Canal boat with DCs -tips

[drspouse]

We have 3 nights booked in June, we've been as a couple but not since DCs. They are 9 and will be 7, DS has SEN but is generally cautious, DD can be a bit random but is very excited so I think will manage to focus on safety.
Tips of things to take or not take? I think we will be mainly cooking on the boat but will try and moor up near a pub or chip shop one night.
I have told DD she can only take two teddies...

There is a post on AMA from someone that lives on a narrow boat , perhaps you could ask them for tips
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/AMA/4206026-I-live-on-a-Narrowboat-AMA?msgid=106047225

Make sure life jackets, for your children are included, they usually are, but wise to double check.
Binoculars and some of those I spy books on birds etc. - cheaper than losing your phone overboard! Some board games. Have fun and enjoy. Have a loo at canal route planner - might give you an idea of pubs etc on your route, you won’t be going very far in 3 days.
And yes, it sounds like I’m preaching - but please don’t allow them on the roof or to walk on the gunwhales whilst moving.

We took lots of games that didn’t require a big set up or players sitting opposite each other, as the table in our boat was small and only had a bench seat around two sides. We took Hedbanz, Top Trumps, Pictionary Air, Bop It and a few others I don’t remember.
A word of warning with mooring near a pub - it could be noisy, especially when your dc have been put to bed.

Footwear that grip- plimsolls or boat shoes perhaps. Have a lovely time.

Great tips thanks. DS will be happy for hours with BopIt and they both like Go Fish and Snap.
I Spy books are a great idea too, and I've been meaning to get binoculars.

Can you download kids tv and movies onto an iPad or laptop before you go? Some boats have WiFi but it is intermittent. Sometimes you just want them inside the boat engaged with something whilst you sort out a lock. Buy some extra data for your phones.

Don't let the children loose with the windlass at the locks. Our older son let his younger brother release it and it went flying into the canal (lost) but a very near miss for it hitting his head . Obviously life jackets for the kids are a must. Ie no jacket then no going out outside. In the boat is safe, it's the getting on and off and canal sides that are dangerous.

Bring some solar or fairy lights for the boat, helpful when getting on and off in the dark and also for identifying your boat.

Take lots of snacks. Box of wine is better than bottles as the fridges are tiny.
Always have a back up meal plan if the pub is shut or you don't get there in time etc. Jar of sauce and bag of pasta works well, also packets of part baked baguettes for lunch.

Don't take many clothes, they just take up space. You will end up wearing the same jeans and hoodie probably.
Plan your route well, get to the boat in very good time on day one as you can't sail in the dark.

Mosquito repellent is a must. Long sleeves for evening.

Water/drink bottles with lids for bed time and to save washing up.

Have a lovely time