Summer is a time for unforgettable holidays and experiencing lots of activities to do with kids in the summer. These are the months when the vast majority of people take advantage to travel and discover new places, or enjoy a few days relaxing by the sea. At the end of the school year, kids have weeks of holidays that are usually split between summer camps and time with grandparents, while parents plan the days they have to switch off and count down the hours until their holidays begin.
Although travelling with kids can be hard work and more complicated, it’s important to be optimistic and remember that summer also lets you enjoy quality time with your kids. If you’re thinking about what to do on holiday with kids, keep in mind that it’s a chance to make family plans that you’ll remember for a lifetime.
To make it a bit easier, we’re going to give you some tips on the most important things to consider and suggest some ideas for holidays with kids.
Tips for the best holiday plans with kids
It’s not always easy to know what to do on holiday with kids. When you prepare a plan for little ones, there are many more variables that determine the success or failure of your initial idea. That’s why we have selected 5 tips to help you plan the perfect summer with your kids this year.
Choose the right destination for your holidays with kids
Although the age of your kids is key when it comes to preparing any holiday, when you’ve travelled with kids, you know how exhausting a long trip can be if you’re not prepared. That’s why we recommend you choose a destination that’s not too far away, taking into account the activities on offer there. So it’s best to reduce travel time and think of a nearby destination where you can find activities for the little ones.
Research the ideal destination for the little ones
When thinking about a summer holiday with kids, most people think of destinations where you can cool off near the beach or a pool. Spend time writing a short list of possible destinations and note the pros and cons of each one. Types of accommodation, leisure options and accessibility are three points that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Leave room for flexibility
Anyone that has travelled as a family knows that plans or scheduled activities can go out of the window at any time for multiple reasons. So it’s important to remain flexible and open to changes to your initial plan. Find a nearby park or an activity where they can burn off energy and combine moments of relaxation, sport and culture.
Pack smart
Packing for a holiday with kids is not easy, so once you’ve chosen your destination, check how easy it is to buy basics such as nappies or sun cream there, so you can pack lighter and create more space in your suitcase. Baby flip flops are a must-have and fit easily into any suitcase.
Anticipate your children’s needs
Our last piece of advice when travelling with kids is that it’s essential to anticipate their needs. If you know your kids well and you have everything ready, you should know that for walks you will need to have women’s or men’s espadrilles for you, comfortable footwear for the little ones, such as havaianas flip flops for kids, a small first aid kit, and two or three toys for them to play with during the trip or at night when they’re getting ready for bed.
If you follow these tips, we’re sure you’ll enjoy your vacation with kids much more. And if you need help choosing a destination or things to do with kids this summer, here are some recommendations:
Relive history in a different way
Make your holidays with kids a real journey back in time. There are countless plans for enjoying the rich history that Europe offers. Experience an unforgettable show at the Puy du Fou parks, either in Spain or in France, where history comes alive with special effects and epic performances.
Or if you prefer, you can immerse yourself in the many medieval fairs that exist throughout Europe. In Portugal, for example, the Sintra, Silves or Castro Marim fairs are very popular, full of knights, princesses and artisan markets. In cities like Rome, you can take the opportunity to share a piece of history with kids, who will then be amazed to walk through the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, real-life settings for gladiators and emperors.
And if you’re looking for fairy-tale castles, explore Germany’s fortresses, such as the famous Neuschwanstein, a unique place that served as inspiration for the Disney empire. An educational and exciting experience that will spark an interest in history for the whole family.
Water parks are a guaranteed success
If you haven’t yet experienced a visit to a water park with your kids, you can’t let this summer pass without doing so. If your kids are the right age, it’s a perfect activity for parents and kids. In Spain, we have some of the best in Europe. The prize goes to Siam Park in Tenerife, with the highest recognition in terms of tourism and excellence, offering activities for all ages. But there is also the Western Water Park in Magaluf (with a Wild West theme) or the Costa Caribe Aquatic Park in Port Aventura (Tarragona), which can be combined with access to the famous theme park.
In southern Europe there is also Zoomarine (Albufeira) and Slide & Splash, both in Portugal, and Etnaland (Sicily) or Gardaland (Verona), offering giant slides and children’s areas in ideal settings for spending the day. If you’re travelling around Europe and you’re looking for a change from city visits in Germany, there is a water park with exotic touches that will transport you to another place, Tropical Islands in Germany or Aqualand Fréjus on the French Riviera, where you can combine adrenaline, laughter and relaxation.
These parks not only guarantee fun, but also quality time for parents and kids. If you opt for this unique experience, remember to pack your favourite havaianas so you can explore any water park in comfort.
Classes and activities as a family
No matter the destination, you can add a lasting memory to your holidays with kids anywhere. There’s always a school where you can take a sailing, windsurfing, or paddleboarding lesson with your family on any beach or town along the coast. You can also take advantage of your holidays to discover local flavours and recipes with a cooking class in any town or city.
A baking workshop, where your kids learn to make their own ice cream or traditional local sweets, or how to make delicious salads or pizzas with local ingredients, is also a way to learn about the flavours and culture of your holiday destination. Plus, when you prepare these recipes back home, you’ll be reminiscing about your summer trip.
An encounter with dinosaurs
If your kids haven’t gone through their dinosaur phase yet, don’t worry, they soon will. There is something magical about these prehistoric animals that captivates adults and children alike, and fortunately, we have several activities for you to do with the little ones. From touring a museum like the Natural History Museum of Milan or the Natural Science Museum in Madrid, where you will find dinosaur skeletons, stuffed animals, and minerals, to visiting a dinosaur theme park. This activity is sure to be a hit. Our favourite parks in Europe are:
- Dino Parque Lourinhã (Portugal). It is the largest dinosaur theme park in the country and is located in an area rich in fossil finds. The park features more than 180 life-size replicas, interactive areas, and simulated excavations.
- Dinópolis Teruel (Spain). This park combines a museum area, a theme park and a science centre. The little ones can see real skeletons, 3D cinema and ride the most fun attractions. Ideal for learning and having fun.
- Dinosaurier-Park Münchehagen (Germany). This huge open-air park near Hanover has more than 230 life-size dinosaur figures, many based on footprints found at the site. It also offers workshops for children to take part in excavations.
- The Dinosaur Museum (UK). A museum located in Dorchester that is dedicated exclusively to dinosaurs. It is specially designed for children, and they can touch and learn by touching and seeing skeletons, fossils and interactive models.
Share the beauty of nature
Finally, and no matter the location, it’s important to always find the time to remind little ones of the importance of caring for our planet. And there’s nothing better than organising a trip to the mountains, a hiking trail, a night outdoors watching meteor showers… there are as many plans or activities as you can imagine. That moment of connecting with nature as a family is sure to be unique.
If you want this summer to be memorable for a lifetime and to take advantage of all the photos you took during those special activities with your kids, remember to make a photo album when you get back. Print the photos and have your kids help you relive the best moments and go over some of the anecdotes you experienced over the past few months.
