THRILL SEEKERS
The world’s best theme parks for families.
1
Tivoli Gardens, Denmark
There’s plenty of history behind this Copenhagen theme park. It’s the second oldest in the world, in operation since 1843, with a unique combination of culture, rides, attractions and performances to enjoy. There are plenty of rides perfect for the youngest children, including the Flying Trunk — travel in a suitcase through the world of Hans Christian Anderson’s fairytales and watch the characters come alive. For daredevils, the park also contains one of the oldest running wooden rollercoasters in the world. Built in 1914, it’s one of Tivoli’s most popular rides and is suitable for all ages, although young kids must be accompanied by an adult. When you need a retreat from the excitement, relax in one of the park’s beautiful landscaped gardens. tivoli.dk/en
2 Universal Studios, California and
Florida A classic loved by many, the original park was located in the Universal City county island near Hollywood and was initially created to offer tours of real Universal Studios movie sets. Since then, the park has grown and expanded to a second
3
Peppa Pig World, England
This is definitely one for the younger members of the family. Part of Paultons Family Theme Park in Hampshire, Peppa’s world includes seven fun rides for young children, as well as an indoor play area and an outdoor water splash park in summer. Preschoolers will be thrilled to explore Peppa Pig’s house, or meet Peppa and George outside the school house. In the wider Paultons park, there’s lots to do for the rest of the family, including a dinosaur-themed area with rollercoasters, a 4D cinema, go-karts and a log flume. The park is also home to a small zoo, with penguins, exotic birds, meerkats and giant tortoises. peppapigworld.co.uk
US park in Orlando, Florida, and to several other locations around the world. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — which opened in Hollywood last year and Orlando in 2010 — will be particularly popular with kids and adults alike. Explore Hogwarts Castle, visit the real shops of Hogsmeade and try a mug of the famous Butter Beer. universalstudioshollywood.com and universalorlando.com 4
Disneyland, California
It’s been on the bucket list of generations of kids for a good reason — Disneyland is the first place you think of when it comes to theme parks. Everything about it is iconic, from Cinderalla’s castle to the spinning teacups and the Matterhorn Mountain. The Happiest Place on Earth has been captivating the imagination since 1955. Although its original Anaheim park is a must-see, families can also enjoy the full Disneyland experience in several other cities around the world — including Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong and most recently, Shanghai. You have to visit the famous mouse at least once. disneyland.disney.go.com 5
Berjaya Times Square Theme Park,
Kuala Lumpur
This indoor offering combines two of the things Malaysia does best — theme parks and shopping. Located inside the Berjaya Times Square Shopping Mall in the Golden Triangle (KL’s shopping zone), this park is spread across three levels and is the country’s largest indoor theme park. The star attraction is the rollercoaster that twists and turns throughout the mall, but there are plenty of tamer rides for little kids to enjoy. The complex also contains an Imax theatre, a 48-lane bowling alley, karaoke bars and even an archery facility. This is a fantastic place to visit if you’re on a short stopover in Kuala Lumpur, as many of the bigger theme parks are further out of the city. berjayatimessquarethemeparkkl.com