Butlins break with the children offers fun-packed days and silent nights — that’s all you want for Christmas
THE sun was shining through the curtains but we still hadn’t heard a peep out of two-year-old Ruby.
Lie-ins have been a rarity since becoming a parent but this was 9am and our daughter was still asleep.
For four days in a row, our “alarm clock” failed to go off: welcome to the miracle that is a special Just for Tots break at Butlins.
With more than 12 hours of daily activities for the under-fives, Ruby was so busy she slept straight through.
And our room at the Wave Hotel at Butlins Bognor Regis was just right for relaxing during our Christmas Fantasy break.
There was a large comfy double for us and a cute kids’ area complete with bunk beds.
Ruby loved climbing up top to hide and watch TV, while families with two children can rest easy knowing arguments can be kept at bay with an individual TV per bunk.
The hotel is also close to the Skyline Pavilion — the huge tent at the heart of the resort and home to a host of toddler-friendly activities including a fairground, library and water play zones. There were also live shows, face-painting, arcade games, food outlets and shops.
Ruby made a beeline for the Little Tikes car track and whizzed around in the Cozy Coupe cars, occasionally stopping to fill up with “petrol”.
Tempting her away wasn’t easy but there was still so much to explore.
The small solo rides in the fairground were perfect for building her confidence. The 2p arcade games also proved worryingly addictive.
During Tots breaks, the mornings at the Splash Waterworld are a quieter time to visit as the big rides are turned off, allowing you to experience the special shallow area with mini slides and fountains.
You can also book a Puddle Ducks swimming lesson for under-twos for £5 per person during this time. The live shows were tailored perfectly to the visiting age group and Ruby loved the 20-minute Teletubbies Big Party — so much so, we saw it twice.
She’s still a bit young for character meet-and-greets and was a bit scared of Mr Tickle from the Mr Men but liked Father Christmas, especially when he gave her a chocolate selection box.
There was a “snowstorm” spectacle daily which turned the main arena into a winter wonderland while in the early evening, kids could sing and dance with the Redcoats.
We were lucky to have good weather so managed to take in some of the outdoor fun, which included more cars at the Little Tikes Town and a traditional fairground.
Some of the rides have restrictions for little ones but there was a merry-go-round and trampoline area which worked for us.
Children can also try Tots Football coaching sessions, mini archery and balance bikes.
The nearby promenade has access to a revamped arts and crafts studio, theatre, playground, supermarket, toy shop and restaurants.
The Play-Doh session was a big hit as was the festive crafts. Even better was the fact we didn’t have to tidy up.
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With premium dining, breakfast and lunch is included at buffet restaurant The Deck, which features a special lowered counter for kids.
There is also a dedicated baby room with free Ella’s Kitchen food pouches and a microwave.
Alternatively you can exchange this for a Dine-Around voucher (with a value of £15.50 per adult) to eat at one of the seven other restaurants.
We wanted variety so we took advantage of this most days. The 1950s-style The Diner is a great option for a fun family feast while Turners — a collaboration with celebrity TV chef Brian Turner — is more upmarket.
Go: Butlins
STAYING THERE: There are 24 Just For Tots breaks at Butlins Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness in 2018, running from March until Christmas.
Prices start from £57pp based on four sharing Silver self-catering.
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There is also a fish and chips restaurant and a Papa John’s pizza joint which offers a takeaway service.
You don’t need to leave the resort but you are right on the beach, with Chichester, Portsmouth and Arundel Castle all within easy reach. But for Ruby, non-stop fun on-site was more than enough — and we loved the Silent Nights.