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The largest man-made waves in the world pack in the surfers at Europe's biggest water park on the island of Tenerife.
High-octane rides include the Tower of Power, with a 28m (92ft) drop down to a pool surrounded by alligators, and the volcano which involves lasers. There is also a surf school, artificial white-sand beach and themed restaurants.
Details: www.siampark.net; adults €26/children (three to 11) €17
Best not to have lunch straight before going on the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, the new ride at the Walt Disney Studios Park. The setting is the Hollywood Tower Hotel, struck by lightning in 1939, and the special effects while you're queueing in the service elevator are as much fun as the stomach-churning ride.
Details: www.disneylandparis.com; adults €49/children (three to 11) €41 for a One Day/One Park Disney Ticket (price valid until November 7, 2008)
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A Pirate Lagoon full of sea battles, foam and waterfalls is the new arrival at the original Legoland in Billund, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Children can captain a remote-controlled pirate boat and need to pack their swimsuits for walking the plank in the Pirate Water Falls playground.
Details: www.legoland.dk; adults €35/children (three to 11) €31
Walibi's Werewolf ride (cover image), a wooden roller coaster, is a real hair-raiser at this theme park 15km outside Brussels. Another highlight is Dalton's Terror, which involves a 77m free fall while the Vampire is a favourite among those who like to have their feet in the air. The park has been having teething problems with Vertigo, the first-of-its-kind mix of rollercoaster and ski lift. That ride is not currently in use.
Details: www.walibi.be; adults €31/children (three to 11) €27
Will the new London Bus and Crazy Taxi rides be authentic? The bus hovers up to seven metres (23ft) above ground, which will appeal to younger children who can't face a ride on Silver Star, Europe's biggest rollercoaster. For dads, the 100 Years of Grand Prix exhibition in the Mercedes-Benz Hall is likely to be a bigger draw.
Details: www.europapark.de; adults €31.50/children (four to 11) €28
Saturday Independent
- Julia Brookes