ARK Wildlife & Dinosaur Park Stickney

The dinosaurs are the draw here, but ARK Wildlife & Dinosaur Park near Stickney does something a bit different from the usual theme park formula. You're looking at a working farmland attraction that's mixed animatronic creatures with actual living animals - not high-octane thrills, but a gentle sort of exploration that works properly well for younger children and anyone wanting a low-key afternoon out from Boston.

What you get is a walk around outdoor enclosures with farm animals alongside dinosaur displays. It's hands-on in the way that matters: you can get close to goats and alpacas while life-sized T-Rex models lurk nearby. The dinosaur elements are educational rather than scary, which means six-year-olds won't have nightmares but also won't feel patronised. Older kids might find it a touch slow once they've seen everything - plan for two to three hours maximum.

It's free to visit, which counts in its favour, though parking and facilities specifics aren't entirely clear from what I can gather. The real bonus for holiday planners is the clustering of excellent campsites nearby. Wood Farm Camping sits just under a mile away and genuinely deserves its five-star rating, making this a natural pairing for a quieter Lincolnshire break. New Farm Holidays at 1.4 miles is equally solid if you need more space.

Best suited to families with younger kids and anyone after a casual morning before heading into Boston proper. Worth fitting in rather than planning a full day around.