Opening your kid’s minds through travel is so important. Getting the kids to experience new things and different cultures is essential for their development and growth. But it’s not always the easiest thing to travel the world with the kiddos in tow. If you want to find a family friendly getaway, try one of my top ten suggestions below.

Cities

Cities breaks are always a good idea. There is so much to do packed into such a small place, usually with good travel links. So it is easy and cheap to get around with all the family.
London

London is a great city for kids because there is so much to see and do there. You can take them on an open top bus tour to see all the sites. Or ride on the London Eye to get some great views over the Thames. Grab some fish and chips or even more exotic street food from the many permanent markets in the city. Kids of all ages will love the hands-on experiments at the National Science Museum. Don’t forget to pop across the street to the dinosaur walk in the Museum of Natural History too! Older children will get a thrill out of the London Dungeon, but watch out, as it can be pretty scary, so young or sensitive kids should probably avoid it. Why not take them for a browse round Hamleys, London’s most famous toy shop instead!

Berlin

Keeping with the European theme, why not take the little ones with you on a trip to Berlin? It’s a great chance for them to be exposed to another language, and you can use an app like this to help them practice before they go. Make use of one of the many pools and Lidos in the city if you are traveling there over summer. Don’t forget to take the kids to Legoland Discovery Center for some ‘building with bricks’ fun. If your children are picky eaters, you might want to go self-catering as they might not take the German cuisine. Although French fries are very popular and are always a good fall back plan.

Beach Holidays

Kids and adults alike love beach holidays. The kids can splash in the sea, build sand castles and generally have fun running around outdoors. While it provides mom and dad a chance to relax on a sunlounger and perhaps enjoy the odd cocktail.

Spain

Still staying in Europe, Spain is a fantastic beach holiday location for families with children. It gets pretty hot, so it’s important to make sure your little ones are staying hydrated. Go for an all-inclusive hotel so you don’t have to worry about paying for the kids snack and drinks throughout the day. Pick a family friendly resort rather than one that is predominantly designed for couples or adults. This means no one will complain if the kids get a bit boisterous and make a bit of noise. It’s a good idea to pick a resort that has a water park, similar to this one we went to in the Poconos, for something extra to keep them entertained. Many all inclusive sites allow early dining for those with young families. They also provide a schedule of supervised entertainment including sports and craft activities. While the kids are busy, you can get some precious relaxation time.

Maldives

Another option for a family beach holiday is the picturesque Maldives. There is endless sea life for the kids to discover while swimming in the ocean, or you can get a room with a private pool. If you have older children, you could go for one of the iconic stilt houses, with a glass bottom. Then you can see all the fish swimming under you. However, they are not the cheapest option, and it’s a lot of water around if you have small kids, so it might not be worth the anxiety of they are under 10.

Theme Park Vacations

If keeping your kids amused is an essential item of the list, then why not consider a holiday to a theme park. The larger ones all have associated hotels so you can stay for a week or so and get to experience all the attractions on offer.

Disneyland

Of course, the most famous of these is the Disney Franchise. They now have parks all over the globe including Paris, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Japan and Hawaii as well as the US. So you can choose to stay closer to home or experience a different culture while you partake in the Disney Magic.

Europa Park

If Disney is a bit too sickly sweet for you, why not try Europa Park in Germany? Some of the rides here at seriously scary, though, so make sure your little ones are up for some thrill seeking before booking the tickets. Check out the megacoaster Blue Fire, which hits speeds at nearly 100km an hour or ridiculously high hypercoaster Silver Fire. Of course, there will be height restrictions on this attraction, so it is probably a better location for older kids and teenagers.
Skiing Holidays

If you want something thrilling but theme parks aren’t you thing, why not take your kids on a winter skiing holiday? Starting kids off early on the baby slopes is a great way to improve their balance, and get them interested in Sport. Children tend to be less self-conscious and have far less fear than grown up too, so they are likely to make quicker progress.

Canada
One of the most beautiful places to ski in the world is Canada. Taking your kids up to the Rocky Mountains can be a real experience for them, especially if you are living in a city or the suburbs. It’s good for them to get out in the open and experience all that space and scenery. Rent a chalet with a hot tub to ease your aching bones after a hard day on the slopes. Just don’t be surprised if you kids are better skiers at the end of the holiday that you are.

Switzerland

Another beautiful place to take the family skiing in Switzerland. Here you’ll give your little one the chance to experience traditional Alpine culture and food. They’ll love fondue! You can also take the cog train, a vertical tram, up to explore all the little villages around the mountains. The quant Winteregg is tiny, but has spectacular views, and mountain walks to complete.

Cruises

If skiing sounds a bit too cold for your vacation, why not go for a cruise? They are perfect for seeing the world, but also having the benefits of hotel style comforts and entertainments. You often get one or two days on board and then get to disembark and explore a new location. Also, they are probably not as expensive as you think they are. Check out the Bolsover cruise club website to compare prices.

A World Cruise

A world cruise can be costly and time-consuming, taking up to a month, but you can see so much of the world this way. Many cruise ships dock in the local ports so you can just get off and go. There are lots of things for the kids to do on board such as cinema screenings, swimming pools, and craft activities. It’s also possible to book organized tours with your cruise line so that you can make the best of your short stops around the world. But ensure that they are suitable for your child and don’t involve anything dangerous or too much walking for their little legs.

A Family Cruise

You can also pick a cruise specifically run for families with kids, such as the Disney ones on offer. They go to destinations all over the world and are a great compromise between a more typical holiday and a theme park experience. On board, you will have access to shops, deck parties, character experiences and specialist events like the Star Wars at Sea day. The kids also have their own youth club, so it’s easy for them to make friends and stay entertained, giving you some time to relax as well.