After being cooped up in lockdown for so long, it’s no wonder that for many of us, our thoughts have turned to what we can get up to outside of our houses when restrictions have lifted.
A family experience day is a great way of trying something different with your family members and opens your child’s eyes to the wider world including unique animals, landmarks and even potential future hobbies. These are quite often sold as vouchers that you can then book in at a time that suits you, which also makes them a lovely family gift idea for birthdays and Christmas.
So if you’re looking to try a family experience day with your loved ones, here are our favourites...
www.buyagift.co.uk
Shrek is one of the best family films, but did you know he has his very own attraction in London? With this experience, you'll start by hopping aboard the DreamWorks Magic Bus in County Hall on the South Bank and experience a 4D magical ride to the land of Far Far Away with animation, fun-filled story-telling and of course plenty of laughs.
This walk and ride adventure for the whole family allows you to be part of the fairy-tale as you visit Shrek’s swamp, lose your way in the Mirror Maze and meet all the favourite characters from the beloved DreamWorks animation including Rumpelstiltskin, Donkey, Fiona and of course Shrek.
You'll also receive a 24-hour river pass that grants you unlimited hop-on, hop-off travel along the Thames so you can arrive in style and enjoy a relaxing cruise along the river, seeing the brilliant sights of London!
www.redletterdays.co.uk
Although you'll need a couple of these vouchers for a family of four, it's well worth it to get close to some of the world’s most fascinating little creatures.
You'll get to see the adorable meerkats up close and discover their playful and intelligent personalities at one of the many locations UK wide. A great gift if your child is an animal lover, this really is a one-of-a-kind experience.
www.virginexperiencedays.co.uk
If you've never taken in London’s most spectacular panorama from The Shard, you must! Renowned for its magnificent architecture and sweeping 360-degree views across the city below, you and your family can take in the sights at your leisure, both in Level 69’s indoor viewing gallery and on Level 72’s spectacular open-air platform, offering views for up to 40 miles in every direction. You'll also have access to a panoramic guide and four digital photos to take home as souvenirs of your special day.
www.buyagift.co.uk
Enjoy a hands-on alpaca experience at Lucky Tails Alpaca Farm with your family, situated in the scenic Warwickshire countryside. It's also home to continental giant bunnies, pygmy goats, chickens and runner ducks.
You and your family will have the chance to get up close to the alpacas during an unforgettable alpaca walk, in which you’ll learn about these curious animals and their fleeces, before harnessing up your own and taking a leisurely stroll through the grounds. They’ll even be a photo opportunity, so you'll have mementos for your amazing day.
www.virginexperiencedays.co.uk
Got a little train lover? Take a journey back to the golden age of travel with a Sunday Lunch Experience aboard The Elizabethan Steam Train with Great Central Railway. You and your three family members will get to soak up picturesque views of Charnwood’s countryside as you’re served a three-course lunch aboard one of the train’s First Class Restaurant Cars.
You'll also receive complimentary all day travel tickets for use on other trains operating during the day.
www.redletterdays.co.uk
Suitable for a family with older children, this experience is based at the foot of the warden hills, this riding school experience accommodates a family of four. You'll learn all about general horse keeping before each receiving a basic horse riding lesson from a qualified instructor. Then set off on a recreational trek along the ancient Icknield Way or across the Chiltern Hills, alternating between walking and riding.
www.virginexperiencedays.co.uk
If you love the Harry Potter books of films, this Warner Bros. Studio Tour is a must. You'll get an insight into the world of wizardry with the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. Step into the Great Hall, Dumbledore's office and the wand room with this thrilling tour of the Making of Harry Potter. See the triple-decker Knight Bus and the Dursleys' life-size house on Privet Drive, taste real Butterbeer, and ride a broomstick.
You'll also get to enjoy a delicious afternoon tea at Mercure Hunton Park. In this charming period house you’ll tuck into a selection of finger sandwiches, mini fruit tartlets and scones with clotted cream and jam.
www.buyagift.co.uk
Make your way around the nine acres of stunning natural woodland of Wonderland! Located in Telford Town Park, you will encounter fairy tale characters come to life on every corner. Among a range of attractions you will find a maze, see Dinosaur valley, an indoor soft play area and you'll even have the chance to play crazy golf on the Jolly Roger! Parents are guaranteed to have as much fun as the kids!
www.buyagift.co.uk
Ideal for adults and children alike, The Eden Project boasts rainforests, waterfalls and a jaw-dropping variety of plants and flowers – all held in huge Biomes designed to replicate climates ranging from tropical South America to the Mediterranean. There are gorgeous gardens featuring flowers from closer to home, making this a fascinating day out.
www.redletterdays.co.uk
If you're a football mad family, why not take a tour of the iconic Wembley Stadium? You'll get to head behind the scenes and see exclusive areas, a replica of the FA Cup and a statue of Bobby Moore.
www.zsl.org
You'll need a few of these for the whole family but it'll certainly be a day you never forget. It gives you the opportunity to get up close with some of the animals at ZSL London Zoo hosted by one of their Zookeepers and get a taster of what life is like as a Zookeeper. Your youngster will receive morning refreshments, a Zookeeper t-shirt and cap and a goody bag.
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