Where We’d Actually Take Our Kids on Holiday in 2026 (And Why)

We almost booked Cancún. Then our youngest asked if Greece had any dragons. We went to Crete instead — and it turned out to be one of our best trips as a family.

Picking the right destination when you’re travelling with kids isn’t just about the beach or the weather. It’s about whether your 7-year-old can walk 15,000 steps through cobblestone streets, or whether you’ll be carrying them by noon.

Short-haul families in Europe: Majorca, Crete, and the Algarve are the consistent winners. Long-haul? Japan surprises everyone with how family-friendly it is, and Bali still offers extraordinary value. North America: Costa Rica edges out the Caribbean for families who want more than a pool.

How to Choose the Best Holiday Destinations with Kids in 2026

The single most important factor when choosing holiday destinations with kids is matching the destination to your children’s actual ages and interests — not the destination you wish your children were old enough to enjoy, or the destination your friends have recommended based on their own children’s very different preferences. A perfectly selected holiday destination for a family with toddlers under three will look completely different from the ideal choice for a family with children aged 8 to 12, and different again for families with teenagers.

For toddlers and children under five, the best holiday destinations with kids prioritise short flight times, warm shallow water, child-friendly accommodation with excellent facilities, and a relaxed pace that accommodates naps, early bedtimes, and sudden changes of plan. The Mediterranean — particularly Majorca, the Algarve, and the Greek islands — consistently delivers on all of these criteria, with calm sandy beaches, excellent family resort infrastructure, and flight times from most of Europe under three hours.

For children aged six to twelve, holiday destinations with kids open up dramatically. Children at this age are more resilient travellers, genuinely curious about new cultures and environments, and capable of appreciating experiences that go beyond the beach. Theme parks become genuinely magical; city breaks become educational adventures; long-haul destinations become viable. This is the golden age for family travel, and 2026 offers extraordinary choices.

Research published by the UN World Tourism Organization consistently shows that children who travel internationally during their formative years develop stronger empathy, cross-cultural understanding, and resilience. Choosing great holiday destinations with kids is genuinely one of the most valuable investments a parent can make in their child’s development.

Best Mediterranean Holiday Destinations with Kids

The Mediterranean remains the world’s most popular region for holiday destinations with kids, and for excellent reasons. The combination of guaranteed summer sunshine, warm calm seas that are ideal for young swimmers, extraordinary cuisine, rich history and culture, and outstanding value — particularly in Greece, Croatia, and Portugal — makes the Mediterranean unbeatable for families with children of almost any age.

Greece and the Greek Islands

Greece is one of the most consistently beloved holiday destinations with kids in Europe. The combination of extraordinary beaches — Navagio on Zakynthos, Myrtos on Kefalonia, the golden sands of Corfu — with some of the most genuinely child-friendly resort infrastructure in the Mediterranean makes Greece a standout choice for families in 2026. Corfu, Rhodes, Crete, and Kos all offer excellent family accommodation, calm safe beaches, and wonderful local cuisine that most children take to immediately.

Beyond the beaches, Greece offers remarkable historical sites that captivate children with vivid stories of mythology and ancient civilisation. The Acropolis in Athens, the ruins of Knossos in Crete, and the ancient theatre of Epidaurus are all extraordinary experiences for families with children aged seven and up. For practical planning, the Visit Greece official tourism website has excellent family travel resources.

Spain and the Balearic Islands

Spain is one of the most versatile holiday destinations with kids in the Mediterranean, offering everything from the family beach resorts of Majorca and Menorca to the cultural richness of Barcelona and Seville, the extraordinary food culture of San Sebastian, and the world-class theme parks of PortAventura and Ferrari Land near Tarragona. Majorca in particular has evolved into one of the most family-focused holiday destinations in Europe, with dedicated family resorts, excellent water parks, and beautiful beaches that are genuinely safe for young children.

Portugal — The Algarve

Portugal’s Algarve is one of the most underrated holiday destinations with kids in the Mediterranean region. The dramatic golden-cliffed beaches around Carvoeiro, Lagos, and Albufeira are genuinely spectacular, the Atlantic waters are cool enough to be refreshing without being dangerous for confident swimming children, and the Portuguese food culture — fresh grilled fish, pastéis de nata, endless fresh orange juice — is universally popular with children. The Algarve also offers extraordinary value relative to comparable Spanish or French destinations.

Orlando and Florida – The Ultimate Holiday Destination for Kids

Orlando, Florida is without question the single most child-focused holiday destination on earth in 2026. The concentration of world-class theme parks, water parks, resort accommodation, and family entertainment within a single metropolitan area is genuinely without parallel anywhere in the world. Walt Disney World Resort alone covers 40 square miles — larger than San Francisco — and contains four major theme parks, two water parks, a shopping and entertainment district, and dozens of resort hotels. The addition of Universal Epic Universe in May 2025 elevated Orlando’s theme park offering to extraordinary new heights.

For families planning holiday destinations with kids in 2026, Orlando offers the complete package. Disney World delivers four extraordinary theme parks — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom — each with distinct character, age-specific attractions, and the unparalleled Disney storytelling magic that children respond to regardless of age. Universal Orlando now features three parks: Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and the brand-new Epic Universe, which includes worlds themed around Nintendo, Harry Potter, and How to Train Your Dragon.

Beyond the parks, Florida offers world-class family beaches at Clearwater Beach, Siesta Key, and the Gulf Coast, the extraordinary marine life of the Florida Keys and Everglades, and the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral — one of the most genuinely awe-inspiring family experiences available anywhere. See our complete guide to Travel to Orlando with Kids 2026 for full details, tips, and recommendations.

Best European City Holiday Destinations with Kids

European cities offer some of the most culturally enriching holiday destinations with kids in the world, combining extraordinary history and architecture with excellent public transport, superb food, and an increasingly child-focused approach to tourism. The key to successful European city breaks with children is choosing cities that offer genuine child-appeal alongside the adult cultural attractions — and building itineraries that balance museums and sightseeing with play, exploration, and the discovery of local street food.

Rome, Italy

Rome is one of the most genuinely extraordinary holiday destinations with kids in the world, combining three thousand years of visible history with outstanding food, a compact and walkable historic centre, and the unique experience of the Vatican and the Colosseum that children find genuinely captivating. The gladiatorial history of the Colosseum is irresistible to boys and girls aged six and up; the sheer scale of St Peter’s Basilica inspires genuine awe; and throwing a coin into the Trevi Fountain is a universal childhood joy.

Paris, France

Paris remains one of the world’s great holiday destinations with kids for families seeking a combination of culture, food, and iconic experiences. The Eiffel Tower is perhaps the single most universally thrilling landmark experience available for children anywhere in Europe; Disneyland Paris (just 45 minutes from the city centre by train) adds a major theme park option; and the city’s extraordinary museums — the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie — offer extraordinary family-friendly programming and activities.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is among the most dynamic and exciting holiday destinations with kids in Europe, combining the extraordinary architecture of Gaudí — the Sagrada Família, Park Güell — with world-class beaches, excellent food, and a vibrant street culture that children find endlessly stimulating. The city’s Gothic Quarter is a labyrinth of medieval lanes perfect for family exploration, and the beaches of Barceloneta are genuinely excellent for family swimming.

Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Amsterdam is one of the most underrated European holiday destinations with kids. The canal city is bicycle-friendly, genuinely compact and walkable, extraordinarily tolerant and welcoming, and home to some of the world’s great family museums including the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the extraordinary Nemo Science Centre — possibly the best hands-on science museum in Europe for children aged three to twelve.

Southeast Asia Holiday Destinations with Kids

Southeast Asia has emerged as one of the most exciting categories of holiday destinations with kids for adventurous families. Thailand, Bali, and Vietnam in particular offer extraordinary combinations of tropical beaches, warm welcoming cultures, exceptional food, and resort accommodation that delivers genuine luxury at a fraction of European or Australian prices.

Bali, Indonesia

Bali is one of the most magical holiday destinations with kids in the world for families seeking something genuinely different from the standard beach resort experience. The combination of rice terraces, Hindu temples, surf beaches on the Bukit Peninsula, and world-class family resorts in Nusa Dua and Seminyak creates a layered destination with something extraordinary at every turn. Children are captivated by the island’s spiritual atmosphere — the daily offerings, the temple ceremonies, the intricate carvings — in ways that no European destination can replicate.

Thailand — Koh Samui, Phuket, and Krabi

Thailand’s islands are exceptional holiday destinations with kids for families comfortable with longer-haul travel. Koh Samui offers calm family-friendly beaches on the north and east coasts, excellent resort accommodation across all price ranges, and a relaxed atmosphere perfectly suited to young families. Phuket and Krabi offer more dramatic coastal scenery — particularly the extraordinary limestone karst formations of Phang Nga Bay — alongside world-class snorkelling, sailing, and kayaking that older children find genuinely thrilling.

Canada – Underrated Holiday Destinations with Kids

Canada remains one of the most underappreciated holiday destinations with kids for international families, yet it offers extraordinary experiences across every season and region. From the UNESCO World Heritage walled city of Quebec City to the Rocky Mountain wilderness of Banff and Jasper, the ocean beaches of Prince Edward Island, and the Pacific rainforests of British Columbia, Canada combines world-class natural scenery with excellent infrastructure, a genuinely bilingual cultural experience, and some of the safest and most welcoming cities on earth.

Quebec City in winter is a genuinely magical holiday destination with kids — the Château Frontenac, the ice sculpture festival, the toboggan slides, the horse-drawn carriages, and the extraordinary French-Canadian cuisine all combine to create an experience unlike any other city holiday in North America. See our detailed guide to Top 5 Family Attractions in Quebec 2026 for complete recommendations.

Australia and the Pacific as Holiday Destinations with Kids

Australia offers extraordinary holiday destinations with kids for families willing to undertake the long-haul flight. Queensland’s Gold Coast — with its world-class theme parks, exceptional beaches, and the extraordinary Great Barrier Reef — is the single most child-focused destination in the Southern Hemisphere. Theme Worlds on the Gold Coast comprises six major parks including Dreamworld, Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, and Wet’n’Wild, creating a comparable experience to Florida’s Orlando park cluster.

Sydney combines world-class urban experiences — the Opera House, Taronga Zoo, the Harbour Bridge — with excellent family beaches at Manly, Bondi, and Coogee, while Melbourne offers extraordinary food culture, the iconic Melbourne Zoo, and the penguin colony at Phillip Island. New Zealand adds hiking, Hobbiton, and extraordinary wildlife experiences to make the Antipodes a genuinely exceptional region for holiday destinations with kids.

Essential Gear for Holiday Destinations with Kids

Packing correctly for holiday destinations with kids is as important as choosing the right destination. The right gear keeps children comfortable, parents organised, and the whole holiday running smoothly. These are our top gear picks for families travelling to holiday destinations with kids in 2026:

1. Veken 10-Set Packing Cubes — The single best organisational tool for holiday destinations with kids is a quality set of packing cubes. Veken’s 10-piece set includes cubes in four sizes plus a laundry bag and toiletry bag, making it possible to give each family member their own cubes and end the chaos of shared suitcases forever. Genuinely indispensable for families travelling to multiple holiday destinations with kids. Check price on Amazon →

2. Road Trip Activity Book for Kids — For holiday destinations with kids that involve long drives, road trips, or extended transfer journeys, Dylanna Press’s Road Trip Activity Book (ages 6-12) is a genuine lifesaver. Over 100 games, mazes, word searches, puzzles, and activities keep children engaged and parents sane for hours on end. Check price on Amazon →

3. BABY JOY Kids Luggage Set — Teaching children to manage their own luggage is one of the most empowering travel habits a parent can establish. This BABY JOY 2-piece set (16″ suitcase + 12″ backpack) is airline-approved, lightweight, and built specifically for children — making airport arrivals at holiday destinations with kids dramatically smoother. Check price on Amazon →

4. Lamicall Car Headrest Tablet Holder — For holiday destinations with kids that involve long drives at the destination — road trips in Canada or Australia, for example — a quality tablet holder for the backseat transforms the journey. The Lamicall’s 3-in-1 extension arm adjusts to virtually any headrest and angle, keeping tablets securely positioned for children of any height. Check price on Amazon →

5. Veken 10-Set Packing Cubes for Kids — The kids-specific version of Veken’s packing cube range, designed with children’s wardrobes in mind. Brighter colours, smaller cube sizes for children’s clothing, and the same quality toiletry and shoe bags. Perfect for holiday destinations with kids where children are packing their own bags for the first time. Check price on Amazon →

6. Kids Travel Neck Pillow with Eye Mask — Long-haul flights to holiday destinations with kids are dramatically better when children can sleep. This memory foam neck pillow with cartoon superhero design provides genuine 360-degree neck and chin support, the eye mask blocks cabin light, and the soft velour cover is machine washable. A genuine travel game-changer for children aged 4 and up. Check price on Amazon →

Family Travel Gear Table for Holiday Destinations with Kids

Product	Best For	Ages	Link
Veken 10-Set Packing Cubes	Family luggage organisation	All ages	Amazon →
Road Trip Activity Book	Long drives and transfers	6–12	Amazon →
BABY JOY Kids Luggage Set	Independent child packing	3–10	Amazon →
Lamicall Headrest Tablet Holder	Road trips at destinations	3+	Amazon →
Veken Packing Cubes for Kids	Children’s luggage organisation	4+	Amazon →
Kids Travel Neck Pillow	Long-haul flights	4+	Amazon →

Top Tips for Holiday Destinations with Kids in 2026

After years of travelling to holiday destinations with kids across multiple continents, here are our most essential practical tips for making every family holiday a genuine success:

Book flights strategically. When flying to holiday destinations with kids, the seat selection and departure time are as important as the destination itself. Always book the earliest morning departure available — children are freshest in the morning, delays are least likely, and an early arrival gives the family a full day to settle in. Pay to pre-select seats together; being separated from your children on a long-haul flight is a genuinely stressful experience.

Give children ownership of the trip. Children who have contributed ideas to the holiday itinerary are more engaged, enthusiastic, and cooperative travellers. Sit down with your children before booking and ask them what they most want to experience at the destination. When they own part of the plan, they invest in the outcome.

Build in rest days. One of the most common mistakes families make at holiday destinations with kids is overscheduling. Every good family itinerary should include at least one genuinely unplanned day — time to revisit a favourite spot, explore spontaneously, or simply rest and recharge. Exhausted children make difficult travelling companions; well-rested children are delightful ones.

Pack light, pack smart. For holiday destinations with kids, the single biggest packing mistake is overpacking. Use packing cubes to compress and organise, give each child their own small bag to carry their own items, and resist the temptation to pack for every possible scenario. Laundry facilities are available at virtually every family resort and holiday destination in the world.

Research child-friendly restaurants before you go. Nothing disrupts an otherwise perfect family holiday more reliably than a mealtime struggle. Spend 30 minutes before your trip identifying three or four genuinely child-friendly restaurants near your accommodation at each holiday destination — places that offer high chairs, children’s menus, or at minimum a welcoming attitude to young diners.

Travel insurance is non-negotiable. Comprehensive family travel insurance is an absolute requirement for all holiday destinations with kids. Medical emergencies, flight cancellations, lost luggage — all are magnified in stress and cost when travelling with children. Ensure your policy specifically covers all ages in your party and includes medical evacuation cover for international destinations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Holiday Destinations with Kids

What are the best holiday destinations with kids for families with toddlers (under 3)?
For families with toddlers, the best holiday destinations with kids prioritise short flight times, warm shallow water, excellent resort facilities, and a relaxed pace. Top choices include Majorca and Menorca in Spain, the Greek islands of Corfu and Rhodes, Portugal’s Algarve, and the Canary Islands. All offer family resorts with excellent facilities, calm safe beaches, and short European flight times.

What are the best long-haul holiday destinations with kids?
The best long-haul holiday destinations with kids for families comfortable with longer flights include Orlando and Florida, Bali, Thailand (Koh Samui, Phuket), Japan, and Australia’s Queensland coast. Each offers extraordinary child-friendly infrastructure and experiences that justify the longer journey. For families new to long-haul travel with children, Japan is consistently ranked as one of the safest, cleanest, and most child-welcoming long-haul destinations in the world.

What is the best age to start taking children to holiday destinations?
There is no single best age to begin holiday destinations with kids — the best age is whatever age your children are right now. Babies and toddlers travel more easily than most parents expect; children aged 4-10 are generally the most enthusiastic and adaptable travelling companions; and teenagers can provide remarkable travel companionship when their interests are incorporated into the itinerary. The sooner you start, the more natural travel becomes for your children.

How do I keep kids entertained at holiday destinations during long flights?
The most effective strategy for keeping children entertained on flights to holiday destinations with kids is a combination of downloaded offline content on a tablet, a selection of new small activities wrapped and revealed one at a time, quality snacks, and for younger children, familiar comfort objects. A quality kids’ travel neck pillow helps children sleep on longer flights, and a lightweight activity book like the Dylanna Press Road Trip Activity Book is invaluable for older children.

Which European cities are the best holiday destinations with kids?
The best European city holiday destinations with kids are Rome (extraordinary history, pizza, gelato), Barcelona (Gaudí, beaches, food), Amsterdam (outstanding children’s museums, canal bikes), Lisbon (hillside trams, incredible pastries, proximity to beach), Vienna (imperial grandeur, the Spanish Riding School, excellent playgrounds), and Copenhagen (Tivoli Gardens, the Little Mermaid, extraordinary food culture). Each offers a genuinely distinct experience that children remember vividly.

Is Southeast Asia safe as a holiday destination with kids?
Southeast Asia — particularly Bali, Thailand, and Singapore — is genuinely excellent as a holiday destination with kids for families prepared to research their destination. Singapore is arguably the safest city in the world for families; Bali and Phuket have world-class family resorts with excellent medical facilities nearby; and Thailand has a long and strong tradition of welcoming family visitors. Standard precautions around food hygiene, sun protection, and mosquito prevention apply.

What are the best budget holiday destinations with kids?
The best budget-friendly holiday destinations with kids include Portugal (exceptional value, wonderful beaches, great food), Croatia (stunning Adriatic coast, child-friendly towns, good value), Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, Malta, and for long-haul options, Vietnam and Mexico. All offer exceptional family experiences at significantly lower cost than comparable Western European or North American destinations.

How do I pack efficiently for holiday destinations with kids?
The most effective packing strategy for holiday destinations with kids is to use packing cubes (one set per family member), create a master packing list before every trip, restrict children to a single carry-on-sized bag each, and pack versatile clothing items that mix and match. Veken’s 10-set packing cubes are our top recommendation for family luggage organisation — they transform a chaotic shared suitcase into a perfectly organised travel system.