Hello Kitty Secret Garden, East Sussex

Hello Kitty may have been created in Japan but according to the storyline, the kawaii china white feline character is, in fact, from Britain. With this in mind it's quite logical that there should be a Hello Kitty attraction in the UK, and the first is due to open this May at Drusillas Park in East Sussex. The Hello Kitty Secret Garden will include three rides for children, including a teacup ride (being British, Kitty obviously likes tea) and a sky hopper. Hello Kitty herself will be making personal appearances at the park, which will be a chance for young fans to inquire in more detail about her favourite things, which include eating Mama's apple pie, candy, stars and goldfish.
• Drusillas Park, Alfriston, 01323 874100, drusillas.co.uk. Entrance for family of four from £52

Cbeebies, Staffordshire

Also opening in May is the world's first ever attraction dedicated to the colourful cast of characters you find on CBeebies. Expect to meet the likes of Tree Fu Tom and the Zingzillas as you explore the "immersive" surroundings at the Something Special Sensory Garden, or take an In the Night Garden boat trip down a stream to see Igglepiggle and Makka Pakka. Of course, it's not all new wave, classic characters such as Postman Pat are also at the park and there's a chance to join the nation's favourite Royal Mail staffer on his delivery rounds.
• Alton Towers Resort, 0871 222 3330, altontowers.com/cbeebiesland. Entrance for families from £31.05 per person

Peppa Pig World, Hampshire

The much loved, bright pink animated pig opened her very own theme park in 2011 at Paultons Park. The park has seven rides and attractions, giving little ones a chance to go for a drive in a variety of cute transport including Daddy Pig's car, Grandpa Pig's train and Peppa's big balloon. There's also a chance to visit locations from the cartoon, including Peppa's house, where you can, er, meet the entire pig family.
• Paulton's Park, Ower, near Romsey, the New Forest, 023 8081 4442, peppapigworld.co.uk. Entrance for a family of four from £90

Thomas Land, Staffordshire

A multi-million pound attraction dedicated to the friendly faced engine, with a dozen different rides to choose from. As you can imagine, most involve going for a ride with Thomas or his chums, such as taking a trip on the Crazy Bertie Bus, or getting behind the wheel at the Terence Driving School. Those seeking more of a thrill will enjoy the Troublesome Trucks Coaster or the Deisels Locomotion Mayhem, a ride the park describe as a "journey of near misses". Where's the Fat Controller when you need him eh? Oh, there he is … leading a song-and-dance routine (yes, really) over on the station's balcony.
• Drayton Manor Park, near Tamworth, 0844 472 1950, draytonmanor.co.uk/thomas-land. Entrance for a family of four £108.

Nickelodeon Land, Blackpool

Covering six acres at the Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Nickelodeon Land is jammed with entertainment for kids who tune in to the likes of Dora and Diego or the Rugrats on the Nickelodeon channel. Rides include the Avatar Airbender – where you get to spin and fly on a disk modelled on the style of the "ancient airbenders", as well as the Spongebob Splashbash, in which you get to shoot jellyfish with onboard water cannons while you splash through the water run. Animated adventure is also to be had as you join the Rugrats on their lost river flume ride, as you go on a quest to find the mythical Temple of Spoon.
• Pleasure Beach, nick.co.uk/nickelodeonland. Family wristbands from £48