Anyone been to Center Parcs with a toddler? Was it worth the money?

[Summerdays2014]

Hi,

I have a just turned 2 year old son and have no desire to take him abroad yet! Last year we went (with my parents!) to a British sea side town and had a lovely time. This year I’m considering Center Parcs, it looks great but is expensive (in my opinion)
If you have been with a 2 year old was it worth it? Did you end up spending loads of money on extras?
My son enjoys swimming and being outside so I’m hoping he’d have a great time... (I’m also planning on asking my parents along again as they made things so much easier last time and meant that me and my husband could get a break as well!)

Thanks everyone.

Yes, we went in October with a 3 year old and a 2 year old, and the year before with a 2 year old and 15 month old.
We did book a few extra activities but to be honest they were happy without them. They mainly enjoyed the swimming pool, the parks, riding round on our bikes, looking for wildlife and the indoor soft play.

Definitely! We went with our DD the month before she turned 2. Was a bit worried if it would be a waste of money- but she loved it! There was a really good swim session for babies and toddlers every morning befire the pool opened to everyone else. Lots of indoor and outdoor parks. Sessions you can book for toddlers like messy play and a disco. And just loads of woodland to run about in! We really enjoyed it too.

Yes! Wecwentvwith ourc2 and a half year old last September and we are going back again this year! We booked a lot if activities for him.

I think if you live in a city the countryside aspect is great but we live pretty rurally already so have gone to Butlins instead where 2 year old loved all the entertainment and 'buzz'... Swimming pool wasn't as nice as centerparcs though.

I haven't been with a toddler yet but went when my DS was 8 months in Sept. He loved it. We didn't really pay for any activities for him but did go to the driving range and mini golf while he slept in his pram. We spent a lot of time swimming. Looking forward to going back in March. I don't expect to spend any money on activities, the pool, play parks and little walks should be enough.

buffysummers4 we live in the dull suburbs so we like the countryside of Center Parcs and the buzz of Butlins .
Actually though that is a good point. We went to Center Parcs in October last year and Butlins in September (DC’s 3 and 2). If I was being entirely honest, I think the DC preferred Butlins.

Hmm - I found that a lot of paid activities are directed at older children. There were a few (expensive!) stay and play activities which I didn't think were worth it.

The nature side was good, the pool was great (but my 2yo was shivering after 40 mins) and I wasn't overly impressed by the outdoor play areas as they seemed geared up for slightly older kids (1 house to play in and one shared swing, no individual swings, seesaw, slide etc).

But it's a nice environment

Itscurtainsforyou which one did you go to? I couldn’t get my 3 and 2 year olds out the pool, and the same the year before then they were 2 and 15 months. We easily did 3 hour stretches. And I found the parks pretty toddler friendly. That was at longleat (2016) and Woburn (2017).

I didn't think it was worth it to be honest, we went before Christmas when she was 2 and found a lot of the activities geared towards older children. The pool is good but I found the food outlets horrendously expensive and poor quality - when I go on holiday I like to eat out not stop and cook. However we live in a rural location so I do think people who live in the city appreciate it more, I think it is expensive for what it is and would rather rent a holiday cottage by the seaside and be able to enjoy local attractions instead. :)

Perfect age I'd say. We took our DS as a toddler and didn't need to book any activities. He was happy to potter about, swim, look at the ducks, go on back of our bikes, go on the playgrounds and beach area. Expensive but worth it in my opinion, and make the most of doing it before they start school as it's stupid money then!

Yes that’s true, DD1 starts school in September so we won’t be going again! No way I’d pay school holiday prices.

Frankly going preschool age is probably the best. You can go out if peak times so it's cheaper and less busy.

Plus children that age have lower expectations. Mine were more than happy with the free swimming pool and free outdoor play areas. If you have your own bikes plenty of safe space to cycle for free too.

Unless we remortgaged the house no way could I have afforded going when they were school age. Much cheaper to go abroad then 😂😂😂

Thanks everyone some really interesting points! We are quite rural but I liked the idea of having everything in one place unfortunately I am a teacher (part time) so would be paying holiday prices anyway - that’s why I said I thought it was very expensive!