We’ve visited Center Parcs in every season and usually make multiple trips each year. Our little boy has been coming with us since he was just six weeks old, so we’ve learned a lot about what works (and what doesn’t!) when holidaying with babies and toddlers.
If you’re considering your first Center Parcs trip with an under 2, here’s everything we’d recommend.
Before You Go
Book Activities Early
If you’re planning to do any paid activities, especially during school holidays or festive periods, book as soon as activities become available.
Many popular sessions open around three months before arrival and can sell out quickly, particularly seasonal experiences.
Plan Easy Evening Meals
After a busy day of swimming, exploring and toddler wrangling, hungry little people don’t want to wait long for dinner.
We’ve found villa ovens can be a little slow, so we tend to favour:
- Pasta dishes
- Stir fries
- Jacket potatoes
- Quick stove-top dinners; like tacos, chilli or fajitas
Anything that gets food on the table quickly is a winner!
Grocery Shopping Tips
To save money, we always bring most of our own groceries.
If you’re travelling a long distance, we’d recommend either:
- Popping out to a shop once you’ve gained access to your cabin
- Bringing only non-perishable items
Nobody wants warm yoghurt and questionable cheese after hours in the car!
Don’t Forget a Fan
If you’re visiting during warmer months, pack a portable fan.
The villas can become surprisingly warm, especially during summer. Some villages provide fans, but availability varies, so it’s worth checking beforehand.
What To Do Before Villa Check-In
Many families head straight to the Subtropical Swimming Paradise.
However, if you’re travelling with a dog, this isn’t always practical.
Our favourite first-day activity?
Adventure Golf
It’s relaxed, outdoors and a lovely way to start the holiday while waiting for villa access.
Bonus points if you squeeze in a second round!
Our Favourite Activities for Under 2s
Baby Owls
This completely exceeded our expectations.
The staff were fantastic, the experience was interactive and engaging, and it’s still one of our favourite activities we’ve ever done at Center Parcs.
Baby Dolphins
Sadly, not all villages offer this anymore.
If your chosen Center Parcs still runs it, book it!
It gives little ones exclusive access to splash areas with songs, games and water play in a calmer environment than general swimming sessions.
Sensory & Movement Classes
The sensory sessions for babies and movement classes for toddlers have always been a hit.
They are age-appropriate, engaging and often change with the seasons, which keeps them fresh if you’re a regular visitor.
Free & Low-Cost Activities We Love
Not everything needs booking.
Some of our favourite memories have come from simple activities around the village.
Wildlife Spotting
Grab a wildlife spotting sheet and see how many animals and birds you can find.
Playground Adventures
There are multiple playgrounds throughout the villages, suitable for a range of ages.
Seasonal Experiences
Keep an eye out for:
- Winter Wonderland villages
- Seasonal trails
- Special character appearances
- Festive events
Bubble Fun
A bottle of bubbles can provide endless entertainment.
Balance Bike & Scooter Practice
The quiet pathways are perfect for little riders gaining confidence.
Badminton Courts
One of our unexpected favourites.
When our son wasn’t walking, he happily watched from his buggy. As a crawler, he explored the court, and as a walker he joined in.
Swimming
We’ve used everything from baby sit-in floats to toddler life vests over the years.
Center Parcs often provides flotation aids, but availability is first come, first served.
Den Building
The forest setting makes this an easy and memorable activity.
Nature Crafts
Collect:
- Pinecones
- Leaves
- Sticks
Then use them for crafts back at the villa.
A favourite is making a “nature wand” using cardboard and sticky tape.
Beach Visits
If your village has a beach area, don’t miss it.
Even tiny toddlers love digging, collecting pebbles and splashing by the water.
Activity Packs
Always ask at Guest Services or check-in.
Some villages offer free activity packs for children.
Why We Love Center Parcs at Christmas
Christmas is hands down our favourite time to visit.
The entire village feels magical.
Some of our festive highlights include:
- Brunch with Santa and the elves
- Visiting Santa’s grotto
- Meeting the reindeer
- Festive entertainment
- Twinkling lights throughout the forest
It truly feels like stepping into a Christmas storybook.
Don’t Forget To Pack
✔ Wet weather clothing
✔ Wellies or waterproof shoes
✔ Spare shoes
✔ Swimwear
✔ Portable fan (summer)
✔ Scooter or balance bike
✔ Bubbles
✔ Favourite bedtime comfort items
Visiting Center Parcs With A Dog
One thing we love is how dog-friendly many areas are.
Depending on the village:
- Some restaurants offer outdoor dog-friendly seating
- Certain Pancake Houses welcome dogs
- There are dedicated dog exercise areas
- Plenty of woodland walks for sniffing adventures
It’s one of the reasons we keep returning year after year.
Final Thoughts
Center Parcs has been one of our favourite family holidays throughout every stage of babyhood and toddlerhood.
Whether you’re visiting with a tiny newborn, a crawling explorer or an energetic toddler, there’s plenty to do without feeling pressured to fill every minute.
Pack for all weather, keep plans flexible and embrace the slower pace.
Project Mumager 
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