Adventure Wonderland Bournemouth (from Scene South)

SMILES, squeals and shattered children - the three things that as a mum make me feel we have had a great day out. Adventure Wonderland delivered the lot.

The theme park, based on the Alice in Wonderland story, has been voted Dorset's top children's attraction for two years running and it is easy to see why.

The relaxed and friendly staff, the child-friendly rides and open layout of the park make it a great place to take the whole family.

But as I found out, it is also a marvellous day trip when you are a single adult with a hoard of children!

I had four with me, aged between seven and two, and was looking for an entertaining day for all of us - including me.

There wasn't a single ride which my older two charges could not tackle by themselves, which left me free to sit with my younger two and give them a great introduction to all the fun of the fair.

All four - plus me - had a great time on the new Snappy Croc inflatable and while the older two took to the Spinning Teacups I was able to enjoy the slightly less turbulent Curvy Caterpillar ride.

We all loved the trampolines and the maze proved a great hit. It was not so big that I worried about the older two getting lost, but big enough for me to wonder after about 30 minutes if there really was an exit!

Finally we all made it out and after refuelling with a spot of lunch were ready to tackle the play areas with the aerial slide and Castle of Adventures.

The Ghostly Galleon and Runaway Train left the older two thrill-seekers squealing with delight while the Flying Elephants and Space Orbiter were the rides of choice for me and the little'uns.

There are also donkey rides and the Happydrome Shows at weekends and in the school holidays.

Adventure Wonderland has a lovely family atmosphere. While the park is large, I was never worried about letting the older two wander off by themselves - something I would never be able to do at the bigger theme parks.

My one regret is that because it was such a sunny day we didn't spend much time in the indoor play centre, aptly called Wild Thing. The half-hour we did spend there gave the children and I a taster of the fun to be had and we are all looking forward to a return visit.

GETTING THERE The park is only a half-hour drive from Southampton, straight along the M27, A31 and down the A338.

PRICES Adventure Wonderland is a great day out for a young family and with ticket prices at £9.75 or £37 for a family ticket you get a full day of fun without a huge bill.

FOOD AND DRINK With the café serving tea until 5.30pm, we took a packed lunch and managed a hot meal before heading home.

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