A day at Diggerland – staying active with Aqua Pura

As a family we are always aware of the need to stay active, promote healthy activity to our children and appreciate the outdoors. We were recently contacted by Aqua Pura, and as part of their Life Champions project, we set out to enjoy a fun filled, active family day out. 

Diggerland Devon is a unique family attraction that gives children (and adults) the chance to drive and operate real diggers, enjoy construction themed rides and play in the great outdoors. With something for pretty much every age range, it is definitely a real fun, if a tad pricey, family affair. Our first stop was Spin Dizzy – the ride that the children had seen advertised on the TV. Jacob didn’t fancy this one, but thrill seeker Gemma was certainly up for it! Both children enjoyed the Dig-a-round (think Chair-o-Plane but with digger buckets) and had several goes over the course of the day, as did the go karts!

One of the main attractions at Diggerland are the real diggers, that you can ride, drive and use. There are several different set ups – hook a duck, skittles and straightforward mud digging. Children as young as Max can have a go too, as long as they are with an adult – which makes it much easier for family days out – I hate going to places where I feel Max is left out of the fun.

There is a lovely Sky Shuttle digger, where you sit in the ‘bucket’ and are telescoped right up above the park for a birds eye view, as well as heaps of other attractions from Jeep safaris and digger trains to drive your own tractors and police trucks. Everything except the coin operated cars and the dodgems is included in the entry fee (£16.99 per person over 90cm). Children under this age are free but can only access limited rides. I do think it is quite expensive – you would certainly need to be prepared to spend a whole day here visiting all the rides multiple times to justify the entry fee. Having said that, everyone had a really fun day, and it is a great place to get outside, get some fresh air and exercise and experience new things.

 It was a really hot day when we went, and so we made sure that the children were wearing hats and sun cream and were well topped up with Aqua Pura water, so they could enjoy the attractions to their full.

As well as all the rides and vehicles, there are also plenty of open spaces where the children could take a break, run free and play freely – big grassy areas (also perfect for picnics), wooden climbing equipment, slides, zip wires and sandpits. Again, this is great for exploring the outdoors, getting some exercise and imaginative play.

So what are our top tips for staying healthy and active?

• Make it fun. Staying active doesn’t have to be boring – especially with little ones. A fun day out, a splash in the swimming pool or a bike ride are all great ways to exercise.
• Drink, drink, drink. If your kids aren’t keen then try letting them choose fun cups and bottles.
• Turn everyday things into active fun – try a pegging out the washing race, an obstacle course in the garden or scooter races at the park.
• Lead by example. If you spend all day slumped in front of the TV then so will your children. Show them that being active and eating healthily is normal.

How do you stay active and healthy?

 * We were sent a Red Letter Day voucher for a fun family day out, as well as a supply of Aqua Pura. All thoughts and opinions are my own.