Family days out can become expensive very quickly, especially during the school holidays.
As a family of four with children of different ages, we are always looking for ways to make lovely memories together without spending a fortune every time we go out. One of the best purchases we have made for our family adventures has been our Merlin Annual Passes.
Why We Chose Merlin Annual Passes
Our Merlin Annual Passes give us access to a wide range of attractions across the UK, including:
- Alton Towers Resort
- Chessington World of Adventures Resort
- LEGOLAND Windsor Resort
- Warwick Castle
- SEA LIFE centres
- Madame Tussauds
- The London Eye
- And many more
Because we enjoy visiting attractions throughout the year, having annual passes means we do not need to pay the full admission price every time.
It also encourages us to make the most of our weekends and school holidays because we already know there are plenty of places we can visit.
Something for Different Ages
One of the biggest benefits for us is that Merlin attractions offer something for everyone.
Charlie enjoys the toddler-friendly rides, animals, colourful attractions and SEA LIFE centres. Amelia can enjoy bigger rides and more adventurous experiences, while Lee and I get to spend quality time with them both.
Having children with a ten-year age gap can sometimes make choosing a family day out difficult, but Merlin attractions usually have enough variety to keep everyone entertained.
They Make Spontaneous Days Out Easier
Because our admission is already covered by our passes, we do not always feel pressure to arrive at opening time and stay until closing.
We can visit for a few hours, enjoy our favourite rides or attractions and leave when Charlie has had enough.
That flexibility is particularly helpful when visiting with a toddler, because not every day goes perfectly to plan.
How We Keep Our Days Out Affordable
Although the passes cover admission, the additional costs can still add up. We usually try to:
- Take a family picnic
- Bring our own drinks and snacks
- Pack everything Charlie may need
- Plan our journey and EV charging stops in advance
- Set a small spending budget before we go
- Use any passholder discounts available
Taking a picnic is probably our biggest money saver. It also means we can eat when the children are ready rather than waiting in long queues during busy periods.
Making Family Memories
For us, the passes are not only about rides and attractions. They give us more opportunities to spend time together and create memories.
Some of my favourite moments are the simple ones: watching Charlie’s reaction to something new, hearing Amelia laugh on a ride, enjoying a picnic together or looking back at the photographs afterwards.
The children will not stay these ages forever, so being able to enjoy more family adventures together feels very special.
Are Merlin Annual Passes Worth It for a Family?
Whether a Merlin Annual Pass is worthwhile will depend on how often your family expects to visit.
Before purchasing, I would recommend checking:
- Which attractions are close enough for you to visit regularly
- Which attractions your children will enjoy
- Any exclusion dates or booking rules
- Parking and travel costs
- The current pass options and benefits
- How many visits it would take for the passes to pay for themselves
For our family of four, they have given us a practical way to enjoy more days out while spreading the cost across the year.
Our Honest Verdict
For us, Merlin Annual Passes have been worth having.
They suit our family because we enjoy theme parks, attractions and spontaneous adventures, and they give both Amelia and Charlie experiences suited to their different ages.
We will continue sharing our honest Merlin attraction reviews, toddler-friendly tips, picnic ideas and family travel experiences here on The Thirty Something Mum.
Have you considered buying Merlin Annual Passes for your family, or do you already have them? I would love to know which attraction is your favourite.
Leave a Reply