Perfect mathematical formula for kids' day out revealed - and in what order

dailystar.co.uk:

Alton Towers Resort given specialist smart watches to measure the equivalent of ‘goosebumps’ and ‘butterflies’Breakthrough findings will now be used by the theme park to help parents ensure their mini thrill-seekers get the ultimate day out.And the findings show the order of activities takes the child through excitement and relaxation in short cycles, promoting the release of dopamine to give feelings of reward and a sense of wellbeing after a ride.And this also promotes ‘memory encoding’, meaning that in time, children have more chance of fondly recalling their day out by remembering key moments.The study involved 29 youngsters aged 4-7 each wearing a specialist medical smartwatch to measure physiological reactions including heart rate, skin conductance response - or goosebump reaction.

The children - 11 boys and 18 girls - were split into groups to experience the CBeebies Land rides and attractions in various orders, and the research team monitored their emotional reactions.

The groups tried five of the 12 attractions within the land which helped scientists determine the best timings and order for the ultimate reaction and recall.

Dr Eamon Fulcher, co-founder and CEO of Split Second Research said: “We wanted to understand the optimum combination of rides and activities that give children the best experience by testing five different combinations - and we alternated between thrilling and relaxing rides to identify the order that provides the perfect, most memorable day out.“Responses measured included physiological reactions like the goosebumps and butterflies that people get when they experience something magical and thrilling.”The research was conducted ahead of the arrival of three brand-new attractions opening this.