Diggerland, UK

This item appears on page 77 of the January 2013 issue.

In the UK, you can operate or ride construction machinery to dig for “treasure” or get hoisted in the Spindizzy at four Diggerland (phone 0871 22 77 007) adventure parks — located in Strood, Kent; Langley Park, Co. Durham; Cullompton, Devon, and near Castleford, West Yorkshire. (Some rides have height requirements.)

Licensed drivers age 17 and up can race front-loader (scoop) tractors; including general park admission for the day, this costs £125 (near $200). Or race dumper-truck chassis (bodies removed); a 2-hour session, after the park closes, costs £40 ($64). Racing is popular; book ahead.

Closed in winter. Open weekends and school holidays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 16-28 and 10-5 March 1-Nov. 3. Adult or child over 90 cm (2.6 ft.) £17 (near $27); senior £8.50, or child under 90 cm free. Online discounts.