Nickelodeon is rolling out the orange carpet for you to come and meet its brightest stars, SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer this summer.
Ahoy matey! Explore with Dora on a Pirate Adventure or dive beneath the waves to Bikini Bottom for some Spongetastic fun.
It’s all happening during the summer holidays at a shopping centre near you.
Braehead
Metrocentre
Meadowhall
Victoria Centre
Manchester Arndale
Lakeside
the Harlequin, Watford
Please click on the
Centre logos for session times and to find out how to get there.
There will be a wristband entry system for each character meet and greet session. Wristbands will be available on the stand on the day on a strictly first-come, first-served basis.
Please click on the Centre logos for session times and for updates and information prior to the day.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Don’t forget to check back here 24-48 hours after you’ve been to the activity to download your photos.
Frequently asked questions
Q. What will be happening at each Centre?
Nickelodeon’s top characters – Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob SquarePants – will be appearing at each of the listed Centres in their own interactive areas featuring lots of fun and games. Plus, each child will get the chance to have their photo taken with their favourite character by our special event photographers, which they can then download from the Nickelodeon website after the event.
Q. What age children can come along?
Pre-schoolers aged two-five years are most likely to enjoy the Dora the Explorer activity and children aged 5-10 years old will particularly enjoy the SpongeBob SquarePants activity. However, Mums and Dads are welcome too!
Q. I really want to come along – what do I need to do?
We will be running timed sessions for each character each day completely free of charge. However, for safety purposes, there will be a wristband entry system for each character meet and greet session with a designated number of children’s wristbands per session.
Q. How do I get a wristband for my child?
Wristbands will be available for children on the stand on the day on a strictly first come first served basis. Please check the shopping centre website for updates and information prior to the day.
Q. When are the sessions?
There are five meet & greet character sessions per day EXCEPT for Sunday 8th August at the Victoria Centre, where because of shorter opening hours, there will be four SpongeBob meet & greet sessions. Each session lasts for 30 minutes. Centre times may vary depending on opening/closing times, so please check their web sites for more detailed information.
Q. How many children’s wristbands can I have?
To ensure as many children get the chance to meet the characters as possible, there will be a maximum of four children’s wristbands available per household. Please note that each child must be accompanied by a minimum of one and a maximum of two adults per group.
Q. Can my child meet the characters without a wristband?
Unfortunately, your child will only be able to take part in the activity if he/she has a wristband valid for that particular date and time session.
Q. Do babies under two years need wristbands too?
Yes, ALL CHILDREN need a wristband to gain access, no matter how young or old they are.
Q. What if I get wristbands for one of the sessions and then can’t make it?
Unfortunately, wristbands cannot be passed on or exchanged once allocated and there will be no cash alternatives. However, if you are unable to use your wristbands for whatever reason once issued, please return them to the staff on the stand and they will endeavour to re-allocate them to someone else in the queue.
Q. Is there anywhere I can buy VIP wristbands?
No, all wristbands are issued free of charge by Nickelodeon. Tickets cannot be purchased for the activity.
Q. How much will it cost?
The activity is absolutely free to wristband holders. The only things you may need to pay for are on-site parking at the Centres (if appropriate) and any food/drink you may wish to buy whilst there. Please check the Centre web sites for more detailed information.
Q. How long should I plan to stay at the event?
Each character meet and greet session lasts for 30 minutes so please make sure you get there on time to maximize your little one’s enjoyment! Wristbands will clearly indicate which session your child can attend.
Q. How do I get to the Centres?
For more detailed information on car parking/public transport information, please click on the links for each shopping centre.
Q. Will there be anywhere to keep our buggies and prams?
Unfortunately there will not be a designated buggy park area. For security reasons, you will need to keep your buggy with you at all times.
Q. Is there disabled access?
Yes – all Centres have disabled access. Please click on the links for each shopping centre to find out more.
Q. What if my child gets lost?
Each Centre operates a strict lost child policy – in the first instance, please go to the Centre information point / concierge desk, where they will notify security. We would also recommend you write your name and mobile number on your child’s wristband, so the Centre staff can contact you should your child get lost at the Centre.
Q. Will the activity be coming to any other Centres not listed?
The activity will only be coming to the seven Centres listed. We considered many different locations for our summer activity and have done our best to ensure that we cover as many geographical locations as possible at Centres who have sufficient space to accommodate us. All Centres have great transport links, so should be easily accessible for people travelling from further afield.
Remember to pick up your exclusive retail partner discount vouchers on the day to get great money-off deals from the following stores:
