We just wrapped up a weekend at Center Parcs Elvedon Forest with our 3-year-old. The burning question is, was it worth the investment?
Right off the bat, I should mention we might not fit the typical Center Parcs profile. Candidly, we have one child whom we frequently travel with, so we’re accustomed to independent adventures. Some of our favorite getaways with our little one have been in rustic accommodations—from a cozy barn in Norfolk to a charming cabin in Cornwall.
We ventured to Center Parcs in August 2022 to join my sister and her four boys (ages 2 to 8). It was a chance for family bonding, plus we were curious to witness firsthand what a Center Parcs experience looks like for families with young kids. We had a fun time (highlight reel available here), but would I consider another visit? Probably not. At least not until our son is older. And definitely not during peak summer.
If you’re contemplating a trip to Center Parcs with a toddler, here’s what stood out for us—both the positives and negatives—and why I genuinely feel it might not justify the expense for those under three.
That said, if you have older kids, there’s plenty to keep a toddler entertained as well.
Exploring Center Parcs Elvedon Forest
As newcomers to Center Parcs, we didn’t really know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised by the picturesque nature surrounding Elvedon Forest. One highlight was the park’s car-free policy post check-in, which made biking and scooting with little ones a lot easier.
However, there’s a downside to this: the strict check-in time. Guests can only drive to their lodges at 4 PM when everyone else is doing the same.
While you can arrive as early as 10 AM, you’ll have to wait until 4 PM to access your accommodation, meaning cars need to stay parked until then. This results in a mass rush to get your car out, which can be quite the ordeal. Our dinner booking at 5 PM turned out to be a miscalculation; we were still unpacking our bags at that time. While veteran visitors likely plan better, our initial Friday felt like an endless loop to and from the car park. (Plus, cars must return to the lot that night, meaning more trips.)
I found our Woodland Lodge charming from the outside, but the interior revealed some wear.
I’d read that the lodges hadn’t been updated since 2011, meaning even the “new style” lodges show signs of age.
The beds weren’t made particularly well. Despite a heatwave, duvet covers were left off and fitted sheets were inside out. I spent a good ten minutes fixing the beds upon arrival.
While the lodge had essentials for a toddler (high chair, step stool), we’ve encountered accommodations that were better equipped for younger guests. For instance, a villa we rented in Lefkada included a baby bath, bath mat, toys, and children’s tableware. I expected a family-oriented venue like this to have more kid-friendly items readily available.
The outdoor space near our accommodation was surprisingly not very toddler-friendly. Each Center Parcs location varies, but in Elvedon Forest, open water features posed concerns. The patio lacked fencing and led to a steep hill filled with brambles and bogs below.
This setup worked for our 3-year-old, who loved exploring the forest with older kids nearby. However, if you have younger children, you might struggle to relax. It’s easy to lose track of wandering toddlers. I even had to intervene one evening when a father was looking for his 5-year-old who had followed a deer beyond their lodge. Keep that in mind if you have a little adventurer.
On a brighter note, wildlife sightings are delightful. We enjoyed watching cute muntjac deer and squirrels approach our window. Plus, the lodges are set back from the roads, creating a more private feeling—unless, of course, your 3-year-old invites the entire neighborhood over to play!
Swimming Adventures with a Toddler at Center Parcs
We were eager to check out the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, spending two afternoons there since it’s a primary free attraction. The Wild Water Rapids were a blast; my sister and I got completely tangled up and ended up laughing like we were kids again.
However, the area designed for younger children, known as Venture Cove, felt overwhelmingly loud. Our 3-year-old wasn’t fond of the chaotic atmosphere. The noise from splashes and water features was deafening. As a parent, I found being in a dimly-lit, low-ceiling area with damp floors wasn’t the ideal vibe.
We ended up floating around the Lazy River six times, also spending some time in the somewhat quieter Lagoon Pool. Unfortunately, we couldn’t hang out at the pool as much as we’d hoped due to the busy environment, and it was hard to find a comfortable spot to relax.
Plastic chairs abound, and while there’s a café bar and Starbucks, it was difficult to secure a seat whenever we visited.
I’ve since discovered that renting a Cabana could be a good option for larger families wanting a home base.
It’s also worth noting we visited during peak season, and I suspect off-peak would offer a much calmer experience.
The Wild Rapids are a hit with adults
For older children, the pool is fantastic. The slides and wave pools are tons of fun, allowing older kids to enjoy endless flumes and rapids with minimal wait.
There are about ten sun loungers outside, so if it’s sunny and you arrive early, grab one!
If you’re wondering whether a day pass is worth it, our friends at Inside Our Suitcase provide comprehensive info on that topic.
Activities for 3-Year-Olds at Center Parcs
Apart from swimming, we reserved a pony ride for Miles, and we also enjoyed adventure golf and an electric boat ride together. We refrained from splurging too much on activities since the entire trip already had significant costs. (It’s worth noting that almost every activity aside from swimming and playgrounds has an additional fee, even petanque balls, which run £6.) We wanted to try the Mini Trek aerial course, but that was canceled due to the heatwave.
I appreciated how easy it was to book activities using the Center Parcs app, and everything seemed to run smoothly with hardly any wait, even during this busy season. However, some of the activities were very brief—the pony ride lasted just 14 minutes, and the boat ride got boring after 15 minutes! We often found ourselves wondering what to do next.
Miles would happily stay at the playgrounds and in the soft play areas available in the restaurants, which isn’t too different from our routine at home.
The hot weather also complicated matters. There’s a small beach area by the lake, but it lacked chairs and shade, making it impractical in 30-degree heat. Swimming in the lake was prohibited (likely due to algae), so we couldn’t cool off by paddling.
I’m unsure if we overlooked some spots, but apart from our lodge, there didn’t seem to be areas to escape the family crowd.
We did attend a disco at the bowling alley one evening, which all the kids found enjoyable. If you’re coming, check if there’s a disco during your stay as it was a highlight for our toddlers.
Dining Options at Center Parcs Elvedon Forest
During our stay, we dined at Bella Italia, The Sports Bar, Hucks, The Forresters Inn, The Pancake House, and indulged in takeout Italian on one night. I found each meal enjoyable—they were quite tasty, maintaining good quality considering the crowd they were serving.
A standout for me was BBQ ribs followed by a chocolate fudge sundae at Huck’s American Bar and Grill.
There’s also a Co-op Supermarket on-site, offering a bakery and pre-made sandwiches that provided budget-friendly lunch options.
Every restaurant featured kid-friendly menus, and the service was always warm. Each spot included play areas, which can be a blessing and a challenge. Our 3-year-old isn’t the best eater, so convincing him to come to the table when there’s a play area nearby posed difficulties. We often fed him at the lodge before going out, letting him play afterward. Usually, when we’re on holiday, he occupies himself with coloring or puzzles, so this was a different dynamic for us. My sister’s boys, however, had no trouble eating and enjoyed everything, especially the pancake decorations and gingerbread at The Pancake House.
I anticipated finding a more upscale dining choice for child-free adults, but there wasn’t one at Elvedon Forest. We typically ate earlier in the evening, so perhaps the more popular restaurants become quieter after 8 PM.
Cost Considerations for Center Parcs
For a 3-night stay at Center Parcs Elvedon Forest in August 2022, we spent £1400 for two adults and one child.
Here’s a rough breakdown:
£904 for accommodation (New Style Woodland Lodge, 2 bedrooms)
£100 for 2 adult bikes and a child seat
£75 for activities (Junior Pony Ride £20.50, Adventure Golf 9 holes £24.50, Electric Boat 6-seater £30)
£320 on food and drink
Final thoughts
I hope this review strikes a balanced tone, as we did enjoy our weekend at Center Parcs. I can see why it appeals to families with kids of varying ages and interests.
Despite the inconveniences related to parking and unloading, checking into a lodge here is a simpler process than flying with a toddler. I cannot argue that point.
I also appreciate that it feels like a getaway. Many family trips end with mundane tasks like grocery shopping that tarnish the holiday experience. Being in a scenic, all-in-one resort surrounded by nature gives a true vacation feel, though we’re the kind of family that prefers exploring new destinations over engaging in structured activities.
Traveling with toddlers can indeed be draining. The constant activity shuttling, the multitude of stimulating experiences, and the overall noise of being around many families can wear you out. But I realize that I’m just one mom with a subjective perspective. I know many others who adore the experience. So, consider my opinion thoughtfully, and feel free to reach out with any questions about Center Parcs with young children.
