kids

Before becoming a global phenomenon in the 2000s thanks to artists like Aventura, Monchy y Alexandra and Prince Royce, and before being declared an “intangible cultural heritage of humanity” by UNESCO in 2019, bachata was — and continues to be — the soundtrack of the Dominican Republic.

The importance of the genre to the people of the Caribbean nation is at the heart of “Agridulce,” a music documentary that had its world premiere at this month’s South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin, Texas. Filmed over the course of five years, the feature follows four young students at Academia de Bachata, a music conservatory in the beachside resort town of Cabarete. It’s the only school of its kind in the world.

Academia de Bachata was founded in 2013 by music producer Benjamin De Menil. After traveling to the Dominican Republic to record for nearly three decades, De Menil says he wanted to create something that would ensure that the next generation continues the traditions of bachata.

“One of the things I loved about the bachata musicians I was working with early on is that they were such natural musicians. There was never any sheet music, so whenever we were going to record I would say, ‘Let’s do this song and it goes like this,’ and they would listen to it for a little bit before they figured it out and they were playing it,” he said. “I thought that we could somehow harness that energy in a more organized and educational format and make a school where we’re helping young children become professional musicians within this genre that has a lot of opportunity.”

De Menil partnered with DREAM Project, a nonprofit organization that did work in Cabarete, and launched Academia de Bachata in 2013. Since then, the school has provided hundreds of children with a free musical education.

“There were a lot of things we were trying to figure out along the way about what the best way to teach this music was because this wasn’t your typical conservatory. We were focusing on the traditions passed on rather than some style of music that there are already textbooks for.”

To make “Agridulce,” De Menil, who produced the film, reached out to Frank Pavich, director of the 2013 “Jodorowsky’s Dune,” the cult classic documentary about avant-garde filmmaker Alejandro Jodorowsky’s quixotic and failed attempt to adapt Frank Herbert’s 1965 sci-fi novel “Dune.” It didn’t take much to bring him on onboard.

“Ben contacted me and told me about the project. I responded with what’s Bachata?,” the Croatian American director said. “I had never even heard of the musical genre. And then he sent me some music. He sent me footage that he had shot of [Cabarete] and of the school. And it was unlike anything I’d ever seen. It was so colorful and so incredible that I just wanted to jump on right away. I was like, ‘Great, when can we go down there and start shooting? It was really that fast.”

Pavich says now he hears bachata everywhere.

“I live between Switzerland and Croatia and now that I know how to pick it up, I hear it in cars passing by a cafe in Geneva and in Croatia,” he said. “It’s everywhere, it’s infiltrated everything in the best way possible.”

“Agridulce” is an ethnomusicological documentary — it captures the music of a specific place and people and shows how the tradition is kept alive — that also doubles as a coming of age story. The film follows students of varying ages — Edickson, Frandy, Orianny and Yerian — out of the classroom, showing us moments of intimacy with their families and friends while also giving us a slice of quotidian life in Cabarete.

As such, “Agridulce” doesn’t shy away from the political tensions of the beachside resort. Much like in the U.S., immigration is a contentious topic in the Dominican Republic — the country shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, which has seen an exodus of its people over the decade.

De Menil and Pavich said that nearly a third of Academia de Bachata’s student body is of Haitian descent, and that they would have had to go out of their way to not include one of them in the film.

This tension plays out in the storyline of Frendy, a magnetic student of Haitian descent who uses bachata to fit in.

“Many young people are in that position of being made to feel they don’t belong at that time in life when a person most wants to find their place,” De Menil said. “We see that music can help kids, particularly immigrant kids, find belonging.”

“The film ultimately speaks to the way that culture and shared history contribute to the development of authentic, lived creativity,” said South by Southwest consulting programmer Jim Kolmar. “It’s something innate and inevitable, and ‘Agridulce’ really explores that beautifully. Obviously it’s full of incredible music, but the deeper cultural context is essential, and seeing it through the perspective of the students at Academia de Bachata helps us connect the dots.”

Meta, YouTube and Snapchat are already under scrutiny for risks they pose for young people. Now they are facing another hurdle in their home state.

California lawmakers are considering legislation to restrict social media use for teens and children under 16 years old. Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal (D-Long Beach) and others introduced a bipartisan bill that would bar social media platforms from allowing users under 16 years old from creating or maintaining accounts.

The legislation comes amid mounting concerns about how social networks impact the mental health of young people. Anxiety among parents and lawmakers has heightened as platforms and AI chatbots become more intertwined with people’s daily life.

Last month, tech executives, including Meta’s chief executive and co-founder Mark Zuckerberg, testified in a landmark trial in Los Angeles over a lawsuit that alleges social media is addictive and harms children.

The trial centers on whether tech companies such as Instagram, which is owned by Meta, and YouTube can be held liable for allegedly promoting a harmful product and addicting users to their platforms.

California has passed legislation before aimed at making social media platforms and chatbots safer but faced pushback from tech industry groups that have sued to stop new laws from taking effect. Tech companies are have responded by releasing more parental controls and restrictions for young users.

Other countries have been moving forward with restrictions on social media. Last year, Australia barred children under 16 years old from having social media accounts.

TechNet, whose members include Meta and Google, said in a statement that it hasn’t taken a position on the California bill but doesn’t believe a ban will effectively achieve the Legislature’s goal’s.

“We support balanced, evidence-based solutions that strengthen protections for young people, equip parents with meaningful tools, and ensure accountability across platforms. Our companies have made significant investments in teen safety and parental controls, and we remain committed to building on that progress,” said Robert Boykin, TechNet Executive Director for California and the Southwest in a statement.

The use of social media by young people has divided tech executives.

Pinterest Chief Executive Bill Ready wrote in an op-ed in TIME published on Friday that governments should follow Australia’s lead and ban social media for kids under 16 years old if tech companies don’t prioritize safety.

“Social media, as it’s configured today, is not safe for young people under 16,” he said.”Instead, it’s been designed to maximize view time, keeping kids glued to a screen with little regard for their well-being.”

Lowenthal’s bill cited social media’s dangers such as “exposure to harmful content, compulsive use patterns, exploitation, and adverse impacts on mental health and well-being.”

“Existing age-based restrictions that rely primarily on user self-attestation have proven ineffective and place an unreasonable burden on children and families rather than on the entities that design, operate, and profit from social media platforms,” the bill states.

A spokesman for Lowenthal didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Another member of the Duggar family, famous for the TLC series “19 Kids and Counting,” faces allegations of child sex abuse.

Joseph Duggar, the 31-year-old son of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar and the younger brother of convicted sex offender Josh Duggar, was arrested Wednesday afternoon in Arkansas by local law enforcement on suspicion of molesting a minor in Florida, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office announced in a statement. The sheriff’s office said it received a report on Wednesday of past sexual abuse allegedly involving Duggar and a 14-year-old girl. The girl alleged she was 9 years old during one of several alleged incidents, police said.

The teenager, according to law enforcement, accused Duggar of molesting her in 2020 while she was vacationing with family and staying at a residence in Panama City Beach. He is accused of touching the girl’s genitals and rubbing her thighs.

According to the statement, the victim said Duggar “eventually apologized” for the abuse, and he stopped touching her. Duggar had also “admitted his action’s to the girl’s father and to Tontitown detectives in Arkansas, Duggar’s home state, law officials said. The Tontitown Police Department confirmed Duggar’s arrest in a separate statement, noting it acted on a warrant issued by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.

The former reality star was charged with molestation of a victim younger than 12 and “lewd and lascivious behavior conducted” by an adult. Duggar, who is currently jailed at the Washington County Detention Center, awaits extradition to Florida. He could not immediately be reached for comment.

Joseph Duggar, his parents and his siblings — whose first names also begin with the letter J — became unexpected reality TV stars with the premiere of TLC’s “19 Kids and Counting” in 2008. The series followed the giant family, highlighting their Christian fundamentalist lifestyle. The family’s once-charming facade of purity and religious devotion quickly faded in 2015 when Josh, the firstborn Duggar child, was accused of molesting five younger girls — four of whom were his sisters — when he was 15. The series was canceled that year.

In a separate case, Josh was convicted on two counts of possessing and receiving child pornography in December 2021. He was sentenced to 12 ½ years in prison in 2022. The Supreme Court rejected his efforts to appeal his case last June.

Fifteen years after the premiere of “19 Kids and Counting,” the series, the Duggar family and their devotion to the Institute in Basic Life Principles were subject to close scrutiny in the Prime Video docuseries “Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets.”

Jill Diillard, the second-eldest Duggar daughter and one of Josh’s victims, spoke out for the 2023 docuseries.

“I believe strongly that victims should always be protected. Victims should always be cared for,” she said. “You’re out there, your story’s out there. … I’d rather have some say in what that looks like.”

March 19 (UPI) — Law enforcement officials arrested Joseph Duggar, one of the stars of TLC’s 19 Kids and Counting on sex abuse charges involving a 9-year-old girl, Florida authorities said.

The Bay County Sheriff’s Office said Duggar, 31, was arrested Wednesday by authorities in Arkansas and was awaiting extradition to Florida.

He faces charges of lewd and lascivious behavior by a person 18 years or older, and lewd and lascivious behavior involving a victim less than 12 years old.

Duggar’s arrest came after a 14-year-old girl told the Tontitown Police Department in Arkansas about sexual abuse that took place when she was 9 years old. She said there were several incidents during a family vacation to Panama City Beach, Fla., in 2020.

“The victim reported Duggar repeatedly asked her to sit on his lap,” a news release from the Bay County Sheriff’s Office said.

“As the vacation continued, he also asked her to sit next to him on a couch and covered them with a blanket.”

The release said that during this time, Duggar inappropriately touched the girl. The girl told police that Duggar later apologized and stopped the alleged actions.

The sheriff’s office did not specify how Duggar and the girl knew each other. The release said the girl told her father about the alleged incidents, and her father confronted Duggar on Tuesday.

“Duggar admitted his actions to the victim’s father and to Tontitown detectives,” the release said.

Joseph Duggar’s eldest brother, Josh Duggar, was sentenced to more than 12 years in prison in 2022 on a child pornography conviction. The family’s reality show on TLC was canceled in 2015 after a police report revealed that Josh Duggar molested younger girls.

FORMER 19 Kids and Counting star Joseph Duggar has been arrested for alleged child sex crimes against a nine-year-old girl.

The 31-year-old from Arkansas allegedly molested the child six years ago on a vacation in Florida.

On Wednesday, the former TLC star was charged with molestation of a victim under 12 years old and with lewd and lascivious behavior of a person 18 years or older, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office said.

The girl, now 14 years old, told investigators that the incident took place while she was on family vacation in Panama City in 2020.

Duggar, who was booked into the Washing County jail in Arkansas, is awaiting extradition to Bay County.

It is alleged that Duggar asked the victim to sit on his lap, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office said.

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“As the vacation continued, he also asked her to sit next to him on a couch and covered them with a blanket,” it has been claimed.

“During this time, Duggar manipulated the victim’s underwear and grazed her genitals.

“Duggar would also continue to rub his hands on her thighs.”

“The victim stated Duggar eventually apologized for his actions and the incidents stopped after the apology,” the authorities said.

The allegations and arrest come after the victim had a forensic interview due to reports of past sexual abuse.

Her father allegedly confronted Duggar about the allegations and the reality star “allegedly admitted his actions to the father and Tontitown detectives,” and the alleged abuse stopped, per officials.

Duggar is married to his wife Kendra, with whom he shares three young children.

The Duggar family has not issued a statement following the arrest.

Meanwhile, Duggar’s brother Josh, is serving a 12 and a half year sentence after being found guilty in December 2021 of receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material.

It was also previously reported that Josh, now 38, confessed to molesting several children, including four of his sisters.

The family’s reality television show aired between 2008 and 2015 documenting the lives of Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar and their 19 children.

It was taken off air after the molestation claims against Josh Duggar.

IF you want a cheaper alternative theme park in Europe, then there’s one letting kids go free until summer.

Parc Astérix is a theme park in Plailly, France, based on the famous comic book series.

The theme park has over 50 attractions across six themed worlds like the Roman Empire, Greece and the Vikings.

And until May 7, the park is offering free admission to children under 12 years old.

The offer is valid from Monday to Friday for online bookings and must be booked with a dated adult ticket.

Tickets for children usually cost €53 (£45.81) each, so for a family of four it would be a saving of €106 (£91.62).

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Adult tickets cost €56 (£48.40) each, when booked seven days in advance.

The park is open from 10am to 7pm each day, so it includes nine hours of fun.

But save your visit until next month if you want to see the new reinvented Egypt zone, which opens on April 4.

The zone is themed around Cleopatra and the Egyptian gods, with visitors able to immerse themselves in an Egyptian world.

The former Oxygénarium water raft ride has become The Descent of the Nile, with new theming to seem like you are cruising down the River Nile.

The Flying Chairs ride has now become The Flight of Ibis, where visitors swoop over the water garden, 10metres above the ground.

The ride also features water jets, greenery and themed decor.

The Egyptian zone is also home to the new dining experience, Les Fastes du Nil, which is a fast-food restaurant.

A new buffet restaurant called Épidemaïs’ Counter, with a range of Middle Eastern-inspired dishes, which will also open in June.

And launching this spring, there will be a new show called Cleopatra’s Gift – where she and her courtesans bring the OzIris esplanade to life with dance, music and guests interactions.

The refreshed zone is just part of Parc Astérix’ £218million makeover, due to be completed by 2030.

In 2028, the park will open a new British-themed land called Londinium.

In the land there will be an immersive roller coaster, an interactive family dark ride, a vertical playground, a pub and shops.

The park will open its fourth hotel as well, called The Odyssée Hotel which will feature 300 rooms and open in 2027.

There are currently three hotels at the park including Les Quais de Lutèce with 150 rooms in Gaul-inspired buildings.

There’s then La Cité Suspendue, which is Celtic-themed and made up of three ‘hamlets’ – potters, artists and druids.

And finally, the Les Trois Hiboux hotel is located in the forest.

Guests staying in the hotels get exclusive access to the attractions 30 minutes before they open to the public.

Also in 2027, the park will open a renovated Greek zone with two new family attractions, a playground and a restaurant.

The theme park is just 21 miles from Paris and whilst it is smaller than Disneyland Paris, it is cheaper to visit with Disneyland Paris tickets for this month costing from £80 per person.

Previous guests have raved about it too, with one writing: “I say it from the start: better than Disneyland!”

Another said: “We were counting and we did 35 rides each every day. If you are a theme park junkie then I would recommend it wholeheartedly.”

A third commented: “This park was a real discovery for me and my grown-up children who have been used to Disneyland for years.

“A warm atmosphere, sets worthy of movie studios, varied shows of high quality and attentive staff.”

In other theme park news, there’s a futuristic theme park just two hours from the UK that has been named one of the best in Europe – with an ‘Avatar-like’ waterpark.

Plus, an English seaside theme park has scrapped its entry fees and is opening a huge new ‘showstopper ride’.

KIP with the kids in a two-bedroom lodge at The Mole Resort or try the boujee airport hotel alternative of a grand Italianate mansion.

In search of the perfect pit stop, Lifestyle Editor Catherine Bennion-Pedley found out all that both had to offer.

The Mole Resort

As I slam on the car brakes, my kids Poppy, seven, and Raffy, four, shout: “Woah!” In the middle of the road is a local walking her dog – which happens to be the size of a small pony.

Yep, it’s safe to say rural Devon is proving to be an eye-opener for us all.

We’re kipping at The Mole Resort, a country-house hotel that had a spruce-up a couple of years ago, set in 125 acres of rolling countryside.

Our two-bedroom, two-bathroom lodge in the grounds comes with floor-to-ceiling views of a verdant meadow and a hot tub, which proves particularly restorative after the long drive.

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Another huge win is the raft of activities on site – from pickleball to pétanque, disc golf to axe-throwing, and archery to pottery painting.

Talking of which, the kids adore painting egg cups, £14 each, and are thrilled to pick up their newly glazed souvenirs the next morning.

There’s also a restaurant, games room and health club with a pool – though this has seen better days.

The village it sits in, Chittlehamholt, is also home to excellent 16th-century pub The Exeter Inn.

Owners Hazel and Steve welcome visitors like family, as does their gorgeous cockapoo Frankie.

Flavour-packed dishes like Peking duck bon bons with hoisin, £9.50, and beef and ale pie topped with stilton, £17, are spot-on.

As are the proper puds – pick spiced sticky toffee, £8.50, for the win.

With more than 80 gins and local ales aplenty, you won’t go thirsty, either (Exeterinn.co.uk).

Just 20 minutes’ drive away is another absolute gem – Quince Honey Farm, which brings joy even on the drizzliest day.

Here, we roll our own beeswax candles, forage for wildflower seeds and taste five varieties of the golden stuff – the dandelion honey is crowned our fave.

Entry per adult and child over five costs £10.80 (Quincehoneyfarm. co.uk).

Leaving armed with brilliant bee facts, we all agree this pretty nook of Devon makes for a super stop-off en route to a beach break.

Stays in a two-bedroom lodge at The Mole Resort cost from £120 per night (Themoleresort.co.uk).

Down Hall Hotel

I’m not a huge fan of airport hotels, which is why the boujee alternative of a grand Italianate mansion in the Essex countryside instantly appeals.

Less than 20 minutes’ drive from London Stansted, its rural setting will help you to properly relax before take-off.

A giant chessboard, tennis courts and a mini football pitch in the expansive grounds keep the whole gang entertained.

Meanwhile, the newly opened Barn Spa offers mini-me treatments, including head and scalp massages, from £25 per child, and the recently refurbed family rooms come with a Nintendo Switch, so the kids are more than alright.

Tuck into dinner treats, such as crab with apple gel, cucumber and nasturtiums, £16.50, followed by venison loin with a dark-chocolate jus, £41, at The Garden Room, which holds two AA Rosettes.

And it would be rude not to try the moreish house cocktail – a Down Hall Bramble, made with the hotel’s own garden gin, £15.

When in Rome (or Essex) and all that. . .

Family rooms at Down Hall Hotel cost from £212 per night (Downhall.co.uk).

From bike hire to spa escapes and lodge stays, this Center Parcs review shares everything families need to know about the popular UK break

Center Parcs had been on our radar for some time; a getaway promising relaxation without the hassle of airports. However, I hadn’t anticipated just how much the experience would focus on unwinding and quality family time.

The absolute highlight for the children was cycling everywhere. We collected our bikes on site (though, if you have room you can also bring your own) and it quickly became our primary mode of transport – and some of the most unforgettable moments of our stay.

Not a mobile phone or tablet in sight. Without even trying, we slipped into a slower pace, chatting as we pedalled, pausing for snacks and savouring our time together.

Even sporadic rain didn’t dampen our spirits.

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Family time and adult time

Center Parcs is designed with families in mind, but it’s easy to carve out some adult time. I managed to escape to the Aqua Sana Forest Spa, a world away from the hustle and bustle of the village.

The treetop sauna was my standout spot, and a full body massage was the reset I didn’t realise I needed.

But what I adored was the balance. There’s an endless array of activities to keep children entertained – including the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, with indoor and outdoor pools, and rapids.

But there are also tranquil spaces to unwind without missing out on family time. In the Sports Cafe, for example, we could sneak in the Arsenal game, whilst the kids amused themselves on arcades.

Where we stayed

The lodge played a significant role in how relaxed the break felt. Luxuriating in one of the newly refurbished Grand Forest lodges, it’s clear they’re designed with families in mind.

In the kitchen, everything was designed to make cooking a breeze, with ample worktop space and storage. I realise it’s not everyone’s cup of tea (and there are plenty of other options on site if you’d rather not cook at all) but we relish cooking as a family, so having a clear, user-friendly space to do it in made a world of difference – instead of one of us being cooped up in the kitchen whilst the rest of the clan were enjoying themselves.

After action-packed days, it was lovely to cook together and settle down for an evening of board games or a film, whilst ducks would come and tap on the patio doors, much to my daughter’s sheer joy.

All the best things to eat

We stayed for three nights and cooked twice in the lodge, keeping evenings chilled and costs low (Stock up on supermarket essentials before you arrive; there’s a shop on site for extras, but it’s a bit steep).

For our dining out experience, we booked The Dozing Duck – an absolute treat. It boasts shuffleboard tables so the four of us divided into teams for some friendly rivalry.

Book ahead on the app where you plan your stay.

How to book a Centre Parcs break

Two-bedroom Grand Forest Lodge from £799 for a Mon-to-Fri stay. Three-bedroom Woodland Premium Lodge also from £799 – ideal for larger families who need a bit more space.

Breaks run Mon to Fri, or Fri to Mon. Book at centerparcs.co.uk.

FAMILY holidays are most fun when children reach eight years old, according to research.

A poll of 2,000 mums and dads who’ve ever been on holiday with their child found this is the age when parents and little ones alike get the most out of getaways.

At this stage, 55 per cent believe they start to form lasting holiday memories, 64 per cent think they get genuinely excited about new places and can contribute to the planning (22 per cent).

They’re better able to relax themselves (41 per cent), enjoy more shared hobbies and activities together with their kids (41 per cent) and have longer attention spans (40 per cent) then too.

Commissioned by Jet2holidays ahead of Mother’s Day, the research found 76 per cent of mums who go on one or more getaways a year consider family holidays to be their calendar highlight.

A spokesperson for the tour operator said: “Family holidays are special at all ages.

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“With the research highlighting just how meaningful family getaways are across the board.

“However, there appears to be something especially great once kids reach eight years old – with the findings suggesting many kids are more curious, more engaged and better able to take in new experiences at this age.”

The study also identified what parents look for in a family getaway – with value for money (29 per cent), a place which suits the whole family (28 per cent) and good weather (28 per cent) coming top.

Activities everyone can enjoy together are also considered key (17 per cent), along with a destination which is easy to get around (15 per cent) and genuinely family friendly accommodation (14 per cent).

To ensure the kids in particular are happy, 30 per cent ‘often’ or ‘always’ get them involved in the planning of a family break.

They do so because it makes their little ones feel included and valued (46 per cent), creates shared excitement (37 per cent) and ensures activities suit their interests (34 per cent).

And taking such steps to ensure family holidays are a success appear to be worth it – 86 per cent said memories spent with their kids on such getaways are among their most meaningful.

The research carried out through OnePoll also identified the holiday milestones those polled consider to be the most significant, with going abroad as a family for the first time (35 per cent) coming top.

Flying together for the first time (24 per cent), the first theme park or major attraction visit as a family (15 per cent) and staying away from home overnight for the first time as a unit (14 per cent) are also significant.

A spokesperson for Jet2holidays added: “It’s clear involving children in the planning process plays a big part in making a holiday memorable.

“And this is just one of a host of memorable holiday milestones they’ll be part of – whether that’s flying together for the first time or going abroad as a family stay with parents for years.

“This is why considerations like the right destination and accommodation are so important.

“We’re proud to help families make those memories by offering great value, family friendly holidays which cater to everyone, whatever stage of family life they’re in.”

Hannah Britt and her family fell in love with Scotland while on a road trip through the highlands in a Skoda Superb Estate SportLine 2.0 – here’s how you can do the same

When you think of a Scottish road trip, what comes to mind? The NC500 probably. Two children aged six and one… probably not so much. And yet I’m here to tell you that it can be done, all it takes is the right car – and lots of snacks. A frequent yet fearful flyer last summer I became a convert to the good old family road trip when we borrowed a Skoda Kodiaq vRS and drove from our home in Manchester to France. Being able to get there under our own steam and haul 35 tonnes of equipment for the children was a gamechanger. I was chomping at the bit to do it again. So you can imagine my delight when my pals at Skoda got in touch again, offering to lend us a Superb Estate SportLine 2.0 this time – if we drove it to Scotland. My partner John’s bags were packed before I’d finished asking if he wanted to go.

The Superb is a long and spacious family car. You won’t get into a small parking space, but boy can you cram it full of stuff. It’s quite low to the ground, meaning those of us over 30 will make an oof noise getting in and out, but it feels how I imagine Lewis Hamilton must in his F1 car. I loved it right away.

As we set off from our home in Manchester, the four of us settled in – me, John, six year old Molly and one year old Poppy. Our route would take us to Langbank near Glasgow, where we would stay the night at Gleddoch Golf and Spa Resort, before continuing on the next day to Cameron House on Loch Lomond. From there we would loop up through Glencoe to Oban, before driving back home via Loch Lomond once more.

As was now customary, John did most of the driving with me the passenger princess and queen on snacks, handing out Pringles and Haribo on demand and restarting Golden from the K Pop Demon Hunters soundtrack each time it dared to stop. The Skoda’s big sat nav screen made it easy to work out where to go, and its built in black out screens allowed Molly and Poppy to doze off.

Four hours later, with just one stop to walk off a tantrum (not mine, promise), we arrived at Gleddoch, on the banks of the Clyde. I was impressed with this golf hotel, which welcomed children with open arms. Our room, a Residence Four Poster, was newly renovated, with a sleek bathroom, view out over the water, sofa bed for Molly and – as the name suggests – a gargantuan four poster for her parents. Arriving with fussy kids, we ate in the room, and the food was lovely, with a good kids menu and an excellent wine list.

But the jewel in Gleddoch’s crown is the Imperia spa, a newly opened, multimillion pound delight. It recently won the accolade of “best new spa” and, once I tore myself away from my family, I had a sublime old time checking it out. The space boasts the UK’s largest outdoor sauna with panoramic views over the estuary and rolling Renfrewshire hills to Ben Lomond.

Children are not allowed in the pool at all, which was a shame for me – but a bonus for the other guests who didn’t have to endure their spa time with a side of my little ones’ splashing. In the morning, I sat down in Gleddoch’s cosy Dram whisky and gin bar to do some work, before packing our rabble back into the Skoda to head to our second stop, 30 minutes away – Cameron House on Loch Lomond.

Now, Cameron House is a Scottish institution. Barack Obama has stayed here. Guests don’t really get cooler than that. And the moment you arrive it’s easy to see why it’s so beloved. Sweeping the Skoda up to the hotel, which sits right on the water, we were immediately greeted by a valet, who whisked the car off to park it and brought in our bags. Good lord, the crumbs, I thought to myself as the chic valet sat himself down on two days worth of digestive biscuits.

Inside, Cameron House is stylish, cosy and unmistakably Scottish, with nods to its rich heritage in everything from the pictures on the walls to the tartan prints of the cushions. Staff remember names, coffee orders and chatted to the children as if they were long lost friends. It’s a home from home – albeit an incredibly luxurious one.

The food is delicious, whether you choose to eat in the Michelin-starred Loma by Greme Cheevers, the Tavern, the Great Scots Bar, or anywhere in between. The room service is good too, and the chefs are happy to rustle up anything your little one desires off menu. Our room, a family suite, was spacious, sparklingly clean and modern, with an undisturbed view of the Loch.

Cameron House has a brilliant adults-only spa, which I’ve heard is exceedingly relaxing. However during my time at the hotel, I was to be found in the large family pool. With floor to ceiling windows out onto the grounds, areas shallow enough for Poppy to paddle in and areas deep enough for Molly to swim, and with a large and genuinely fun water slide, there was enough to keep everyone entertained for hours. When we finally tempted the children outside, a falconry lesson was equally enthralling. The next day, our be-crumbed valet returned the Skoda to us and waved us on our way to Oban – via Glencoe.

Glencoe is a stunning, historic glen in the Scottish Highlands, renowned for its dramatic, volcanic, and glacial landscape. It is a premier spot for hiking, mountaineering, and – luckily for us – scenic drives, often featured in films like Harry Potter and James Bond. From Loch Lomond to Glencoe takes around 90 minutes, and there’s an excellent visitor centre to greet you once you arrive, with nappy changing facilities, a shop selling various miniature models of highland cow, and a cafe that makes a good flat white.

The Glencoe drive is best done slowly, to ensure one takes in the insanely gorgeous scenery, and to make sure you don’t miss the turning down Glen Etive Road. The “Skyfall” road is the single-track B8074, famous for the scene where Bond (Daniel Craig) and M (Judi Dench) stop with the Aston Martin DB5 against the backdrop of Buachaille Etive Mòr. The spot is roughly halfway along the 12-14 mile road. I didn’t have an Aston Martin, but one better – my Skoda.

Another 50 odd minutes later and we arrived at the furthest point of our road trip – Oban. Or to be precise, Rhunacairn, a little Sykes Cottages house on the banks of Loch Etive, a couple of miles out of the town. Down a tiny road, with just one other house nearby, it was a white washed child’s drawing of a house, set in the most stunning scenery imaginable.

Sat next to a mussel farm, the house had all we needed for the next few days – a swing, a log burner and sea otters in the water outside. It was absolutely idyllic – a real find. And while we did go into Oban to sample the delights of the seafood capital of Scotland – and to buy a bottle of local whisky – I must admit the house had a magic to it that I was loath to leave. Before we left we began plotting our return, wondering which Skoda might fit paddleboards and fishing rods for a summer staycation.

10 steps to road trip success

Parenting expert Kirsty Ketley says:

1. Plan Ahead – Time journeys around naps, mealtimes, or toilet breaks to reduce stress and disruption to routines.

2. Leave at Nap Time – If you can, start longer journeys when little ones are most likely to sleep.

3. Entertainment is Key – Mix up old-school games like I Spy with sticker books, reusable window stickers, or magnetic boards.

4. Car-eoke – A family singalong is a fun way to pass the miles (and yes, Disney soundtracks count!).

5. Tech Can Help – Tablets on headrests with headphones make for a peaceful drive when everyone needs downtime – don’t feel bad or guilty for using them, but be clear about the boundaries on using them and use them more as a last resort, rather than the default.

6. The Quiet Game – When things get noisy, challenge the kids to see who can stay quiet the longest.

7. Snacks & Drinks – Pack snack boxes for older children and keep drinks in the front with you to avoid unnecessary stops for the loo when they have necked a whole bottle of water! Be very mindful of giving younger children snacks if an adult is not sitting in the back with them, as it is a choking hazard!

8. Safety First – Use child locks, remind kids about seatbelt safety, and follow The Lullaby Trust advice on babies sleeping in car seats.

9. Be Prepared – Keep wipes, tissues, and the nappy bag within easy reach. Blankets and comfy clothing are also essential.

10. Break It Up – If traffic hits or the car gets tense, don’t be afraid to stop somewhere safe, stretch legs, and reset before heading off again.

*The Skoda Superb Estate SportLine 2.0 costs from £44,715. Visit skoda.co.uk for more information

*Gleddoch Golf & Spa Hotel costs from £129 in low season and £189 in high season, based on entry level rooms. Visit gleddoch.com to book

*Rooms at Cameron House start from around £275 per night. Visit cameronhouse.co.uk to book

*Sykes Cottages Rhunacairn House costs from £1135 for 7 nights, see sykescottages.co.uk

ORE Oduba’s kids are said to be devastated as he puts the family home on the market a year after his split from wife Portia Jett.

The Strictly star, 40, announced that he and Portia, 36, had ended their nine year marriage in October 2024.

The pair share a son, Roman, eight and four-year-old daughter Genie together.

The TV presenter’s new-build family home in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, is now up for sale but Portia admitted it has left their kids heartbroken.

She said on social media: “I told the children that we are selling the house.

“It’s hard, especially for Roman, to have these conversations. He’s really upset.

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“I wanted to let the kids know, I tried to explain why.

“It’s gutting, and I’ve known for a while.”

The family have been living in the property since 2022.

Last November, Portia appeared to take a swipe at Ore after he revealed his porn addiction battle.

Portia shared a photo as she posed with her two children either side of her during an autumn day out.

The lyrics talk about a partner who is “young, wayward and lost in the cold” and includes the phrases “you pulled the wrong trigger”.

Appearing on the We Need to Talk podcast with MAFS expert Paul C Brunson, Ore told how his addiction struggles have spanned three decades.

He candidly said: “I was nine when I was introduced to pornography. That’s when my addiction started.”

Ore added: “While I wouldn’t say the addiction set in immediately, the intrigue started immediately and it didn’t take long for that intrigue to start running my mind over.

“It was the thing that was destroying my life from the inside out.

“But it was a thing I was running to from an early age as a response to the trauma.”

He told Paul he was speaking out as he wanted to “guide my own children.”

The London-based TV and radio anchor shares two children with ex wife Portia, son Roman born in 2018 and daughter Genie, born in 2021.

Ore, who admitted he had become a “master masker” during his childhood due to fears his father would send him back to Nigeria, told of the personal “shame” he had been struck by.

He then told how his brave confessions were for his family.

He said: “I’m sharing this to save my kids.

“Shame kept me silent for 30 years. It took me 30 years, two deaths, and a divorce to finally go: here’s what’s happening.”

He added: “The reason I felt like I needed to speak out on this, is because I wanted to guide my own children when it comes to it, when it comes to them seeing stuff that is going to be there.

“They’re going to come across it.”

Ore then confessed: “I never imagine I’d ever share this with anyone but in the last year I’ve spoken to friends and family and some amazing, supporting people in my working world who have all shown so much love and pride in me talking about something that is a problem for so many of us.”

The couple announced they were ending their nine-year marriage in October, with presenter Ore then confirming the news on Instagram. 

The couple’s break-up shocked longtime followers of the pair, who have watched on as they got engaged, married and welcomed two children.

They first met in 2010 when they were studying at Loughborough University. 

Portia was also a prominent support for Ore when he competed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2016, eventually lifting the glitterball alongside pro partner Joanne Clifton. 

Swerving rumours of the long-derided “Strictly curse”, Ore made sure Portia bonded with Joanne throughout their time on the show together. 

Yet he revealed their sad spit in an emotional message to fans.

The statement read: “Hi guys. Portia and I are sad to announce that we separated earlier this year [2024].

“We’re so grateful for all the love you’ve shared with us both over the years.

“And we want to thank you in advance for respecting our privacy as we navigated this difficult transition.

“We will be making no further comment. Be kind, always.”

BUTLIN’S has launched a brand new darts attraction at all three of its resorts.

In partnership with the Junior Darts Corporation (JDC), the JDC Butlin’s Darts Academy will allow kids to participate in darts sessions.

The JDC Butlin’s Darts Academy is included in all School Holiday Breaks and involves a two-hour session aimed at beginners and kids with some experience.

The session will be run by academy leaders, who will guide each player to improve their darts skills.

The leaders will also teach the kids the basics of the sport and give them the chance to play the interactive ABC darts game.

The academy is suitable for children aged eight to 16 and it is already open at the Minehead resort and will be available on all School Holiday Breaks from Easter at the Bognor Regis and Skegness resorts.

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Mike Godolphin, Entertainment Director at Butlin’s said: “If you’ve got the next Luke Littler or Beau Greaves at home, then our new JDC Butlin’s Darts Academy will be perfect on your next school holiday break.

“We’re always looking at ways to give our guests new experiences and with the huge rise in popularity of darts this new session is the perfect way for kids to get involved in the sport.

“And what’s best, this amazing new activity is included in the price of the break.”

Darren Barson from the Junior Darts Corporation, said: “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Butlin’s.

“This partnership will give children a unique opportunity to learn a new sport while having fun during their holidays.”

Also this Easter holidays, between April 10 and 12, the three Butlin’s resorts will be hosting three-nights of birthday celebrations to mark 90 years since the first resort opened.

There will be fireworks with performances by the Redcoats alongside mascots Billy and Bonnie.

There will be a new Birthday Party Bingo in Reds as well, with themed games, dancing and a special moment when the number 90 is called out.

Adults can also enjoy special birthday cocktails as well.

A three-night birthday celebration break starts from £214 and includes all that you usually get from a Butlin’s break plus the Easter entertainment line up which includes The Masked Singer and Maximum Pro Wrestling.

Godolphin added: “No one does it bigger and better than Butlin’s, and we’ve been proudly doing it for 90 years.

“A milestone this special deserves a Butlin’s style celebration to match.

“From the spectacular firework and laser display and incredible entertainment across the weekend, we can’t wait to celebrate with everyone across the three resorts.

“This weekend is not only dedicated to the memories made over the last nine decades at our resorts.

“We’re also looking to the future, and all the special moments that will be made at Butlin’s in the next 90 years.”

In other holiday resort news, these are 14 of the best holiday parks in the UK from £19 a night – including beach resorts and huge waterparks.

Plus, we reveal the nine most popular Hols From £9.50 holiday parks of last year – as booking opens for 2026.

WE THOUGHT we’d try somewhere adventurous and long-haul this February half term – only to balk at the price of five flights for the family.

I’ve visited some amazing destinations with my kids, such as Antigua and St Lucia – but it was my 13-year-old who said it first: “Mum, why don’t we just go back to Butlin’s, we love it there.”

Despite the UK weather doing its usual February sulk, it really did seem like the best option.

Because honestly, when you’ve got a family, ‘easy’ is the luxury – not the fluffy dressing gowns and designer toiletries.

So it’s no surprise that Butlin’s is still going strong after turning 90 this year.

You can feel the old holiday-camp DNA (updated for the way kids live now) nine decades later.

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And with three kids of three different ages, they easily cater to three different ideas of a good time.

We went to Bognor Regis on the South Coast – it’s not a mega
mission from London and we like browsing the charity shops in the town when we want a break from the noise of the resort.

We had a great first day of sun making the most of the outdoor activities – shooting arrows in an archery session, trying the climbing wall and the high ropes, driving go-karts and doing a circuit of the fairground rides.

Then of course, in new British fashion, the heavens opened.

But that didn’t matter because of all the indoor activities there were to choose from.

Bognor has its new PlayXperience building, and with the kids now nine, 12 and 13, they were the perfect ages to get stuck into this new high-tech play space.

The Escape Room was our highlight, with the alien-themed Area 51being exactly the sort of story that drags kids in from the first second.

Secret bases, weird goings-on, computer servers, clues and that delicious feeling that you’re actually on a real mission.

Within five minutes, my lot were in full command mode – one child on text, one on codes and one on fiddling with every locked box willing something to fall out.

I tried to put in my tuppence-worth but was generally overruled, by my seemingly smarter kids.

I think we might still be locked in the first room had the nine-year-old not cracked the essential first clue and it was my 13-year-old, not me, who managed to line the wellies up correctly in the second room to give us a crucial code.

I can’t remember the last time I saw my three children genuinely working together

And that family bonding is the whole point of Butlin’s, going right back to Billy Butlin’s original idea of giving ordinary British families a proper break by bundling fun, food and somewhere to sleep into one straightforward package.

Mine don’t want a quiet week of skimming stones on Bognor beach – they want big, shiny, ‘tell-my-mates’ experiences, like Laser Tag (where I learnt that small people have no mercy and I got completely rinsed by someone who still needs help finding the right sock).

Or the VR-cade where I learnt that virtual reality games give me motion sickness, but it’s funny watching your kids react to things that only they can see.

And where else could take your kids swimming, climbing, bowling, go-karting and to a show all in the same day?

The live shows were a particular hit with the poor weather scuppering any outdoor fun.

There’s the good old-fashioned pantomime, even in the height
of summer (this year it’s Jack and the Beanstalk).

And the evening shows include a team of talented redcoats singing popular hits with impressively quick costume changes.

This year there are two new evening shows proving a big hit with punters: The Masked Singer Live and Maximum Pro Wrestling.

The Masked Singer Live has that big Saturday-night energy: bright, silly, loud, designed to make you shout “take it off” even if you’ve never seen an episode of the TV show.

The families around us were guessing, debating and building elaborate theories, which swept my kids in and even though I didn’t have a hope of guessing the celebrity correctly I had fun all the same – it was impossible not to get caught up by the energy in the room.

The Pro Wrestling show was also a blast, even if you’ve never watched any form of wrestling before.

My kids instantly got the gist of it – the characters, the drama, the outrageous moves; i’s basically panto with muscles, and it’s brilliant.

They screamed at the baddie and the adults joined in, too, my throat hoarse by the end of the night.

And that’s the thing with Butlin’s – it takes the pressure off and lets you be who you want with no judgment.

Also, and I say this with feeling, it’s a place where you don’t have to apologise for having children.

Nobody looks at you like you’ve brought a marching band into a library a everyone’s in the same boat trying to keep boisterous little ones entertained.

And there’s comfort in knowing that if we don’t have the budget or the will for something long-haul and adventurous next year either, there will always be Butlin’s for a fun half term.

In other holiday park news, here are 14 of the best holiday parks in the UK from £19 a night – including beach resorts and huge waterparks.

Plus, here are 10 of our favourite £9.50 holiday parks in the UK.

Jenna Carr aka ‘Travel Mum’ has made travelling with her family her full-time job.

On her social pages, she reveals how to find last-minute cheap holiday deals, top travel tips – and now, her most underrated holiday destinations.

For fun family breaks that you might not have considered – Jenna says we should think about our closest neighbour.

Talking to Sun Travel, Jenna said: “France is overlooked a lot and it’s so close to us – you can drive over, which is much easier with a family.

“Of course you’ve got the famous spots like Paris and Disneyland, but there are lots of other places that are just as lovely.

“We went camping in the south of France last summer and flew into Nice, which didn’t take long from the UK – and went to a couple of places along the coast.”

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“It also has so many great holiday parks and campsites too.”

In fact, France has over ten thousand registered campsites across the country – some even have waterparks and beach clubs.

Equally great for a cross-Channel break is the Netherlands, thanks to its award-winning theme park that Jenna reckons is on a par with Disneyland Paris.

She said: “We’ve driven over there from the UK a lot, and there’s loads to do for families.

“The theme park, Efteling, is really cool – I’d call it Disneyland Paris after dark. It’s based on fairytales and is a little creepy.

“But I prefer it to Disneyland. I think it’s a bit more authentic, and it feels more magical.”

Efteling is a popular fairytale-themed attraction in Kaatsheuvel.

Some of the most thrilling rides in the park include Baron 1898 which has a 120ft free-fall drop into a mineshaft at 55mph.

There’s a double-track rollercoaster called Joris en de Draak where riders can speed past a 39ft fire-breathing dragon.

The theme park is also home to the world’s largest swinging ship, a monorail, and an 100-year-old steam carousel.

Day tickets for Efteling for anyone over the age of four range from €40 to €56 depending on the day of visit.

You could tie the theme park into a city break with the kids, as it’s under an hour on the train from Amsterdam – so plenty of culture for the adults and roller coasters for the kids in one trip.

March is one of the most reliable months for a family city break, and Amsterdam is one of the easiest cities to do with children.

The weather sits around 10 to 12C, the city starts to feel brighter, and peak tourism is still a few weeks away.

It is flat, organised and designed for everyday life, which makes navigating it with kids feel intuitive rather than stressful.

March is also when parks, canal walks and museums like NEMO Science Museum really come into their own, giving you options that work whether the day is high energy or low key.

If you’re looking for somewhere with guaranteed sun, head outside of Europe for Agadir in Morocco.

The coastal resort city has plenty of sunshine, sandy beaches with vibrant souks and hotels.

Jenna said: “I know it’s not a place where families would traditionally go – but it’s amazing.

“It’s very cheap, they’ve got lovely hotels and there’s lots of fun activities to do, and it’s culturally interesting.

“It’s not like the Costa del Sol where everything’s made for the Brits. It’s Morocco, so you can go to markets and explore the desert.”

During her holiday, Jenna and her family checked into the Allegro Agadir.

She went on to tell Sun Travel that not only is Agadir family-friendly, it’s also cheap as she paid just £600 for her family of three at the time.

It has plenty of running about space for kids on the grassy areas and children have their own swimming pool, games and club.

There’s also a tennis court, evening entertainment and all rooms either have views across the pool, or over the garden.

The hotel is a short walk from the beach where there are complimentary sunbeds for hotel guests.

Jen’s new book ‘Yes You Can Travel With Kids’ is available now on Amazon.

For more on family holidays, here are the cheapest destinations under three hours from UK that are over 20C this Easter.

And here are eight holiday destinations the Sun Travel team have their eye on for March – with flights from £13.

Mum of two Hannah Britt is a fan of a family road trip, but driving with young children in tow can be tough. Here she shares how to keep them entertained, not a screen in sight

I’m a mum of two, my children are six and one. And as a family we like to travel. One of the things we tend to do the most is hop in the car from our home in Manchester and drive to the Lake District, or Scotland. Having the car with us means we can lug all the things we need for the children and get to our destination under our own steam. But keeping my little ones entertained can be tricky.

On a recent trip to the Lake District, my good friends at Volvo were kind enough to lend us one of their cars to try – the XC60 Plus plug-in hybrid. It came with a promise: the children will love it. And it gave me an idea, could I entertain them the whole 90 minute journey without a screen or toy in sight?

READ MORE: We banned screens during our family trip away and the change was staggering

I SPY

Best for: my six year old. How it’s done… Select a Spy: One person is chosen to be the “spy”. Choose an Object: The spy selects an object in plain sight of all players but keeps it secret. Give a Clue: The spy says, “I spy with my little eye something…” followed by a hint. By Letter: “…beginning with the letter [letter]” (e.g.”B” for ball). By Colour: “…that is [colour]” (e.g. “Red”). By Description: “…that is [shape/size]” (e.g. “Round”). Guess the Object: Other players take turns guessing the object. Switch Roles: The person who correctly guesses the object becomes the new spy for the next round.

NURSERY RHYMES

Best for: both my one year old and my six year old. How it’s done… there couldn’t be more famous nursery rhymes to choose from, some even have actions to increase the fun and interactivity.

• Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star: A soothing lullaby about a star.
• Humpty Dumpty: A classic rhyme about a fragile egg.
• Ba Ba Black Sheep: A rhythmic, repetitive poem.
• Row, Row, Row Your Boat: A gentle, interactive, and rhythmic song.
• Old MacDonald Had a Farm: A fun, interactive song for learning animal sounds.
• Jack and Jill: A well-known rhyme about a trip up a hill.
• Hickory Dickory Dock: A classic rhyme featuring a mouse and a clock.
• London Bridge Is Falling Down: A traditional game song.
• Mary Had a Little Lamb: A familiar tale about a loyal lamb.
• The Itsy Bitsy Spider: An action-based song

YELLOW CAR

Best for: my six year old, but my one year old did join in too. How it’s done… To play, simply see who is first to spot a yellow car. First to five or 10 wins. Once you’ve done yellow, move onto other colours. And then play spotting other things, like a helicopter, a tractor and a broken down car.

SPOT THE SHEEP

Best for: my one year old, but my six year old did enjoy. How it’s done… Choose an animal everyone recognises – and one you’re likely to see. There’s no point picking a zebra in Derbyshire! Then simply see who is the first to spot one. Once you get to the countryside you can elevate Spot the Sheep to Count the Sheep – and see who can be the first to spot 100.

WOULD YOU RATHER?

Best for: my six year old. How it’s done… This is a fun, thought-provoking question game to spark conversation. Choose age appropriate things to ask about, examples of which could be:

Food & Silly Choices

• Would you rather eat broccoli-flavoured ice cream or fish-flavoured cookies?
• Would you rather have a bath full of baked beans or mushy peas?
• Would you rather eat only pizza for a year or only tacos for a year?
• Would you rather drink hot chocolate or a milkshake?
• Would you rather swim in a pool of jelly or a pool of marshmallows?

Superpowers & Magic

• Would you rather be able to fly or be invisible?
• Would you rather have the power to control time or control the weather?
• Would you rather have a magic carpet or a teleportation device?
• Would you rather be able to speak to ghosts or aliens?
• Would you rather have a pet unicorn or a dragon?

Animal & Nature

• Would you rather have a tail like a lemur or a trunk like an elephant?
• Would you rather roar like a lion or hiss like a snake?
• Would you rather have fur like a bear or scales like a fish?
• Would you rather be a tree or a flower for a day?
• Would you rather live in a jungle or a desert?

School & Daily Life

• Would you rather have as many toys as you wanted or as many books as you wanted?
• Would you rather go to the park or go to the zoo?
• Would you rather be a superhero or a super-villain?
• Would you rather live on land or under the sea?
• Would you rather build a treehouse or a go-kart?

NUMBER PLATE GAME

Best for: my six year old. How it’s done… See if you can spot number plates from different countries while on your journey. Or see if you can do the whole alphabet, A, B, C and so on. You can make up stories, prompted by the letters too.

*The Volvo XC60 Plus plug-in hybrid costs £63,850, find out more at volvocars.com

READ MORE: We went on an epic family road trip to France and holidays won’t be the same again