Help a mum out… where to go in the uk (or abroad?!) with a 2.5 year old?!

[Muuuman]

Looking at somewhere to take ds in spring or summer. Don’t know where to start really… is it even worth it at 2.5? Will he get much out of it?! Have a reasonable budget but don’t want to spend for the sake of it! I thought uk better than going abroad but maybe not?

At that age you're best off going somewhere like Butlins or Haven. Reasonably cheap and plenty to do on-site. They gets bad rep, but we've been a few times with our young DC and they loved it every time.

@magnoliasweets thank you

I think at 2.5, holidays are really just the same shit in different scenery tbh (and sometimes possibly more shit, because he’ll be out of routine and in unfamiliar surroundings.) If it’s mostly for his sake, he’d probably appreciate a series of day trips (zoo, beach, adventure playground etc) more than a holiday.

If you want to go away, a resort usually has enough activities going on to keep small ones occupied, whilst also having things like bed and food close at hand for when it all gets a bit much. Places like Croatia and Montenegro tend to be less crowded and touristy than e.g. the Canaries.

Pendine Sands (North Wales) is definitely worth a look. It's got two playgrounds, you're near the beach as well as countryside walks, there's a pool and entertainment for toddlers (paw patrol, story time in the mornings etc). Pendine Sands Holiday Park, Wales | Parkdean Resorts It's a fairly quiet holiday park, unlike the bigger ones which tend to be noisier/busier (so better for toddlers!)

Large hotel, somewhere warm with a buffet breakfast. Nothing better than a toddler and swimming pools in the sun for me.

We enjoyed a holiday to Malaysia - Langkawi particularly. Its a long flight but its easier than you think it'll be. We're in a nice resort, great pool, decent beach, with a kids playroom and the hotel has koi fish that the kids can feed. So far so good.

Peppa Pig world. Haven.

Center parcs

I'd agree with a previous poster. Day trips from where you are to a zoo, the beach, a forest, even just a few different playgrounds you've not been before.

If you do want to go away for yourself as well, then somewhere near a friend or relation who would like the chance to treat the child a bit would be a good idea.

I’d choose more of a resort style with activities focused on your toddler but enough elements of relaxation you. Personally in the uk I like Center Parcs as you don’t have to worry about passport control and security etc.

Weymouth is lovely for that age and has various Haven sites in the area.

We did Butlins - 3 years old - 5
Disney Paris - 6 - 8years
Overseas 9+
And a week in London each year from 4 years during Kids Week watching WestEnd shows

Butlins was made for this age group, go during term time, stay in the Shoreline Hotel so they can put Billie Bear to bed, get a meal plan for the buffet restaurant they have something for everyone. You can use the crèche to access the spa for yourself and the entertainment is perfect for that age.

I wouldn't bother going abroad until they are 5+ personally and actually left it until DD was 9, but she is a red head and super pale. Otherwise it's just the same rubbish in a different place with added stress making sure they are covered in sun cream.

We live next to a beautiful sandy beach and live there most of the summer so I appreciate if you don't live on the coast sea and sand is a bigger pull.

If you have the budget there is a group called luxury family hotels which are very nice and also Bedruthan steps hotel. Alternatively self catering near a beach and some playgrounds or there are some family friendly groups of gites in France.

Would it just be you and him OP? And what is your budget and time?

Go on a cruise, kids club means you can both have a holiday. Splash pools and lots of entertainment. As you aren’t bound by school holidays at that age you can get really good deals.

we also do no fly so we haven’t got to faff with a plane, straight on the ship and your on holiday.

I know they aren’t everyone’s cup of tea but our child loves them. Currently 7 but has been cruising since 2.

Butlins was great when our DCs were that age. I went not expecting much (rep from when I was younger coupled with how little it had cost), but it was a perfect mix of activities and location, the accommodation was fine, and it was less rough & ready than my memories from when our local youth centre used to take us in the 90s. We did the Just For Tots breaks, run in term time and aimed specifically at U5s.

We love holidays and have had about four a year since ours was 6m. UK holidays were the worst for me personally as the weather was rubbish. I would recommend self catering with a washing machine so you can pack very light. My favourite when they were that age (last year) were Rome, Barcelona, Majorca, Berlin, Ile de Re, Opal Coast. France is easy as you can drive, but I found the flying fine as they are of an age where they can watch something and have a better attention span.

I have lived every single holiday and I don’t think it’s comparable to being at home.

Butlins both my kids loved it at that age, if you can get the afford it book gold accommodation. They are fairground rides, swimming pool and great kid friendly shows, my kids are teen & young adults are they have fond memories of our holidays there.

My son loved Thomasland at that age. We just stayed at the Holiday Inn, where he also enjoyed the buffet.

I wouldn't attempt anything ambitious at that age, or spend a fortune unless there is somewhere you really want to go. Two year olds have a way of making you swear off holidays for life!

Nice, France was good. Anywhere along the Italian riviera as well. San Sebastián also. Basically, go wherever you want and the kiddo will adjust.

We LOVE holidays with our toddler and she’s been going since 7 months and is now 4. We go 3 times a year. We go all inclusive to somewhere that has loads of pools parks slides beach resteraunts and honestly it’s a joy!

Second Weymouth, we went a few years ago. Has everything you need plus day trips to monkey world and the swannery.

If it suits your budget then one of the Kinderhotels in Austria, Germany or Italian Alps might suit. Fully aimed at families with young kids, endless activities, childcare included, usually have spas etc and good food. Not all of them are open in early spring as it's the shut down period between ski season and summer season but some might be.

I have a 2.5 year old , I’ve taken him to Jamaica at 3 months, Greece at 1, Cyprus at 2. He’s also been to Wales and Devon. I’d say your best off sticking to Europe if you want guaranteed sun.

My little one loved Devon but in Wales it rained as we were limited in what we can do.

As a single mum on an ok budget I took my 2.5 yr old (+ - 6mths) to 2 places that I loved and she loved:

• all inclusive to the Caribbean at easter
• Drove to the Loire valley and visited château in the summer - most had little farms. We shared beds and typically ate market rotisserie chicken and baguette for lunch