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Firstly we considered
transport options to each of locations listed below. For me, the idea of
jumping on and off public transport is a bloody nightmare with littles ones. So
hiring a mini bus or coach seems like the easiest and most reliable transport
method for us to travel with 15+ kids and their parents.
In the past I
used the services of SMC Coach Hire for
a weekend away to Scarborough for my friend’s stag-do at Pinewood Park Caravan site. I highly recommend them for their honesty, reliability
services and punctuality.
So happy in
the knowledge that a coach is simple and easy enough to hire we got our heads together
a considered hosting a party at one of the following places:
Lightwater Valley
Whilst our 4
year old won’t be able to enjoy all of those rides due to height restrictions
him and his friends can enjoy their Mini adventures activities. Perfect for
those between 1-5 years it offers fantastic family fun and include; the UK's
largest indoor and outdoor Angry Birds Activity Park, the Lightwater Express
train ride around the park, Eagle's Creek Farm tractor ride with animals a
selection of fairground and water rides, Adventure Playground and Mini Sand Diggers.
Children Under
1.0m in height get in for £5.00 and if you book in advance you can get tickets
for £15. I have even seen voucher codes online that could potential save us
money on group bookings as well.
Whilst the
cost of entry fees for everyone might be more than your average soft-play based
party, remember that you are providing an entire day of fun. To save on money I
think it would be wise to ask the kid’s parents to back a lunch box and snacks
for the day.
National Railway Museum
In the heart
of York, the museum is home to over 300 years of history and over a million
wonderful objects, including almost 300 trains. Kids can marvel at iconic
locomotives, watch engineering work in progress in the Workshop, browse our
object-filled Warehouse, and let off steam in the outdoor play area.
The great
thing about the National Railway Museum is
that is free to get in. But you can book parties at the museum, where you will
be given exclusive access to the front or centre gallery space in Locomotion's
Collection Building from 5.30pm until 7pm, including access to selected vehicle
cabs and a fun party trail.
You can add
a range of delicious catering or add an extra dash of excitement to the
occasion by hiring out their diesel train (subject to availability) to really
bring the party to life.
The cost of
a party booking is £200, with additional charges for catering, party bags and
train hire.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park
The wildlife park located in
Doncaster, priding it’s self on being the UK's No.1 Walk-through Wildlife Park
Adventure, with over 300 different animals! We have visited
before when the birthday boy was very young, but we loved it and we jump at
the chance to go back.
Under threes get in for free, 3-15 get in for £12.59 and adults are £14.50. If you have a large booking I am sure they would offer a discount”
One of the unique
things about throwing a party at the wildlife park is that they also offer special
experiences like their Carnivore, Otter and Polar Bear Experiences, which is
basically a behind the scenes look and feeding of the animals. Depending is on
the experience and the number of people, it can be a tad expensive, some
packages come out at £150! I have
found the mini Meerkats, mini-beats and Lemur gift experience for £30 each!
There are
plenty of places to sit and eat a packed-lunch, so if you don’t fancy
forking-out meals for everyone ask them to bring along their own treats. You can even consider asking everyone to rock-up in animal themed fancy dress!
There were
some other great potential venues, but we felt that we had visited these ones
too many times in recent months for it to be special enough for the four year
old:
·
Eureka
·
The Deep
·
Camp Hill Estate
·
X-scape Castleford
We have truly been inspired by the great venues we have on
our doorstep and whilst we have not yet decided on where we will plan his
party, I am sure we will pick a venue soon. If you have any ideas please do
feel free to pass them on in the comments below:
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