Do you dream of exciting family adventures? Are you bored with the same old holidays to the beach and only seeing a small part of the country you visit? If so, we’ve got some great ideas to add an active and slightly off the beaten track twist to your next family holiday!
Active holidays are great for exploring new places as a family, while keeping physically fit and experiencing things you can’t do as easily at home. It’s not often that today’s busy family life lets you spend time together without thinking about the next meal, washing, or kids’ club, so make the most of your time together with one of these unique ideas for a great family adventure.
Top Active Family Holiday Ideas
Water Sports Holidays
Learning a new water sport is a brilliant way to spend time together as a family. Water sports work well as part of a more relaxing beach holiday or as part of a family mountain holiday by a lake or river.
Ideas for a family kayak holiday in the UK
Kayaking and canoeing are fantastic ways to explore a new place and great for younger children who can share a kayak with an adult.
In the UK, the Lake District is a fantastic location for a kayaking holiday. The many lakes, campsites and holiday parks make it an excellent choice for a family holiday to fit any budget. The Scottish Highlands are another brilliant choice for a family kayaking holiday with imposing scenery and calm, sheltered bays.
If you prefer meandering waterways to lakes, the Norfolk Broads is a great choice with plenty of beautiful countryside and charming villages to explore.
Kayak between islands in Croatia
Further afield, Croatia’s Elaphiti Islands are a dream location. The car-free island of Lopud and the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea provide opportunities for kayaking between islands and swimming and snorkelling in the wonderfully secluded bays.
Wild camp on a private island in Sweden
If wild camping is your thing or something you want to experience, Södermanland in Sweden is an epic location with flat, warm waters and incredible scenery.
Family Surfing holidays
Playa Guiones in Costa Rica is an incredible location for a family surfing holiday, especially when combined with exploring local waterfalls, hiking through cloud forest trails and perhaps even helping with some beach clean up or tree planting activities. Tamarindo is another location that’s great for surfing, with a long sandy beach and plenty of surf camps that cater for families.
The Algarve in Portugal has plenty of sheltered beaches perfect for beginners learning to surf. While you’re there, take the time to explore Sagres, Cascais and Lisbon.
Family Wildlife Adventure Holidays
A safari holiday is one of those family adventure trips that everyone will remember forever. Follow an elephant family in Kenya, watch Zebra migrations in Botswana, see gorillas in Rwanda or head to Zambia where there are thousands of acres of beautiful national park. Whichever option you choose is sure to create lasting memories for the whole family.
Ideas for family cycling holidays
Family cycling holidays are a brilliant way to explore new places, as you can cover a lot of ground in a short space of time, and bike seats and trailers allow even very young children to be involved.
Lake Achensee, Austria
Austria is a great location for a family cycling or mountain holiday.
Cycling in the UK
The Camel Trail in Cornwall is the most famous cycle route in the UK. The 18 mile traffic free route follows an old railway from Padstow to Bodmin. Also in the south of England is the stunning Tarka Trail in Devon, with 30 miles of beautiful traffic-free cycling and beautiful views of the Devon coastline.
Cycling in France
The Loire Valley is famous for châteaux and beautiful scenery. The Loire à Vélo route is an excellent choice for families with flat, well marked trails and plenty to see along the route. The 600km route is ideal for both keen cyclists and families seeking adventure.
Family cycling holiday in Italy
Italy is an amazing destination for a family cycling holiday with something for everyone. Whether you’re exploring historic Rome, adventuring around beautiful Tuscany or heading to a mountain or lake, there’s an adventure around the corner for the whole family.
If you like lakes and water sports, a cycling holiday in Lake Garda is a great choice. Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake. Visitors can explore historic towns while cycling around the lake with the magical backdrop of the Dolomites. There are plenty of cycle paths and low traffic routes for family cycle trips. Lake Garda cycling holidays are a family adventure that will be remembered forever.
Top tips for a family adventure holiday
If you’re wanting to learn a water sport or other skill don’t try and do it alone, a good instructor will make sure the whole family is safe and can all experience the adventure together.
If you’re planning a cycling holiday, consider things like the terrain, traffic and sights along the route. Choose a pace that suits everyone and allow plenty of time for breaks.
Involve the whole family when deciding what to do. It can be hard to find an activity that suits everyone, but there are plenty of options for holidays that include more than one adventure and some relaxation too!
Research to find the best time to visit your ideal location!
If you want to save the trouble of planning a complicated trip yourself, search for a reputable tour operator. They often handle everything for you from flights and transfers to bike hire and meals.
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