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Holidays

Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

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Original poster

Centrepark - Activites - Which ones should we do?

16 replies

MummyJules · 15/05/2008 20:52

I'm going away with my little girl and my parents and I am so looking forward to it.

Just wondered if anybody had any experience of them?

Thanks x

OP posts:

liath · 15/05/2008 20:54

The activities gobble money but the painting/messy play type things are quite nice for Grandparents. Dd who's 3 enjoyed the pantomime. Otherwise we spent most time in the pool bit.

roisin · 15/05/2008 20:56

How old is she?
I would highly recommend using the babysitting and going to the Spa yourself!

Original poster

MummyJules · 15/05/2008 21:06

She is five, nearly six. Can anyone tell me the difference between the creache and the activities? Which ones can she do unaccompanied.

I'm thinking of doing the photo thing to have some nice photos of us, but can't get hold of price list.

OP posts:

liath · 15/05/2008 21:15

The creche is just child care I think although I've only used it for my baby. All the activities I've done were accompanied, though I'm not sure about the stuff for older kids. A friend had photos done at Whinfell Center Parc and was very pleased with them.

We've been twice and love it, really kid-friendly.

roisin · 15/05/2008 21:16

At that age my boys mostly enjoyed just riding bikes, walking in the forest, swimming, etc.

Apart from the kids club or creche or whatever they call it, there isn't much she can do unaccompanied. My boys did the kids club thing when they were 5 and 7, but they didn't really like it.

Original poster

MummyJules · 15/05/2008 21:17

So the only time you can have unaccompanied is with the babysitter? How do you book these, are they available in the day and how much are they?

OP posts:

micci25 · 15/05/2008 21:22

creche and the nature walks, teddy bears picnic etc she can do herself, it actually tells you in your holiday planner that they should send you about two weeks before you go

i went to sherwood in january with my dd1 aged 4 and she loved it although she preferred the swimming, which is free, more than any other activity. there is also a kids disco on a night where your ds can interact with other kids that is also free

roisin · 15/05/2008 21:24

I think babysitters that come to your lodge are only available in the evenings, and cost about £10 per hour (from memory).

But you can also leave her in the creche/kids club for a 3 hr session during the day.

Tbh though at CP we enjoy spending time with the children: it's such a great setting.

Original poster

MummyJules · 15/05/2008 21:26

Yes I have to say that's one thing I am really looking forward to, being a single mum and student - its difficult to get that quality time. I'm only wondering because I really wanted to book a horse-riding session and perhaps a massage and just wondered how it fits in!

Thanks for the advice!

OP posts:

onepieceoflollipop · 15/05/2008 21:27

You can book your activities on line before you go. There is info on prices, availability and age ranges etc. The only drawback with booking them early is you pay straightaway, but it does mean you get to reserve the activities you really really want.

iirc there are not really any activities you can leave under 8s unaccompanied apart from the Time Out Club (Creche) and babysitting service.

Also they will send you a brochure/price list about a month before you go.

EyeballsintheSky · 15/05/2008 21:30

If you've got table tennis bats and a ball take them - the tables are always half empty and if you don't have to hire bats then you can sneak in without paying for a table.

The tree trails and nature walks are really nice as well and when we've done them, they've not been that heavily booked so you get a nice small group.

onepieceoflollipop · 15/05/2008 21:32

oooh look here!

p.s. babysitting £5.65 per hour before midnight, £6.15 per hour after midnight. (minimum 2.5 hours)

Haven't personally used the babysitting service but have always been very impressed by the creche, in fact dd2 (9 months) will be attending one session this time. 4 year old dd1 loves the "pyjama party" bedtime session.

roisin · 15/05/2008 21:38

If your parents are going with you though, won't they be happy to mind her for a bit while you have a riding session?

Original poster

MummyJules · 16/05/2008 09:33

Tbh not really as they're quite old and ill and have quite different views on looking after children than I do therefore I just wouldn't feel entirely safe leaving her - it sounds awful I know

OP posts:

Elkat · 16/05/2008 11:05

I have to say that the party in the park is always good. The food is great, the entertainment is a bit naff, but the kids love it and there is usually some form of disco at the end. Its on the last night, so it is a nice end to the week. If there's one thing we do, its that (Oh and book a spa - that's a must!)

Othersideofthechannel · 17/05/2008 05:29

Which park are you going to? We recently went to the one in Lac d'Ailette, France. DS is 5 and he did a 2hr activity where was a pretend fireman. Included disguise, "training", ride around the park in a mini fire engine, putting out a "fire" with a real hose using water pumped from the lake. It was a flip down target looking like a house on fire.
He loved it.
There were lots of other professions to choose from: circus performer, farmer etc

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