kids

On Friday, about 800 schoolchildren gathered for the grand opening of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center to marvel at the Endeavour spaceship and explore new exhibits featuring space capsules, Mars rovers, and spacesuits, including one from the Apollo era. They were greeted by astronauts in blue space suits, eager to recount their time in space.

Among them was astronaut-turned-U.S. senator Mark Kelly, for whom Endeavour holds sentimental significance. A veteran of four spaceflights, Kelly flew aboard the spacecraft twice. His first mission came just months after the September 11 attacks.

“We launched in December, right after this horrible tragedy. The spaceship was actually born out of a tragedy: Challenger. This is the replacement for Challenger,” the Arizona Democrat said in an interview.

His second flight aboard Endeavour was equally memorable. While Kelly was in space, his wife, then- Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, was recovering in the hospital after surviving an assassination attempt. “She was still in the hospital when I was in space,” Kelly recalled. He commanded Endeavour’s final mission. In his Senate office, his spacesuit is on proud display.

The space shuttle Endeavour in its launch position is the centerpiece of the newly-opened Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center at the California Science Center in Los Angeles CA.

(Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times)

Kelly hopes the spacecraft will inspire children for generations to come. He describes Endeavour as “the most complicated thing humans have ever built,” hoping to spark interest in math and engineering. “A little kid is gonna say, ‘Wow! People built that, and it went into space. Boy, if people could do that, maybe I can do anything,’ ” Kelly said. “It’s going to motivate children from all over our country to do some hard stuff. So you can’t really put a price tag on this.”

Bringing the gift of Endeavour to L.A. also served as inspiration to Lynda Oschin. When she first saw the 200-foot-tall spacecraft standing upright in its launch position, she was moved to tears. “I just couldn’t believe it,” said Oschin, the wife of the late Samuel Oschin, for whom the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center is named.

When Endeavour was transported from Houston to California, Oschin requested that a photograph of her husband be placed in the commander’s seat. Former NASA head Charles Bolden honored her request. The photograph remains in the cockpit. “It’s there, and it’s framed now, and it’s in there forever,” Oschin said.

For Oschin, the spacecraft represents the memory of her late husband — a devoted patron of math, science and exploration. Today, Endeavour, in launch configuration at the Oschin space center, gives hundreds of children a glimpse of what is possible, Oschin said.

The grand opening and Endeavour reveal began with speeches by Sen. Alex Padilla of California and as well as Sen. Kelly, along with other champions of the exhibit.

“Today is about dreams,” said Jeffrey N. Rudolph, president and CEO of the California Science Center. “Now, Endeavour is in its permanent home.”

Students gather at the entrance to the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center during the ribbon cutting by dignitaries to officially open the museum on Friday, Nov. 13, 2026.

(Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times)

Oschin also took the stage. “This is an incredibly special day,” she said. “It’s all about the children, future, curiosity and knowledge.”

In her speech, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Los Angeles) echoed that message, thanking “all the dreamers, believers, scientists, engineers, scholars, astronauts who had a vision about going to space, and then finding a way to actualize it right here in South Los Angeles.”

She also recalled the extraordinary effort required to bring Endeavour to the museum that began 14 years ago, including the night the spacecraft became stuck on Crenshaw Boulevard during its journey through Los Angeles.

“It was like a party in the streets,” Kamalager-Dove said. “People came from the Valley, Watts, Wilmington, Long Beach — from all over to see this majestic, magical thing that had parked in the middle of a street.”

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, hundreds of schoolchildren were greeted by astronauts offering high-fives. The children shrieked with excitement as they entered the museum, where the spacecraft awaited them.

Endeavour astronauts high-five and greet students on opening day of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center.

(Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times)

Among the smiling astronauts present was Tom Marshburn, who has spent 330 days in space over the course of his career, including a mission aboard Endeavour. “It’s life-changing. At times, I can’t believe I was there,” Marshburn said of his space travel.

Despite the inherent romance of space travel, the experience is incredibly demanding. “It’s very intense because you’re so busy with so much work to do,” Marshburn said. Still, he found moments to appreciate the experience. “We’re both trying to enjoy the zero gravity, the Earth, the real world. Being there with other people is the most important thing.”

The astronaut hopes Endeavour will continue to inspire children for years to come. “I hope they get a feeling of what human beings can achieve,” he said. “This is the most complex thing ever built by humans, and it has been in space and has come back 25 times.”

Astronaut Julie Payette, who flew aboard Endeavour on her second mission, believes the spacecraft’s influence extends far beyond aspiring astronauts and space enthusiasts.

“We encourage young kids to dare to dream. The dream doesn’t need to be the same as mine or yours,” she said. “This particular exhibit is a testimony to what you can achieve in this field. But it is inspiring for everybody. Everybody loves space.”

She said the most rewarding aspect of being an astronaut is the camaraderie. Born in Canada, Payette has spent her life in Houston at the NASA headquarters. “We don’t actually see the differences in skin color, nationality or the language you spoke when you were a kid,” she said. “We all work together; our survival depends on us working as a team.”

The Endeavour, hovering above hundreds of students, left a memorable impression. Areli Castillo, a 10-year-old who attends Grove Center, said the exhibit has encouraged her to learn more about astronauts. “The spaceship is my favorite part.”

School children reach for switches and buttons on a mockup of the space shuttle Endeavour cockpit during the opening of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center.

(Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times)

Emmanuel Montenegro, a 17-year-old who attends Covina High School, also admired the spaceship. “It’s just so intricately designed and so beautiful,” he said. The student joked that he initially thought the museum visit would simply be a fun excuse to miss class. Instead, he left with a newfound appreciation for astronomy. “Now I want to come here again,” he said. “It interests me.”

Later, television producer Chuck Lorre and “Young Sheldon” star Iain Armitage made the first descent on the shuttle descent slide — a 45-foot drop that represents the shuttle’s descent and landing. Armitage’s appearance sparked a wave of excitement among the crowd, with students cheering and lining up for selfies with the young actor.

At the bottom of the slide, Lorre explained his awe of the spacecraft. “It’s something that’s going to change lives,” he said, gazing upward. “You don’t get happier than getting to be part of this.”

United States Sen. Mark Kelly takes a ride down the Shuttle Descent Slide that simulates the path of the vehicle returning to Earth as a glider.

(Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times)

Armitage was similarly dazzled by the exhibit, explaining that his father was a fan of science fiction films. “Growing up, we would talk about the stars and planets. I’ve always wanted to go, so it’s so cool to get close to that dream by being somewhere like this.”

“The emotional experience you have getting to see the Endeavour in person is insane,” he said. “It’s such a culmination of all these incredible, brilliant minds thinking so technically that it comes together. It makes things so beautiful and so human.”

Times staff writer Laura Zornosa contributed to this report.

Gavin and Stacey legend Joanna Page has revealed how her four kids really feel about her signing up for I’m A Celebrity – and the one thing they can’t wait for

Gavin and Stacey legend Joanna Page says her four kids are thrilled to see her on I’m A Celebrity – but only for Ant and Dec.

The ITV jungle show is back with a string of famous faces, including football legend Wayne Rooney. Actress Joanna has left her four kids behind to experience the jungle first hand, and whilst most kids can’t wait to see their mum taking on the trials, her kids are excited for another reason.

“They can’t quite believe that I’m doing it, because we are huge fans of the show. But at first, they were a bit worried, saying, ‘Oh my gosh, mummy, you won’t be able to do the trials.’ I assured them I would be ok and I’m hoping I will make them proud,” she said.

“I know they’re going to be tuning in every night. They are also very excited, because they want me to get Ant & Dec’s autographs! I am just an inroad to get them to Ant & Dec!”

For fellow campmate and Love Island star Chloe Burrows, the jungle will be worlds away from her reality TV past. Asked if she might take a dip in the infamous jungle shower, she said: “No, I’m done being in a bikini. I am so looking forward to this. It’s going to be like a digital detox and I think I’m going to come out zen!

“I’m so excited to do a show where it’s just about coming together, getting through it and making loads of friends. No dating, no bikinis – just massive rats, spiders, and snakes!”

Kaiser Chiefs singer Ricky Wilson is good friends with Tony Blackburn, who won the first series, and said the radio star was instrumental in him finally signing up for the show.

“Everyone I know has always said it has been a life changing and brilliant experience. I am good friends with Tony Blackburn (who won the first series) and he kept telling me I should do it,” he said.

TV star Ade Adepitan has confessed he feels slightly overwhelmed to making history as the first wheelchair user on the show. “For me, this is a moment in time. Even if I go out in the first week, I will always be remembered as the person in a wheelchair. I am slightly overwhelmed. It’s never been done before, and it never crossed my mind I would be the first,” he said.

Content creator and Beta Squad star Sharky is ready to take on the jungle. Despite him not necessarily being known by the wider audience, he has a huge following online – but he knows his fellow YouTube stars will be calling everyone to vote for him.

“They will be leading the charge online. They are all really excited for me to go on this show. But I am actually looking forward to doing a trial. They are the funniest moments on the programme,” he shared.

He’s hoping to emulate the success of last year’s winner Angry Ginge. He said: “It is big boots to follow. But Ginge is a great guy and he was made for something like this. I am not surprised he won, but I don’t feel any pressure. I want to do my own thing and be myself.”

Big Brother star and TV presenter AJ Odudu – who is heading to the jungle just days after ITV reality show Big Brother ended – is excited about having the tables turned on her for once.

“It is definitely going to be my scariest TV project I’ve ever taken on. It also feels quite weird the tables have turned on me. One minute I’m watching all the housemates and people unravel, now I’m the one out of my comfort zone!” she said.

Whilst most celebrities would want to avoid the eating trials, stand-up comedian Jack Skipper is quite literally chomping at the bit! He said: “I would most like to do the eating trial. I am never going to have another opportunity to eat testicles, so let’s do it!”

Model Leomie Anderson isn’t looking forward to camping after lasting just one day at Glastonbury. “I went to Glastonbury once and I was going to stay there for five days. After day one, I had to drop out. It rained so much, the water spoiled my glamping tent!” she said.

However, she has been preparing for the show in a unique way – by going skydiving. She said: “I have done some indoor skydiving just in case. You never know what is going to happen. Mind you, it didn’t go very well!”

Coronation Street star Claire Sweeney said she signed up to the show after some encouragement from fellow soap star Alan Halsall, who plays her on-screen son Tyrone. A super fan of the show, Claire has wanted to do it for years. “I’ve got loads of mates who have done it before. Alan said it was one of the best things he’d ever done,” she said.

Loose Women star and journalist Mariella Frostrup wants to fly the flag for the older women by facing her fears and signing up for the show – and feels now is finally the right time.

“A good 50% of the reason that I am doing this is I am constantly telling other women we should grab our chances. We shouldn’t allow ourselves to be written off at a certain age,” she said.

“So, I think this is me having a taste of my own medicine! I am putting myself through something I am frightened of. I have been wary in the past but this time is right. I want to test myself.”

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KATHERINE Ryan has shared rare snaps with her four kids and husband at her daughter’s gold-themed Christening.

The Canadian- born comedian, 43, gave birth to her fourth child Holland Juliette last year as her husband Bobby Kootstra shared adorable pics of their newborn.

Taking to Instagram, Katherine shared the stunning photographs from her daughter’s beautiful golden christening.

She captioned the image “Swipe for theme,” ending with a pack of Kerrygold butter — a cheeky nod to her gold aesthetic and the family’s Irish roots.

The comedian and her family looked like royalty as they lined up outside the stone church, all dressed in matching shades and textures of gold.

Another stunning image showed Katherine alongside her sister in front of an ornate white altar dripping in gold accents.

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Fans flocked to comment and one wrote: “Obsessed with these gold looks!”

Another said: “Glam Queens!”

A third added: “Lovely photo you have a beautiful family.”

Katherine previously revealed she is considering the ‘deadliest surgery you can get’ – which poses a risk that she ‘might die’.

She said on The Romesh Ranganathan Show: “So you know the popular procedure where they try to find fat in your body through like a cannula and lipo suction and they harvest that and they put it somewhere else.

“I think people went a little wild with that and they all looked like they had, I don’t know unnatural proportions. 

“So I might do that, but only mildly, because it is the deadliest surgery you can get.”

The comedian also told how she spent £25,000 on a facelift last year.

Mum of two Hannah Britt took her kids to the Mallorcan beach resort this summer, and fell in love with it’s laid back vibe. From historic churches to mini golf, there’s something to do for all ages

Sat on the white sand of Palmanova beach, I watched as my daughters splashed on the shore. I absentmindedly filled and unfilled their bucket and plotted where to go for lunch as they played, the morning sun gently rising high in the sky above us.

I’ll be honest, I’d never heard of Palmanova before this summer. But with its laid back vibe and pristine sandy beaches, it’s time to put it on the map. A compact beach resort town spanning about 2km of coastline in the southwest of Mallorca, it’s a 20 minute car ride from Palma. Known for its clear turquoise waters and welcoming atmosphere, its calm environment appeals to families, couples and older visitors.

Unlike its high-energy and boisterous neighbour Magaluf, which is a short drive away along the coast, Palmanova is much quieter at night and focuses on laid-back evening entertainment like casual dining, live music, and quiz or tribute nights. Or so I heard. With two small children in tow the only nightlife on the agenda for me was a kids’ disco. But more on that later…

Lunch, I decided from my spot on the sand, was to be at Turtle Beach, a popular Mediterranean hotspot with a pretty view out over the sea. The restaurant welcomes children with open arms, and the sandy-toed vibe is the perfect co-parent for a mum travelling solo.

The menu had something to please both my six year old and my two year old, with BBQ and grill classics like juicy gourmet burgers, sizzling steaks, ribs and slow-smoked brisket. Once we’d polished off tacos, served to everyone’s delight on decorative turtles, and at least for me washed down with a crisp Aperol spritz, it was time to explore.

Palmanova bridges the gap between tranquil and lively, with plenty to keep little ones occupied. The Big Blue Diving company offers paddleboards, wakeboards, and scuba diving sessions for the nautically intrepid. We, however, opted for Golf Fantasia, where we played a terrible game of golf while marvelling at the real fish and turtles in the lagoons, plus birds in the garden.

Having all embarrassed ourselves, we walked along the Passeig de Mar to shop for magnets and trinkets. We then wandered to Corazón Helado, for what Tripadvisor promised was the best ice cream in town. The bright little cafe serves homemade gelato, waffles, coffee and fresh smoothies. My six year old chose strawberry, my two year old vanilla and I pistachio. They were all delicious.

Next, to beat the heat we slipped into Sant Llorenç church. Where architecture meets artistic heritage, it was designed by Josep Ferragut Pons and features works by Miquel Salvá, Aleix Llull, and Jean Osterlynck, alongside a striking Saint Lawrence mural by sculptor Horacio de Eguía. Small yet serene and with a surprising amount to see inside, it’s well worth a visit when tired of the beach.

Leaving the church, and with the late afternoon sun beating down, it was time to retreat to our hotel. We were staying at the Zafiro Palace Palmanova, a five star want-for-nothing complex – and the jewel in Palmanova’s crown.

From the moment you enter, guests – especially little ones – are treated like royalty. Staff remember drinks orders and names, despite the size of the hotel. The grounds are well kept and with shaded walkways ideal for pram naps. A handy back gate leads to Palmanova beach in minutes.

Rooms are immaculate and chicly decorated, all with balconies or terraces and some with hot tubs. We were lucky enough to have a swim-up suite, meaning we could roll out of bed and into the water at a moment’s notice. This was a huge win with two small children, as I had all the entertainment I needed on my doorstep. A secure boltable gate ensured safety and peace of mind too.

But you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to pools at Zafiro Palace Palmanova. Two large kids pools sit towards the back of the property with slides and a massive bouncy pillow, while several main pools sit in the middle of the complex, with a swim up bar for the thirsty and pool games for the energetic.

When hungry, food was sublime, with plenty on offer for even the fussiest little ones. The best flat white was to be found in the bar. As I sat that evening watching the girls dance at the kids’ disco, I had already plotted our return.

*Nightly rates at Zafiro Palace Palmanova start from €438 per night with All Inclusive Redefined

WHILE Guy Fawkes prepared to blow up King James I and his government with a deadly haul of explosives under the Houses of Parliament, a sprawling country estate 100 miles away was poised to become a crucial yet little-known part of the Gunpowder Plot.

James’ nine-year-old daughter Elizabeth lived at magnificent Coombe Abbey near Coventry and Fawkes’s co-conspirators had planned to kidnap her and install her on the throne as a puppet queen.

An anonymous letter rumbled the London end of the plan while, in Warwickshire, the plotters – led by Robert Catesby – abandoned the kidnapping on hearing about the failure.

To this day, the foiled plot is commemorated with fireworks and bonfires on November 5.

And Coombe Abbey is now a magnificent hotel worthy of its regal connections.

Built by Cistercian monks in 1150, it became the biggest abbey in Warwickshire before being seized during Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries.

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Later it was sold to nobleman John Harington, who agreed to act as Elizabeth’s guardian, raising and educating her at his home.

In a rather peculiar twist four centuries later, Game Of Thrones star Kit Harington, a descendant of Catesby, played his ancestor in BBC One drama Gunpowder.

Guests arriving at the hotel nowadays pass over its ancient moat then enter through the original stone cloisters, where a pulpit still stands.

You can take a pew on an ornately carved throne-like chair, admire the hanging wall tapestries and marble busts or examine the tomb of murdered monk Abbot Geoffrey, whose cloaked figure is said to still roam.

Fittingly, our room for our night’s stay was The Princess Elizabeth, decked out in deep mulberries and glimmering golds and with an oak four-poster bed set upon a plinth.

Luxurious floor-to-ceiling curtains embossed with the same heraldic design as the wallpaper enhance the royal feel, while the bathroom with roll-top bath and golden taps also adds to the drama.

The hotel lies in 500 acres of parkland, set to host a mile-long light festive trail throughout December.

Little ones will love the Hermit’s Hollow play area and families can enjoy Go Ape adventures.

Nearby Coventry is full of medieval buildings and cobbled lanes.

The ruins of its 14th-century cathedral – bombed during World War Two – are preserved alongside a modern replacement, as a symbol of peace and reconciliation.

Coventry Transport Museum is brimming with bikes and vehicles that have helped shape the world including ThrustSSC, the fastest-ever car.

Lesser known but eye-wateringly beautiful is St Mary’s Guildhall.

Built in the 1340s for traders and crafts people, it’s re-opened after a £6.2million refurbishment.

The Great Hall has hosted monarchs and its intricate stained glass windows and painted wood carvings in the roof are breathtaking.

There’s also a rare nine-metre tapestry from the early 1500s depicting Henry VI, who moved his royal court to Coventry, effectively making it England’s capital.

Uncovering another secret gem was the perfect end to a historic stay.

Hands-on experiences dominate the new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, where encountering artifacts that highlight aerospace history is on equal footing with learning about its future.

The many interactive exhibits that dot the new building’s 200,000 square feet of gallery space are geared to entice and educate people of all ages. But kids will be especially intrigued. The center’s leaders, including Science Center President and Chief Executive Jeffrey Rudolph and Ken Phillips, curator of aerospace science, said during a recent tour that in many ways the museum is meant for kids. It’s not a childish place, but it does produce childlike wonder. It’s hard to remain cynical when you’re surrounded by physical evidence of the vast nature of the universe.

The sheer scale of it hits you all at once. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you step into the museum, with its planes hanging from the ceiling and its rockets jutting through the floors. This list of the best interactive exhibits on offer will help you plan a successful visit in advance. Just be sure to brace yourself for your children’s inevitable wails when you try to pull them away.

And expect lines — these experiences are likely to be in high demand.

FIVE minutes into my holiday and the conversation had already turned to poo.  

Animal poo, but poo nonetheless. And lots of it, apparently.  

We had needed a holiday but, with money tight, were forgoing poolside cocktails and fluffy hotel bathrobes for a stay volunteering at Fairfield Community Farm on Ruskington Fen, Lincs.  

I wasn’t sure if my 13-year-old daughter would forgive me for calling this a holiday. 

Kathy, the farm’s founder, was explaining the work to be done before we had even put up our tent.  

“There are goats to groom and pigs waiting for belly scratches,” she said.  

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Run entirely by volunteers, the farm uses animals, nature and getting dirty to support wellbeing and is home to more than 30 animals, including goats, sheep, pigs, ponies, chickens, ducks and geese.  

While she may have been less than enthusiastic at the thought of the trip, within hours my daughter was bottle-feeding The Hooligans – a trio of frisky sheep – and discovering that Milkshake, a 250kg Tamworth-cross pig, has no concept of personal space.  

The day passed in a blur of feeding, grooming, feeding, carrying and more feeding. 

Soon, we’d clocked up a full day on the farm without checking the time. 

Nightfall at Fairfield didn’t mean sundowners, either.  

There were ponies to settle into their stables and last jobs to finish before we could finally retreat to our tent. Then, the rain started.  

Sloshing our way into Day Two, we realised that volunteering at Fairfield isn’t all cuddling lambs. If a fence needs fixing, a gate needs painting or a stable needs mucking out – did I mention poo? – you roll up your sleeves and get on with it.  

Then came the task of moving The Hooligans from one end of the farm to the other. Simple, it was not. 

We laughed, skipped and side-kicked our way across the field while the bleating Hooligans went in different directions. 

Herding sheep is definitely an acquired skill, but my daughter and I were starting to feel like right Farmer Joes. 

And between the animals, endless cups of tea, a visit from the farrier to tend Quin’s hooves and collecting goose eggs, something else happened. 

We stopped rushing. We forgot about our worries.  

Carol, one of Fairfield’s longest-serving helpers, said her weekly volunteering sessions give her purpose, connection and something to look forward to, adding: “The farm saved my life.” 

I may have been looking for an affordable British break with a difference. 

But after our stay at Fairfield – between poultry pecks, pony pats and poo (did I mention the poo?) – our break became something I didn’t expect.  

Quality time together. Nowhere else to be. And nothing to rush for. 

But next year, I’m putting in a request for a shower. 

The Sleep Charity and Premier Inn share expert tips to help children sleep easily in unfamiliar environments this half term, keeping their bedtime routines smooth while away from home.

It can be tricky to get your little ones off to sleep when they’re away from home. Staying over in a new environment is exciting, but it’s also a change from their nightly routine, and that can make it difficult for them to drift off. So, we decided to ask the experts!

Here, The Sleep Charity – in partnership with Premier Inn – have given some top bedtime tips to help kids nod off in no time, wherever they are. As a charity that works extensively with families, they know the importance of a great night’s sleep.

Favourite teddy: Kids will always want something familiar in a new environment, so be sure to pack their favourite toy or blanket to help them feel comfortable and at home.

Bedtime routine: Although you won’t be able to do everything like you would at home, try to include an element of your usual routine, such as reading a bedtime story.

Colouring in: Fine motor skill activities help kids relax, so take advantage of the colouring packs in hotel restaurants like to get a head-start on bedtime!

No TV: Screens interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that makes us sleepy. Switching off the TV an hour before bedtime can really help little ones nod off.

Bath time: A warm bath 30 minutes before bedtime can be very effective in helping kids wind down and getting them off to sleep.

Repetition: Staying away from home is exciting for kids, so you’ll need to be clear and firm with them when it’s time for bed. Try a calming phrase like ‘It’s night-time, go to sleep’ and repeat it.

Dim the lights: Switch off a few lights and make use of the Premier Inn blackout curtains to help with that all-important melatonin production.

Mealtimes: Plan your dinner time! Try not to eat so early that the kids are hungry by bedtime or so late that they’re uncomfortably full.

Avoid stimulants: Caffeine and sugar play havoc with sleep so in the evenings, try to steer little ones away from sugary desserts and opt for fruit and water instead.

*From breakfast to dinner, kids eat free at Premier Inn this autumn with a paying adult. Choose from over 600 hotel locations across the UK. Little ones can enjoy delicious and nutritious dishes like our 10-Veg Tomato Pasta and Oven Baked Poppin’ Chicken – and sweet treats like a Fresh Fruit Salad, Pancakes and more.

Valid at selected Premier Inn restaurants until 1st November, for participating restaurants see HERE

EVERY parent knows that taking a toddler on holiday often feels less relaxing getaway and more like a parenting shift in a different location.

Don’t worry – we’ve found the ultimate cheap holiday for parents with under 5’s where everything’s taken care of for you – plus the kids even eat for free.

Book a four-night Tots Break from £6.19pp per night (save £70)

Parkdean Resorts are running Tots Breaks packages, four-night stays starting from £99.

If you’re visiting as a family of four, that works out to a tiny £6.19pp per night.

These action-packed breaks are bursting with free activities and entertainment that’s sure to keep the little ones smiling.

However, the best part may just be the food. On a Tots Break, kids eat completely free for the entire duration of your stay.

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That means hot breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are totally sorted, saving a family up to £70 on their holiday dining.

Fussy eaters are well-catered for with the Starland Krew Menu, with kid-friendly classics like tomato pasta, beef burgers, and chicken strips with chips.

You won’t need to constantly dip into your wallet to keep them entertained, either. These breaks are packed with free activities tailored specifically to young children.

Kids can burn off energy at the Tots Adventure Playground, get stuck into messy play, or enjoy the musical Tots & Tunes sessions.

Plus there’s even adorable ‘Mini Olympics’, mini archery, and mini fencing classes.

And if your kids are completely obsessed with their favourite TV characters, you’re in luck.

Book a four-night Tots Break from £6.19pp per night (save £70)

Parkdean Resorts host Milkshake! Mornings packed with stories and singing, plus the chance to meet PAW Patrol legends like Chase and Marshall in the flesh (well, in the fur).

The fun is perfectly timed for early bedtimes, too. Early evening entertainment includes toddler discos, ‘kideoke’ sing-alongs, and even a fun ‘Sparkle Like a Princess’ event.

When it’s finally time to crash, the accommodation is set up for families.

The standard Bronze caravans are spacious, featuring stylish cream-coloured interiors, fully equipped modern kitchens, and TVs for a chilled movie once the kids are asleep.

Tots Breaks are available across dozens of Parkdean Resorts locations nationwide throughout the year.

Participating parks include Sandford in Dorset, a peaceful woodland park close to Poole and Bournemouth, and Trecco Bay in Wales, which is one of Europe’s largest holiday parks.

If you have older children, they may enjoy a Parkdean Resorts’ Nickelodeon Weekender instead.

These breaks start at £163 for three nights, working out to £13.58pp per night for a family of four.

Nickelodeon-themed entertainment includes ‘Mighty Missions’ set by PAW Patrol’s Ryder, learning the Pup Pup Boogie dance, and meeting the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Families can even enjoy a ‘Movie with the Stars’, where you’ll sit down to a movie night alongside the actual characters from the film.

Book a four-night Tots Break from £6.19pp per night (save £70)

Prices correct at the time of publication.