We have recently returned from Center Parcs in Sherwood Forest. We love Center Parcs. There is so much to do for a family there, whatever the ages of the children. The main attraction is the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, equipped with many flumes, a pool with a wave machine, rapids outside and play areas for little ones. Oscar enjoyed spending a lot of time in the pirate ship area with little slides and jets of water. In the main pool, Oscar enjoyed swimming with the aid of an inflatable jacket or us holding him up. Going with the grandparents helped make the holiday even more successful because Oscar could stay with them whilst myself and my husband were able to go on the rapids with Millie. You can use the swimming complex as much or as little as you like- it’s included in the price of the stay. We tended to stay for a couple of hours each time as Oscar does get tired easily and the sensory overload starts getting to him. If you have older children, going swimming at night is great as the pool stays open until 9 pm.

Apart from swimming, there are so many other activities on offer. For the adrenaline junkie, Aerial Adventure is an activity where you wear a harness and walk along obstacles in the tree tops with a few zip lines on the way and ending with a zip line over the lake. Millie really wanted to do that and she loved it. When we checked in to the activity, the staff helped us get our safety gear on and gave a clear briefing on what to do. Our harness was checked several times before we started and once we were attached to the wire, we were completely safe. On each obstacle, we could hold on to ropes on each side whilst we climbed across them. Some of the obstacles were harder if you have a shorter leg stretch (I’m vertically challenged) and my legs felt like jelly at the end but it was worth it to do the zip line over the lake. I’d definitely recommend it but because each obstacle is completed by one person at a time, you are not able to assist your child. You have to be at least 1.22 m to take part and children up to 8 years need to be accompanied by an adult. The course took around an hour to complete once we had the briefing. Oscar meanwhile was quite happy painting a Halloween pumpkin with his grandparents.

We also went to the bowling alley where the lighting was calming and there were little chutes for children to use to roll the bowling ball. Oscar used this for all his goes and did really well. We went at 10am which was a quiet time. On another day we played badminton and even the court didn’t cause too many sensory problems. Oscar enjoyed getting the shuttlecock over the net in his own unique way (backwards!) We also enjoyed adventure golf. Last time we did it he swung the club around erratically but this time he kept the club closer to the ground and determinedly got the ball in the hole again in his own way.

Center Parcs is a very busy place, particularly in half term but we felt that Oscar managed the atmosphere really well. We packed ear defenders which helped us relax in the restaurants and cafes as he was calm whilst eating his food and drinking his hot chocolate. I think he must have mentioned it a million times but it made him so happy to get his marshmallows. For food options, the Parc Market is great to get all your basics and disposable BBQs if the weather is good, you can order takeaway pizzas from Bella Italia and also choose from a wide variety of restaurants. We always enjoy Foresters Inn which serve food such as burgers and fish and chips. Cafe Rouge is great for toasties and breakfasts and the Pancake House for those with a real sweet tooth! I vote for Dutch Apple pancake. Yum!

Going for a lodge with 4 bedrooms, meant that Oscar could have his own room. He was definitely calmer, being able to arrange things as he wanted and meant that he could go to bed in his usual routine whilst my daughter was playing games with her grandparents. Going on holiday as a family often means the relaxing of routines but for parents of a neurodiverse child, it is so important to carry on as if you were at home. The lodges are pretty much a home from home with all the modern comforts including a TV and plenty of relaxing space. You can bring as much or as little food as you want to cook in the kitchen. We booked the standard Woodland Lodge but there are also Executive lodges available which have a sauna and for those really wanting to splash out or go with other families, you can hire lodges with hot tubs.

The lodges are surrounded by trees, sometimes situated near water and lots of feathered friends visit.

Please visit http://www.centerparcs.co.uk for up to date information and booking details.