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If you haven't done it yet, don't wait until the kids want to go off and do their own thing. Enjoy an action-packed holiday together, with all the fun of the fair.
Making the most of your time there
By their nature, theme parks are usually huge, so it makes sense to plan your time there. During the peak holiday seasons, crowds will build up, so allow additional time for queuing, and don't try to do too much in one day. Most parks have rides aimed at different age groups, so if your children are different ages, you might decide to split up for some of the day, and meet up for the rides that everyone wants to do.
Study the maps before you go and work out a route which takes in all your must-see attractions. Double check the park's opening hours, and note if any of the attractions are running at specific times. Aim to get there early, and pack plenty of healthy snacks and toys to keep younger children happy while they're waiting. And remember, if you're visiting one abroad, to change some money into foreign currency in advance so you can buy drinks, food and souvenirs inside the park.
Many parks have a priority pass which you can buy for specific rides. These mean you can select which time you go on the ride to avoid the long queues. However, many parks limit the number of passes you can claim each day, so choose wisely!
As they'll have dreamed of this day, your children will probably be very excited and may get tired more quickly than you'd usually expect. Avoid meltdowns by taking regular breaks - you may find that it makes sense to go back to your hotel for a swim or a nap at lunchtime, to help them keep going. If the park is open late, you can always return later in the afternoon when the crowds are smaller. You may also want to think about using a buggy, even if your child usually walks well.
Theme parks are usually at their quietest during term times or in January, October, early November and early December. If your kids are very young, you may wish to plan your visit around these times.
Where to go
Walt Disney World in Florida is the world's most famous theme park and for good reason. Plenty of British families make pilgrimages there. The Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Space Mountain are favourites for many families, but also check out the Typhoon Lagoon Water Park for a change of pace. There are Disney theme parks in other countries too, including Hong Kong, Japan and France.
If you don't want to tackle the long flights, there are plenty of places closer to home. At PortAventura on the Spanish Costa Dorada, you can discover the mysteries of Imperial China, explore the jungles of Polynesia, or travel through exotic Aztec Mexico. Fearless riders can ride the new Hurakan Condor, which boasts a 300ft free fall, or for a more sedate experience try the Fiestaventura show, a symphony of water, light and fire.
Futuroscope in Poitiers, France, offers thrills with 3D and IMAX fans. You can take part in interactive adventures on a giant screen. Using audio-visual techniques and multimedia, you can enjoy an underwater experience, fly to the stars or shrink to the size of a bug and ride on the back of a ladybird.
Europa Park in Rust, Germany is another favourite. Here the rides and entertainment are loosely based on different countries in Europe, so you may want to try the Bob Run or Matterhorn Blitz in the Swiss area, or ride the Blue Fire Megacoaster in the Icelandic area. Younger children may enjoy the Enchanted Forest area where fairy tales come to life.
Travel advice
Wherever you decide to go, make sure you have enough travel money with you to cover incidentals inside the parks and buy in advance for the best deals. Another idea could be to take a cash passport with you, which you top up in advance of your trip, and can use to withdraw cash out of ATMs whilst abroad. Taking out the right travel insurance policy before you travel - make sure everyone travelling is covered, and all your planned activities, too! - to make sure you're covered if anything goes wrong, is also sensible.
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