Tunnel Tots – Activites for Toddlers – Fun For Just £2.20!
TUNNEL TOTS IS BACK
Our popular Toddler Boat operates every Wednesday throughout the year and is designed for under fives with their parents or carers
(max of 2 adults per child).
Tunnel Tots is a midweek adventure specially designed for under-fives, offering little ones a gentle introduction to canal life through stories, songs and sensory exploration. Held every Wednesday morning, this toddler-friendly boat ride is a perfect blend of fun and learning, helping to spark imagination and build confidence in a calm, social setting. With the soothing movement of the boat and engaging storytelling from our volunteers, Tunnel Tots supports early language development and encourages curiosity—all while creating magical moments parents and carers will treasure too.
Each Tunnel Tots session offers a relaxed and engaging experience for you and your little one to enjoy together:
• Start the morning with a gentle 20-minute canal boat ride, perfect for introducing activites for toddlers to the sights and sounds of the water
• Enjoy interactive stories and songs led by our friendly volunteers, designed to spark imagination and keep little minds curious
• After the ride, head into the Gongoozler Café for a warm drink and toddler activites like colouring and puzzles, giving your child more time to play while you unwind nearby
It’s a calm and playful way to break up the week with something fun, social and enriching.
PLEASE NOTE WE DO NOT TAKE PRE-BOOKINGS FOR THIS TRIP – ALL SPACES ARE ALLOCATED ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS ON THE DAY!
Prices
Just £2.20 per passenger. All groups must include at least one child and at least one adult.
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. If you’re visiting with older children, our Little Skippers sessions offer a more interactive experience tailored to school-age explorers. For families looking to extend their day out, our standard boat trips 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 activites 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.
