The best theme park rides for beginners

Want to enjoy theme park thrills but avoid fast and intense rides? Check out our best rides for beginners.

If you quite like the idea of a rollercoaster but want to try a less intense version before going the whole hog, simply look for a smaller rollercoaster. Think more rolling and flowing tracks rather than tall cliffhangers and gravity-defying loop-de-loops.

For kids: Odin's Little Dragon Coaster is a swooping, swooshing, all-ages rollercoaster that would be perfect for little ones who want to ride the rails.

Fun houses

Prefer a ride where you do the moving rather than it moving you? We recommend roaming the corridors and obstacles of a classic fun house like our Dock Fun House. You get to maintain control and go at your own pace, so it feels like more of an experience than a ride.

For kids: young explorers will love Freya's Fun House – a Viking-themed obstacle course that tests their adventure skills, like climbing, crawling and tiptoeing. It's more adventurous than scary.

Merry-go-rounds

Or carousels, if you prefer. These rides keep it simple and stress-free for beginners. A carousel is the perfect starter ride for any theme park novice.

For kids: little racers, assemble! The Toy Set is the perfect ride for boys and girls (under 1.2 metres) who want to give theme park rides a test drive before going in full throttle. 

Pirate ships

If you don't mind a back-and-forth motion – the sort of sensation you might feel on a real boat – then you could take your maiden voyage on a traditional pirate ship ride.

Are you in, m'hearty? Join our spooky crew aboard the Ghostly Galleon: a classic pirate ship ride for the whole family to enjoy – even those who are just testing the waters.

Log flumes

What's adventure if you don't get a little wet? Dip your toe into the world of rides with a log flume, like our Blackbeard's Falls.

This ride will get your heart racing but is generally viewed as less intense than the faster, "scarier" rollercoasters. You'll be led upwards on the ride and be released down a watery path – so get your waterproof at the ready.

For kids: try Loki's Log Flume and feel like a real Viking explorer soaring into the sky and crashing through the waves. Older children (1.2 metres and over in height) can ride and so can smaller ones (90 centimetres in height) if accompanied.

Rail rides

Like a trip on the train but much more fun, a rail ride takes you on a peaceful, scenic journey.

These rides provide the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with a loved one and could even help you destress from a thrill ride.

For kids: take the little ones for a swashbuckling rail ride with a view and pretend to be pirates out on an adventure with a trip on our scenic Smuggler's Track. 

Waltzers

If anything can conjure up old memories of fairground rides and youth, it's got to be the Waltzers. Take a spin on this classic with your favourite people for an old-school thrill that will help you acclimatise to the world of theme park rides.

Dodgems

With all the thrill of driving fast without the danger, the dodgems usually go down a treat with ride beginners and are considered pretty tame. Get acquainted with this classic ride by driving fast and dodging your friends. You've got to be 90 centimetres or taller to ride ours – and 1.2 metres or taller to drive.

Flying chairs

Loved ever since the Victorian Period, the flying chairs can be a great introduction to theme park rides – as long as you don't mind heights. They're a must for anyone who prefers a more tranquil ride experience. You'll find ours at Steampunk Bay.

Ghost train

Spooky enough to get your spine tingling without throwing you all over the place or speeding you around, ghost trains are a must for theme park ride beginners – especially if you're partial to some spooky scenery and a good scare.

Slides

The slide is a classic for a reason: it's fun and a great ride for beginners. Slide on down to take a whirl on our Wave Slide, Snake Slide and Double-Headed Snake Slide (or all three!)

More classic theme park rides at Southport Pleasureland

Everybody dreams of riding a magical flying elephant… right? Flying Dumbos lets you and your family do just that – just make sure anyone under 1.2 metres in height is accompanied.

More road trip than road rage, The Thingymajig puts little riders in the driving seat of a plane or three-wheeler for a gentle introduction to theme park rides.

We all live in a Flying Submarine… That's how the song goes, right? Well, maybe not, but you're welcome to take flight on our fun, family-friendly Flying Submarine.

If having your fearless kids with you on rides helps you, give The Twister a try. It might get your head spinning but is relatively manageable for most ride newbies, especially when compared to bigger theme park rides.

Ready to ease yourself gently into the world of beginner rides? Or perhaps you have a little one you'd like to introduce to the magic of theme parks? Come visit us and enjoy some of the beginner-friendly rides at Southport Pleasureland. It's quick and easy to book your tickets online.