Recommended by Claire Smith with children age 8 on Fri Aug 11 2017

We went to Box End Aqua Park as an ‘End of Term’ party with 15+ over excited boys to burn off all that energy on the inflatable assault course. We had pre-arranged our group, with parents booking their child onto an agreed specific time slot (which was very useful so that one organiser wasn’t responsible for booking everyone). We were advised to hold off adding a wet suit when we booked on-line, as that was included in group bookings for 15 or more. If your child is aged 6-9 an adult will need to accompany them onto the assault course, but over 10-17 you are let off that particular hook and just need to sign them in. You will need to turn up 1 hour before your booking as they hold a safety briefing that you have to attend before being allowed onto the course. Even if you have booked a wet suit you will need a suitable swimming costume and something for the feet is also a good idea if you have them (lots of comments of squishy mud in toes!). It was such a hot day when we went, they could have gone in with just a swimsuit and t-shirt as they also get a life jacket, but my son insisted on wearing the wet suit plus the life jacket and got very hot! They will get a full 1 hour on the assault course and come off suitably tired! If you have arranged it properly you can just watch from the side lines - they do have staff on the course keeping an eye on things and making sure everyone is safe. We also pre-arranged for the BBQ afterwards, which was £5 per head (which we paid for on the day) for burger/hot dog, crisps or salad and a fizzy drinks. Great value for money as you could spend all afternoon there, watching the wake boarding and swimming on the lake.

Recommended by Nicola Olliffe with children age 1 on Sun Jul 16 2017

Fun for all the family, and can keep children of all ages entertained for hours! Join in the water sports or watch them from the bank, or even have a go on the inflatable obstacle course! My nieces went on their as a birthday treat and I think we had as much fun watching them as they did doing it! Eat inside or out, and enjoy a drink from the very reasonable priced bar. We meet there quite often as it's near my family and we all have a great time. There is also lots of space if you need to take your baby for walk in the pram to get them to sleep as I often used to find myself doing! Great day out, even better when the sun is shining!

Recommended by Susie, Founder of Wiki Places For Kids on Wed Jul 12 2017

I visited Box End Park this week and the venue is STUNNING! The Aqua Park is incredible and it was all I could do to not throw off my heels and jump onboard. With an amazing separate wake boarding lake adjacent to the inflatable aqua park section there is so much to do and watch. If you are a spectator and the sun is shining then you have your very own Henley-esque experience right here. I can definitely see myself sipping Pimms & Prosessco on the banks while picnicking this summer. My kids are too young for the aqua park at the moment, but my nieces and nephew will LOVE it, and we can still all swim on the weekends and bring inflatables along. They also run ladies only sessions for the watersports which could interest beginners and those less confident. I'm so glad I discovered this wonderful place. A hidden gem.