Baby: 10 reasons why Center Parcs is great for toddlers
We have just returned from a 5 day break to the Center Parcs in Sherwood Forest. We went with my family – 8 of us plus two toddlers (18m and 20m). I have been many times before but it’s a whole new experience with a toddler and I thought I’d share 10 reasons why it’s such a great holiday with toddlers.
1. The safe environment. Once you’ve unloaded your cars, and put them back in the car park there are minimal cars around (only Center Parcs vehicles are really allowed) which means it’s so safe and you feel far more relaxed letting your tiny one roam around.
2. Everywhere is extremely child friendly and totally catered for children. From always having high chairs available to soft play in most of the venues and restaurants that you visit. Whilst my family had a game of Badminton, I could take Florence to soft play before swapping around and having a game myself.
3. The villa that you stay in is great for creating a home from home. They have high chairs and cots, plus stair gates and fire guards, so you can just unpack and go straight to enjoying your break.
4. You can bring your own bikes, or hire them there and they have two options for bikes with toddlers – a buggy trailer or you can hire a bike with a kids seat. Florence loved being on the back of the bike and it made getting around so easy.
5. The kids swimming pool area is fantastic. It’s been recently renovated at Sherwood Forest and is full of fun and slides. They also have cots dotted around the seating area of the pool which I noticed a lot of families using for younger babies.
6. They have a supermarket (Parc Market) in the village square so if you forget anything or wanted to buy everything there, you can. It also has mini trolleys which Florence loved, although enjoyed putting some questionable items in there!
7. Nature is right on your doorstep. The villas have big french doors which back onto the woodland, so Florence enjoyed watching the wildlife as they pottered about – there were lots of pheasants, squirrels and ducks (her favourites!). It’s also so easy to just go out for a quick walk and get a dose of fresh air and some stimulation.
8. There are so many activities to keep them entertained. You can pay extra for special activities like a balance bike session or messy play but if you want to keep costs down there’s so much for them (swimming, walks, soft play) to do without spending extra.
9. When they are in bed you can enjoy your evening in the villa. We liked to cook a nice meal, play games and our villa also had a sauna which was fun!
10. Happy Mum (or Dad), Happy Baby. The spa is amazing. Obviously not one for the toddlers but one for the parents – and there is a creche so even if you don’t have extra help to look after them whilst you’re there, you can use that and go and enjoy three hours of bliss in the Aqua Sana. Trust me, it’s fab.
