If you care for a child with a disability, serious illness, or life challenges, you’ll know how rare it can be to have a truly carefree day out. Crowds, access barriers, high costs — it can feel like the fun stuff just isn’t made for you.

But it can be. And that’s where Merlin’s Magic Wand comes in.

Set up by Merlin Entertainments — the company behind places like LEGOLAND®, SEA LIFE®, Madame Tussauds®, Thorpe Park®, and the London Eye — this registered charity helps children who face tough challenges experience the magic of Merlin attractions for free.

Since it started, the charity has given away over 865,000 tickets to children and families around the world.

What is Merlin’s Magic Wand?

Merlin’s Magic Wand is a charity set up to help disabled, seriously ill, or disadvantaged children aged 2–18 experience magical days out. The idea is simple: to give families a chance to enjoy something special, without the usual barriers getting in the way.

There are three main parts to the programme:

1. Magical Days Out

This is the big one — offering free tickets for a child and their family to visit one of Merlin’s UK attractions. That could mean a birthday trip to LEGOLAND Windsor, a chilled day at SEA LIFE Brighton, or a once-in-a-lifetime visit to the London Eye.

These days out are arranged in partnership with local charities, schools, hospitals, or other support organisations — not directly by families. The organisation applies for the tickets, then passes them on to the family to book.

2. Magic On Tour

If a child can’t travel to a Merlin attraction due to illness, sensory needs, or safety concerns, Merlin may be able to bring the fun to them. This could be a themed sensory room set-up, activity sessions in hospital, or a pop-up experience at a school or community centre.

3. Magic Spaces

Merlin also creates fully themed accessible spaces in hospitals, schools, hospices, and SEND settings. These might be jungle-themed sensory rooms, aquarium zones, or little pockets of joy in otherwise clinical spaces.

Who Can Apply — And How?

To get free tickets or support, the child must be:

Aged between 2 and 18
Living with a serious illness, disability, or facing long-term adversity
Referred by a recognised organisation, such as a school, hospital, hospice, or local authority

Families can’t apply directly, but any registered group working with eligible children can apply on their behalf.

You can find the application form and full details on the Merlin’s Magic Wand website.

If your child is eligible and you’re connected with a school, hospital or charity that supports them, you can ask that team to make the application for you.

What’s Included?

Free day tickets for the child and their immediate family (usually up to 6 people total)
A personalised digital voucher you can use to book a date that suits you
Support with Ride Access Passes or access adjustments from the attraction if needed
In some cases, travel support (e.g. train tickets or fuel help) is also available

There’s no charge for any of it — and families never have to hand over money to access the scheme.

Can The Day Out Be For Any Occasion?

Yes! Families use Magical Days Out for birthdays, milestone celebrations, to bring a bit of joy after tough medical news, or just as a special day together. There doesn’t need to be a big reason — just a child who deserves something magical.

What If My Child Can’t Travel?

That’s where the Magic On Tour or Magic Spaces programmes come in. If you know a child who is housebound, hospitalised long-term, or can’t safely access theme parks or attractions, Merlin may be able to work with their care team to bring magic to them.

How Long Does It Take?

Applications usually take around 4–6 weeks to process. But in urgent cases — such as children with life-limiting conditions — fast-track options are available.

Once approved, the charity sends a code or booking link for the family to use. Dates are subject to availability, and attraction opening times vary, especially in winter — so it’s good to plan ahead.

What Kind Of Proof Is Needed?

The referring organisation will need to confirm the child’s eligibility — this might include a medical diagnosis, EHCP, or support plan. The family doesn’t need to share benefit letters or submit an Access Card.

What Attractions Are Included?

Some of the UK’s biggest and most exciting venues are part of the scheme, including:

And many more across the UK, depending on where you live and what’s nearby.

Final Thoughts

We know how difficult it can be to make special memories when you’re dealing with health stuff, money pressures, or relentless admin. Merlin’s Magic Wand is a rare moment of ease — a day where the magic really is just handed to you.

If you’re a parent or carer, ask your child’s school or support worker about applying. If you’re a professional who works with children, share this with your team. You never know whose life it might brighten.

And if you’ve used Merlin’s Magic Wand before, we’d love to hear your story.

Because magic should be for everyone. And that includes you.

Sammi is autistic, has ADHD, and lives with POTS. She’s passionate about disability advocacy, accessibility, and creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and understood. With a sharp sense of humour and a deep love for community, she speaks openly about the realities of being neurodivergent across all of her personal platforms, always aiming to challenge stigma, spark conversations, and remind others they’re not alone.

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