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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not choose holidays based on what there is for the kids to do?

160 replies

MrsWinnibago · 15/07/2014 13:29

It's struck me that I'm the only one of all the families I've talked to recently that doesn't choose holidays based on what there is for the kids to do.

I've just never even considered it! Mine like the beach, the countryside, shops and walks as well as walking round castles and towns they've not been to before.

They like shops and galleries and they just seem to enjoy new places.

I was talking to my sister and she was suggesting a particular resort as it has a good kid's club and other things that would appeal to most kids she said.

She went on to say that I'm selfish as I never book anywhere like that. Am I?

Our kids are similar in age...between 6 and 10.

OP posts:
sonlypuppyfat · 15/07/2014 13:33

It absolutely fine what you do, it's your holiday you've saved for it. It's not like you're leaving the kids at home is it.

Original poster
MrsWinnibago · 15/07/2014 13:33

But am I missing something? Will the kids resent me later? Should they be going on these kid-centric holidays?

OP posts:
pictish · 15/07/2014 13:35

We don't do kiddy themed holidays either. We go camping where WE like because we do all the work and it's US that need the holiday!
We usually set aside one day in a week to go to something specifically kiddy/family orientated, but the rest of the time we go for walks or chill out at the tent. The kids never complain of being bored as they get the run of the place to explore at their will.

Those places with kids clubs etc do not appeal to us either.

aprilanne · 15/07/2014 13:35

well you do consider them if they like a holiday with countryside and things .not everyone wants haven type holidays here or abroad .i always think kids clubs are more about giving the parents a break than actually about entertaining children .

SantanaLopez · 15/07/2014 13:36

But surely you pick a holiday based on the beach, the countryside and the places surrounding it? You are technically doing the same as them, just not with the same activities.

scaevola · 15/07/2014 13:36

You are choosing holidays that your DC like (according to the list you gave).

She is choosing ones her DC like.

Your families like different things. So you choose different holidays.

You were tactless to criticise her for doing exactly the same as you do. But she also went to far in saying you were selfish.

Original poster
MrsWinnibago · 15/07/2014 13:37

April that's what I thought but I just suddenly feel guilty...incase they'd love a kiddy holiday but just haven't had a chance to! I don't like the thought of them though...the clubs don't appeal./

OP posts:
BBQSteak · 15/07/2014 13:37

So what sort of holidays do you go on then??l

SantanaLopez · 15/07/2014 13:38

The kids clubs aren't meant to appeal to adults!

Original poster
MrsWinnibago · 15/07/2014 13:38

Scaevola I never criticized her! Where did I say that?

OP posts:
ChessieFL · 15/07/2014 13:38

We chose a hotel in Cyprus earlier this year on the basis that it had a kids club, play areas etc. My DD aged 4 used the play areas but flatly refused to go to the kids club and spent all her time with us. So YANBU as you could be wasting your time anyway if they're not interested in that sort of thing. As long as your kids enjoy their holidays book what you want!

Original poster
MrsWinnibago · 15/07/2014 13:39

BBQ well usually in the Uk and something like a cottage or apartment in a nice town or village. We have done a few city breaks in hotels....we visit beaches and other nice places of interest. Go on walks etc but mostly we go to the coast.

OP posts:
Minnieisthedevilmouse · 15/07/2014 13:39

Surely both are kids holidays...?

Original poster
MrsWinnibago · 15/07/2014 13:39

Chessie I don't think either of mine would want to leave us either...they'd probably like the play areas but you can get them anywhere surely?

OP posts:
redskybynight · 15/07/2014 13:42

But you are choosing holidays that your children would like!! They like beaches, countryside and walking round castles, so you pick a holiday that involves those things. Do you mean you don't like picking holidays with organised children's events?

I think a parent who picks a holiday without an eye to there being something for their DC to do is a bit bonkers tbh. But then we book holidays on the basis there is something that all of like - it's not much of a holiday if you're forced to do a lot of things you have no interest in.

PeterParkerSays · 15/07/2014 13:43

I don't get why you'd send your kids to a holiday club - to me the point of the holiday is to spend time with them Confused.

We have toned down holidays with DS - we go to beaches etc as well as castles, markets etc but do try to get to the sort of places we'd have been to before.

Original poster
MrsWinnibago · 15/07/2014 13:44

I think what I mean is that my sister wouldn't pick a holiday unless it had kids' clubs, lots of playground choices and a good pool. Always a resort type thing..or a caravan site with all of the above. I wouldn't ever stay in a holiday village or something...just because it had kids' clubs it still wouldn't appeal. She thinks I "should" choose this type of holiday as "all kids love them"

OP posts:
aprilanne · 15/07/2014 13:45

MRS W we once went to the turkey holiday village with first choice .our kids were all under 12 at the time thought it will be great .clubs from 8am until 10pm .everything from face painting to canoeing rockclimbing you name it .fab we thought .EH NO .the children couldnt stand the noise the constant shouting from reps .we ended up going on lovely boat trips .turtle watching .anything away from the constant buzz .so no they are probably missing nothing .

EElisavetaofBelsornia · 15/07/2014 13:46

Kids clubs are hell on earth. I have taken kids away through work and used them, there was bad behaviour, little control, run by squealy hyperactives barely out of the teens themselves.

I don't think it's odd to want to spend time with your own DCs on holiday, or to do educational or cultural things with them. But my DSis thinks my kids are deprived.

netty7070 · 15/07/2014 13:47

I agree OP. DS likes spending time with me and DH and seeing new things. My DB+DSiS just spent ££££ on a holiday because of the all-day kid's club (well, that was a major deciding factor). They both work f/t and personally I can't understand why they don't want to spend a bit more time with their kids on holiday. But each to their own, I guess.

Artandco · 15/07/2014 13:47

We do and don't. Iv never picked a holiday based on kids entertainment but do look at things like family rooms/ flights at reasonable times etc so suppose half and half. They always seem to like where ever we go. Our holidays as adults only always included bit if beach/ pool, plus historical, some sightseeing, and stuff like going boat for a day etc, so pretty much the same with kids and they enjoy it

Although tbh mine would hate kids clubs and entertainment as don't like loud noises, large groups or being left with people they don't know so pointless booking anyway

netty7070 · 15/07/2014 13:48

DSIL, obv.

BeatriceBean · 15/07/2014 13:48

Ah that's different. I was going to say not considering the kids sounded a bit unreasonable as you'd have an awful holiday! We have similar holidays to you, but I consider that considering the children - we all like being outdoors, running around etc!

I don't think you need to do a resort holiday to interest children. I intentionally go camping/ cottages etc so they have wide open spaces to play! I suspect if it were just my husband and myself we'd go for romantic hotels.

Artandco · 15/07/2014 13:49

Actually we actively avoid kids super friendly hotels. I love my children but frankly most other peoples annoy the hell out of me!

rowna · 15/07/2014 13:49

I didn't really think about it until recently when we went to one of these caravan parks with sports activities for a weekend. We normally go for a cottage in the country or by the beach. But I think mine are getting to the age where they really like to try things like archery and canoeing. Mine never want to go to the kids club or the entertainment though. So I think I will be trying to incorporate a few more activities within the holidays. I don't think you need to stay on a ready made site for that though - just book a riding lesson or a canoeing session type of thing.