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Best new family attractions: From Bristol's new digital 3D planetarium to Nottingham's National Videogame Arcade
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If your little one enjoys playing shop, this attraction, due to open this summer at Westfield, in west London, will be right up their street. Designed to educate as well as entertain, KidZania involves more than 60 real-life role-play scenarios designed to teach children essential life skills. Children can play customer or cashier, cabin crew or pilot, tourist or tour guide. The attraction even has its own currency – kidZos – which children can earn, spend and save.
Westfield, London, Ariel Way (0330 131 3333; london.kidzania.com). Adult ticket £16.50, child ticket £28.
Shrek's Adventure, South Bank, London
It was only a matter of time before everyone's favourite ogre got his own attraction. Shrek's Adventure is set to descend on London's South Bank in July. The fairytale-themed attraction promises a unique and immersive adventure in the Kingdom of Far Far Away, and will feature a number of characters from the films, including Princess Fiona, Puss in Boots, and the Three Little Pigs. The day begins with a simulated flying bus ride with Donkey at the wheel. Naturally things go awry and visitors must embark on a quest to find Shrek. Along the way, they'll visit locations seen in the animation, including Shrek's swamp and Muffin Man's house, fight their way through a maze with Rumpelstiltskin hot on their heels.
Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road (shreksadventure.com). Adult ticket £23.40, children £18.72.
3D Planetarium, Bristol
Outer Space is the name of the game at Bristol's new digital 3D planetarium, which opened in April. The presenter-led attraction takes children (and parents) through parts of the solar system. The immersive "Summer Stargazing" experience encourages wannabe astronauts to explore black holes, investigate the colour of stars, and fly through Saturn's rings – from their armchair.
Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol (0845 345 1235; at-bristol.org.uk). General admission for adults is £12.60, for children it's £8.10. Planetarium shows cost £3 extra.
Alton Towers Enchanted Village, Staffordshire
As if Alton Towers wasn't magical enough for excited children, the theme park has now added an Enchanted Village. Set in woodland, the village is made up of 120 wooden lodges which can accommodate families of five, as well as five luxury tree houses which sleep eight. According to Alton Towers legend, mischievous Little Fable Folk live among the treetops!
Alton, Staffordshire (0871 222 3330; altontowers.com). Woodland lodges start at £31.25pp per night, based on four people sharing. Treehouses from £600 per night, based on eight people sharing.
National Videogame Arcade, Nottingham
If you struggle to drag your little ones away from their screens, why not take them to the UK's first ever centre dedicated to videogames? The arcade, in Nottingham, has five floors featuring interactive exhibits as well as vintage arcade machines. Visitors can play old-school games such as Space Invaders or Super Smash Bros, while learning about the history of games from informative displays, or try their hand at creating their own video game.
24-32 Carlton Street, Nottingham (0115 881 3092; gamecity.org) Adult ticket from £8.50, child ticket from £6.50.
Thomas World at Drayton Manor, Staffordshire
Fans of Thomas the Tank Engine will be delighted with the new additions to Thomas World at the Drayton Manor theme park in Staffordshire. As well as a number of new rides, including Captain's Sea Adventure, Flynn's Fire & Rescue, and Toby's Tram Express, there is also an exciting new travel-themed attraction: Sodor Airport. It boasts a balcony for VIP "travellers" and Jeremy Jet's Flying Academy is just outside.
Drayton Manor Drive, Fazeley, Tamworth, Staffordshire (0844 472 1950; draytonmanor.co.uk/thomas-land). Adult ticket from £20, child ticket from £15.
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