Til Tops

One of the great things about the children growing up is that the scope for family friendly activity increases. We are nappy free, nap free and for the time being, puppy free and no longer are we confined to the local soft play centre when we need an opportunity to let off some organised steam. When my husband's birthday arrived a couple of weeks ago I took a leap of faith and booked an adventurous day out for the whole family to enjoy together.

Til Tops had been recommended to me by two dear friends who both thought it brilliant and we really could not have had a better time.  Built upon an unused golf course, Til Tops is home to four adventure trails that take visitors through the tree canopies on various activities. The yellow course is entirely suitable for little ones, our three year old couldn't wait to have a turn and would have happily been entertained all day had we not been the support party for the taller and more adventurous members of our group. They focused on the green and blue trails which are higher and higher still through the trees. Unfortunately my ten year old wasn't tall enough by just a couple of centimetres for the red trail so we didn't get to try the 150 metre zip line that lies across the vast lawn. He is now hoping for a growth spurt by the end of the summer.

Before starting, one of the instructors help's you climb into your harness and lead's you through the practise course so that you feel comfortable with the equipment. They are very friendly and English is absolutely not a problem. This is invaluable, especially for impatient boys and they will not let you on the high climbs without knowing you can work the harness correctly. Once comfortable we set off on the green trail which is set between two and four metres above the ground. No two activities are the same on the trail aside from the zip lines because a zip line is a zip line and they could never get boring!

It was high and before booking you should check that your child meets the age and height requirements. Things look very different when you're up high and the confidence that seems so great on the ground can feel very different six metres up.

Booking is done online and is a straight forward process. I booked the day before but I am sure that during the summer months they will be a lot busier so it's probably best to book ahead.

There is a cafe on site that serves tea, coffee and cold refreshments. It is great and very nicely run. Situated just outside Hornbeck it only took us half an hour to drive there from where we live just north of Copenhagen. 

We got incredibly lucky with the weather and spent four very content hours climbing and supporting each other in the beautiful sunshine. The boys loved their day out with Pappa and Pappa overcame his fear of heights, thankfully. We will return, I just hope dogs are welcome...

Canal Tour

My eldest son is an adventurer, never happier than when he is near to the top of the tree in our garden waving frantically at me to come and take a picture of his daring exploits. I try to remain nonchalant and proud as I watch my first born launch through the branches before jumping from a height far greater than I care to measure. Last summer he persuaded his younger by three years brother, to join him and as a result I too found myself swaying precariously through the branches of the tree in our garden in order to rescue the now firmly stuck child. I naturally chose the safest path down and proceeded to lose all dignity trying to remove my foot from it's stubborn resting place two feet above my head.

That's the thing about my boys, they like a little bit of danger. The chance to push a boundary and scare their mother halfway up a tree. Which brings me neatly onto the canal boat ride through Copenhagen. To be honest it is a rather more sedate affair than I might have built it up to be and a journey I have taken many a time whilst introducing visitors to the city, my last trip was for my father and my cousin although actually neither of them would have turned down an adrenalin ride were it offered.

There are two companies offering guided tours, both of which leave from Nyhavn throughout the year. During the colder,wetter, windier months it would be wise to take the covered boat especially as the wind really does pick up once you leave the shelter of the canal lanes. In summer prepare to journey down Nyhavn canal to the sounds of a city enjoying it's surroundings. Nyhavn will be packed with both locals and tourist's enjoying the atmosphere and a glass or two along the canal side, it makes a great visual memory of Copenhagen.

You will have numerous photo opportunities as you pass by Christianshavn, The Black Diamond, the National Museum and of course out to see the Little Mermaid. Very knowledgable, the tour guides are usually fluent in Danish, English, French and German and probably others too if you ask. They will provide a running commentary as you pass from one view to the next.

Once you are on the move your guide will give you a run down of the rules and regulations for passengers. I cannot remember them all but I do know I reinstated the need to sit down and not lean over the side of the boat to see how cold the water really is. Alongside, yes, a boat at speed going through a tunnel could break your arm (neck if standing) upon entering, so no, lets not test the theory. It's not that Grandpa is irresponsible, more that he remembers fondly a boyhood spent testing how cold the water was and the older boys enjoyed his version of the tour hugely!

The danger element kept us mostly entertained/nervous for the hour it took to complete the circuit, a bread roll and drink helped for the rest of the time. Everyone enjoyed the trip and we all learnt things we hadn't previously known about this city we call home. I will continue to take visitors on the tour as it is a great way of introducing Copenhagen, besides as I say, on a beautiful day the atmosphere is unbeatable.

Our garden is once again ready to embrace the exploits of the boys as they burst out the door eager to explore their mini world. Although the five year old is now a little taller and a little more confident, I like to believe they both learnt hugely from the 'day Mama had to climb the tree and got stuck'.....

http://www.canaltours.com/canal_tour/