WOW this week has been a SCORCHER to say the least, and we’re sure that cooling down has been all that’s on your mind! As those scorching summer afternoons arrive, there is no better way to stay chilled and have a total blast than by heading straight for the water.
Whether you are looking to escape the heat at a seasonal gem like Danson Splash Park in Bexley, or seeking high-energy thrills at Twinlakes Park, there are plenty of ways to make a splash this summer. From interactive jets and water cannons to the biggest splash-tastic waterparks around, these destinations offer the perfect cool-down for kids of all ages.
The UK Family Days Out Everyone’s Booking This Summer
Splashdown Quaywest Waterpark, Paignton
Ready to make a massive splash? Splashdown Quaywest is the UK’s largest all-outdoor waterpark, and it is absolute summer goals! Nestled right next to the stunning Goodrington Sands beach on Devon’s English Riviera, you can easily pair high-speed slides with a classic family beach day. It’s the ultimate two-for-one adventure!
With 11 adrenaline-pumping flumes, there is a thrill for every single member of the crew! Daredevils can brave Devil’s Drop — a heart-racing 65ft vertical plunge through a black hole that is officially the highest and fastest flume in the UK! Or, race your besties down the Wild Kamikaze’s steep drops. Looking for something a bit more chill? The Raging Rapids and Surf Lagoon offer tons of waterslide fun without the white-knuckle factor.
There’s no better way to beat the heat this summer! 💦✨
Danson Splash Park
Talking of splash parks…
Tucked away in Bexley, you can keep cool and escape the sun at Danson Splash Park. This seasonal gem is a guaranteed winner for families, featuring modern water play and gorgeous views that make it a local favourite for kids of all ages.
The fun never stops! Now that those SCORCHING summer afternoons are here, there is no better way to stay chilled and have a total blast than by heading right for the water!
There’s tons of space for little ones to burn off energy in a splash pool that offers endless entertainment. Hopefully, you’ll even get a peaceful journey back while they nap (you can thank us later)! With interactive jets and water cannons, it’s a sensory paradise of pure, splash-tastic joy!
Kynren
Kynren has to be one of the best days out for families – there’s NOTHING like this in the UK! ⚔️
Explore a full Viking village before the show even starts! You can meet real-life warriors, see a working blacksmith forge, and get the kids properly stuck into history. Then, get ready for an amazing show with massive battles, animals, and a huge firework display at the very end. 2000 years of action-packed history on one epic stage!
It’s the type of thing your kids will talk about for DAYS – and you’ll love it too! This summer, they’re opening something even BIGGER called The Storied Lands. It’s a multi-million pound project, so you know it’s going to be good!
It’s the UK’s first live-action show and it’s opening 18th July. Tickets sell fast, so make sure to secure yours TODAY!
Season runs: 18 July – 12 September 2026
Twycross Zoo
Ready for an avian adventure like no other? Fly over to Twycross Zoo and get ready to be amazed! This summer, you can get up close and personal with some of the most vibrant, colourful birds you’ve ever seen. Imagine the pure delight on your little ones’ faces as they feed these beautiful feathery friends right from their hands!
It is a sensory wonderland that will leave the whole family chirping with joy. But the magic doesn’t stop there! When you book your visit, you’re not just getting one day of fun — you’re unlocking an entire year of memories.
That’s right, your ticket includes 12 MONTHS of FREE return visits! Whether it’s a sunny weekend or a spontaneous afternoon out, you can keep coming back to visit your favourite animals and enjoy that peaceful, zoo-day atmosphere whenever you like.
Don’t miss out on the ultimate family day out. Grab your tickets today and start your year of discovery! 📅
Book your Twycross Zoo adventure here!
LEGOLAND Windsor Resort
School’s (nearly) out, which means it’s time for a BRICK-tastic LEGO adventure!
With over 55 incredible rides and attractions, LEGOLAND provides is the ultimate summer holiday escape for families primarily with children aged 2 to 12.
Explore everything from the high-energy NINJAGO World to the intricate wonders of Miniland. Little builders will love DUPLO Valley, home to the world’s first DUPLO coaster and the DUPLO Airport. This summer, don’t miss the return of the LEGO Festival from 20 July to 31 August, featuring brand-new Music, Creativity, and Chill Out zones.
To beat the heat, head to the seasonal Splash Safari and Drench Towers, which typically open from May Half Term through early September so you’ve got plenty of time left to make the most of them. Remember that all standard day tickets must be booked online in advance, and children under 90cm go free!
Turn your visit into the ultimate LEGO sleepover by staying in a themed room at a LEGOLAND hotel, where kids can sleep alongside life-sized LEGO builds. Even better, if you book a short break between 25 June and 19 July for stays through October, you can get a second day in the Resort completely free!
Check out Merlin short breaks today and get the date booked in your diary.
Whipsnade Zoo
Seven seriously adorable cheetah cubs have been born at Whipsnade Zoo! 😍😭🐆 While these precious cubs currently spend most of their time snuggling in their dens, they are growing in confidence and exploring more each day.
This birth is a significant milestone for conservation. This year, ZSL is working in partnership with the Zambian Government and several charities to help reintroduce cheetahs to Zambia’s Luangwa Valley, supporting the long-term future of this incredible species. Plan your visit this summer to see the new arrivals and support vital wildlife conservation efforts.
Looking for even more summer fun to countdown to? Discover farm trips, splash parks and unforgettable days out the whole family will love! View our things to do page for more inspo.
Don’t forget to check back here next week and keep your eyes peeled for everything we’ll have rounded up!