Is touring with children a sociable holiday?

[Dems45]

We’ve got 3 children aged 10,6 and 1 and considering buying a tourer, reading some of the threads on here some people say it’s just as well to book air bnbs, however it’s not just the being away element that appeals to us but the children being out in nature and the opportunity to socialise with other families, just wondering if this is a reality of touring as a family, do many caravan club sites have playgrounds/ much to do for children?

For what you want it for, no.

If you were in the US…. Sure

but not the UK

We had a tourer when our kids were younger & they loved it, always out playing with other kids. My parents also had a tourer & I kept in touch with some of the kids I met on holiday for many years. Many happy memories were made.

I would!
We used to camp - usually on C and C Club sites. Our kids loved it! They loved being outside so much especially with a never ending supply of other kids on the sites to play with. Some sites do have play areas/games rooms etc but the main attraction was just being able to 'play out' a lot with new friends.

They’re very popular around here - but you do need to make sure you know how to drive and manoeuvre them on narrow roads.

I think it depends on your children’s nature. My DC are introverts and have never played with other children on holiday. They also don’t like it if there are groups of children dominating a play area as then they don’t feel that they can go and use it! So, yes, it can work as you suggest but do factor your children into it.

We have a tourer and it can be hit and miss. Our kids love going off to the park and making friends but that doesn't mean we socialise with the families. Caravan club sites can be quite basic but do tend to have small playgrounds. You're better looking at some independent sites like Searles in Hustanton or going to the Haven sites if you want lots for the kids to do. Alternatively the caravan club do their own rallies which are great for socialising with others, you do have to be a member to join them though.

Oh no they are very sociable, just a shame as all their cousins are much older and friends families are usually busy at the weekend but when they do get chance to mix with other children they are very happy

Thanks, we don’t need much for the kids to do but a just a small playground and woods to explore etc be nice, I tend to find these Haven type parks are so expensive now and we don’t really make the most of the facilities plus all the extras available can add up. They’ve never made friends in those places either as all the families seem to be there on their own very independent holidays. The caravan club rallies sound good

This is exactly what would be perfect for them, while we sit and have a cup of tea outside,

Why don’t you hire one a couple of times to experience it before deciding whether to buy?

My friend had one (assume you mean a caravan you tow?), but kept it at one site, and stored it there. So meant they made friends as lots of others kept their tourers on site too. But did mean they didn’t go to other places but made it easier to just get in the car and go.