Family Days Out in the UK: Summer Holiday Activities

For the best days out in UK, Thorpe Park is the ultimate destination! We’re based in Surrey, just an hour from central London and with more than 25 exciting rides and attractions, it’s no wonder that families choose to visit us time and time again. 

This guide covers summer holiday activities that families can enjoy at Thorpe Park. From gentle first-time rides for younger visitors to thrilling rollercoasters and practical tips for planning a super fun visit, this handy guide is packed with useful information.

Thorpe Park: a Great Family Day Out This Summer

If you’re looking for fun things to do this summer, a theme park day out at Thorpe Park is a great choice for the whole family. 

Our rides and attractions are perfect for every age and confidence level. We also have a great choice of water rides, perfect for summer. There’s also entertainment and dining options to enjoy across the park. 

• Over 25 thrilling rides and attractions for all ages and confidence levels.

• Splashing fun on water rides for cool summer holiday adventures.

• Family entertainment throughout the summer season.

• A range of family-friendly food and drink outlets across the park.

If this sounds like your kind of summer day out book your tickets and  plan your visit!      

Summer Activities and Family Attractions for All Ages

As one of the biggest family attractions in the UK, Thorpe Park offers rides ranging from  gentle family experiences to some of the UK's tallest rollercoasters. This means groups with a mix of ages and confidence levels can usually find something to ride together.

Rides for Younger Children and First-Time Thrillseekers

We have several rides designed for  younger children and those wanting to experience riding a  rollercoaster for the first time. Here are some of the options:

- Flying Fish is a gentle starter coaster.

- The Playground is designed for younger children. 

- Amity Beach is a paddling and play area for toddlers.

-  Mr Monkey's Banana Ride is a great first ride experience for young kids. 

Family Rides You Can Enjoy Together

If you’re a group with mixed ages, here are some rides designed for all ages:      

- Big Easy Bumpers is a dodgems ride suitable for most ages. 

- High Striker is a  junior drop tower that families can ride together. 

- Sunset Cinema is a 4D cinema experience that makes for the perfect break between rides.

Bigger Rides for Older Kids and Teens

Older children and teenagers looking for bigger rides have plenty to choose from. Height and age restrictions apply to some of these, so it's worth checking height requirements before visiting.

- Hyperia is the UK's tallest and fastest rollercoaster, at 236ft. 

- Stealth is the world’s fastest accelerating rollercoaster, from 0-80mph in 1.8 seconds. 

- The Swarm is  Europe’s tallest winged rollercoaster.

- Nemesis Inferno is an intense, volcano-themed inverted roller coaster with suspended riders.

Water Rides to Cool Off This Summer

Thorpe Park's water rides are a great way to cool down during warmer weather. 

- Tidal Wave drops riders into a wall of water from a height.

- Storm Surge is a fun, rapid ride with lots of sharp turns. 

Riders will get wet on both of these rides, so we recommend packing a spare change of clothes. Swimwear isn't required, though some guests do choose to wear it under their clothes. You can visit the water rides hub for the full list of splash rides.

Food and Drink Options for Families

We know that exciting summer family activities make you hungry! We’ve got you covered with a range of family-friendly restaurants and food outlets across the park, including burgers, fish and chips and pizza. 

Prices and offers change through the season, so make sure to download the official Thorpe Park app to check what's available on the day.

Planning Your Summer Holiday Adventure at Thorpe Park

Summer can be a busy time to visit, so a little planning can help make your school holiday activities at Thorpe Park run smoothly. 

Tips for Visiting During the School Holidays

• Book tickets in advance as it’s often cheaper than buying on the day.

• Arrive early so you can get easier access to rides before the queues build.

• Check opening times before your visit to help with planning.

• Review height requirements so everyone knows which rides they can enjoy.

• Download the Thorpe Park app to get live queue times and access our park map.

What to Pack for Your Family Day Out

The best family days out are made for fun adventures. So, making sure you have everything you need to stay happy and comfortable is vital. If water rides are on the agenda, packing sun cream, spare clothes and towels is a great idea. For younger guests, sun hats are a wise choice too. There are lockers available to rent on-site for storing belongings while you enjoy the rides and explore the park. 

If a theme park experience sounds good for your summer holiday activities, make sure to plan your visit before visiting and check our information page on accessibility at the Help Centre. Once you’re all set and ready for your fun days out, you can book tickets and make great memories for the whole family.