Family Day Out at Chessington World of Adventures – A Guide for All Ages!
- Tracy Tristram
- Jul 2
- 3 min read
We recently checked out an action-packed family day out at Chessington World of Adventures, and we’re buzzing to tell you all about it! Whether you’ve got toddlers in tow or thrill-seeking teens, this Surrey-based theme park has something for everyone. From wild rides and zoo encounters to splashy fun and magical lands, here's your age-by-age guide to getting the most out of your visit.
For Toddlers & Little Ones (Under 1m tall)
Best Areas:
The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure – A gentle boat journey through the story. Totally magical for little imaginations. No height restriction (but under 1.1m must ride with an adult).
Room on the Broom: A Magical Journey – Walk-through interactive adventure. No height restriction.
Amazu Treetop Adventure – Mini jungle play area near the animals.
Tiny Truckers – A slow drive through Toy Town. Min height: 0.9m (with adult).
Zoo Highlights: Don’t miss Penguin Bay, Sea Lion Bay, and the Petting Zoo – all perfect for small animal lovers.
Parent Hack:There are plenty of changing facilities, and you can hire buggies at the entrance if your little explorer gets tired.
For Primary School Age (1m – 1.2m)
Top Rides:
Adventure Tree Carousel – Fun for all heights!
Treetop Hoppers – A bouncy drop ride (Min: 0.9m).
Tomb Blaster – A spooky laser shooting dark ride. Min: 1m with adult.
River Rafts in Rainforest Land – Mini rapids perfect for brave 5-8s. Min: 1m.
Wild Encounters:
ZUFARI: Ride into Africa! – A safari truck ride through real animal habitats (Min: 1m). Giraffes, zebras & rhinos galore!
Wanyama Village & Reserve – Great for seeing meerkats and lemurs up close.
Pro Tip: Bring a spare outfit or waterproof for splash zones – there's always a surprise water squirt somewhere!
For Tweens & Teens (Over 1.2m)
Thrill Rides They’ll Love:
Mandrill Mayhem – Chessington’s first ever looping coaster (new in World of Jumanji!). Min: 1.2m.
Croc Drop – A vertical tower drop into the jaws of Sobek. Min: 1.2m.
Dragon’s Fury – A spinning coaster with loads of twists. Min: 1.2m.
Kobra – Sidewinder ride with awesome speed & spins. Min: 1.2m.
Extra Adventure:
Room on the Broom – After Dark during select weekends. Spookier and super fun!
The Wild Woods – Great adventure play for older kids needing a break from rides.
Don’t Miss:
Jumanji Land – Full of epic jungle theming and wild thrills, especially Mandrill Mayhem and the Mamba Strike.
Food & Snacks for the Whole Family
Captain’s Fish & Chips – Quick and classic.
Pizza Pasta Buffet – Great for big eaters. Easy crowd-pleaser!
The Coffee Hut – Perfect pit stop for parents needing a caffeine boost.
Ben & Jerry's - Dessert heaven.
Plenty of picnic spots if you’re bringing your own food.
Allergy-Friendly Tip: Look for allergen info at each eatery, or ask at Guest Services on arrival for advice.
Helpful Info Before You Go
Buy tickets online – It’s cheaper than on the day. Look out for 2-for-1 deals too via this link.
Height Bands – Measure your child at the Height Check Station near the entrance. They'll get a coloured wristband showing what they can ride – saves time later.
Download the App – Real-time queue times, map, and show schedules. Game-changer.
Reserve & Ride – Skip some queues with the paid fast pass system (limited slots, but a real make or break on busy days).
Parking – Standard parking is about a 5-10 min walk from the entrance, so upgrade for closer access if you can. Those legs are TIRED at the end of the day!
Final Thoughts
Chessington isn’t just a theme park – it’s a zoo, a SEA LIFE centre, and a jungle adventure rolled into one. Whether you're hanging with Gruffalo, going wild in Jumanji, or conquering coasters, there's something for everyone. Our top tip? Plan your route by age and height to avoid disappointment and to keep the whole family happy.
We’re already planning our next trip – and this time, we might stay over at the Safari Hotel to watch giraffes from the window!
Top Image: Chessington World of Adventures via Facebook. All other photography: London for Kidz.
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