Siam Park, Tenerife

The largest man-made waves in the world should pack in the surfers at Europe's biggest water park, due to open in Tenerife on May 1. 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 laser effects. There is also a surf school, artificial white-sand beach and themed restaurants.

Details: www.siampark.net; adults, £21; children 3-11, £14

Disneyland Resort, Paris

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Background

• Orlando's latest theme park

• France's futuristic theme park

• Welcome to Germany's pleasure dome

• Riding the Big Shot in Nevada

• Denmark, home of Legoland

Background

• Swedish green fun parks... for kids

• Nemo found - in Paris

• A long way from reality in Orlando

• Is Disneyland for girls?

• Bring me sunshine - Florida is family funtime

Best not to have lunch straight before plummeting into the fifth dimension 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, £34; children 3-11, £30

Legoland, Denmark

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, £24; children 3-12, £21

Walibi, Belgium

Walibi had teething problems with Vertigo, the first-of-its-kind mix of rollercoaster and ski lift. But glitches have been sorted and it will take off from its futuristic base station when the park opens on March 22.

Details: www.walibi.be; adults £23; children 3-11, £20

Europa-Park, Germany

Will the new London Bus and Crazy Taxi rides be authentic? The bus hovers up to 7m (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, £23; children 4-11, £21

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