Our Tunnel Tots boat will be back after the school holidays – and we have some exciting changes!

Tunnel Tots is taking a Summer break!
Our Tunnel Tots boat will be back after the school holidays – and we have some exciting changes!
From September, you’ll be able to book online to guarantee your place on our Toddler Boat and we’re adding more boats every Wednesday!
We’re also going to be working with a brilliant partner to offer even more through Tunnel Tots! Look out for more news on that very soon!
It’s a big change so we’re taking take a short break over the summer holidays to get things set up.
We know this may be disappointing, but Tunnel Tots has become so popular and we don’t want to let anyone down. We’ve listened to your feedback and that’s why we’re making some changes.
In the meantime, we’ve got a jam-packed summer programme suitable for visitors of all ages!
“From Navvies to Skippers”, there’s plenty to do here at Dudley Canal & Tunnel Trust and remember if you’ve bought a Gift Aid Underground Experience ticket, at any point in the last 12 months you can come back free of charge as many times as you like!
To find out more visit: dudleycanaltrust.org.uk/

TIPS TO MAKE YOUR TRIP MORE ENJOYABLE

The boat departs at 10am prompt so please arrive early to avoid missing the trip.

Space on the boat is limited and tickets are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

If the weather is bad our session may take place inside the Portal building.

Join us in the Gongoozler after the trip – it’s a great way to make new friends!

Toddler Activites

 

Planning your visit to Tunnel Tots is simple, and we’ve made sure it’s easy to enjoy without too much prep:

• Takes place every Wednesday at 10 am, running throughout the year

• No need to book – all spaces are first come, first served on the day

• Just £2.20 per child, making it a budget-friendly morning out

• Each child can bring up to two accompanying adults for comfort and supervision

• We recommend dressing for the weather, as canal boats can feel cooler—even in warmer months

It’s a relaxed, low-cost way to add something special to your week. We know how important it is to feel prepared when heading out with young children, so we’ve made sure Tunnel Tots is as accessible and family-friendly as possible. There’s space to store your pushchair during the boat ride, and baby changing facilities are available on-site for your convenience. Both the boat and Gongoozler Café are fully accessible, so whether you’re navigating with a buggy or need step-free access, you’ll feel confident and supported throughout your visit.

Once your Tunnel Tots adventure ends, the Gongoozler Café is the perfect place to relax and let the little ones carry on the fun. Grown-ups can enjoy a warm drink or snack while toddlers get stuck into colouring sheets, puzzles and their toddler-sized tables. For families looking to extend their day out, our Underground Experience boat trip or a peaceful café visit provide great options for all ages to enjoy together. You can find more inspiration for riverside fun and educational play in this helpful guide on how to have fun on the canal or riverbank with kids.

Activities for Kids

 

Dudley Canal & Tunnel Trust is a much-loved heritage attraction dedicated to sharing the fascinating stories of the region’s historic waterways. With decades of experience delivering engaging, family-friendly activities for toddlers, we offer a unique setting where education meets adventure. Tunnel Tots is one of the many ways we bring the canal to life for young children, combining gentle boat rides with imaginative play in a safe and welcoming environment. Whether you’re local or visiting for the first time, it’s the perfect midweek activity to spark curiosity and enjoy quality time with your little one.

Do you have a question about Tunnel Tots or planning your first visit? Get in touch with our friendly team for all the details and make your toddler’s next adventure one to remember.