Launch Day at Nickelodeon Adventure Lakeside Review
Reviewed by Louise Watts
Any parent with small children will have heard of “Nickelodeon” and the numerous shows available on its channels, such as Dora the Explorer, Shimmer and Shine, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Paw Patrol to name just a few. Imagine for just a minute how amazing it would be to bring these characters to life for your little ones, all under cover and under one roof with easy parking and plenty to do!
Well, that is exactly what my 5-year-old son and his 4-year-old friend (and us mum’s) got to experience yesterday at the Launch of “Nickelodeon Adventure” at Lakeside, Thurrock. We defied the advice to stay at home to avoid Storm Dennis and braved the dreaded M25 and Dartford Crossing to attend the launch day excitement.
On arrival, the adventure was easy to find, near the cinema and bowling alley at Lakeside. I managed to park about a 30 second walk away and headed over to the very brightly coloured, magnetising entrance. As we entered and went up the escalator to where the fun starts, the staff were welcoming and happy to help in any way they could. After the official opening, we entered the adventure.
The area inside is a good size but not so enormous that you could lose other people in your party if the kids wanted to go in different directions. It was packed with fun activities and games for the children to do, all separated into different areas for its respective characters. There was a Spongebob Squarepants area including a boat ride where the children get to drive their own boats, my sons favourite part was the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle area which was had endless areas to have fun, including climbing, sliding, a ride involving flying and the chance to meet and have your picture taken with the turtles themselves! Other areas included a large Paw Patrol area which was always full of children playing on the pup’s various vehicles and a chance to ride down the Lookout Slide. My son entered the adventure telling me he was too old now for Paw Patrol but spent half the day in that area! As well as having activities for physical play, there were also other games to play that involved some mental and fine motor skills.
There was also a 4D cinema experience which I really wanted to try out but sadly, I could not convince my son to accompany me – the stubbornness of a 5-year-old never ceases to amaze me sometimes!
Everything was very child friendly including the bathrooms and there was a lovely “Slime Café” for any parents (or kids) wanting refreshment!
The adventure offers day entry or annual passes. Personally, I think if you live nearby and are likely to visit more than once then an annual pass is definitely the way to go. Day entry for a child is £14.95 (please check website for latest prices), but an annual pass is only £37.50 making it by far the best option for value. An adult day ticket is £7.50, but an annual pass is only £18.95. There are various other ticket options available including family tickets and discounted prices for senior / student and disabled. Personally, I feel the day tickets are a little overpriced, however the annual pass prices are extremely good value. Nickelodeon Adventure is open 7 days a week 10am – 6pm making is accessible for everybody. There is also the option to hold birthday parties for your little ones there.
I would thoroughly recommend Nickelodeon Adventure for a rainy day or a day to escape the sun and stay indoors. When I asked my son what he thought of it, he replied “it should be called Explodeon Adventure as it is exploding with fun!”
Rating: 4/5
For more information, ticket prices or to book tickets online visit www.nickelodeonadventure.co.uk.
Nickelodeon Adventure, West Thurrock Way, Grays, Essex, RM20 2ZP