A and I decided that now O was a little bit older (almost 18 months by the time we went) we should give Center Parcs a go. We decided to go to Sherwood Forest as it was the closest to us and we'd heard they had a great splash pool for kids. You can arrive at any time from 10am on the day of check in but can't access the lodge until 4pm so we decided to drive over O's lunchtime nap and arrived around 2 and headed straight to the Sub Tropical Paradise as this is free for all guests to use everyday.
Sub Tropical Paradise - this was absolutely brilliant! There was a buggy park next to the entrance where we could leave the pushchair and we used a bike lock to secure it to one of the posts - a lot of people don't bother doing this though. They have family changing rooms meaning the three of us could get ready together which meant it was a lot easier than one of us trying to sort O. You are given a wrist band at check in as your key for the lodge and this is also your key for the lockers which makes things super easy. O absolutely loved the pool as it starts of shallow enough for him to stand. We then introduced him to the splash pool area specifically designed for small children and he had an absolute blast going up and down the slides! We ended up going swimming every day!
Accommodation - we went for a 2 bedroom Woodland Lodge to make sure O had his own room. There were quite big queues to get to the lodge in the car so A got
caught up in this while I walked O there in the pushchair. The accommodation is pretty basic (a lot more basic that other self catering we have been to) - think one wooden spoon, a couple of pans and not much storage space for food - but it was OK as we managed. We brought our own travel cot so can't comment on the ones they provide but the high chair they have ready is totally fine. Ducks came to the patio doors quite a lot which O loved. We didn't pay to pick where our lodge was and it turns out it was quite a distance from the main center but was quite close to the X. We had hired bikes and a trailer for O so that helped us get around. Bike hire is pretty pricey so if you have your own I would recommend that you bring them
On site supplies - we basically brought everything but the kitchen sink and lots and lots of food particularly given A is gluten free, however, I have to say I was very impressed with the on site supermarket which had lots of gluten free food and a freezer section of COOK meals which we very often get at home for ease.
Activities - we didn't do any paid for activities as we didn't think O needed any at this age. Instead we spent our days in the pool, in the soft plays in restaurants and at the nature center near the country club where they have a little viewing window where squirrels and birds are feeding.
Eating out - all of the restaurants are extremely child friendly with high chairs, microwaves to heat up baby food and most of them have some sort of play area. We spent a good amount of time in the Country Club and in the Sports Cafe play areas. All eateries have an allergen menu which is easy to read online and there were lots of gluten free options for A.
Take 3
We also went again when O was 2.5 and M was 6 months old - we went along with our families so had grandparents and cousins in tow. I've added some additional information here as we tried out some of the paid for activities this time:
Roller Tots - Firstly we expected that the skates would be those over the shoe plastic skates that we had as kids - unfortunately they weren't and they were full on boots. Even O (who usually picks up physical activities very quickly) really struggled and wanted to stop within the first 5 minutes. His cousin continued for the rest of the session but my sister and I basically had to take it in turns to keep her propped up. In summary, its a nice activity but I would definitely say that under 3s are too young for this. https://www.centerparcs.co.uk/discover-center-parcs/things-to-do/activities/roller-tots.html
Baby Owls - This is not owls that are babies, this is looking at Owls for babies (or young kids). O really enjoyed this and even stroked a couple of the owls, however, his cousin (whose favourite animal is an owl) ironically hated it and left within 5 minutes. https://www.centerparcs.co.uk/discover-center-parcs/things-to-do/activities/roller-tots.html
Bowling - we paid for a lane in the bowling centre for a short time. You pay per lane rather than per person which was handy when you have small children as their attention span only lasts so long. There were 9 of us (including the two toddlers not babies) and we paired together to each take turns. Lovely way to spend half a hour or so.
Tips
- Bring blackout blinds as the curtains let in a lot of light
- Bring your own bikes if you have them as bike hire is expensive and its a very good way of getting around
- Life vests can be borrowed at the side of the pool but we decided to take our own the second time we went as they fit better
- We didn't use it but there is a Creche available for use for a fee
- Take toddler friendly tablewear and cutlery
- Take a bike lock for the pram
- Take dishwasher tablets and washing up liquid as you only get enough to see you through for a couple of days
- Take the children's bike/scooter as its a really lovely environment for them to ride around given it is car free
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