Free things to do in Center Parcs

Center Parcs is a great family holiday but it's no secret that it can be quite an expensive trip - particularly if you travel in the school holidays.

Here are some great free things to do while there for free! Remember you're allowed onsite from 10am the day you arrive until midnight the day you leave - so maximize your stay as much as you can!

1. Swim - Of course no center parcs holiday would be complete without multiple trips to the subtropical swimming paradise! It's a fantastic place with loads to do so really make the most of it! Not only is there the large pool (that is also a wave pool) but there are also children's pools, water slides and outdoor areas.
2. Cycling - Center parcs is a fantastic place to cycle so remember to bring your own bike. You can hire bikes once you are there but this is costly. The traffic free roads are a great place for little ones to learn to ride their bike / scooter.
3. Playgrounds - They have some great playgrounds dotted around the parcs that are great fun and all for free so make sure you make the most of these. They have things to keep all ages interested and all the playgrounds are different.
4. Beach - Sherwood Forest have a little beach area which is great for kids. Bring your bucket and space and really make the most of your trip. 
5. Walks - You can spend time walking around the lakes or in the woodland around the site. 
6. Feeding the ducks - There is so much wildlife around it's a great activity to feed the animals - whether this is the ducks by the lake or the birds by your lodge.
7. Indoor play - Many of the restaurants in center parcs have a play area so this is great way for the kids to spend some time.
8. DIY Nature Trail - You can print our your own nature trail from this website Activities | Wildlife Watch. Kids will love wandering around trying to find everything on their lists. You could also turn this into a scavenger hunt as well.
9. Nature spotting - Bring some binoculars (and some for your kids) and go wildlife spotting. My eldest loves his binoculars and looking at all the birds. In Sherwood there is a Nature Center that is free to look in and they have a wonderful wildlife viewing area inside plus an outside walk with a hide.
10. Board games - Whilst they don't have any on site, if you bring some these come in very useful for a rainy day and you can play board games in your lodge.