If you have a family you know how hard it is to keep the kids entertained nowadays, it seems like the attention span of a kid gets smaller and smaller with every passing year. If you were thinking that they would be entertained by sitting on a beach in the Bahamas for two weeks whilst you soak up the rays and take a well earned rest you need to think again.
Drag the kids away from their iPods and iPads and get them in the countryside, go on an adventure holiday – hire a narrow boat and cruise the UK canal network. Here are some of the things that you can do on holiday that will get you out in the open, keep you refreshed and entertain the kids in one swoop.
- Take a bike. Most companies allow you to take bikes on board (some even have them on boards already) and when you moor up you can take the kids on cycling tours around some of the most attractive countryside that the UK has to offer. Contrary to popular belief kids still enjoy a good bike ride!
- Walking. You may have somewhat of a battle here – but you should persist as there is plenty that you can explore just a few steps away from some of the most popular mooring spots around the UK.
- Fishing. Don’t forget your fishing rods as the kids will be able to fish whenever they want. Whenever I take my kids fishing it is always a roaring success (granted it appears to be more of boy activity than a girl activity). If you do your research beforehand you can make sure that you pick the best spots beforehand to ensure that you get the best chance of catching something.
- Take the dog. One of the best things about a canal boat holiday is that most of the hirers allow you to take your dog along for the trip. The kids love to be able to take the dog exploring in new and exciting adventures.
- Know the areas that you will pass through .The canal are never that far away from civilisation so you can make sure that you plan a few days out for the kids at some of the top theme parks around the country (it doesn’t all have to be about nature you know.)
- Pubs. But pubs aren’t for kids really are they (well they tend to have small parks on them so they make it to the list by default). Use the CAMRA guide to make sure that Dad gets his fix of real ale and if you ask around beforehand you can find some pubs that serve great food and have great entertainment for the kids.
- Fill the boats with games and things from home. Narrow boats are pretty awesome because you can take as much stuff as you need to keep the kids entertained. Take their precious entertainment systems and their favourite games; take drawing pads and crossword puzzles for those rainy days!
Many parents dismiss narrow boat holidays as not being suitable for the kids but if you think a little differently and plan your trip well you can have one of the best, most unique and memorable holidays of your lives.
When not messing about on the river Wayne Barker writes for Hire A Canal Boat, a Midlands based narrow boat hire company in the UK.
