A MOTHER of two is helping parents find the best places to go with their children this summer.
Through the Instagram account, @adventuresoftheaandjax, Zoe Wilkinson provides detailed recommendations of fun venues and events her children Thea and Jax have enjoyed in and around Wokingham.
The page boasts over four thousand followers and was inspired by the pandemic.
She said: “I had my first daughter before Covid in 2019, we were able to do all the toddler groups and mum and baby groups together.
“My son was born in June of 2021, which was a totally different ball-game for things to do with children.
“The guidance was really unclear at the time and we don’t have family nearby. My partner does shift work and I found I was just on my own with my children.”
As the national lockdown eased, Ms Wilkinson created the page, which serves as an online directory for parents to sieve through for ideas for days out.
She found Instagram was a clearer and more accessible platform than the more traditional blog format.
Posts are updated and edited, informing followers of changes to opening hours, closures and other relevant details.
The page is for the benefit of both children and parents, with Ms Wilkinson highlighting the importance for parents to attend to their own wellbeing.
She said: “I do it for the kids and for the parents. I felt isolated after the first lockdown, having a year-old daughter and not being able to do things with her got me down.
“I think it’s great if I can help others do stuff. It’s not a paid directory, most of the places are affordable or free.”
Given the heatwave Britain is currently experiencing, it’s no surprise that Thea and Jax have particularly enjoyed the paddling pools.
“We love going out to the paddling pools. I didn’t know half of them existed until I did this page.
“Play cafes are good too. We’ve been finding that the cafes with actual play areas have been great.”
Despite the rigours of balancing her job, being a mother of two and managing the page, Ms Wilkinson is looking forward to visiting new venues with her children in the future.
Local businesses who are interested in featuring are welcome to get in touch through the Instagram page.
Ms Wilkinson is keen to explore restaurants and pubs with designated play areas, reminiscing fondly about enjoying afternoons with her family growing up.
