Drayton Manor, home to a special Thomas the Tank Engine park, makes a brilliant day out for younger tots and older kids alike.
 
Here are a few tips on how to make it extra special for your little ones, while you relax and enjoy the day too.
 
1. Beat the queues
On busier days, a bottle-neck can quickly appear on the surrounding roads close to Drayton Manor, so try to ensure you arrive in good time to avoid these queues. The great advantage of Drayton Manor is that the park opens about an hour before the rides each day, giving you plenty of time to park up, purchase tickets and be ready to go the moment it opens. Select your first ride carefully and start queuing before it opens.
 
2. Lost children
Lost children will be taken to Guest Services (opposite the Bounty Pirate Ship) where they will be looked after by the Guest Services staff until they are re-united with their parents. Free Child ID stickers are available from Guest Services. Simply pop your mobile number on the sticker and stick it to the back of your child. Tell your child that if they get lost they can approach a member of staff, who will take the child to Guest Services.
 
3. Buggy hire
Children’s buggies are available from the wheelchair and buggy hire station at the main gate on a first come, first serve basis. Note that a hire charge of £6 applies and a refundable deposit of £10 is requested per children’s buggy.
 
4. Baby food
Baby food can be bought from Teashop, Knapford Station café, First and Last coffee stop and Mrs Kyndley’s Kitchen.  You can heat baby food at any of the following food places: Cedar fish and chips, CN Cafe, Teashop, Chicken Diner, Safari Pizza and Pasta, Burger Kitchen, Mrs Kindley’s Kitchen, Knapford station Café and Crankey’s Kiosk.
 
5. Nursing mum and baby changing
Baby changing facilities can be found in all of the toilet facilities at the park. Nursing Mothers and Baby Changing facilities are located in Thomas Land (which has a private room available for nursing mothers), and also in the toilets near Safari Pizza and Pasta restaurant. Nappies and other essential baby care items can be purchased from the Toy Shop which is conveniently located in the centre of the park.
 
6. What to eat
Brought your own food? The park has plenty of benches and areas for you to use, so you can save money by packing a picnic for the day.
 
7. Don’t miss the live shows
Between rides, there are live shows which take place during the day in the six week holiday period during the summer. These are a brilliant feature of the park, and will have the kids talking about their trip for weeks to come. 
 
8. Head to Thomas Land first
Thomas Land is the most popular area for families with younger children.  As it is also located close to the main entrance, most families will opt to it visit Thomas Land first. If you can make it to the park early, it is still best to go directly to Thomas Land as queues do tend to build throughout the day.  
 
9. If not, visit Thomas' friends
If you decide to leave the Thomas attraction until later in the evening to avoid the queues, Thomas' friend Spencer has his very own activity park which is located in the Zoo next to Farmer McColls Farm. You can get to this by walking through the zoo or by riding on Thomas or Percy from Thomas Land.
 
10. Check online for discounts
The Drayton Manor site has some great bargains on offer throughout the year, so keep an eye out for them if you're planning a trip.
 
Image via Pinterest.

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