Family holidays = core memories for you and your little love/s. But travelling with kids can take some extra planning to make sure it’s enjoyable for everyone. Whether you dream of a luxury holiday far far away or prefer a relaxed trip close to home, choosing the right destination is crucial to ensure everyone has a good time. But it can be hard to know where to start! So that’s exactly why we’re sharing some great family travel destinations – including child-friendly activities and practical packing tips.
How to find great family travel destinations
Before booking your next family adventure, you should make sure that you can tick all the boxes below to make sure you’ve found a truly great destination:
-
Distance and travel time: Long travel times can be extra tiring for babies and toddlers with so much going on. So if you want to travel further afield, think about what you can reasonably expect your little one to handle. Every child is different and even if you’ve never flown with your little love, you likely know their needs and personality well enough to know if a two or four hour journey is more doable, if a train or plane is going to work or if a car you can stop as often as you need is going to be the safest choice. Whichever you choose, try and pick flights, train journeys and so on that suit your schedule, if baby always sleeps in the car and you can travel over nap time, go for it, if you think they’ll have FOMO on a plane then nap before or after, plan your journey to fit your baby’s needs.
-
Accommodation: Family-friendly accommodation is absolutely essential. Look out for hotels or holiday apartments equipped with cots, and a small kitchen is a really handy option if you need to prepare bottles or meals. It also helps if your chosen accommodation isn’t too far away from sights or other attractions so you don’t have to travel too far once you’re there.
-
Child-friendly activities: Speaking of proximity – it’s best to check beforehand whether there are child-friendly things to do near your holiday accommodation (beyond the things you’re travelling to see/do). Playgrounds, parks, beaches, swimming pools – anything that can help keep your kid/s entertained.
-
Climate: Small children and especially babies are more sensitive to extreme temperatures and should be kept out of direct sunlight as much as possible. So destinations with mild, pleasant climates are a great choice. And always check the weather for the time of year you’re planning to go before booking your family holiday with a toddler or baby
-
Safety and accessibility: Choose a destination that is safe for your baby or toddler, that has a healthcare system you feel comfortable navigating in case of accidents, and that you can easily explore with a stroller or baby carrier. This is especially important if you’re in a place where you’ll be using public transport daily or doing a lot of walking.
Our list of great family travel destinations:
Taking all of the above into account, here is our list of great family travel destinations. They all offer parents with babies and/or toddlers the perfect combination of fun, safety, and ease.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Why? Amsterdam is a hidden gem for travelling families. The city is flat and bicycle-friendly, so you can get around easily even with a stroller or toddler in tow. Everyone, whether young and old, will find something to love among the beautiful canals, colourful neighbourhoods and charming streets. Amsterdam also boasts several interesting museums like the NEMO Science Museum and the Rijksmuseum – brilliantly designed and both educational and exciting for little explorers.
Packing tip: On Amsterdam’s cobbled streets, a regular pushchair can be a bit unwieldy so it’s best to pack a compact, sturdy stroller to make getting around the city easier. Plus, many of the charming cafés and attractions are quite small, so a stroller that’s narrow and folds comes in really handy when you need to stash it under a table or squeeze through narrow spaces.
Barcelona, Spain
Why? In Barcelona, you can reach almost everything on foot. There are also beautiful beaches and wonderful parks, ideal for families with young children. The weather is mostly sunny and mild for most of the year – perfect for outdoor family adventures. Your children will have lots of fun running through colourful parks and marvelling at Antoni Gaudí’s quirky architecture, including the famous Sagrada Família and Park Güell.
Packing tip: Barcelona’s famous Gaudí staircases can be tricky with a stroller. An ergonomic baby carrier is the better option here. It will make climbing to the top of the park or cathedral much easier for both you and your child.
The French Alps, France
Why? You love outdoor family adventures? Then the French Alps should be right at the top of your list of travel destinations for families. The views are always breathtaking, the air is fresh, and there are plenty of family-friendly hiking trails. A truly fantastic holiday destination, especially for nature lovers. In the colder months, skiing fans will be in heaven, while in summer, gentle hikes, sightseeing and cosy mountain villages await visitors of all ages. The fresh, clear air combined with the peace and quiet make the French Alps the perfect place to relax as a family.
Packing tip: The weather in the French Alps can be cool even in summer, so definitely pack multiple layers for the whole family. A comfortable baby carrier is also a must, so you can explore nature on your hikes with ease – especially if your child is too small to walk long distances.
Enjoying a Staycation here in the UK
Why? Sometimes the best holidays outings are those closest to home. You don’t have to navigate jet lag, you can probably drive so you can fill the car up with everything you need, you get all the ease of navigating in your own language, knowing what the shops will have etc. and you can still enjoy all the excitement of a holiday. Besides there’s so many places to choose from: from classic holiday spots like the beaches of Cornwall or the big city lights of London to places more off the beaten track like Dolgellau or Durham! Here’s Mumsnet’s list of best staycation locations for 2025.
Packing tip: If you opt for a local adventure, you’ll have less packing stress. If you’re taking the car then you’ll have more room for essentials for home like baby’s bouncer or some more toys.
Great family travel destinations - your ticket to stress-free holidays
So here they are – our top picks for great family travel destinations. Of course, there are many more, but we think you’re guaranteed to have a great time at any of these locations. Whether you want to cycle through Amsterdam, soak up the sun in Barcelona, or discover the French Alps – there’s something for everyone. And taking into account your individual child/ren’s need is the key to making sure everyone has fun in the end. Pack wisely and prepare together for your fun-filled adventure. Wherever you choose to go, a family trip is all about making memories and spending quality time together!