Start with a simple activity kit

Children love canal holidays because there is so much to see and do – but only if you have a few tricks up your sleeve. The secret is to pack a small activity kit in a dedicated bag, ready to pull out when energy levels dip or the weather turns. Keep it light, because space on a narrowboat is precious.

• Simple games: A pack of cards, a magnetic travel game or a small puzzle takes up almost no room.
• Nature spotter sheets: Print a simple tick list before you go. Include swans, ducks, herons, kingfishers, dragonflies and butterflies. Laminate it or slip it into a plastic wallet so it survives splashes.
• Colouring books and pencils: A canal-themed colouring book is ideal, but any will do. Pencils are better than felt tips because they do not dry out or leak.
• A sketchbook and pens: Encourage children to draw the boats, bridges and lock gates they see. It is a lovely keepsake and a quiet activity for the evening.

Store the kit in a waterproof bag and keep it accessible – not buried under the bedding.

Games that work on the move and at the mooring

On the move, the best games involve looking out. I-spy works well with a canal twist: “something beginning with L” (lock), “B” (bridge), “S” (swan).

• Canal bingo: Make a grid with pictures or words – heron, tunnel, swing bridge, moored boat, fisherman, dog on the towpath. First to cross off a line wins.
• Counting games: Count the number of bridges you pass, or the different colours of narrowboats. Keep a tally on paper.
• Storytelling: Each person adds a sentence to a continuing story about a family living on a canal boat. It can get wonderfully silly.
• Spotter sheet challenges: Give each child a different sheet – one looks for birds, another for plants, another for man-made objects.

When you are moored up, the towpath becomes a natural playground. A ball or a skipping rope can burn off energy before dinner. Keep children away from the water’s edge unless they are wearing a life jacket and you are within arm’s reach.

Turn lock duties into a family team effort

Locks are a highlight for many children. They are mechanical, dramatic and genuinely helpful. With careful supervision, children can take on real jobs. Always start with a safety briefing: life jackets on, no running, and never touch the paddles or gates without an adult.

• Windlass assistant: An older child can help turn the windlass to raise the paddle – but only with an adult’s hand over theirs. Explain that you never let go of the windlass while it is on the spindle.
• Gate opener: Children can push the lock gates open or closed once the water levels are equal. Show them how to stand clear and use the balance beam.
• Lookout: Give a younger child the job of watching for boats coming the other way. They can wave and shout “Boat coming!” to warn you.
• Number cruncher: Ask them to read the lock number and mark it off on a map or a list. This turns a repetitive task into a treasure hunt.

Praise their efforts and let them rotate roles. The goal is not efficiency – it is involvement.

Let them steer – under close supervision

There is no greater thrill than holding the tiller. On a quiet, straight stretch, with no other boats nearby, let them have a go. The key words are close supervision. Stand beside them, keep your hand near the tiller, and start in tick-over gear.

• Explain the basics: Push the tiller left to go right, and right to go left. It feels backwards at first, so practise in open water.
• Start slowly: Keep the engine in tick-over or just above. A canal boat has a lot of momentum, so they need time to react.
• Watch for moored boats: Teach them to slow down and pass gently – a wash can rock other boats and upset their owners.
• Use a landmark: Pick a bridge or a tree and aim for the middle of the canal. Children quickly learn to make small corrections.

Keep sessions short – five or ten minutes is plenty. If they get anxious, take over calmly and try again later. The aim is confidence, not perfection.

Rainy days, evenings and the magic of a trip log

British weather being what it is, you will probably have a wet day. That is when your activity kit comes into its own. Do not just hand over a tablet – do something together. A trip log is a wonderful project. Let children write or draw one thing they did each day. Stick in a leaf or a feather.

• Board games: A compact game like a magnetic chess set or a simple card game works well on the dinette table.
• Cooking together: Let children help prepare a simple meal – chopping vegetables, stirring a pot, or baking fairy cakes in the boat’s oven.
• Audio books or podcasts: Download a family-friendly story before you leave. It is perfect for background listening while someone steers.
• Star gazing: On clear nights, wrap up warm and look at the stars from the towpath. Canal-side skies are often wonderfully dark.

Evenings are also a good time to plan the next day’s route. Show children the map and let them choose a mooring spot or a pub for lunch.

Safety, snacks and letting children take the lead

A happy canal holiday is a safe one. Life jackets are non-negotiable for children – on the towpath, in locks and on the boat. Check they fit properly. Bring sun cream, hats and water, even on cloudy days. Snacks are your secret weapon: a hungry child is a grumpy child. Pack fruit, cereal bars and crackers.

Most importantly, let children take the lead where you can. Ask them to choose the day’s activities, read the map, or decide where to stop for a picnic. Give them a small camera or a pair of binoculars. The more they feel like part of the crew, the more they will love the slow, gentle rhythm of canal life. And when they are tired and muddy and full of stories, you will know you have got it right.