Nickelodeon Adventure Lakeside, Essex’s Hidden Gem

Lola A

5 years ago

We finally visited Nickelodeon Adventure Lakeside after much deliberation.

To be quite honest with you, I was hesitant in visiting initially as the website states the main activities will be aimed towards children aged 3-12, with the Rugrats soft play feature catering for children under the age of 3! We decided to go anyway on the basis Avery’s height dances around 90 cm depending on how his hair wants to act on any given day.

The Nickelodeon-themed indoor family entertainment centre is operated by Nickelodeon and Parques Reunidos. The centre offers pure entertainment for children and families. It boasts a colourful décor; the centre is highly interactive with a large variety of adventure zones, and it does, in fact, feature a dedicated space for the younger ones. From the moment we walked in, both our boys were engaged. It’s hard not to when it’s been so carefully designed with so many variations of play and ample space to run and move around.

There are six zones for children to explore with their grown-ups:

We kicked off with the action at Paw Patrol Adventure Bay. Avery loved climbing the commander centre, let’s just say one too many times.
Nick Central was our next stop, where you will find our good friend Dora as well as the climbing tubes.
We then dived into Bikini Bottom and immersed ourselves in a journey full of games and surprises with some of Nick’s favourite characters, such as SpongeBob and Plankton, to name a few. I think Avery’s favourite was the Boating School, where you sail around SpongeBob’s hometown. You have to be 90 cm to ride this one.
Next up you have the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle (TMNT) Action Zone, which includes two great activities the Donatello’s Ninja Flyers which you must be 90 cm to ride and the TMNT Action Zone where the boys crawled, climbed and explored till their heart’s content. This zone is recommended for 3 – 12-year olds. Avery, who is 27 months went through course with ease, and Levi, 12 months, attempted about half. If your child enjoys soft play, especially the climbing elements, they’ll be fine. Like us, you may have to also climb in with them not so much for assistance but more to protect them from the older children- as they don’t always realise their strength in comparison to the little ones.
You can let your little ones run rampage in the rugrats toddler play area. Although the padded blocks have been removed to reduce the spread of COVID, so, after about 2 minutes, the boys were bored with the empty space.
What’s great is you can take a break at the 4D Cinema to watch the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, save the day! Although you must be a minimum of 1m to enter the 4D cinema. Unfortunately, we missed out on this one given both boys are under 1 m. Let me be honest, by this time we were tired, so we didn’t mind.

The experience also includes character meet-and-greets featuring some of Nickelodeon’s most beloved characters, such as SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, PAW Patrol and The Fairly OddParents. There is someone to take a professional photo, but you aren’t discouraged from taking your own. We actually did the meet and greets in a separate room which looks like a great size to throw a party. I would definitely consider using this as a party spot for the boys in the future- it’s just a perfect space with great entertainment- it’s a no-brainer.

There is also the Slime Café where you can recharge your batteries because honestly, this place is a workout. They serve salads and wraps to burgers and fries; there’s something for everyone! Not to mention there are a plethora of restaurants within Intu Lakeside Shopping Centre and outside actually.

I’m pretty sure I have missed something out- but there was so much, my mind couldn’t comprehend it. So, in conclusion, I am glad we decided to go in the end, as you can see, there is more than enough to do even with someone who isn’t 90 cm (who is FREE by the way). We had such a blast and cannot wait to return. Based on the price per person I think this place is just such excellent value for money.

The important bits

Where is it?

The Quay, Intu Lakeside Shopping Centre, West Thurrock, Grays, Essex, RM20 2AD

When is it open?

Daily, 10 am – 6pm

How much is it?

Adult £7.50
Child £14.95
Senior £7.00
Student £7.00
Dis/ Carer £7.00
Disabled Child £12.85
Family of 3 (1 Adult + 2 Children) £34.90
Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Children) £37.90

Who is it suitable for?

Officially families with children between 3 – 12 yrs. and voer 90 cm. There is still plenty to do for children under 90 cm and a lot for under 3s too.