19th January 2026
You want a canal route that’s easy, safe and fun for kids, without long days of locks or constant cries of “I’m bored”. That’s why we’ve handpicked the best canal routes for families, offering relaxed cruising, simple navigation and plenty of child-friendly stops along the way. From wildlife spotting and hands-on boating to nearby family attractions, these routes make canal holidays stress-free and memorable for children, teens and adults.
Ensure your canal route planning is spot on this year when you’re searching for your perfect family holiday. Discover the best canal routes for kids now:
Attractions for the kids: Chester Castle, Chester Zoo
Whether it’s taking in Cheshire’s best countryside, discovering the wildlife and nature, or the Roman history you’ll stumble across along the way, this canal boat route is a great choice for families. Exploring the adventures that Chester holds includes visiting the iconic Chester Castle – perfect for a dose of history and fun for all the family. Alternatively, take the kids to Chester Zoo while you’re moored up in the city, which is a great way to enjoy time off the boat on your day out in Chester. This route can be 7 to 10 nights long, with a cruising time of 5.5 to 7 hours per day, meaning there’s plenty of time to enjoy the attractions of this canal route for kids.
Attractions for the kids: Sea Life Centre, Thinktank
Want a route that takes in the whole of Worcester and Birmingham, while exploring parts of the River Severn? If so, this route is a perfect choice. And with the ability to explore Birmingham’s canal navigations, kids can enjoy attractions such as the Sea Life Centre, an aquatic adventure land in the heart of Birmingham, or the Thinktank, a fun-packed science museum. Not to mention Mr Cadbury’s chocolate factory on the Worcester and Birmingham Canal, which is the perfect fun-filled family day out.
Attractions for the kids: Edinburgh Castle, Falkirk Wheel
Whether you’re a local or travelling to Scotland for your canal boat holiday, this route is perfect for the entire family, with a wealth of attractions and adventures to explore. This canal route for children starts via the classic Falkirk Wheel, a huge engineering wonder. This rotating boat life connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal. With bumper boats, a splash zone, zorbing and more, kids (and parents alike!) will love this attraction. Edinburgh Castle is also on the itinerary once you reach Edinburgh, which is a great way to learn about the heritage and culture of the iconic city for the little ones who love history.
Attraction for kids: The Haunted Saddington Tunnel & the National Space Centre
This longer route of 10 to 14 days travels along beautiful winding canals lined with countryside and through the Saddington Tunnel, where you must keep an eye out for spooky goings-on like bats ominously hanging from the ceiling and Anna, the headless ghost!
Want something a bit more light-hearted for the little ones? This route will soon have them entertained. Explore the National Space Centre when you moor up in Leicester for the day. This museum and educational resource explore the realms of space science and astronomy, located right next to the River Soar. Let your kids marvel at the wonders of our solar system, galactic space adventures and more.
Attractions for kids: Warwick Castle
With the appeal of the historic Warwick Castle pulling you in, this canal route is the best trip for those who enjoy learning about the historic culture. While you can peruse the grounds at your leisure, Warwick Castle also offers a wealth of themed attractions and events throughout the year. If timed right, the whole family could enjoy a unique experience in the heart of the castle grounds. This 7-night trip is the perfect way to enjoy this stunning 14th-century castle overlooking the River Avon.
For more, find out the best October half term holiday ideas or August bank holiday trip ideas.
Discovered the perfect canal boat holiday for the family? With our wide selection of canals for kids to explore, find canal boat route planning easy when you book your trip with ABC Boat Hire. Discover our canal routes now – or, alternatively, contact us today for more information.
