Playgrounds, and Growing Up

One of our favourite seaside traditions is hopping on our bikes and cycling down to Sandbanks. The fresh sea breeze, the beautiful views, and, of course, a bit of fun once we get there—it’s the perfect family outing. This time, Gabriel and I set off with a plan: crazy golf! Little did I know, this trip would be a reminder of just how quickly my little boy is growing up.

Cycling to the Coast

The ride to Sandbanks is always lovely. There’s something about pedalling alongside the prom that makes the journey feel like we are on holiday. Gabriel is becoming such a strong cyclist, as we whizzed along the cycle path, chatting and enjoying the sunshine, it struck me just how much his confidence and strength on the bike have grown over the past couple of years.

We reached Sandbanks Gabriel was ready for the next challenge—crazy golf.

A Round of Crazy Golf

Crazy golf at Sandbanks is always a good laugh. The colourful course, with its tricky obstacles and winding paths, is an ideal way to spend an afternoon. Gabriel, of course, takes it very seriously, while I’m more about enjoying the chaos of it all. There were the usual close calls, with balls almost going into hazards, and plenty of laughter when a well-aimed shot and sent it flying in the wrong direction.

Gabriel won (as usual), his competitive streak coming out in full force, and we celebrated with a quick snack before deciding what to do next.

A Trip Down Memory Lane at the Playground

After golf, Gabriel spotted the playground next door and wanted to pop in. He’s spent so many hours there over the years, but it’s been a while since we’ve visited. As we walked over, I could see the excitement in his eyes, though this time it was mixed with something else—a sense of curiosity.

When we got to the playground, Gabriel headed straight for one of the tall hanging roundabout, the same one that used to be a huge challenge for him when he was little. I remember standing behind him, giving him a boost, or catching him. But now, without even needing to stretch, he reached up and grabbed the bars. No lift required. He looked at me with a grin and said, “Mum, I don’t need any help anymore. I can reach now!”

It was one of those moments where I felt time stop for a second. How many times had we come here when he was younger, and I was the one helping him reach? Now, he was navigating the playground with ease, showing me how much he’d grown—both physically and in his independence.

He ran from one piece of equipment to the next, testing out things he used to need assistance with. And each time, he found that he could do it all on his own. There was something both wonderful and bittersweet about watching him realise this himself. I stood there, watching, as he beamed with pride.

Growing Up, One Adventure at a Time

It’s funny how a simple visit to a familiar place can remind you of how quickly your child is growing. Sandbanks has always been a place where Gabriel and I spend time together, whether it’s cycling, playing crazy golf, or just hanging out by the beach. But this visit felt different. It was a moment of realisation for both of us that he’s not my little boy anymore—he’s growing into a confident, capable young person, able to take on new challenges and revisit old ones with a sense of achievement.

As we rode back home that evening, the sky turning pink with the setting sun, I couldn’t help but reflect on how much he’s growing. We’ll keep coming back to Sandbanks, I’m sure, and every time, we’ll make new memories. But I’ll always cherish the memories of those early days when I gave him a little lift up—both literally and figuratively.

Now, as we cycle side by side, I know that while he may not need me to lift him up in the playground anymore, I’ll always be there to cheer him on, wherever his next adventure takes him.