Norfolk broads with toddler!

[Cbrookes]

Mums I’m stressed!!
I ( stupidly) agreed to a mon-Friday Norfolk broads trip.
The trip is planned with another couple. We both have 2 year old children.
In my mind this holiday seems like it could be a disaster. My biggest concern is boardem of the kids( plus sleeping arrangements )Apart from nature I’m not sure how else we are going to keep them entertained. My little boy if full of energy. Is there enough for them to do? Even the planned route where we are planning to moor looks slightly uninteresting for a toddler ( no parks etc) boat looks very small which isn’t ideal so sleeping is going to be fun.
I really want to pull out of the trip as I feel stressed about it all. Am I overreacting ??

thanks!!

Can you change your route?
There’s a list of lots of good playgrounds here: https://www.herbertwoods.co.uk/blog/parks-and-play-areas-on-the-norfolk-broads/

Also, my advice would be to take a scooter or balance bike. Even if you can’t find a playground, it’s not hard to find a flat path or empty carpark to let off steam.

Personally, wouldn’t consider a boating holiday with under 5s.

Oh god. I don’t want to be negative but the above poster is right. I wouldn’t be able to relax with a toddler… And my childhood was very Norfolk broad based. So- if you’re not pulling out (personally I probably would I’m afraid) since I know it well, what is the route, maybe I can give you some tips for things to do at where you plan to moor?

Thank you all so much. sadly your saying what I think I’ve told myself , don’t go!!

This is the route we had planned to follow

3-day itinerary for the Norfolk Broads : Wroxham to Salhouse, How Hill and Ranworth. Inc stops at Horning & St Benet's Abbey

I really wouldn’t be doing a boat holiday with a 2 year old. Is it all booked or can you cancel?

It’s all booked. Was kind of pushed into in a year ago. Being a people pleaser I agreed now I’m like thinking why didn’t I say no in the first place ! Trying to keep others happy sadly. Tbh I’m not even worried about loosing the money. Just wanted others opinions on whether I was over reacting and being super anxious over nothing x

If you go, get some reins.

Are they just two, or nearly 3?

I'll be honest, this would be the last holiday I would take small children on. Not just the constant 'Man Oveboard!' worry but the fact that the whole point of a boat on the Broads (or canal boat) is that you stay in the cramped confines of a boat while moving slowly past scenery.

And then there is the chemical toilet, the need for bottled drinking water. The caravan-like kitchen and probably tiny fridge. (take a cool box)

However..... ,making the best of it

If nearly 3 I would do things like get modest water pistols for them to squirt at the water or passing targets.
Buy duck food (not bread, stuff that is good for them) to feed any passing water fowl
Equip them with children's binoculars
Lots of games and toys suitable for in the cabin and on deck.
Scoot / cycle along the bank in places where this is possible
If desperate one of you drive the car stop to stop - and take the kids to the beach while someone else moves the boat and appreciates the scenery.

They will presumably supply buoyancy aids which you can battle to make the kids wear at all times.

It might be worth them wearing a toddler-sized lifejacket or similar whilst on board, and like a pp says, get reins. You won't be able to take your eyes off them for a second.

Some of the Broads have strong currents underneath what look like a calm surface, so adults should not be tempted to go in for a dip.

Agree with pp lifejackets and reins, lots of things to do in the cabin.

There's Wroxham Barns (you'd need transport from the town but it's 5 mins by car) which is very small child friendly including the farm, and a Bewilderwood 5 mins up the road from Horning if you can moor down by the Swan. How Hill nice safe area to run around in not far from the mooring past the cottage, and Ranworth Broad cafe is nice and again safe space to lunge toddlers.

I live nr the broads.

Do not, repeat do not take a toddler on a boating holiday. Let alone two. You won't relax the entire time. It will be cramped. He will be bored. You will most likely think "fuck this for a laugh" and bail after the first night anyway.

Save yourself the bother.

I needed to hear this. Thanks for your honesty x

I appreciate your suggestions. They are both nearly 3.
Thanks for taking the time to reply. I shall consider your input in making my decision 😄