Posted on: September 22, 2022
So, you’ve got a toddler (whether it’s yours, a friend’s or a relative’s - we won't ask) and you’re struggling to think of stuff to do.
You definitely don’t want to head to the local soft play centre (the kind that are sort of... Sticky?) But you want something that’ll keep their brain busy and will hopefully have them prepped for a 4pm nap.
We’ve collected some of our favourite toddler days out (that won’t break the bank either) - you’re very welcome.
Home to the UK’s favourite pig (except for Percy, sorry), Peppa Pig World will have your young ones meeting all their favourite characters. The star of the show himself, George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig all coming to life at the Hampshire theme park.
There’s plenty of themed rides and attractions perfect for toddlers to explore. Plus, if your blessed with the presence of a slightly older kid, Poulton's Park is a hop, skip and jump away, packed with rides to keep them quiet and happy. This is definitely the toddler friendly day out which'll keep everyone happy - and we know how important that is.
For all the kids (and big kids) who love all things Thomas the Tank Engine, you’ll struggle to find a better day out than this. Home to Thomas Land, Drayton Manor Theme Park – spitting distance from Birmingham – is the perfect fam day out.
There’s no shortage of Thomas-themed rides and attractions, from Diesel’s Locomotive Mayhem to Terence’s driving school, there’s plenty to get involved in at this top toddler day out (yes, for you older folk too).
Who knew that the Scottish capital was the place to see animals from all corners of the earth? We did. Edinburgh Zoo is ideal for little ones to experience and learn about, with adorable koalas, mischievous monkeys, frightening(ly cool) lions AND the UK’s only giant pandas. Your little ones will just love learning all about the 2,500 amazing creatures that call this lovely zoo home - oh, and don't forget to keep your eyes peeled for any special events.
You can’t miss checking out the beautiful Edinburgh Zoo Garden’s while you’re at it - there's plenty of exploring to be done on the zoo's 82-acre plot.
Located in Hull (again, who’d have thought it?), The Deep is one of the UK’s biggest and best aquariums – perfect for the little ones to get up close and personal with all sorts of sea critters.
The attraction is packed with interactive displays and daily dive shows, so they’ll be fast asleep five minutes after you get in the car - AKA peace and serenity are just one aquarium visit away.
Based out of Staffordshire’s Alton Towers Resort, CBeebies Land is the perfect day out for toddlers. There are tonnes of rides for your little ones to explore and enjoy from Peter Rabbit Hippity Hop to In the Night Garden Magical Boat Ride, plus Big Fun Showtime.
What’s not to love about this one? Oh, and under 3’s go free, just in case you needed another reason to go.
Just outside of York centre you’ll find York Maze, the perfect place for the kids to burn off their afternoon sugar-rush. The Popcorn Pillow and Cobstacle Course will keep them busy for a while. But if the weather isn’t on your side, there’s indoor activities for the young ones to enjoy too.
And of course, you’ve got to give the iconic maze itself a go, no matter how young or old you are (let us know how you get on, our old MD is still stuck in there...)
The National Children’s Museum, based in Halifax, is the best interactive and educational day out for toddlers. The museum has over 400 hands-on exhibits (so no need to warn them about not touching anything, phew) across six zones, there’s loads to learn.
If your little ones are budding artists, they’ll love designing their own butterfly, and young biologists will be fascinated (and possibly a little traumatised) by looking up a giant nose. This educational spot makes for the perfect toddler day out.
Your little tots can make all sorts of new friends at beWILDerwood, from Mildred the Crocklebog, Hazel the Wood Witch and plenty of others. There’s a whole range of indoor and outdoor activities to explore, they can adventure in Tiptoe Valley, ride the Twiggle Whizzers or tour the Toddlewood on the Hill.
BeWILDerwood also has two locations, one based up North in Cheshire and another down South in Norfolk. Your toddlers are gonna love this one.
Another aquarium- we know- but this one’s special - it’s known as the world’s oldest aquarium. At this historic site you can meet jellyfish, seahorses and a fish who looks suspiciously like Nemo (found him!)
Youngsters can learn all sorts about the sea, from weird to wonderful (and everything in-between) and even have the chance to board a glass-bottomed boat.
Not far from the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, you’ll find the Discover Children’s Story Centre- aka the best day out for toddlers in London. Tots are free to roam the magical Story Worlds and Story Garden, their imagination will run wild (with a capital W).
There’s even sensory light displays and tactile cave spaces to explore, make sure to check this one out.
At Days Out, you can book the UK’s best attractions (y’know the proper FOMO inducing ones?) -- we know where’s perfect for you. Find your next adventure.