown of these amazing attractions.
Have you visited any? Which one is your favourite?
Let me know in the comments below…
The Merlin Pass does seem like a great way to save money on activities! I would love to visit Warwick Castle, and I know my daughter would love to go to Legoland!
The pass looks great and we might buy this. I love Warwick Castle – well worth a day out. And cannot wait to take my little one to Legoland!