That's La Plagne contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon affiliate program. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may receive a small commission - at no extra cost to you. I never recommend anything I haven't experienced myself, and the commission helps me keep this site running at full speed! See my Disclosure Policy for extra information.
Amazon Kids+: Pros & Cons. My Real Experience for Family Ski Trips
One of the more challenging parts of planning and taking a family ski holiday is travelling to the ski resort! It’s part of the reason why I’m so happy to call a French Alpine ski resort home! I live in La Plagne with my 2 young kids. And whilst we do live in a ski resort, we do still travel quite a bit as a family. I’m always searching out any extra tips to try to make long family journeys more enjoyable.
In this blog, I’m going to dive into Amazon Kids+ and explore whether it's the ultimate lifesaver for your family ski escapades. And trust me, it's not just any review – it's a real family ski expert's take!
The ski family perspective on Amazon Kids+
As a mum who's lucky enough to live in this beautiful Alpine paradise, I've practically got a PhD in skiing with kids. Not only do we ski nonstop as a family, but I’ve been working in the ski industry for nearly 20 years, largely in the family ski holiday arena. I've seen it all, from toddler tantrums to teenage thrill-seekers. So, rest assured, you're in good hands!
The first thing I want to point out about Amazon Kids+ is that it is available in the UK but not in France. However, if you are travelling to the UK from France, it will still work on your French ski holiday as your phone is registered to a UK IP address. If you are living in France, then sorry – no Amazon Kids+ for you. (We have a UK phone which is how we were able to get around this).
Getting ready for your ski adventure
First things first – packing essentials for a family ski trip! You'll want to make sure everyone's cosy and warm, with layers, gloves, and beanies galore. But what I've found to be an absolute essential is a source of entertainment, especially during those long journeys to the resort. And as much as I want to avoid screens, it often comes down to a tablet or the kids playing on my phone. That's where Amazon Kids+ comes in.
Amazon Kids+: What Is It?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's talk about what Amazon Kids+ is. It's a subscription service that gives your kids access to thousands of kid-friendly books, videos, apps, and games. Imagine a virtual treasure chest of content designed to keep your little ones engaged. I tried it out because I wanted something that gave my kids controlled access to some cartoons as well as encouraged reading. We always have a couple of books on hand when we travel, but when space is limited, being able to read them on a screen is a game changer.
The pros of Amazon Kids+ on the ski slopes
Now, let's get to the good stuff! Here are some of the ways Amazon Kids+ can be a game-changer for your family ski trip:
Entertainment during long journeys: Whether you're driving to the resort or taking the snow train or a flight, Amazon Kids+ can keep your kids entertained and reduce those infamous “are we there yet?” questions.
Keeping kids occupied during downtime: After a full day on the slopes, your little ones might need some downtime – exactly the same way we do! Amazon Kids+ can be a lifesaver during those moments when they just want to chill out.
Educational content for learning while on vacation: Yes, it's fun, but it's also educational. You can find books, games, and videos that sneak in a bit of learning amidst all the fun.
The Cons and Challenges
Of course, it's not all sunshine and snowflakes. Here are some challenges to consider:
Data usage concerns: Streaming content can chew through data, so make sure you're prepared and consider an unlimited data plan.
Discussing screen time limits: It's easy for kids to get lost in the virtual world. Make sure you're setting boundaries to maintain a balanced experience.
Possible alternatives and their limitations: Amazon Kids+ isn't the only option out there. We'll discuss some alternatives to help you make an informed choice.
Tips and tricks for optimising Amazon Kids+
Alright, I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve for getting the absolute most out of your Amazon Kids+ experience for your family ski trip. These are the strategies I've learned and mastered living here in La Plagne and using Amazon Kids+ and trust me, they can make a world of difference.
- Pre-download Your Kid's Favourites
Before travelling or heading up the mountain, ensure you've pre-downloaded your child's favourite content. Depending on your device, this can usually be done through the Amazon Kids+ app. By doing this, you'll have a stash of entertainment readily available even in areas with spotty internet connectivity. And trust me, the internet connection is going to be patchy. Plus, it avoids the dreaded “buffering” during those critical moments. - Set Up Age-Appropriate Profiles
Amazon Kids+ allows you to create profiles for different age groups, from preschoolers to teenagers. Make sure to set up profiles that match your children's ages and interests. This way, the content they access is both engaging and suitable for their developmental stage. It's like a virtual babysitter that knows exactly what your kids need. - Use Parental Controls Wisely
One of the features I love most about Amazon Kids+ is the solid parental control options. You can set daily time limits, curate content, and even restrict access to specific features. Don't hesitate to utilise these controls to create a healthy balance of screen time during your trip. Trust me; your fellow skiers will thank you for this. - Take Advantage of Offline Mode
Whether you're stuck in the car on a long journey or riding a chairlift up the mountain, you might not always have an internet connection. Amazon Kids+ has an offline mode that lets you access pre-downloaded content without needing Wi-Fi. It's a lifesaver for keeping kids entertained during downtime on the slopes or during travel. - Frequent Content Refresh
Kids can get bored quickly. Make it a routine to update the content available on Amazon Kids+. Swap out books, videos, and games periodically to keep things fresh and exciting. This way, you'll always have something new and engaging to offer when needed. - Encourage Learning Alongside Entertainment
Amazon Kids+ offers an impressive selection of educational content. Encourage your little ones to explore this aspect while having fun. It's a fantastic way to sneak some learning into your ski trip without them even noticing. We have some guidelines in place where the kids have to, e.g., read a book before playing games to try to balance it out. - Join the Discussion and Share Tips
The Amazon Kids+ community can be a valuable resource for parents. Join discussions, read other parents' experiences, and share your tips. You might discover new ways to enhance your family's Amazon Kids+ experience, and you'll be helping others along the way.
Stay Connected to Amazon Kids+ Support:
If you ever run into issues or have questions about Amazon Kids+, don't hesitate to reach out to their support team. They can assist with troubleshooting, provide guidance, and help ensure your service runs smoothly throughout your ski trip. I’ve found them pretty helpful when I’ve needed them.
Get all the juiciest inside secrets about La Plagne, direct to your inbox.
La Plagne lift pass sales, accommodation deals & ski school discounts before anyone else knows about them.
Is Amazon Kids+ Worth Your Money?
Now, the big question: is Amazon Kids+ worth the investment for your family? Let's weigh the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision.
On the pro side, Amazon Kids+ offers a treasure trove of entertainment options, making long journeys more enjoyable and helping kids wind down during downtime after the ski slopes. It's a versatile tool that caters to various age groups, from curious toddlers to tech-savvy teenagers. The inclusion of educational content adds value, ensuring that screen time can also be a learning opportunity. Plus, the ability to set up age-appropriate profiles and parental controls empowers you to create a balanced experience for your kids.
However, there are some cons to consider. First, data usage can be a concern, so having a suitable data plan or using offline mode for downloaded content is essential. Secondly, screen time management remains a vital responsibility for parents, even with parental controls in place. You'll need to strike a balance between screen time and other activities during your ski trip.
Plus, of course, there are free options like YouTube. We opted out of YouTube, even YouTube Kids when our kids started to become obsessed with endless scrolling on there.
I signed up to Amazon Kids+ with the free 1-month trial timed with when we were heading on a family holiday this summer so we could try it out on the move. After the free 1 month trial, it’s £6.99 per month. So if you’re not a fan and it doesn’t work for your family, just cancel it before the end of the first month.
Here's the link to get your own free 1-month trial for AMazon Kids+ to see if it works for your family.
That’s La Plagne & an honest review of Amazon Kids+ for your ski trip
In the end, whether Amazon Kids+ is worth your money comes down to your family's unique needs and preferences. If you value convenience, variety, and educational opportunities and are diligent in managing screen time, it can be a valuable addition to your ski adventure toolkit.
If you consider your priorities, you'll be well-equipped to make the right call for your family.
Let me know if you give it a go and how it works for you.
See you on the slopes!
PIN THIS POST TO SAVE FOR LATER
One Comment