20 of the Best Family Holidays in 2026

Family holidays are some of the best memories we create as kids. Just think about the thrill, the travel, those lazy afternoons on the beach, splashing in the sea, and indulging in way too many ice creams! But let’s be honest, finding that perfect spot to create these memories can be a bit tricky. It really comes down to what kind of family you are and the type of holiday you’re after.

The good news? 2026 has rolled in with some amazing family holiday ideas. Here are 20 to consider…

Tenerife, Spain

Tenerife is a fantastic family getaway, with most hotels featuring kids’ clubs that keep the little ones entertained while parents soak up the sun. There’s no shortage of family-friendly activities either—make sure to check out Siam Park for a day packed with wave machines and thrilling water rides. If you venture north, don’t miss Parque Zoo, or treat yourselves to dinner at one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants with stunning views.

Denmark

Denmark is a safe and welcoming destination, perfect for families looking for adventure. Take the kids to the Viking Ship Museum, where they can explore an interactive village, try on chain mail, watch a blacksmith at work, and even hop on a Viking ship. For Lego enthusiasts, Billund is a must-visit, especially with LEGOLAND nearby. And let’s not forget beautiful Copenhagen, home to Europe’s oldest amusement park.

Italy

Show your kids that there’s more to Italy than just pizza and pasta by planning a family holiday there. Discover the incredible list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Italy boasts more than 50 landmarks! You’ll find stunning, unspoiled beaches, fun attractions for the whole family, and delicious food. Italians really go the extra mile to ensure that children feel right at home.

Perth, Australia

With its endless sunshine and stunning beaches, Perth has quickly become one of the hottest travel spots in Australia. This vibrant region is packed with places to explore and activities that cater to kids—whether it’s a wildlife park, a beautiful beach, a nature reserve, or something educational and fun at one of the many museums and art centers. Perth truly has everything you need for a fantastic holiday.

Did you know you can now hop on a direct flight from London to Perth? This is an ideal choice for families with older kids since you won’t have to deal with layovers and changing flights. However, if you’re traveling with little ones, it might be a good idea to plan for some stop-offs to make the journey a bit smoother.

Cyprus

Nestled off the coast of Turkey, Cyprus boasts clean beaches, warm Mediterranean weather, and a variety of activities. One of the must-visit spots in Cyprus is the Municipal Park, right in the heart of Limassol. With playgrounds, picnic areas, a shady parkway, and an open-air theater, it’s a perfect day out for everyone. Don’t miss The Galaxy recreational center, which is brimming with fun activities for the whole family. While you’re there, make sure to squeeze in a bit of history by exploring the incredible city of Paphos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Gozo, Malta

Gozo is the ultimate holiday destination for teenagers. Just a short flight from Malta and a quick 25-minute ferry ride, you’ll find yourself on the breathtaking island of Gozo. Keep the family entertained with horseback riding or shallow diving over the Karwela shipwreck. If you’re up for a bit of adventure, check out Mdina, a location featured in the TV series Game of Thrones—you can even book a full-day tour of Mdina that includes lunch!

Hawaii

Aloha! With its stunning beaches, gentle tropical waves, and a plethora of family-friendly activities, Hawaii is a delightful surprise filled with homey comforts. Whether you're traveling with little ones, tweens, or teens, there's no shortage of fun things to do—from donkey rides on Molokai to exploring Pearl Harbor or taking a ride on the sugar cane train in Maui. It truly is a paradise for families.

Benidorm, Spain

Bold and vibrant, Benidorm is known for its lively atmosphere and countless child-friendly options, making it a fantastic choice for a family beach getaway. With its beautiful sandy beaches and some of the best water sports centers, rope bridges, and waterslides, what's not to love about Benidorm?

Orlando, Florida

Orlando, Florida, is a dream come true for kids! From hopping on the Hogwarts Express at Universal Orlando Resort to meeting Minnie and Mickey at Walt Disney World Resort and catching a Broadway show, Orlando has something to thrill every family member.

Portugal

A captivating holiday spot with a warm climate and a stunning Atlantic coastline, Portugal is a gem for families. The Algarve, with its amazing hotel resorts, beautiful beaches, and the fun-filled Zoomarine theme park, is a must-visit. With 300 days of sunshine each year, it’s no wonder this destination is popular all year round.

Melbourne, Australia

Get ready to meet koala bears and spend sun-soaked days on the beach, hike through the lush greenery of the Blue Mountains, and bike across the desert. There's an abundance of activities, sights, and delicious food to enjoy here, making it a perfect destination for the whole family.

New York City, USA

Known as the city that never sleeps, locals will tell you there’s truly no place on Earth quite like it. It’s an amazing adventure for both adults and kids alike, making it a magical holiday spot. With a constant buzz of activity, the city is dedicated to educating and engaging people of all ages.

If you’re planning a visit, make sure to swing by in November for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the largest parade in the world. Picture vibrant floats, gigantic balloons, celebrity performances, and marching bands filling the streets as you join in the Thanksgiving festivities.

Peru

Rich in ancient Inca history and home to the iconic Machu Picchu, Peru is a breathtaking travel destination with stunning mountainous landscapes perfect for climbing and exploration. It’s also a fantastic spot for families, thanks to the warm hospitality of the locals, and boasts vibrant cities like Lima and Arequipa.

And let’s not forget about the parents! Peru is home to some of the finest restaurants in the world, and the Pisco region is renowned for its delicious wines and sours.

Canada

Are you craving an outdoor adventure? Canada is calling your name! Head to Banff National Park to bask in the sun, walk on a glacier, and marvel at some of the most stunning lakes you’ll ever encounter. Don’t miss the Assiniboine Park Zoo, where you can meet rescued polar bears. This adventurous destination beautifully blends countryside charm with urban living.

Costa Rica

If you’re looking for an exotic family getaway, look no further! Whether you’re after thrilling activities like white-water rafting and horseback riding or prefer to unwind on the beach, Costa Rica has it all. You’ll have the chance to spot incredible wildlife, including sloths, tree frogs, toucans, and monkeys. With two international airports, getting around is a breeze!

Germany

While Germany is famous for its beer and the lively Oktoberfest, it’s also a fantastic destination for families. One of the highlights is Europa Park, Europe’s second most popular theme park, nestled in Rust. If your kids are enchanted by fairy tales, this country is a must-visit, boasting over 25,000 castles and palaces, many of which are beautifully preserved.

Ireland

Ireland is a treasure trove of experiences, from ancient castle ruins to breathtaking landscapes. It’s a land steeped in magic and mystery, and it’s even been featured in films like Star Wars. Its compact size makes it easy to explore by car, and with history around every corner and stories shared over cozy pub fires, you’ll feel warmly welcomed wherever you go in Ireland.

Austria

Austria is a dream destination for everyone, no matter the season. In winter, head to Vienna for a delicious hot chocolate topped with mint cream, or send the kids off to ski school in the stunning Alps. When summer rolls around, enjoy the charm of outdoor cafes, lively pubs, and playgrounds. Take a stroll through the vineyards and dive into the rich history showcased in museums and art galleries.

France

The British fascination with all things French continues to grow. From camping spots to all-inclusive resorts and luxurious homes, families have a wealth of options for their holidays. With fantastic attractions like Disneyland Paris, exciting watersports, and stunning tropical beaches, it would be a shame to overlook this gem.

Turkey

Turkey is an excellent family-friendly destination, featuring gorgeous beaches and a variety of watersports. Many resorts cater to children with kids' clubs and activities for teens, allowing parents to unwind and relax. Plus, there are incredible tourist attractions to explore, including ancient ruins, mini-golf, and thrilling waterparks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a destination good for a family holiday?

A good family holiday spot offers a mix of kid-friendly activities, safe surroundings, comfortable accommodation, and fun attractions that both adults and children can enjoy. Many families also look for good beaches, adventure parks, museums, and cultural experiences.

Which destination is best for sunshine and kids’ activities?

Tenerife is a top choice. The island offers family-friendly hotels with kids’ clubs, exciting waterparks like Siam Park, and plenty of beaches to relax on.

What family activities can we enjoy in Denmark?

Denmark is great for families interested in history and adventure. Kids can explore the Viking Ship Museum, visit interactive villages, enjoy LEGOLAND in Billund, and experience Europe’s oldest amusement park in Copenhagen.

Is Italy suitable for trips with young children?

Yes! Italy is extremely welcoming to families. It offers beautiful beaches, historic sites, fun attractions, and delicious food. Italians are known for making children feel right at home.

Is Perth a good option for families travelling from the UK?

Yes. Perth offers sunny weather, wildlife parks, beaches, nature reserves, and engaging museums. With direct flights from London, it’s especially convenient for families with older children.

What can families do in Cyprus?

Cyprus offers clean beaches, warm weather, and family spots like Limassol’s Municipal Park and The Galaxy recreational centre. You can also explore the historic city of Paphos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Is Gozo suitable for teenagers?

Gozo is ideal for teens. Activities include horseback riding, shallow diving, and exploring locations featured in popular TV shows. Its beautiful scenery and adventurous experiences make it a hit with older kids.

Why choose Hawaii for a family holiday?

Hawaii combines tropical beauty with family-friendly activities. Kids can enjoy donkey rides, learn history at Pearl Harbor, and take a scenic ride on Maui’s sugar cane train.

Is Benidorm good for children?

Yes, Benidorm is full of family fun. It offers sandy beaches, water sports, rope bridges, and waterslides—making it perfect for an energetic beach getaway.

Why is Orlando popular with families?

Orlando is famous for its theme parks, magical experiences, and family entertainment. Children can explore immersive attractions, see their favourite characters, and enjoy shows.

What makes Portugal a family-friendly destination?

Portugal, especially the Algarve, has stunning beaches, warm weather, fun theme parks like Zoomarine, and plenty of resorts designed for families.

What can families do in Melbourne?

Families can visit wildlife sanctuaries, relax on beaches, hike through nature, or explore museums. Melbourne offers a mix of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences.

Is New York City suitable for kids?

Absolutely. New York is full of museums, parks, entertainment, and family-friendly attractions. Visiting during November lets you enjoy the famous Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Why should families consider Peru?

Peru offers ancient history, stunning landscapes, and warm local hospitality. Families can explore Machu Picchu, enjoy vibrant cities, and parents can experience world-class dining.

What family activities are available in Canada?

Canada is great for outdoor adventures. Families can explore Banff National Park, walk on glaciers, see beautiful lakes, and visit wildlife parks like Assiniboine Park Zoo.

What makes Costa Rica ideal for adventurous families?

Costa Rica offers thrilling activities such as white-water rafting, horseback riding, and wildlife spotting. Families can enjoy beaches, nature reserves, and easy travel with two international airports.

Is Germany good for a family holiday?

Yes. Germany has exciting attractions like Europa Park and thousands of fairy-tale castles and palaces that children love exploring.

Why visit Ireland with family?

Ireland offers magical landscapes, castles, friendly locals, and easy road trips. It’s compact and rich in history, making sightseeing simple and enjoyable.

Is Austria a good destination year-round?

Austria is perfect in any season. Enjoy skiing in winter or outdoor cafés, playgrounds, vineyards, and cultural sites in summer.

What family activities does France offer?

France has something for everyone—theme parks, beautiful beaches, camping sites, water sports, and charming towns. Families also enjoy visiting popular attractions like Disneyland Paris.

What makes Turkey a family-friendly place?

Turkey offers beautiful beaches, warm weather, kids’ clubs, teen activities, and fun attractions like ancient ruins and exciting waterparks.