Working flexibly helps parents to have more options about childcare and other commitments. Cutting down on commute times and increased productivity are other reasons for embracing remote and flexible working. Here at Happity we love remote and flexible working and the benefits it offers for parents.
So here’s more about flexible working and how you can fit your job around your children.
Looking for fun activities with your baby or toddler? There are thousands of classes and groups on Happity. Find one you’ll love here.
What Is Flexible Working?
Flexible working is about when and how you work your hours rather than where you work them! You may need to block out times on your calendar when you are available for calls and meetings, but in reality, you can work some of your hours to suit you.
Perhaps you pick up some hours in the evening or first thing in the morning. This can be perfect if you want to start work early some days but finish before the school run. Equally, some parents won’t start their working day until they’ve dropped the children off at school.
I Can’t Do My Job Remotely: Can I Still Work Flexibly?
You could be a fully remote, flexible employee, a flexible hybrid worker, or a flexible in-person worker! Even if you’re in an ‘in-person’ job where you need to be physically present such as social or care work, shift work or retail: you may find there is some flexibility as to your working patterns. However, these will usually need to be the same or similar week-by-week.
For service jobs which are usually ‘in-person’ like teachers, doctors, dentists, medical reception staff, local authorities, retail, government or council work, there will be core hours for you to be your place of work. But you’re still legally entitled to ask for flexible working so see what your employer can do for you.
What Is Condensed Working?
Some full-time employees may work a 37-hour week but over fewer (and longer) days than the traditional 9-5pm. This is another great example of flexible working.
Do Employers Have To Offer Flexible Working For Parents?
All employees, regardless of whether they are parents or not, have the legal right to ask for flexible working. This covers the number of hours, where you work, start and end times, and days that you work.
If you’re used to working a ‘condensed’ week (e.g. the hours for five days a week over four days), you can ask for the same arrangement with any new employer and see what they say.
This can be an issue if you’re on a zero-hours contract as you don’t have a formal contract. So you have fewer legal rights when asking to work flexibly.
However, as of October 2024, the government has proposed plans giving more rights for flexible working.
What About Flexible Leave?
Did you know that each parent has the right ask for something called Ordinary Parental Leave? This is unpaid leave and different from paid holiday/annual leave, maternity/paternity leave or shared parental leave.
Parental leave covers 18 weeks’ unpaid leave per child up to their 18th birthday. That’s 18 weeks for each parent individually, so you and your partner could take leave at the same time. You’re allowed to take a maximum of 4 weeks per child in any one year in week-long blocks. This is up to the maximum total of 18 weeks.
So some parents may choose to take this leave when their child is young, or during the school holidays. Others may wait until their child is sitting exams. Check your eligibility here.
An employer can decline the timing of your request, but must offer an alternative time for you to take the leave.
What Is The Difference Between Hybrid And Remote Working?
Remote working is where you use your computer, laptop and an internet or Wifi connection to work wherever you like. This is often ‘from home’ or can be from a cafe, library, or co-working space. There are even hotels in London where you can find a quiet space in their lobby or communal areas. Or why not try somewhere like The National Theatre or the British Library? You connect with colleagues via Zoom calls, Google Meet, Teams, or more traditional phone calls and emails.
Hybrid working is where you work partly in an office or hotdesk, and partly at home/remotely. Since Covid, many larger employers have encouraged an ‘in part’ return to the office on certain days a week. Others may be more flexible, or stipulate one or two days a month for in-person meetings.
So with some people preferring to be around colleagues in person for at least some of the time, is hybrid working the new remote working?
However you decide to navigate your job as a working parent, be sure to check out all the options.
Want to get out and about, have fun with your baby or toddler, and meet other parents?
Search Happity to find everything that’s happening for the under-5’s in your local area – from music and singing classes, to messy play, arts and crafts, baby massage, gymnastics and more. Simply enter your postcode and child’s age to search, and then book your spot in a few taps. Enjoy dedicated fun time with your little one, watch their skills develop, and make friends at the same time. Mums, dads, grandparents and carers will all find something to love!
What happens at a baby massage class? We’re joined by Helen Guntrip of Beckenham Baby Massage who runs five-week massage classes for parents and their babies to help nurture relaxation, communication and connection. She’s here to help you to understand what will happen at a baby massage class if you’ve never been to one before.
Looking for fun activities with your baby or toddler? There are thousands of classes and groups on Happity. Find one you’ll love here.
1. A Warm Welcome
Baby massage courses are often one of the first classes parents attend with their baby. Getting out with a newborn and going to your first class can be daunting, especially in the first few months. Have you remembered everything you need? Is your baby going to cry or need a feed? Will someone judge you on your parenting skills? You’ll be asking yourself tons of questions, but rest assured that these fears will soon feel like distant memories when you walk in.
Your baby massage instructor will greet you with a smile and will create an environment that is calm and non-judgemental.
Breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, disposable nappies or reusable: everything and everyone is welcome, come as you are. The room should be warm and comfortable, often with massage mats and oil provided. It’s a safe space where you can relax and talk to others.
2. You Might Not Massage Your Baby
It may sound strange, but you don’t have to massage your baby at a baby massage class. And often parents don’t!
This sounds odd, but actually it’s just because babies can be unpredictable. You can’t control how they’ll be feeling: they might be sleeping, feeding, crying or just not in the right mood for it. But that’s okay! Baby massage is not about the time that you spend in class. It’s about learning a life-long skill that you can use to help you connect and relax with your baby.
So basically: don’t worry if your baby cries, sleeps or feeds. You can learn the massage strokes, chat with other parents and take a moment to slow down and breathe. There will be plenty of time to massage your baby at other times in the comfort of your own home, so use the opportunity to enjoy the space and relax in a non-judgemental environment.
3. Learning The Best Time To Massage Your Baby
At your first class, you will be reassured that the sessions are baby-led, meaning that your baby’s needs come first. This can be a huge relief as parents realise that they’re are welcome to feed, change and settle their baby throughout the class.
You will learn the best time to massage your baby and begin to understand how to read their cues and infant reflexes. This is an important part of a baby massage course as it allows you to get to know your baby better. We also advise parents that it is best to massage their baby when they are awake and content.
4. Learning Massage Techniques To Relax You And Your Baby
You will learn about the cultural origins of baby massage and how this ancient practice was introduced to Western society. In the first week, I start by teaching the legs and feet massage as babies often respond well to this part of the body being touched. I also offer adaptations depending on the needs of your baby. Some babies’ sensory systems are ready for massage strokes whilst others will respond better to simply resting your warm hands on them.
Whilst massaging your baby I support parents to look for their baby’s engagement and disengagement cues to let you know how they are feeling and responding to the massage.
Parents are often keen to learn the colic relief routine, a specific massage that can help to soothe digestive discomfort caused by trapped wind and constipation.
Massaging your baby releases oxytocin, the hormone that makes them feel safe, relaxed and loved. The special thing about baby massage is that it can affect you in the same way, creating a loving, warm and nurturing interaction that helps you to connect and bond with each other.
5. You’ll Get To Meet Other Parents And Babies
One of the biggest benefits of attending a baby massage course is the opportunity to meet other parents with babies of a similar age who are navigating the ups and downs of parenthood. There is nothing quite like hearing other people’s stories of sleepless nights and worries to reassure you that you are not the only one.
In my classes, the same people attend every week so that the group gets to know each other well. Baby massage classes work best when the class size is kept small, enabling every member of the group to be seen and heard. This gives everyone the space to share their thoughts and feelings.
What Happens If My Baby Cries In Class?
I welcome crying in my class. Babies cry: it’s how they communicate and get their needs met. The truth is no one else minds your baby crying. In fact, most parents are probably relieved that another baby is crying.
It doesn’t disturb the class. In some classes the babies take it in turns, other times they all cry in chorus. Think how you feel after you’ve had a good cry – often it’s a release of tension and you feel better. Crying can indicate a physical need or maybe an emotional need.
No one is judging you or your baby. Everyone is there to support and learn from each other.
Why Do I Need to Ask My Baby’s Permission At A Massage Class?
You will also be taught to ask your baby’s permission before you massage them. This may sound bizarre at first, but it is so important.
By inviting your baby to have a massage by asking them, ‘Would you like a massage?’ or ‘Can I massage you?’, you are taking time to tune into how they are feeling. By looking at their cues: body movements and facial expressions you can tell if they are in the right mood to be massaged.
Talking to them and asking for their consent to be touched is about respecting them as individuals. You are teaching them from infancy that they are able to communicate their needs and feelings to you and that you will listen to and respect what they are ‘saying’.
Thanks To Helen Guntrip – Beckenham Baby Massage
Helen Guntrip founded Beckenham Baby Massage in 2011 when she trained with the International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM). She believes in the power of connection, communication and community to support parental and child mental health.
Helen is also a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist and Birthlight Baby and Preschool Yoga teacher, teaching Talk & Move courses to develop children’s speech, language and emotional regulation skills through movement.
As most nurseries, schools and preschools are now totally “nut-free”, it makes sense that you would plan nut-free snacks for that toddler’s playdate picnic in the park, museum cafe or friend’s house. It’s just safer, right? Many parents are finding more and more creative nut-free snacks, but if you need more inspiration for tasty snacks, you’ve come to the right place!
Looking for fun activities with your baby or toddler? There are thousands of classes and groups on Happity. Find one you’ll love here.
1. Crunchy Carrot, Cucumber And Pepper Batons
A go-to for any lunchbox, these are easy to cut up, grab and go. Many toddlers will much these plain, while others may prefer a hummus, mayonnaise or other dips to smother them in.
2. Crispy Cheese Straws
Cheese straws are an easy-to-pack snack. If you have time, try baking your own in the oven. You can double-bake for extra crunch if your toddler likes that extra snap.
3. Fantastic Fruit
The ultimate ‘pack and go’ snack, take a selection of bananas, apples, pears and oranges for everyone to share. Be careful with kiwi, peaches, nectarines and strawberries as some children have allergies to those as well.
4. Delicious Dried Fruit
Try raisins (remember they’re quite sugary, so go easy on the portion size) or fruit yoyos, which usually have no added sugar. Freeze-dried strawberries or raspberries (the sort of dried fruit which is added to granola) are a real hit with some children.
5. Fun Flapjacks
Flapjacks are really easy to make and last for days. You can pack them full of healthy stuff and substitute different ingredients where needed.
For nut-free snacks and refined sugar (a winner, right?), check out this healthy recipe for flapjack-eating toddlers. Use maple syrup rather than honey for babies under one year old – see the NHS on why.
6. Yummy Yogurt Muffins
Yoghurt is a great baking ingredient for those who are nut-free. Here’s a great recipe here for banana yoghurt muffins, or you can keep a look out for recipes on the back of your usual (large pots of) yoghurt. These are usually mixed in one bowl and are fairly foolproof.
7. Chewy Corn Cakes, Rice Cakes And Oat Crackers
The beauty of corn and rice cakes and oat crackers is that you can eat them plain or add a topping like cream cheese spread. If your toddler likes crunchy food, pack your topping separate from the rice cake.
Top tip: leave a set of plastic picnicware in your car and snack bag so you always have plastic cutlery to hand.
8. Mega Mini-Sandwiches
Cut your sandwich into really small bite-size chunks to make them easy to handle, munch and swallow on a picnic. Avoid peanut butter and other nut spreads, but otherwise go as simple or creative as you like on the filling! Most typical sandwich fillings should be good. But just be sure to check the packaging if you’re not sure.
9. Daring Dry Cereal
If you’re anything like us at Happity, you’ll have reached for some dry cereal as a quick snack on the way to nursery or school. Go really plain with something like bran flakes or bran sticks and you may be surprised that your toddler is asking for more!
Remember to avoid Fruit and Fibre, which contains nuts.
10. Perfect Pancakes
You can prepare a batch in advance and pop them in the freezer. Get them out before breakfast to defrost and put them in your snack bag ready to go! You can adapt pancake recipes really easily. Or try preparing an easy 2-ingredient pancake mixture. Try adding blueberries for an extra fruit boost.
Plain fruit and raw vegetables like bananas, oranges, carrots or cucumber are usually a safe bet. Or dried fruit like raisins.
Avoid anything with nuts, egg, milk and gluten listed as a main ingredient. Remember that pine nuts in something like pesto can also be an allergen. Also avoid kiwis, peaches, nectarines and strawberries. Check out the NHS website for more common food allergies and information.
What Snacks Are Good For Kids With Nut and Egg Allergies?
Again, fruit and raw veg are a winner here. Muffins made with yoghurt rather than eggs are also great.
What Snacks Are Good For Lactose-Intolerant Children?
Oat crackers, corn cakes or rice cakes are great for a biscuity snack that doesn’t (usually) contain milk, but always check the ingredients on the packaging. If you’re making a cake or muffin, try adding a non-dairy or olive oil spread to recipes instead of a dairy spread or butter.
Want to get out and about, have fun with your baby or toddler, and meet other parents?
Search Happity to find everything that’s happening for the under-5’s in your local area – from music and singing classes, to messy play, arts and crafts, baby massage, gymnastics and more. Simply enter your postcode and child’s age to search, and then book your spot in a few taps. Enjoy dedicated fun time with your little one, watch their skills develop, and make friends at the same time. Mums, dads, grandparents and carers will all find something to love!
Are you planning the ultimate festive day out with your children this Christmas? If you’re thinking of heading to one of the bigger UK festive attractions this winter, here’s our roundup of the most magical places to celebrate Christmas with your toddler in the UK.
Looking for festive fun to feel the Christmas Spirit with your baby or toddler? It’s never to early to book a Christmas class on Happity. Find one you’ll love here.
1. Best All-Round Family Experience – Chessington World of Adventures
Experience the magic of Christmas at Chessington with Winter’s Tail for all-round festive family fun.
With a brand new Christmas village, Enchanted Hollow, Christmas pantomimes, Gruffalo rides, reindeer and more, it’s easy to see why Chessington is a go-to for Christmas magic. Plus, the tickets often include additional perks like gingerbread decorating or a free hot drink. Pre-book your trip here.
“We’ve been to Chessington for Christmas many times and I’d say it’s my all-time fave. Even though it costs a bit, I think it works out as being MUCH better value than the local things because it includes so much!”
– Sara, Happity Co-Founder
Chessington are currently running a Black Friday offer, 20% off short breaks between 22nd March and 23rd May 2025 available until December 2nd, 2024. Check it out here
2. Most Toddler-Friendly – CBeebies Land
Head to the Alton Towers resort for toddler-friendly Christmas entertainment including pantomimes and Santa’s grotto.
CBeebies Land at Alton Towers is perfect for fans of Octonauts, Bluey, Go Jetters, and more. Children under 90cm visit for free and, as you enter through the main Alton Towers theme park entrance, it’s perfect for grown-ups who want a quick ride on something faster. See the whole resort turn into a magical wonderland at Christmas time, visit Santa and watch the Jack and the Beanstalk panto. Book your visit here.
3. Best For Kids Of All Ages/Most Interactive –Legoland at Christmas
Enjoy the build-up to Christmas at Legoland this winter season with brick trees, treats and Santa.
Legoland at any time of the year is magical, so imagine what it’s like at Christmas! From DUPLO Christmas trees to Christmas Lego gifts from Santa in his magical cabin, soak up the atmosphere of Christmassy day out at Legoland. Your toddler will love the decorations and Santa being pulled around on his sleigh with festive music and dancing. Pre-book your visit here.
“The elves secretly told Santa my kids’ ages and names so my then 7-year-old was amazed at the magic along with my 3-year-old. The gifts then fit their ages too which was so sweet.”
– Becky, Team Happity
Legoland are currently running an offer, Double the fun on your 2025 LEGOLAND® staycation with a second theme park day for free! For stay dates between 14th February and 27th July 2025. Offer ends 2nd December! Check it out here
4. Best Around The UK For Little Ones – Christmas Toddler And Baby Classes
Created especially for your toddler or baby, you’ll find that loads of class providers love throwing a Christmas party or festive session in the lead-up to Christmas. Celebrating with other mums, dads, carers and their toddlers can create great memories. So go for stress-free fun in a relaxed environment by checking out Christmas classes here.
5. Most Chocolatey Christmas – Cadbury World
Choose Cadbury World for chocolatey fun, Cadbury’s characters, and chocolate desserts this Christmas.
Christmas and chocolate – what’s not to like? For an ultimate Chocolatey treat, you can book a Festive Character Afternoon Tea. Meet Freddo and Mr Cadbury’s Parrot while enjoying a whole range of Cadbury’s inspired treats. There’s also a Santa show and other chocolatey delights to experience. Make sure you pre-book here.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is on the bucket list for many adults. So what makes it so magical for toddlers? In one corner you’ll find Santaland, designed just for little ones and their families. From a free Santa’s grotto and parades to Penguin Bumper Cars and a Chill Zone, you could spend the whole day here.
Children aged 3+ can borrow penguin skate aids to glide along with the adults on the UK’s largest open-air ice rink, while fans of Mr Tumble can book Justin’s Christmas singalong on selected dates.
“Hyde Park had a brilliant ice sculpture walkthrough which the kids loved – ice thrones you could sit on and lots of photo opportunities.”
Warwick Castle is a firm favourite with families. It’s easy to see why Christmas here is so popular with its open-air ice rink, illuminations, Stories with Santa experience, winter birds of prey, and a Christmas market. Click here for more details.
8. Most Authentic – Lapland UK
Lap up the unique atmosphere at the UK’s very own Christmas theme park with an elf village and real huskies.
Lapland’s booking system opens for certain days ahead of the Christmas season. So if you’ve secured a ticket for this year, check out this mum’s blog on her top tips for how to make the most of your visit with your child.
You can’t go wrong with a trip to Yorkshire Wildlife Park. Catch their magical light and lantern festival, a 3 km-long feast of winter illuminations. This year the theme is an Around The World In 80 Days Christmas extravaganza. Children under 3 go free and there’s free parking too. There are also animals to see…
“I visited Yorkshire Wildlife Park last year with my then 3-year-old, niece and nephew. Lots to do and see and so much space for them to run around!”
– Lucy, Team Happity
10. Best For Animals – ZSL Zoos
Prepare Christmas treats for the animals at Whipsnade Zoo.
Talking of animals, Chester Zoo and the ZSL zoos pull all the stops out for Christmas. Whipsnade does a Meet Santa Animal Gift-Giving experience – make food for the actual animals, then watch them eat it! London Zoo offers Christmas crafts, festive talks about the animals and Pop Up Santa. Chester Zoo has a magical animal-themed Christmas light trail this year all set to music. You can take your time going round at toddler-pace and soak up every moment.
“We have booked to go back to Chester Zoo this year and I know a few friends who are returning too. It’s a great one for younger children as it’s quite a calm experience.”
Experience illuminations at Battle Abbey near Hastings, a decorated art-deco mansion at Eltham Palace and Narnia at Wrest Park. With Father Christmas events, illuminations, and Christmas afternoon teas at so many properties, search here for an event near you!
12. Most Nostalgic – National Trust Houses
Recapture your childhood with Christmas trees galore and homemade decorations at a National Trust home.
National Trust properties help recreate the nostalgia of childhood – and create new memories with your children too! While some have paid light shows after dark, you’ll find that most halls open up their doors for families to wander in and admire the Christmas decorations from a bygone era. This is usually free for members. Many properties also offer traditional Christmas crafts like paper chain making.
“Wimpole Hall at Christmas time is an absolute gem. They decorate the rooms – and chapel – so beautifully. It has a really relaxed atmosphere for children, who can enjoy making Christmas decorations.”
We already know that garden centers are a hit with toddlers, so why not go all-out with a British Garden Centre afternoon tea with Santa?
14. Most Spectacular Views – The London Eye
Gain a bird’s eye view of London all lit-up from The London Eye.
If your toddler is a fan of heights and lights, hop onto The London Eye at Christmastime. It’s slow-moving so all the better for catching more than just a glimpse of London’s spectacular skyline. The Southbank also has plenty of festive activities, so you can explore after or before your aerial adventure!
15. Best Santa’s Grottos
Find a grotto to suit you, your child and your budget all over the UK.
Aviemore, Scotland – With real snow, a woodland grotto and the UK’s one and only free-range reindeer herd, you can’t get more Nordic than this (in the UK)!
Zipmas, Wales – Travel below ground on Europe’s steepest cable railway to find Santa’s secret grotto, make slate baubles and maybe have a round or two of Grotto Golf.
Todds Leap, Northern Ireland – Find Santa’s post office, his off-road sleigh and visit Mrs Claus’ cabin.
The Eden Project, Cornwall – Meet Santa in The Eden Project’s iconic biosphere domes and learn all about his elves!
Stockeld Park, Yorkshire – Check out Stockeld Park’s interactive map to discover their mega illuminated snowflake maze, winter illuminations, grotto and more.
Noir Kringle, London – Make reindeer food, experience Black British culture and meet Mrs Kringle too.
If you live in or near London, Museum Mum has done the legwork for you in her Best Santa’s Grottos in London 2024 guide, including SEN and relaxed grotto sessions.
Looking for a last-minute Santa’s grotto? Check out our blog here for top tips on how to get the best out of the experience for you and your toddler.
And search more great ideas for Santa’s Grottos around the UK here.
This post contains affiliate links, which means Happity earns a small commission if you buy something. This fee goes towards helping more parents find classes and support near them. We only link to products we love.
Want to get out and about, have fun with your baby or toddler, and meet other parents?
Search Happity to find everything that’s happening for the under-5’s in your local area – from music and singing classes, to messy play, arts and crafts, baby massage, gymnastics and more. Simply enter your postcode and child’s age to search, and then book your spot in a few taps. Enjoy dedicated fun time with your little one, watch their skills develop, and make friends at the same time. Mums, dads, grandparents and carers will all find something to love!
Want to take your toddler out on Christmas days out without spending lots of money? Here are some Christmassy ideas to get the whole family in the mood – all without breaking the bank!
Looking for festive fun to feel the Christmas Spirit with your baby or toddler? It’s never to early to book a Christmas class on Happity. Find one you’ll love here.
1. Visit A Garden Centre
Your local garden centre at Christmas time will be just as exciting as any toy shop for your toddler, believe it or not! With Christmas trees and decorations all on display – and often spanning multiple rooms, too – your toddler will feel as if they’re entering a winter wonderland.
Santa’s grottos can be fun too, but if you don’t want the expense this year, find a less busy time when the grotto is just there for your children to look at as part of the fun of looking around. About an hour before closing time can be perfect for toddlers! Farms or farm shops can also be a good call. Or take your toddler with you when you go to buy a Christmas tree – if you’re choosing your own to be cut or bagged, this can be especially fun. Don’t forget the wellies… our faves are Hunter Boots
“We literally spent hours in the local garden centre one Christmas – round every corner there was a giant reindeer, or polar bear, or lavishly decorated Christmas tree to stare at.”
– Liz, Team Happity
2. Go On A Christmas Trail
You’ll find that many town councils or local businesses decorate shop windows or put out lifesize models of snowmen or other Christmas decorations for children to find. Treasure hunts can be a fun and low-cost afternoon out for the whole family. If your child struggles walking that far, take plenty of snacks, as well as a buggy or scooter for them to dip in and out of walking and resting!
“Churches sometimes have an ‘advent’ event for kids – where you walk around houses seeing different Christmassy lit-up windows. Lots of them in Covid and we loved them!”
– Emily, Happity Co-Founder
3. Wander In A Park Or Stately Home
Many properties will decorate their houses and gardens for Christmas. They may operate a timed ticket session at peak periods, but for National Trust properties you should be able to get in for free if you have a membership, or for the usual charge if you don’t. Think Christmas trees in every room, storytelling, traditional decorations, toys and presents, music from the chapel, spiced mulled wine and baking smells wafting up from the kitchen. A treat for your toddler’s senses! You will be able to make crafts in some places too.
Even if some places charge for ‘light shows’ in the garden, you should be able to find a ‘free’ bit to visit with your toddler. Click here to see what’s on near you.
“Making paper-chain decorations in the basement of an old stately home was a hit with both children. We could smell spices, orange and cinnamon from the room next door.”
– Liz, Team Happity
4. Book A Christmas Session Or Party At A Regular Class
Many classes and franchises will go all out with a Christmas theme or bookable Christmas party this time of year, totally aimed at and suitable for your toddler or baby. Look here for Hartbeeps, Jo Jingles, and Baby Sensory Christmas sessions.
“Libraries will often do free story times where Santa comes and reads to the children, and at ours they both got a book as well which was cute.”
– Lisa, Team Happity
5. Watch A Santa or Tractor Parade
Check out local groups and social media for times of free light-up Santa parades. The beauty of Christmas parades is that once you know the route, you and your toddler can find a good spot to enjoy the magic, particularly if they find busy town centres a bit too much. For some people, this can be a side street in towns and for others, literally the end of their road. Some places have also started doing tractor parades and encourage charity donations.
“There is a charity that organises Santa and his sleigh to be pulled around the village by a tractor, which we love. They put a map up on social media so you know when it’s coming to your street, or you can just listen out for the music. All the children get really excited about this!”
– Kate, Team Happity
6. Find A Christmas Tree Festival
Christmas tree festivals have become even more popular over recent years. Usually hosted in a church or community centre, you can have the fun of wandering around to see all the decorated trees on show in exchange for a small donation. Often local nurseries, schools, nature groups and community groups will decorate a tree, so it’s even more exciting if your toddler has contributed to a specific tree.
7. Catch A Christmas Switch-On
What could be more Christmassy than snuggling in an extra-warm coat and heading out into your nearest town or village to see the big switch-on? Soak up the atmosphere, enjoy the festive music and maybe sample some local produce. If your toddler isn’t a fan of crowds, try going for a Christmassy walk at a different time of the day, look for window decorations in shops or stand in a quieter place if you know a parade is going to pass through.
“The year they had reindeers in the market square was fascinating for our toddler.”
– Liz, Team Happity
8. Find A Christmas Fair Or Market
From craft fairs to German-style Christmas markets, you’re sure to find something to capture your toddler’s interest, particularly if you go for a less busy time of the day. If you live in a seaside town, see if anything’s happening on the pier or seafront.
“There is a town park nearby that will always host an event or two at Christmas which are always free. They do have a few stalls which have a small charge or donation – usually something crafty or something to eat.”
– Kate, Team Happity
9. Crunch In The Frost
Grab a pair of wellies and take advantage of the ever-changing weather and seasons. If there’s been a frost overnight, first thing in the morning can be the best time to get your toddler out and about stomping around. Look for frosted cobwebs, leaves and twigs with a covering of ice on them. Many toddlers will find their familiar park or local play area even more fascinating when it looks different. For a more structured activity, try a scavenger hunt of objects coated in frost and admire all the different patterns. Or get your toddler’s imagination going as they pretend to be dinosaurs or giants making huge frosty footprints in the grass.
“If our toddler was getting a bit of cabin fever at home, we always enjoyed just seeing what we could find out and about.”
– Liz, Team Happity
10. Do Christmas Crafts At A Local Museum
Many local museums open up their doors in the holidays to welcome in toddlers and younger children for Christmas crafts. If you feel your toddler isn’t quite ready to join in, they will often supply toys for ‘younger siblings’ if you have an older child who wants to make something Christmassy.
“A lot of museums do cheap/free Christmas exhibitions or craft activities (for example, the British Museum).”
– Alex, Team Happity
11. Enjoy A Nativity Or Sing In a Carol Concert
Look out for Christingles and carol services, particularly family ones aimed at children. Some even have a live nativity!
“We go to a few Christmas nativities; one in the village which has a brass band and carol singers, then one in town on Christmas Eve which has a little nativity – all free, just donations.”
– Kate, Team Happity
12. Go To A Nature Group
Many nature and outdoor play groups run all year round. Christmas stories and crafting will be popular all through December, so wrap up warm in thermals, gloves and a hat, to join other toddlers and parents who love being outdoors in all seasons.
“Making a wooden Christmas decoration to hang on a giant wooden reindeer was a real highlight for our toddler at Nature Tots.”
– Liz, Team Happity
13. Gather Materials For Wreath-Making
If you’re a fan of the Christmas wreath, why not get your toddler involved? Go for a forage for holly, laurel leaves and pine cones. With your toddler holding a basket and helping you spot things (maybe show them pictures or draw a quick visual list together), this could be your most Christmassy activity yet as you go full-on Victorian!
14. Watch Ice Skating
Many swimming pools turn their premises into ice rinks this time of year. While you may want to pay to have a go at skating with a ‘penguin’ or prop to hold on to, why not skip the cost and watch instead? While your toddler is young, they will probably find this even more exciting as they enjoy watching the antics of older children and adults twisting, spinning (and falling!) on the ice. Do a quick Google search for ice rinks near you this festive period.
Perhaps there are a few festive places you’ve always wanted to visit with your children? Famous ‘pop-up’ ice rinks include the one outside the National History Museum in London, now converted into an urban space for wildlife. The garden is open all year round except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. It’s free, too. Check out our blog for more places to tick off your bucketlist this Christmas.
15. Do A Lights ‘Drive-By’
If you’re heading back from somewhere, a quick ‘drive by’ of the local lights can produce a lot of ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ in toddlers!
“Some cities also have a Christmas light bus tour.”
– Alex, Team Happity
16. Stay Local And Go For A Walk
Have fun looking at Christmas lights or decorations wherever you are! Your local neighbourhood can be a great source of free festive fun for your toddler as many families will put pop-up reindeer, snowmen or other decorations in the garden. Try checking mum Whatsapp groups for a ‘house lights map’ and see if you can find the street with the ‘best’ Christmas lights with your toddler. Often the most interesting decorations are just around the corner from you.
“We love walking the dog in the evening to see all the Christmas lights and decorations. In the village they also do a window advent so you get the map from the church and find all the decorated windows – there are some really great ones!”
– Kate, Team Happity
17. Get Creative Indoors
If you need to stay at home, try some toddler-friendly Christmas activities like making paper-chains, snowflakes or Christmas puddings out of playdough. Look here for more crafty ideas.
“We also always buy a gingerbread house kit (£5 from Asda) and make one together – always love that! Or we make star biscuits with boiled sweets melted in the middle.” Emily, Team Happity
“Try making your own Christmas baubles or cards – shops like ‘The Works’ sell extremely affordable craft stuff.”
– Alex, Team Happity
18. Save Money If You Do Pay For A Toddler ‘Experience’
Whether it’s a trip to Christmas Legoland, a Santa train ride experience, a lights show or other ‘official’ winter wonderland, chances are at some point over the next few years you’ll be tempted to part with some larger amounts of cash. But you can still make savings by choosing off-peak times like weekdays and looking for special toddler-parent offers. Always book ahead for the best deals by looking online. Or if you have a Merlin pass, the Christmas season may be a good time to use it!
On the day, opt for packed lunches, reusable water bottles and travel cups over cafe food or street stalls, which is often pricey. Try and stick to your original ticket rather than signing up to upgrades or queue jumpers.
“The Merlin attractions are also a good shout, because they have a lot of availability and typically don’t sell out until quite late into the season (if at all).”
– Sara, Team Happity
What Is The Average Spend On A Child At Christmas UK?
You might be surprised to learn that, according to a 2022 survey by YouGov, the average Brit spends £300 on presents with NatWest estimating this works out at £50-£100 per child. While some parents enjoy splashing the cash at Christmas time, here are some top tips to reign in your budget and leave more money for other things:
Reuse – Check out your local reuse group on Facebook for unwanted gifts, toys, books and clothing.
Reduce – Your toddler won’t remember if they have five, ten, or twenty things in their stocking. Wrap up things individually to create more things to open.
Recycle and Repurpose – Make an agreement with your kids to swap toys with other parents or donate regularly to a charity shop.
Reassign – If grandparents or relatives really like spending money on your children, rather than them choosing a random present, why not ask them for an experience gift like an RSPB or zoo membership?
Remake – If your toddler really loves that flapjack recipe, or chocolate brownies you make, why not have Santa wrap some up in tin foil and leave in the toe of their stocking?
Refocus – Enjoying fun days out with your toddler, and festive time with family and friends will help take the focus away from presents and onto experiences.
Regift – Try the idea of ‘making room for new toys’, but if they get upset, don’t push it.
Want to get out and about, have fun with your baby or toddler, and meet other parents?
Search Happity to find everything that’s happening for the under-5’s in your local area – from music and singing classes, to messy play, arts and crafts, baby massage, gymnastics and more. Simply enter your postcode and child’s age to search, and then book your spot in a few taps. Enjoy dedicated fun time with your little one, watch their skills develop, and make friends at the same time. Mums, dads, grandparents and carers will all find something to love!
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