Days out/theme parks

I must admit I do like Monkeys

When I first took my grandson out alone - I live a long way away- he was 3. We just caught a bus to a neaby park. He loved the bus ride both ways and always enjoys the park, though he complained I couldn't push him high enough on the swings.
This week I had him for a day and repeated the experience. He's 4 and a half now. Still loved the bus and now much more independant at the park. He climbed a rope climbing frame right to the top and went down the slide from there. I was worried it was too hard for him and stood nervously underneath in case he fell, but he was fine. I have the advantage of my free bus pass so it's a free outing, but I'm not as young so worry about him climbing high and getting stuck as I couldn't rescue him if he did. I was talking to a dad who was with his son and saying I was nervous and he said he'd help if necessary. In the end both boys played together and went on the see-saw together while we just watched.
DD - his auntie - and I also took him to a trampoline centre when he was younger. That was great outside school holiday times as you get a long session before the school kids arrive in the afternoons. It's not so good in school holidays as too busy and you get a much shorter session for the money. Worth investigating in your locality.

Ftgd . U sound absolutely lovely and your grandson is very lucky to have u in his life . My grandson is 5 and he loves a wander thru the woods trying to spot the rabbits and squirrels . Free good fun and wears him out ( bonus 😁)

I’d say that gullivers world would be better for your grandson. It is for younger children .
Chester Zoo do family annual tickets .

The Monkey Forest @ Trentham is well worth a visit. The monkeys roam free and Spring is the time for babies!

At 3 theme parks can be overwhelming. Local parks, trips to the seaside, swimming pool, toddlers end if available, a zoo,there must be loads of activities a 3 year old would enjoy without the need for trips to Theme Parks

Check out picniq.co.uk for discounts on theme parks. I got a good deal on Crystal Maze Manchester through them.
Our DS and his family have just got Merlin passes for the year, but they were £250 each!!

FTGD.....what an absolutely fabulous Grandad you sound! As well as all the great suggestions so far don't forget the joys of rock pooling, shell collecting and sea glass seeking if ever you get to the seaside.

Also, a suggestion for a rainy day....... both of you have a matchbox (or something similar) and see how many things you can get in it or decorate a bar of soap - also great fun.

Have fun and enjoy.......these GC grow up so fast.

Susan56

My DD had a Merlin pass which allows entry to most of the big theme parks, Legoland, Sea Life and more.If you Google it will give you a list of attractions and prices.I think you can pay the years price all at once or by monthly direct debit.

My DD is a foster carer and gets a free Merlin pass for all her family which is a huge bonus. You have to be a bit careful which one you buy if you have children at school, some are only for off-peak dates but now she has the Gold pass which you can use during school holidays.
The off-peak one would obviously probably be fine for you with a young child though.

had an absolute blast with our 3 1/2 yr old grandson at Chessington a couple of weeks ago. He went on lots of rides and it was wonderful to watch him enjoy himself so much. Cannot wait to take him again. Would not however go during school holidays! A great and fun day out. Yes, expensive but so worth it to see him having such fun. Disagree with posts saying they are too young for theme parks! Chessington caters very well for 3yr olds.

FTGD

JenniferEccles

Maybe FTGD meant that the grandson is her third rather than him being 3 years old.

Grandson is 3. I'm the grandad. I have 3 days a week where it's just the 2 of us. We go to parks regularly, farms , soft play etc. when it's cold n wet we bake, paint, craft etc. He truly is my little partner in crime.

The season pass idea was to give us more options but would struggle to afford full price admission every 2 weeks or so. Drayton manor seems the better option because of Thomas land and the zoo. Alton towers has cbeebies and only 20 mins away. I haven't been to Gulliver's world since I was a kid so don't know anything about it. As well as ideas I'm also looking at how I could lower the price.

Thankyou everyone for your input

If you shop at Tesco I think you can use your vouchers towards days out, as V3ra already mentioned.

There is CBeebies land at Alton Towers which my grandson loved as a toddler.All their favourite characters have rides and there is also a show every day.He also loved Sea Life which was part of the Merlin pass.

Allira

Trentham Gardens was another favourite place to visit.

I recommend Trentham Gardens- I went once and loved it so much I booked an overnight stay and spent my birthday there! That must be ten years ago nearly, so haven't been since then. It may have changed but there is so much to do with a toddler around there. I think the theme park pass would be a waste of money at that age, they just want to run around, maybe get a bit wet and have an ice-cream!

You can joins Kidspass and get discounts on theme parks - kidspass.co.uk

My DD had a Merlin pass which allows entry to most of the big theme parks, Legoland, Sea Life and more.If you Google it will give you a list of attractions and prices.I think you can pay the years price all at once or by monthly direct debit.

I wish you and your grandson many enjoyable days out

I hope you find an easy and fun solution.

JenniferEccles

Maybe FTGD meant that the grandson is her third rather than him being 3 years old.

Grandson is 3. I'm the grandad. I have 3 days a week where it's just the 2 of us. We go to parks regularly, farms , soft play etc. when it's cold n wet we bake, paint, craft etc. He truly is my little partner in crime.

The season pass idea was to give us more options but would struggle to afford full price admission every 2 weeks or so. Drayton manor seems the better option because of Thomas land and the zoo. Alton towers has cbeebies and only 20 mins away. I haven't been to Gulliver's world since I was a kid so don't know anything about it. As well as ideas I'm also looking at how I could lower the price.

Thankyou everyone for your input

Amerton Farm Park, or other farm parks in the area, are always interesting and fun for children.

Maybe FTGD meant that the grandson is her third rather than him being 3 years old.

Thomas land is at Drayton Manor. My GC enjoyed that when they were under 5. They did the best ‘visit to Father Christmas’ we have found too.

Thanks for all your suggestions

Waste of money taking a 3 year old to a theme park.....all that queuing is very boring.....and lots of rides he won't be able to go on without an adult

Trentham Gardens was another favourite place to visit.

V3ra

Another nice day out would be to take the train from Stoke on Trent to Stafford.
When you come out of Stafford station, cross the road and you are at the entrance to Victoria Park.
This has all the traditional park features eg aviary, glasshouse with tropical plants and goldfish, a bowling green, a river with swans and ducks, plus a good children's play area, a big sandpit and a splash park during the summer.
There's also a café and toilets.
My minded children love going there!

Victoria Park g.co/kgs/X6BUasP

I spent a lot of my young life there, my Grandma lived just over the wall 😀
Happy days!

Is the windmill still nearby? My Grandma's house has gone.