What are people with (school aged) children doing about holidays this year?

Spendless

Just curious to know what others are doing?
My 17yo daughter finishes college next week. We were then going to fly to Spain where she would have attended a drama summer school mid-week and joined me and her Dad at the beginning and end of the week. Summer school has been cancelled and mostly refunded. Fortunately we'd not got round to booking flights or accommodation. At present whether holidaying abroad will be permitted this summer is unknown but I'm a bit reluctant.
Holidaying in the U.K with a teen doesn't appeal, if the beaches are crowded/closed/long queues to get on. Same with attraction, having to book ahead and hope it doesn't rain.
Last year we just did a long weekend in the U.K and daughter took a friend, we were fortunate with weather. This year currently we wouldn't be able to take a friend along.
In September daughter returns to college for her final year so taking her out then not possible. October half term is likley also out due to committments. Though I would love to think we could manage to go away at some point somewhere this year, I jsut don't see it being possible.

Fireflyaway

My little one is 14 and really wants a holiday! Realistically I don't think it's going to happen. I'm on furlough and it's likely I'm about to be made redundant so can't spare anything for holidays. I'm not sure I'd want to anyway as certain restrictions might make it less pleasant. 
My plan is to have some nice days out. Theme park, zoo, to go the spa if it opens. Even a bit of shopping and seeing friends will be welcome, as the 'lockdown' thingy has been hard on my child who is very sociable. I'm just trying to remember how lucky we are compared to some people and that hopefully we can make next year extra special. 

Savvy_Sue

There is more to the UK than beaches ... 

What are her interests? What would she choose to do? I mean, I wouldn't want to take a reluctant 17 year old away for a week, but involve her in the possibilities and see where that takes you. 

One of our best family holidays when I was a teenager was the year my parents bought train rover tickets for the week. (I realise this year public transport may not be the best way to go, but hey, just saying!) So every day we went somewhere different - sometimes near, sometimes further. And sometimes we all went to the same place and I wandered off on my own. 

And in the last few months, we've discovered amazing walks around our house, places right on our doorstep we've not been to. In fact I'm on holiday this weekend ... 

Edit: I realise I'm not directly answering the question, because I'm not in that position any more. Not sure what I would do, but would definitely not be considering a beach holiday, although to be fair I think we only ever did a couple of those because I'm not a beach person, the one whose legs burn to a crisp before I've had a chance to get the suncream on the boys ... I suspect I would go for a 'holiday at home' this year. 

Have just had a thought. With things starting to open up, and with her interest in drama etc, are there theatres within reach offering backstage tours? Or even online? 

74jax

I have a holiday to Spain booked for end Oct half term, just waiting till nearer the time to make a decision.  You say its out due to commitments, are they set in stone, movable? 
I took my teen to Ragdale Hall, if it opens is that an option? 
Could you rent a lodge near a coastal area, so it's not just the beach? You could lounge by the lodge etc? 
Any hobbies? We staycationed once and went to Chester zoo, did lots of sunbathing, eating and just being together. We did do Cadbury world but unsure if that will be open. 

littlegreenparrot

If the Galleries and museums open a city break for a few days. 
Have a chat about what kind of things she might like to see and do and take it from there. 
I'm hopeful for a few days in Paris.  

Spendless

Thanks. Her interests are theatres and that is looking like one of the last things that will open.   
Spa sounds a good one if it's possible to put in place right at the end of the hols. Currently I believe beauty salons haven't been told they can re-open, and swimming pools and jacuzzis are to remain closed.
Unfortunately until she returns to college, I don't know if Oct half term is a definate no or not. Her tutor is going on maternity then and daughter will be auditioning for drama places and until she applies I don't know when the earliest audition will be. It would be taking a risk to book now before we have the relevant info. 

Spendless

So having given a bit more thought to what she likes, has done before on hols. Last year she took a friend to a caravan hol, they visited the swimming pool, a couple of diff (small) funfairs, went shopping, they found a designer shop selling discounted lines, went to the amusement arcades, ate out. Can't remember if they joined us for an evening entertainment (we stayed at a carvan park). The year before, the first year her brother didn't come with us, we went to Spain, that was mostly spent swimming, a boat trip, eating in beachside restaurants.  

[Deleted User]

like everyone else I would so love to go for a holiday but risks are too great, as everyone else is doing it lol.  I'd ask your daughter what she'd like to do and see if there are ways you can adapt any ideas to reduce risks.

There are online theatre forums https://blog.fromtheboxoffice.com/2016/11/06/crazy-for-chatting-the-best-online-theatre-forums/

And I'm sure you know but some theatre streaming sites https://www.timeout.com/london/theatre/the-best-theatre-shows-to-stream-online-right-now that's just London, there are sites for New York etc.  Perhaps you could snuggle on the sofa with foodie treats and have a bit of fun.  

Is she too old for a 'hair and beauty day at home?  Sorry if that's a ridiculous idea but you could always volunteer to be her model lol.

Maybe you could find a fashion outlet centre you could go to, if you haven't already?

Sorry if these ideas are a bit tame.., I have sons so not 'in' with what teen daughters like.

suejb2

Sounds like you saw Bournemouth and Formby beach this week. Not all beaches are like that. Research, we found a gorgeous beach in South Wales last year virtually empty then another time found one at St Bees again quite. I have two teens .

AliasOmega

Looks like i am going on holiday to spain / greece. The children are pressing me to take them overseas, and they have presented a good business case with the finances to go with it. Just waiting on the government to say "good to go" next week.

gettingtheresometime

I have to admit going on holiday, whether that would be abroad or in this country, now is the last thing on my mind as I don't see it as an enjoyable experience given all the restrictions being imposed.