We've been to the Lake District quite a lot but we hadn't yet made it with O so when we got a chance to stay in a friends flat in Kendal for a few days we jumped at the chance! I was heavily pregnant at the time so the trip wasn't quite adventurous as we might normally do as I couldn't walk very far at this point, however, we had a lovely trip and did some things we might not ordinarily have done.

For our first holiday together abroad as a couple we settled on Portugal (we already had Canada booked for later on in the year). We both like to go a bit of the beaten track and during my research I came across the small coastal town of Sesimbra which is about an hour south of Lisbon.

Our bags were packed and we were enroute to the ariport almost exactly two years since we had returned from our last trip abroad (Covid had struck while we were in the middle of South America - more on this in the "pre kids" area). This time, however, we had a "mini" in tow - O was just over 5 months and we had decided that it was time to start travelling abroad again.

Port Caves - this is an absolute must when visiting Porto. We went to Caves Calem and did a tour and port tasting (just a small amount for me given I was breastfeeding O - A was only happy to finish my drinks... O was as good as gold in the carrier looking around until we turned him in for a little nap. https://calem.pt/en/

We had an absolutely fantastic time in Menorca - it's super family friendly and has some fantastic beaches that are perfect for children. Here are some of the top ones:

Two weeks exploring California with a 4-year-old and a toddler — a full loop from San Francisco to Los Angeles, packed with family-friendly activities, honest tips, and real-life experiences.

There are some places that stay with you long after you’ve left — and for us, the Monterey Bay Aquarium was one of those. Perched right on California’s rugged coastline, this world-famous aquarium manages to feel both breathtaking and beautifully personal. It’s not just glass tanks and fish — it’s an entire underwater world that makes you and your kids fall a little bit in love with the ocean.

Notes: To edit this trip to be family friendly we would only make a couple of adjustments.

Camping in the breathtaking Canadian Rockies, surrounded by towering peaks, pristine lakes, and lush forests, is a bucket list experience for RVers. Banff and Jasper National Parks offer incredible campgrounds, but securing a spot can be a challenge, especially during peak seasons. We've been through the booking process a number of times and in this guide, I’ll walk you through the booking process for Banff and Jasper campgrounds, along with practical tips to make your camping trip stress-free.

Our trip to Banff and Jasper in the Canadian Rockies was by far the greatest trip I've been on - and I've been to some amazing places including Patagonia! We decided that the best way to make the most of this adventure was to hire an RV and without a doubt this made our trip! See my blog post below for all the information on what we did. See my separate blog post "Ultimate Guide to Banff and Jasper" for information on how you can do this too.

RVing in Banff National Park is an incredible experience, offering stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a variety of outdoor activities. As I said in my recent blog - it is honestly the best trip I've ever taken! Here’s an ultimate guide to help you plan your RV adventure.

San Francisco is one of those cities that just feels fun. Hills that double as playgrounds, trams that make every toddler squeal with joy, sea lions lazing in the sun, and science museums so good you’ll secretly enjoy them as much as your kids.

When we told people we were heading to San Francisco with two young kids, we got a few raised eyebrows. The city is famous for its steep hills, buzzing food scene, and tech culture — but is it really a destination for families with small children? After two full days exploring with our almost-4-year-old and almost-2-year-old, I can confidently say: yes, it absolutely is.

Yosemite is magical for kids — granite cliffs towering overhead, meadows perfect for running, waterfalls ringing in your ears — but the right place to sleep can make or break your trip. Stay too far, and you’re driving after bedtime. Stay in the heart, and you might pay a premium or deal with busy lodges. Below is what we’ll call your family survival guide: the best spots in and around Yosemite, and how to pick what fits your family rhythm.

There are a few places that seem to appear on everyone's bucket list - Yosemite has always been one of ours. Those postcard-perfect granite cliffs, the waterfalls, the promise of amazing wildlife and epic hikes - it just sounded like the kind of adventure we wanted our boys to grow up remembering.

Yosemite might be famous for its big-kid hikes — the kind that require trekking poles, trail snacks, and maybe a pep talk — but here’s the secret: it’s also one of the best places in the US to enjoy easy, gentle, wow-filled walks with young children.

Yosemite is one of those places that just wows you instantly. Granite cliffs, towering waterfalls, giant trees — it feels like nature is showing off. But when you’ve got small kids in tow, the question is: what can you actually do without needing a sherpa, a four-hour hike, and a month’s supply of trail mix?

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about hiking with kids, it’s this: being prepared can make the difference between a wonderful adventure and a meltdown-filled disaster. But preparation doesn’t mean carrying your entire house on your back. Over time, we’ve found the balance between packing what’s essential and leaving the rest at home.

Hiking with kids can feel daunting at first—but it’s also one of the most rewarding ways to explore the outdoors as a family. From toddlers to teens, the right preparation, attitude, and gear can turn any trail into a fun adventure. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from planning your hike to keeping little legs moving and what to pack for a stress-free day outdoors.

Hiking with little ones is one of the most rewarding ways to explore the great outdoors together. But to make those adventures comfortable and enjoyable, choosing the right child backpack carrier is essential. Whether you’re planning a short woodland walk or a full-day mountain trek, the right carrier can make all the difference.

Hiking with a baby can be a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors and introduce your little one to nature. However, it requires thoughtful preparation to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Here are some top tips for hiking with a baby to help you get started on the right foot.

Hiking with a toddler can be a wonderful way to enjoy the great outdoors, but it requires some extra planning and patience. With the right approach, you can make hiking a fun and memorable experience for both you and your little one. Here are some top tips for hiking with a toddler to help ensure a smooth and enjoyable adventure.

A and I decided that now O was a little bit older (almost 18 months by the time we went) we should give Center Parcs a go. We decided to go to Sherwood Forest as it was the closest to us and we'd heard they had a great splash pool for kids. You can arrive at any time from 10am on the day of check in but can't access the lodge until 4pm so we decided to drive over O's lunchtime nap and arrived around 2 and headed straight to the Sub Tropical Paradise as this is free for all guests to use everyday.

Beech Farm Cottages is a charming, family-friendly destination located on the edge of the North York Moors National Park. This award-winning complex offers eight unique, luxury self-catering cottages with modern comforts like high-speed Wi-Fi, smart TVs, and Nespresso coffee machines. Guests enjoy exclusive access to an indoor heated pool, spa, sauna, and a variety of children's play facilities, both indoors and outdoors. It's the perfect spot for a relaxing family getaway with plenty of activities for all ages.

For families seeking a unique escape to the countryside, a farm stay offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Across the UK, there are a variety of family-friendly farm accommodations that provide self-catering options paired with memorable farm experiences. These farm stays allow kids to interact with animals, participate in daily farm activities, and enjoy the freedom of open spaces, while parents can unwind amidst picturesque rural landscapes.

Looking for the perfect UK staycation that offers both relaxation and fun for the whole family? Explore our top picks for family-friendly destinations with free childcare, where kids can enjoy supervised activities while parents unwind. From countryside retreats to coastal escapes, these hotels and resorts offer the ideal balance of luxury, adventure, and family-friendly amenities without the added cost of childcare.

Traveling with a baby or toddler is always an adventure — one that comes with its fair share of chaos and curiosity. And while you’ve probably spent months making your home “baby proof,” you won’t have that same setup when you’re away.

Travelling with a toddler can be magical, messy, and mildly chaotic — especially when you’re trying to keep them entertained in a confined space. Whether you’re flying long-haul, taking a road trip, or hopping on a train, having the right travel toys can make all the difference.

Finding the perfect travel pushchair (or stroller!) can feel like navigating a maze — there are so many options, and it’s hard to know what’s actually worth it. But choosing the right one can make family travel infinitely smoother — from airports and taxis to cobbled streets and tiny car boots.

Traveling across time zones can disrupt a baby's or toddler’s sleep schedule, leading to jet lag that affects their mood and energy levels. However, with a bit of planning and patience, you can help your little one adjust more smoothly to a new time zone. Here are some effective tips for managing jet lag in babies and toddlers:

In a perfect world, you’d stroll into the airport like a seasoned traveller — coffee in hand, boarding passes ready, breezing through security without a care in the world. You’d grab a pastry, wander duty-free at a leisurely pace, and plonk yourselves at the gate just as the “now boarding” sign lights up. Bliss.

Admittedly you are likely going to go with the airline that offers the best price and/or flight times, however, it is still worth knowing how the airlines compare in terms of flying with children - particularly if you actually have a choice.

Keeping our children safe when around water is so so important and something that I fret about quite a lot. One of the tips I've come across which I'd not even thought about was the colour of childrens swimsuits. Many colours (like blue) are barely visible in water and therefore it is worth considering purchasing one that is a colour that is easy to see. Unfortunately for boys these are limited but I am continually on the lookout. See the post that I saw from Mini First Aid which I found extremely useful and the image from the post below.

When we first started going on holiday we always looked for a bath when looking at accommodation but we soon realised that this very often cut down our options. We now book the accommodation based on other factors and use other options instead of a bath when we are away. Here are some of the methods we've used along the way.

So you’re about to board a plane with your little one (or ones) — tiny seatbelt sign lights blazing, snacks packed, and a faint sense of “what have we done?” hanging in the air. The in-flight magazine is mocking you from the seat pocket, your toddler has already discovered the tray table, and you’ve mentally rehearsed your polite smile for the passenger in front when tiny feet inevitably make contact with their seat.

Ah, the joys of air travel with a tiny human in tow — suddenly, the packing list has tripled, the carry-on bag rattles with snacks and spare clothes, and your pre-flight coffee feels more like a tactical mission than a treat. The days of gliding through security and catching up on a film mid-flight might be on hold, but adventure isn’t cancelled — it just looks a little different now.

This was a long awaited trip to the house in Cornwall that A stayed in every year as a child. We had no idea what to expect as the only way of booking was via an email address from a sign outside that we had spotted on an earlier trip. We wondered whether it would have been updated at all in the 20 years since A had been and in all honesty it barely had. However, that didn't matter as it was really special to be staying in the place with so many memories for A and it was clean and had everything we needed.

Exploring the Camel Trail with your children is a fantastic way to soak in Cornwall’s stunning scenery while getting active as a family. This traffic-free route is perfect for little cyclists, but a little planning can turn a good ride into a great one! Here are the top tips to make your adventure smooth and memorable.

North Cornwall is a paradise for families looking to enjoy sandy shores, gentle waves, and plenty of activities to keep little adventurers entertained. Whether you're hunting for rock pools, building epic sandcastles, or simply enjoying a paddle in the sea, here are some of the best child-friendly beaches in the region.

If you’re dreaming of snow-capped peaks, mountain lakes, and wholesome adventures that make both kids and adults happy, welcome to Tyrol.

The Stubai Valley is one of those places that feels like a postcard — jagged mountain peaks, wildflower meadows, welcome alp-vibes… and stunning fresh air. But when you’ve got small children, what looks dreamy in photos doesn’t always translate into ease in real life. Knowing where to stay can make all the difference: less “Are we there yet?”, more “Wow, I’m so glad we came here.”

WOW pretty much sums up how we felt about the Stubai Valley in the Austrian Alps (Tyrol mountains). As ever with me, I’d done lots of research beforehand and was excited — but this place absolutely surpassed expectations.

Stubai Valley in Austria is extremely child friendly. Here are some of the most small child friendly things we did out there

Given covid restrictions were still ongoing and O was a terrible(!) sleeper, we decided to opt for a break away close to home. We had seen Malton on the Hairy Bikers and discovered it was known as the "Food Capital of Yorkshire" so we decided to give it a try. We packed up O's next 2 you (it comes with a handy travel bag) and off we went for some culinary delights! Our highlights were:

A favourite of my Auntie and Uncles, my family wanted to try out Brompton Lakes lodges in Richmond North Yorkshire. We had originally booked as 6 adults earlier the previous year but given the due dates of the babies we decided to rebook the following year and go with the babies in tow. At the time of our trip O was 8 months old and my niece was 6 months.  In a beautiful lakeview setting, these luxury lodges each have 3 bedrooms (plus one 6 bedroom lodge). Each  lodge feels very private due to the way that they are laid out on the sight and each one has a terrace with outdoor seating looking out onto the lake. We stayed in "Juniper" for the week and had a lovely time.

We wanted to squeeze another holiday in between Austria and Menorca (to come in September) and decided to keep it fairly local and explore some of North Yorkshire. We were praying for nice weather given a lot of July has been a bit of a wash out but we were very lucky! Of course I had done my research on rainy day activities if needed but it turns out we didn’t.