Child-Friendly Holidays You Should Book in 2026

Going on holiday with your children can be hugely stressful – if you haven’t planned properly, and chosen the right destination. In 2026, travel operators expect a modest rise in family-oriented breaks, as parents seek out easy ways to keep every member of the group happy. This tends to mean relaxation for the adults, and distraction for the kids.

But exactly which destinations might we consider?

Beach Resorts Designed for Families

A good family-friendly beach resort should be about more than just sea and sand. It should offer a range of guided activities, kids’ clubs, parks, and (above all) safety. The beaches in question should be shallow, and the facilities excellent.

For many British families, the Mediterranean represents a winning combination of accessibility, affordability, and favourable weather, even outside of summer. Spain, Greece, Portugal, and the countless islands that belong to them, are all worth thinking about.

Nature‑Based Adventures and National Parks

Certain parts of the world might appeal precisely because they’re underdeveloped and a little bit wild. A trip through the right national park might provide kids and adults alike with inspiration, and a break from screen time. Of particular interest might be Iceland, with its wealth of waterfalls, lava fields, glaciers and volcanoes.

Iceland holidays are a great way to bring the whole family together, especially if you’re willing to lace up a pair of hiking boots and explore one of the country’s amazing trails.

Theme Parks and Activity‑Packed Resorts

On the other hand, you might prefer the prepackaged, stress-free convenience of an activity-based resort, especially if you don’t have time to commit to a week-long stay. A shorter break that captivates children throughout might turn out to be a better use of your limited holiday time than a more traditional trip. If you’ve already visited a given adventure camp, theme park, or zoo, then you might elect to return there. It might be a simple way to keep everyone happy.

Educational and Cultural Family Trips

Many families are now seeking to improve themselves during their holiday. So-called ‘purpose-driven’ travel is a means of not only enjoying your time away, but also educating yourself and your children. Museum trips, historical sightseeing adventures, and more hands-on experiences might all leave children coming away feeling curious and confident about the world around them in a way they simply didn’t before. The challenge lies in picking an experience that will appeal to your children!