Flamingo Land

If you can engage your child in activities that are linked to things that they are currently interested in, then you have a much better chance that they will learn. Our youngest currently has Global Developmental Delay (he is still awaiting an assessment to see whether he will be diagnosed as having Autism/being Autistic), he is very interested in Dinosaurs, therefore I approached Flamingo Land for tickets to their theme park to review. I have received no financial payment or being asked to insert any links.

Flamingo Land located in Malton, North Yorkshire, was quiet a journey for us, but well worth it, especially with the new and exciting Dino Stone Park within the theme park. It certainly catered well for my family well (4 boys ages 4-16), as there were a range of rides mixed in each area. There was always something to keep the younger ones entertained whilst the older ones went on the bigger rides.They offer money-saving ways to visit the park again, or you can use the park as a holiday resort. There were things suitable for wet weather and hot sunny days. The park caters for those with special needs/disabilities, as well as those who do not wish to queue (a charge applies).  Plus there is also a  zoo and conservation area.

When I heard about the new Dino Stone park opening at Flamingo Land Summer 2013 (it is now 95% completed) I was very excited, as we love dinosaurs here!

With so much attention to detail – even the bins have dinosaurs on them

and it has a Jurassic Park feel.

There’s an array of dinosaurs around the area, which move too.

This guy was pretty tall too – and when he moved a little bit scary for my 4 year old.

The photos don’t even begin to do them justice – they were fab!

The youngest 3 boys loved the big Dinosaur egg that they could climb inside.

My teen didn’t get bored whilst in Dino Stone Park either as there are bigger rides inside too.

The Pterodactyl looked a bit high for me and my husband, but the 2 older ones loved it. However, be aware that this ride does not operate in certain weather conditions.

This one was more up my street, and I liked how the kids couldn’t lean over the side. It gave us a good view of some of the park from up there.

There were all manner of gorgeous Dinosaur merchandise (amongst other things) in the many shops. We purchased personalised table mats with 3D dinosaurs on.

As well as these there are like fair stalls around – and the one we went to I thought was well really well priced – it was £3 a go (hook-a-duck) with a prize every time – and the two youngest boys got toy teddy ice-creams each.

There is a good mix of rides, catering for all ages, and ride preferences.

The rides have different height restrictions, these are clearly marked on your map. If you are organised you can figure out which rides your children are and aren’t big enough for, thus avoiding any disappointment.

My boy who is turning 10 this month was very excited to be tall enough for some of the bigger rides. In fact some rides I wish he wasn’t tall enough for as they looked very scary!

I liked the fact that you could buy a video of the ride though. Also the purchase of photos for the rides could also come with a Facebook copy – but I forgot to ask about this.

Unfortunately his little brother wanted to go on too (the trouble of having such big age gaps and the fact that we go to so many theme parks he’s used to rides as “grown up” as possible).

The new ride Hero wasn’t open when we went but it is NOW (it has a 4’6″/1.37m restriction), and looks really good!

Personally, I think it’s a good idea to plan where you are going as it will save time – we did not manage to cover the whole park in the time that we were there (our youngest got too over-stimulating and we had to leave). They are looking into return passes for next year. In the meantime you can purchase a season pass (I definitely would if I lived closer), and 2-day tickets (which allow returning on the following day for £13. Or there was a band that a lady had that allowed her into the park during her hotel stay (as she’d come down from Scotland).

Remember to pack your swim stuff – there is an AMAZING water ride called “Splash Battle” and I have never got so wet on a ride in my life! In fact we didn’t go on any other water rides after this!

Not only that but there’s a great water play area.

This indoor softplay pirate area was a great hit (and near some bigger rides) – but also ideal if the weather turned bad.

There is  guide for those with Disabilities/Special needs – and if you bring a DLA letter and photographic proof then they and a carer (maximum 2) you can obtain a band which allows you to go through the exit onto the ride, but avoids the need to queue for a long period. There is also a discounted admission price of £20  for each disabled visitor and then £20 for their carer (usually £30 each). They told me that they do not ask for photographic proof of ID when the disability is visible, but more and more guests who are entitled to the price concession and direct access bands have disabilities that are not obviously visible.

 I think we will all agree, especially with young children, queueing isn’t much fun.  Flamingo Land operate a Q-Buster system, whereby guests can purchase beat the queue tickets for certain rides – costing £2 each, or £5 for a 3 ride package. These are available at two sale points on the park.

There is a great zoo, allowing you to get up close to some wonderful animals.

Or look at them from above, on the Zoo Monorail

And of course they provide areas to make sure your hands are clean.

If you are in Yorkshire you may also be interested in Yorkshire Wonders – Family Days Out with the Kids – 30+ ideas

I received complimentary tickets in order to review the park. All opinions are my own.