Arcades & Amusements in East Midlands

The three options here are quite different in kind, so the choice depends on your children's ages and how far you want to drive. Twinlakes Outdoor Waterpark in Melton Mowbray is the full-day outing: rides, animal encounters, and indoor climbing frames and soft play that reviewers single out as the highlight on wet days. Our verdict places it best for children aged 3 to 7 who want variety without the intensity of a larger park. Reviews consistently criticise the on-site catering, and the outdoor ride areas reportedly show some wear, so a packed lunch and a focus on the farm and indoor sections get the most out of it. There is a large free car park.

Funstation Nottingham suits an older crowd, roughly 5 and up, and is an indoor session rather than a day out: arcade games, bowling and VR, with a digital card system instead of tokens. Reviewers praise helpful staff who are proactive about explaining games to children and assisting visitors with mobility issues, and describe the venue as clean and well maintained. It does get noticeably warm inside, and there is no food available, so most people eat beforehand or pair it with the nearby Cineworld or restaurants. Note the entrance is inside the Cornerhouse building, not at street level.

iplay - Intelligent Play in Northampton is an outdoor installation aimed at active children aged 8 and up, combining physical movement with electronic challenge across four game formats including multiplayer. Reviewers report it works well when operational, but it carries a 2.9 rating from only 12 reviews, with equipment described as non-functional for months or years at a stretch and recurring vandalism. It is best treated as a bonus stop if you are already at Abington Park, not a destination in its own right.