Theme Parks in East Midlands

Four of the six are theme parks proper, and they sort by age. Gulliver's Kingdom at Matlock Bath is pitched at ages 2 to 13: reviewers describe short waits across most rides and a scale that suits younger siblings, but the terrain is steep, ski lifts between levels get their own queues on busy days, and the approach road is narrow. Twinlakes Park at Melton Mowbray works best for under-8s, with short queues even at peak times and strong indoor soft play, though reviewers say children over 9 can exhaust the options by midday. Robin Hoods Wheelgate Park near Newark covers the widest spread, with rides, animals, falconry and indoor play under one entry price; reviewers suggest allowing at least six hours. Great Days Out UK lists Wheelgate's Christmas Santa's Grotto and Gulliver's Fright Fiesta among the region's seasonal events.

CONKERS at Swadlincote is the outdoor-led choice for ages 5 and up: high ropes, an assault course and bushcraft sessions, with a miniature railway to save walking between the two sites. Reviewers note the Waterside section is older than the main site.

The other two are water days. Aqua Park Rutland at Oakham is a reservoir obstacle course for confident swimmers aged 6 and up; participants must swim 25m unaided and reach 1.20m, and sessions and waivers are booked online. Subtropical Swimming Paradise at Newark is the indoor alternative, part of Center Parcs, with slides, a wave machine and a slightly warmer children's pool, but reviewers say it gets very crowded on changeover days and that Wednesday and Sunday morning quiet sessions are calmer.