1) Haven
With last minute Easter breaks from £149, you can’t beat a cheap and cheerful half term holiday at Haven, which is always a seaside favourite. The kids will love the pool, the amusements and the day-night entertainment, which is really geared up for the whole family.

2) Butlins
Forget everything you think you know about Butlins because this brand has been revamped and holidays here are even better than before. The new Butlins hotel gives you the choice of a more comfortable room if you don’t fancy an apartment. Term time breaks start from £40 per person and, of course, all the usual entertainment, arts, crafts and activities are a given.

3) Alton Towers
What child – or ‘big kid’ doesn’t want to go to Alton Towers? It’s Britain’s best-loved theme park with more white knuckle rides than you can shake a stick at. Comfortable accommodation is guaranteed and the Waterpark is always popular with little ones. There’s even a spa for mum.

4) Blackpool
Cheap and tacky weekends in Blackpool are what it’s all about! But, if you haven’t been since your own childhood, rest assured the only things which have really changed are that the rides are better and more modern and the Elvis and Marilyn Monroe souvenirs have been replaced by those of Lady Gaga and One Direction. Head to the Pleasure Beach for hours of fun!

5) Flamingo Land
For a great theme park and zoo all rolled into one, make for Flamingo Land and its Gold Fleet holiday homes in the heart of Yorkshire. Great night time entertainment, out-of-this-world rollercoasters and animal experiences are all par for the course.

6) Center Parcs
Spring breaks aren’t the cheapest here but you certainly get what you pay for – and that’s quality. The woodland accommodation here is second to none and it’s a great option for families who love to go outdoors and get active. There are lots of indoor sports, a subtropical swimming paradise and spa experiences and treatments to boot.

7) Legoland
Anyone who’s ever tinkered with Lego will recognise the appeal of a holiday here. It’s a kids’ dream! With a new Star Wars Mini Land and Duplo Splash and Play, there are also even more reasons to visit than before. What’s more, there are great family-of-four deals to be had and kids can often go free.

8) Paulton’s Family Theme Park
For value for money short breaks and great last minute deals, check out Paulton’s which is also home to Peppa Pig World – fantastic for pre-schoolers. Set in the New Forest, it has acres of rides, attractions and activities to suit all ages. It’s impossible to cover it all in one or even two days, though, so make sure you book some decent time off.

9) Landmark
Landmark Forest Adventure Park near Inverness in Scotland is another great haunt for families which love the great outdoors. Picnics, climbing, zip gliding, a Tarzan Trail and plenty of rides are all there for the taking. There are lots of great accommodation options nearby, including B&Bs, camping, bunkhouses and hostels and Highland hotels.

10) Chessington World of Adventures
A zoo, sealife centre and a series of thrilling rides are just a few of the things which make this family theme park and holiday resort well worth a visit. Not only will the kids be able to get up close to shark-infested water, but they’ll encounter all manner of wildlife, from lions and gorillas to cheeky penguins.

11) Drayton Manor
One of the UK’s best family theme parks, Drayton Manor has something for everyone – just take the zoo, Dino Trail and Thomas Land, for example. In fact, it’s an absolute MUST for little boys who love Thomas the Tank Engine. They’ll be thrilled to see their on-screen hero chuff into town and interact with them in a way they never thought possible.

12) Thorpe Park
Thorpe Park does a great offer to help combat the effects of the wet British weather. The deal is, if it’s raining when you visit, you can visit again for free! New for 2013 is The Crash Pad accommodation for the ultimate overnight stay and modifications to The Swarm ride so that you can ride it backwards.

13) M&D’s
Scotland’s official theme park – set in Strathclyde Park, near Glasgow – is home to five white knuckle rides, more than 20 other kids’ rides, a glow-in-the-dark bowling alley, 18-hole miniature golf course and Amazonia – the country’s only indoor rainforest.

14) Light Water Valley
For kids who love pirates, Light Water Valley theme park is a real treat with its swashbuckling land that is Skeleton Cove, featuring none other than the Black Pearl. There are literally hundreds of things to do and the team is great at organising seasonal events and activities – whether it’s for Easter or Halloween.

15) Gulliver’s Theme Parks
There are three brilliant Gulliver’s parks to choose from in Warrington, Milton Keynes and Matlock Bath and, whichever one you choose, you won’t be disappointed. Great rides, Splashzones, a Dinosaur & Farm Park and top notch accommodation are just a few of the highlights you can expect.

Picture courtesy of photostock/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Here are a few of our favourites:

1) Alton Towers
Alton Towers is Britain’s biggest and best, with everything you might expect from an adventure park… roller coasters, boat rides, arcades, ghost trains and its own water park. Book a short break in one of its own hotels in Alton, or find a budget Premier Inn or the likes nearby to save some cash.

2) Legoland
Legoland in Windsor won the 2011 Silver British Travel Award for Best UK Theme Park and with good reason. It spans 150 acres of parkland and has more than 55 interactive rides, live shows and workshops to keep the kids amused – all via the wonder of Lego. What’s more, families can now stay on-site after the Legoland Windsor Resort Hotel officially opened its doors in March this year. And, if you’re travelling in July you can witness the potential breaking of a new world record for the tallest Lego tower.

3) Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Blackpool Pleasure Beach in Lancashire is another great park. Try the new Nickelodeon Spongebob ride, test your mettle on the Pepsi Max or famous Big Dipper, or visit one of the Hot Ice shows. And while you’re in Blackpool, which is one of Britain’s best traditional seaside resorts, be sure to visit the Tower, see the zoo and pace the promenade for lots of cheap and tacky souvenir gifts.

4) Paultons Family Theme Park
Paultons Family Theme Park in New Forest is the only one to feature the loveable TV character, Peppa Pig, with her own version of kiddie friendly rides and attractions. But, don’t worry, there’s plenty for the older kids too. Try The Cobra, Raging River Ride or, if you’re intrepid enough, The Jumping Bean.

5) Loudoun Castle
Loudoun Castle is Scotland’s premier family theme park which has lots of thrill seeker rides like the Twist N Shout and the Pirates-of-the-Caribbean-themed Black Pearl. It’s not too far from the seaside town of Ayr, which has a fantastic coastline and plenty of shops.

6) Flamingo Land
Yorkshire’s Flamingo Land is just non-stop fun, with lots of white knuckle rides and even its own zoo. The animals themselves are well worth a visit and range from the Brazilian Tapir to Lemurs and Lions. In fact, there are more than 120 different species to behold at Flamingo Land, which is only open for the season until November 4 – so hurry or you’ll miss the fun!

7) Chessington World of Adventures
You’ll find no less than nine different themed parts of Chessington, which is within easy driving distance of London and is celebrating its 25th anniversary year. The resort has its own zoo and Sea Life Centre, which features Blacktip Reef Sharks, Jellyfish, Rays and more. Perhaps the best news of all, though, is that tickets start from as little as £20 per person when booked at least seven days in advance.

8) M&Ds
M&Ds in Strathclyde, Scotland, is a thrill-seeker’s dream. It’s full of daredevil rides and attractions for kids and adults brave enough to test their mettle. Other attractions include bingo, bowling and Amazonia, M&Ds’ very own indoor rainforest. Find it near Hamilton, just a short drive from Glasgow.

9) Landmark
According to the Scottish Thistle Awards, Landmark near Inverness is the ‘perfect family day out’ and we’d certainly have to agree. Tucked away in the Scottish Highlands, you’ll find this super theme park which is great for families who love the outdoors. It has its own Wild Water Coaster, a Runaway Timber Train and plenty of climbing activities to tackle – like in Ant City, for example.

10) Storybook Glen
Enter the magical world of make-believe at Storybook Glen for a chance to get up close and personal with your favourite nursery rhyme and fairytale characters for there are more than 100 of them on display. Explore 28 acres of gorgeous scenery, complete with secret waterfalls and exotic animals. Although this theme park caters for all ages, it’s particularly special for small children.

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