If you’re thinking about taking a holiday with a difference, where the the whole family can enjoy a fun-filled, action-packed time, then explore our list of some of the best theme parks in France, Italy, Spain and the Canary Islands. From roller coasters and exciting live shows, to giant water parks and themed hotels with fantastic facilities, there are affordable options to suit families with children of all age groups.
Disneyland Paris
The best known theme park in Europe is undoubtedly Disneyland Paris, 35 km east of the French capital. The resort is comprised of Disneyland Park, Walt Disney Studios and Disney Village (the shopping and restaurant zone). Disneyland Park, much like The Magic Kingdom in Florida, is modelled on the original Disneyland in California, where you can catch up with your favourite Disney characters for photos, hugs and autographs or enjoy the mesmerising array of shows and attractions on offer:
The 5 most popular Disneyland attraction are:
- Buzz Lightyear Lazer Blast – to infinity and beyond.
- Pirates of the Caribbean – ahoy matey!
- Space Mountain: Mission 2 – blast off starts here.
- Big Thunder Mountain – watch out for falling rocks and rattlesnakes.
- It’s a Small World – sing along with dolls of every nation.
Highlights of Walt Disney Studios include The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Toy Soldier Parachute Drop and Crush’s Coaster – a crazy, spinning ride in the dark. Adults can embrace their inner child, while children can let their imaginations run wild in this magical world of make believe. If you want to get hold of tickets in advance, you can purchase them here.
Where to stay in Disneyland Paris
There is a fantastic selection of hotels that are located close to the park, allowing convenient access to the action – Campanile Val de France, Dream Castle at Disneyland Paris (ex Vienna House Dream Castle) and Magic Circus at Disneyland Paris (ex Vienna House Magic Circus) are only a 1-stop shuttle ride away. For more information, hotel and travel options check out our Disneyland Paris page.
PortAventura – Salou – Spain
PortAventura is the largest family resort in Southern Europe. Located in Salou in north eastern Spain – an hour’s drive from Barcelona – the resort is made up of 6 fantastic worlds for you to explore.
Experience exotic lands such as China, Polynesia, Mexico or the latest interactive experience – Angkor – the lost kingdom of Cambodia. Take a trip back in time to the badlands of the Wild West or join Big Bird and Elmo in a colourful cartoon universe inspired by Sesame Street.
Watch acrobats fly through the air in the Cirque du Soleil extravaganza – Kooza, or make a splash at the Caribbean themed water park – Costa Caribe – with 16 exciting rides and slides.
Set sail on the high seas in a pirate galleon with a motley crew of beloved Sesame Street characters, navigating the 6-lane Rapid Race, roaring waterfalls, plunging pools and dense vegetation of this tropical oasis. And for the most fearless bandits of them all, there’s King Khajuna – the highest water slide in Europe!
Adrenaline junkies will have a scream on white knuckle thrill rides like Dragon Khan, a heart-stopping ride with 8 dizzying loops, the 100 metre free fall of Hurakan Condor and the thrilling 76 metre descent of Shambhala, Europe’s highest roller coaster. Youngsters can enjoy Coco Piloto – a flying adventure, twirling china teacups and Los Potrillos (pony rides).
Hungry adventurers can make a pit stop at one of the dozens of restaurants dotted throughout the resort, serving tasty local and international cuisine. Afterwards, browse the gift shops for trinkets and treasures to bring back home. For prices and tickets to the park, check out the PortAventura website.
Where to stay in PortAventura
With some amazing hotels onsite, you’ll have unlimited free access to the main park, as well as discounted tickets for the Aqua Park. The 4* Caribe, a tropical themed hotel, has a lagoon style pool with a white sandy beach , palm trees and a kids pool – ideal for families looking for a taste of paradise. Guests at the Caribe also get unlimited entrance to the PortAventura theme park and discounts to the Costa Caribe Aquatic Park
The 4* El Paso Hotel is a Mexican retreat complete with Mayan ruins and a huge sunken ship in the pool area. The El Paso is the only hotel in PortAventura to offer “All Inclusive” rates, making your stay that little bit easier to budget for. Only a few minutes from entrance to PortAventura Park and Costa Caribe Aquatic Park, there’s a free shuttle service for guests
Gardaland
Located on the south eastern banks of Lake Garda, this popular Italian theme park has 32 attractions. Thrill seekers can ride the roller coasters Mammut (the largest in Italy), Raptor, Magic Mountain and the 2,510 ft long Blue Tornado that leaves your feet dangling in the air. Water rides include Jungle Rapids, a wet and wild adventure through exotic lands, and Colorado Boat – a wacky log boat ride.
Free fall through the air in Space Vertigo or make like an Egyptian at the mummy-filled ride, Ramses the Wakeup. Families can experience exhilarating performances such as Madagascar Live, as well as the fantastic underwater world at Sea Life Aquarium, with its very own octopus garden. To buy tickets, check out the Gardaland website.
The park is easily accessible, with regular Aer Lingus flights to Verona, just 30 minutes away. See Clickandgo.com for flight and accommodation options.
Siam Park – Tenerife – Canary Islands
Siam Park is a magical water kingdom set against an exotic backdrop of Thai architecture. Thrilling rides include The Dragon – a zero gravity rafting experience, The Volcano – where you spin around an enormous crater in the dark, Mekong Rapids – an adrenaline-fuelled rafting adventure, and Jungle Snake – a slippery-slide downward ride.
The Wave Pool boasts 3 metre high waves, where you can splash in the surf or relax and sunbathe on sandy Siam Beach, with spectacular ocean views. Meander along the largest lazy river in the world, passing through cascading waterfalls, luscious greenery and an aquarium filled with tropical fish. Sample the Asian delights that are on offer in the Tea House restaurant, located in the ‘Floating Market’, the Thai bar overlooking the Mai Thai River waterfalls or enjoy a delicious buffet at the Beach Club.
Located in Playa de las Americas, the park is easy to get to from every inch of the island. From the farthest point in the north, travelling time is one hour and there’s a regular public bus serving most of the island. For tickets and prices, visit the Siam Park website. To find flights and the perfect place to stay in Tenerife, visit ClickandGo.com.
What are you waiting for?
Now that you’ve taken a whirlwind tour through Disneyland Paris, PortAventura in Spain, Gardaland in Italy and Siam Park in the Canary Islands, why not experience the real thing? Each park is filled with attractions to suit all ages, with excellent restaurants, facilities and nearby accommodation to make your holiday as comfortable as possible.
