When it comes to opportunities for making memories to last a lifetime, it’s hard to top a family holiday. Some of our earliest happy memories are likely to be a particular time away from home with our nearest and dearest.

These days, when time spent away together is more precious than ever, it’s easy to put a lot of pressure on ourselves to make sure that our holiday really is one to remember, for all the right reasons. We should all take care, however, not to put so much pressure on ourselves that we forget to enjoy our break. If you spend too much time worrying about making everything perfect, you won’t have any time left to enjoy the really important part – just relaxing and spending time together.

Cutting down on excess baggage

One way to help reduce the worry is to spend some time before your trip to think about what you really need to take with you. When you have young children, in particular, it’s all too easy to think that you must take everything away with you bar the kitchen sink, and convince yourself that you simply must have everything to hand just as you would have at home. Although this is very far from the case, it is certainly a good idea to be well-equipped.

Taking what you need will reduce your stress levels and help keep the whole family happy. Remember that at Woodland Park Lodges, travel cots and high-chairs are available to book in advance for your little ones, so that’s two big items you don’t have to struggle to fit in the car boot!

The number one rule for holidaying with small children is to remember; if they can get wet and dirty, they will. Children generally love getting thoroughly grubby. But importantly, it doesn’t matter. It just means that you have to be prepared for it with lots of changes of clothes. And don’t forget some strong bin liners to bag up the muddy ones. After all, no one wants to spend time on holiday doing laundry if it can possibly be avoided – though our lodges are equipped with washing machines, just incase!

Wellies and waterproofs

Wellies and waterproofs are a must, especially for family adventures in the woods, which can get a bit muddy at any time of year. Splashing in puddles isn’t just for toddlers of course, so waterproof footwear is a good idea for everyone.

In warmer weather, don’t forget the sun cream and sun hats too, as the British weather can always surprise us by going through four seasons in just one day, even at the height of summer!

Snacks galore

The usual timetable often goes out of the window on the first morning; that’s all part of being on holiday. But this, combined with lots of outdoor fun, may mean that small children (and big children too) are more hungry than usual and more often. Taking plenty of snacks and drinks out with you is a must, and of course even the most basic drink and biscuit can become a fun picnic when you are on holiday.

Pack up your troubles

To avoid the parents being lumbered with carrying absolutely everything for a day out, where practical, provide older children with their own bag to carry some, if not all, the essentials that they need for the day. Even toddlers often like to feel like one of the grown-ups with their own rucksack, and it’s a great habit to get them into early.

Teddies and toys

Children like familiarity so they should be encouraged to take their favourite toy away with them (try to keep it on the smaller side though). For a toddler, this might be a cuddly toy which will help them settle at night. For older ones, it might be a particular book that they love to have read to them in the evening.

And relax

Don’t feel you have to be out and about every minute of every day. Enjoy having the chance to relax and unwind, without any of the usual tasks you would have to do at home. A short break is a great opportunity to enjoy reading a new book, watching a favourite film, or kicking back with some old-fashioned but fun family board games. Even very young children can learn how to play simple games like Snap or Happy Families, so make sure you include these on your packing list.

Our park really is the perfect setting for those seeking to get away from it all with family, friends, and four-legged companions. Book your stay with Woodland Park Lodges today to experience all that we have to offer.