Easter is one of the best times of year for a family theme park trip in the UK. Warmer weather, school holidays, and the start of the main theme park season mean parks are buzzing with activity.
While the UK is famous for huge thrill rides, most parks also have plenty of attractions perfect for younger visitors and first-time riders. If you’re visiting with children under 10 this Easter, here are some of the best family rides and “first roller coasters” to try across the country.
Bluey the Ride: Here Come the Grannies! – Alton Towers Resort (NEW for 2026)
One of the most exciting new rides for families in 2026 is Bluey the Ride: Here Come the Grannies! — the world’s first Bluey-themed roller coaster.
Located in CBeebies Land, this colourful junior coaster is designed especially for young children and families visiting during the school holidays.
The ride is inspired by the hugely popular Bluey episode where Bluey and her sister Bingo dress up as mischievous grannies named Janet and Rita. Guests join the chaotic adventure as the characters zoom through Bluey’s backyard on a gentle coaster filled with playful surprises and colourful scenery.
The attraction officially opens 28 March 2026, making it one of the biggest reasons families will be visiting Alton Towers during the Easter holidays.
Why kids will love it
- Based on the hugely popular kids’ TV show Bluey
- Gentle coaster designed for younger riders
- Located inside the family-focused CBeebies Land area
Flying Fish – Thorpe Park
Often called the perfect starter coaster, Flying Fish has introduced thousands of children to roller coasters over the years.
The ride is smooth, colourful, and quick — making it ideal for children who want to try something a little faster without diving straight into the park’s bigger thrill rides. Riders only need to be around 0.9m tall, making it accessible for younger children.
Why kids love it
- Short queues compared to major rides
- Smooth and gentle layout
- Bright sea-themed trains
Velociraptor – Paultons Park
Located in the dinosaur-themed Lost Kingdom, Velociraptor is one of the most exciting family coasters in the UK.
It’s faster and more dynamic than many starter rides but still accessible for younger thrill-seekers. If your child has already tried smaller coasters, this is the perfect next step.
Paultons Park is widely regarded as one of the UK’s best family parks thanks to its huge range of attractions for younger guests.
Why kids love it
- Dinosaur theming everywhere
- Surprisingly fast for a “family” coaster
- Two laps around the track
Troublesome Trucks Runaway Coaster – Drayton Manor Resort
Located in Thomas Land, this ride is often a child’s first ever roller coaster.
The Troublesome Trucks Runaway Coaster is small, colourful, and themed around the mischievous trucks from the Thomas & Friends series. It’s gentle but still gives young riders that exciting coaster feeling.
Why kids love it
- Thomas & Friends theming
- Very accessible height requirement
- Perfect confidence-builder
Mandrill Mayhem – Chessington World of Adventures
If your kids are ready for a bigger step up from beginner roller coasters, Mandrill Mayhem is one of the most exciting family-friendly thrill rides in the UK.
Located in the park’s World of Jumanji area, this launched roller coaster sends riders racing through the jungle on a mission to escape the curse of Jumanji. The train launches forward and backward multiple times, climbing a dramatic “scorpion tail” spike before twisting through the track.
Despite being thrilling, it’s still accessible for families. Riders only need to be 1.2 metres tall, although those under 1.3m must ride with an adult.
The ride reaches speeds of around 45mph and features a unique wing-style train where seats sit either side of the track, giving riders the feeling of flying through the jungle.
Why families love it
- Located inside the immersive World of Jumanji themed land
- Multiple launches make the ride feel more intense than typical family coasters
- Unique “wing coaster” seating with great views
Easter is one of the best times for families to explore the UK’s theme parks. With the parks fully open for the season and plenty of attractions designed for younger guests, it’s the perfect opportunity for children to experience their first roller coaster or family thrill ride.
From gentle starter coasters like the Runaway Mine Train at Alton Towers Resort to exciting step-up rides like Mandrill Mayhem at Chessington World of Adventures, there’s something for every level of young adventurer.
Parks such as Paultons Park, LEGOLAND Windsor Resort and Drayton Manor Resort are particularly great for families with children under 10, offering a wide mix of rides, themed areas and interactive attractions.
Whether it’s a child’s very first coaster or a slightly bigger adventure like riding through the jungle on Mandrill Mayhem, these family attractions help create the kind of theme park memories kids will talk about long after the Easter holidays end.
So if you’re planning a theme park trip this spring, make sure to add a few of these top family rides to your must-ride list — they might just become your child’s new favourite attraction.
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