lycam

I think the kids would definitely love all those things you mentioned and when I think about it we went to Disneyland Paris for our last holiday which we enjoyed but wouldn't go back as it was so stressful. So busy and fast paced, up early every morning and out till late at night. We needed a holiday when we came back to recover! Had thought a canal break would give the right balance of rest and play as we could sort of please ourselves on the pace. Life jackets would definitely be worn at all times, even by myself just in case, also sets a good example to the kids anyway. Think I'm swinging more towards just going for it as at the moment we are all really keen but as the kids get older I'm worried they'd lose interest and we'd end up not doing it at all.

Thanks for all the info, good to see there's a few options for visiting some attractions to keep the kids from getting bored. I'm so torn now as I can be a right worrier so some of these comments make me think we should wait a few years but my husband thinks with 4 kids no holiday is ever going to be stress free and that we'll be fine as we're used to looking after them in a variety of situations which could potentially be dangerous if we weren't careful. I suppose we'll just need to decide what to do and no doubt if we do decide to go for the canals I'll be back for more advice. Thanks again for all the advice.

A fair point about all the dangers. We had thought about this and I would need to keep hold of the 2 year old most of the time. My 5,6 and 8 year olds are very responsible and if anything a bit too scared of things to do anything too dangerous as I think I've banged on about the dangers of this that and the next thing way too much. The older 3 can swim but not something I would rely on as there's a big difference between swimming in the local pool and falling in a cold canal. Hoseasons seems really helpful, thanks for that. Think I'll have a rethink then on the canal holiday for a few years as its all new to me so probably best to listen to those who've been there, done it. Thanks again for the help.

I'm looking for a bit of help booking our first canal boat holiday. We have 4 children who will be 8,6,5 and 2 when we plan to go in the summer or October depending on price. We are looking for a route where we can relax some days but also visit local attractions at some places so the kids don't get bored. A big thing that would swing it for us deciding would be if any of the canal routes passed close to a zoo. Maybe a bit of a strange request but being in Scotland we're nowhere near most UK zoos other than Edinburgh so would love if this was possible. Other thing we need to consider is price, we're looking for something as cheap as possible really as we're saving for a car this year. I know canal holidays aren't that cheap though so am not kidding myself that it will be that cheap. We don't have a car yet so would be relying on public transport so if any of the boat yards are nearish to a train station would be ideal. Any help would be really appreciated as I don't really know where to start.