The 40 Best Places to Go on Holiday with Kids

As part of our 40 for 40 anniversary blog series, we’ve listed 40 of the best family-friendly destinations around the world where kids can explore, parents can relax, and everyone leaves a little more connected.

1–10: Classic Family Favourites

1. Orlando, Florida
The world’s theme park capital is a dream for families. Between Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and endless waterparks, there’s magic at every turn.

2. London, England
History and fun collide in our very own capital; visit the Tower of London, ride the London Eye, browse Hamley’s, and spend an afternoon exploring the Natural History Museum’s dinosaurs.

3. Paris, France
From climbing the Eiffel Tower to meeting Mickey at Disneyland Paris, the City of Light is full of child-friendly wonder and café charm.

4. Gold Coast, Australia
Golden beaches, wildlife parks, and the famous Dreamworld and Sea World make the Gold Coast a playground for all ages.

5. Tokyo, Japan
Kids love Tokyo’s mix of high-tech fun and quirky culture - think Pokémon cafés, the Studio Ghibli Museum, and family-friendly temples.

6. New York City, USA
Central Park, Broadway shows, ferry rides, and world-class museums - New York offers excitement for every generation.

7. Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve is a top choice for European family holidays offering sunshine, family resorts, and calm beaches with gentle waves.

 

8. Dubai, UAE

Dubai is always sunny and packed with attractions, from LEGOLAND to desert safaris, beaches, and the world’s tallest building.

9. Singapore
Singapore is clean, green, and designed for families. Explore Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa Island, and night safaris at the zoo.

10. Florida Keys, USA
These laid-back islands offer snorkelling, kayaking, and dolphin encounters - perfect for an adventurous yet relaxing family escape.

11–20: Magical Escapes & Storybook Settings

11. Copenhagen, Denmark
Visit the original LEGOLAND, sail past The Little Mermaid, and enjoy the old-world charm of Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen.

12. Lapland, Finland
Meet Santa in his hometown, ride a reindeer sleigh, and chase the Northern Lights; this is pure winter magic for kids.

13. Edinburgh, Scotland
Explore castles, ghost tours, the lush Calton Hill, and the Harry Potter-inspired streets of this storybook city.

14. Rome, Italy
History comes alive with gladiators at the Colosseum, and there’s gelato on every corner. Rome is educational and delicious!

15. Barcelona, Spain
City beaches, parks, and Gaudí’s colourful architecture make Barcelona a creative playground for all ages.

16. Cornwall, England
Cornwall makes for a classic British family holiday. Enjoy surf lessons, seaside charm, and mythic castles like Tintagel.

17. Salzburg, Austria
Sing along with The Sound of Music, visit fairy-tale fortresses, and enjoy alpine scenery straight out of a storybook in Salzburg. 

18. Bavaria, Germany
Neuschwanstein Castle, mountain lakes, and family-friendly trails make southern Germany a fairytale come true.

19. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Cycle along canals, explore the NEMO Science Museum, and take a pancake cruise for family fun, Dutch-style.

20. Quebec City, Canada
Europe meets North America in this charming, walkable city full of history, crepes, and winter festivals.

21–30: Wild Adventures & Nature Escapes

21. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is filled with rainforests, volcanoes, and beaches - go ziplining, spot monkeys, or visit a sloth sanctuary - the adventure opportunities are endless.

22. South Africa
A family safari in Kruger National Park or along the Garden Route offers wildlife encounters kids will never forget.

23. New Zealand
New Zealand offers outdoor adventures galore - from glowworm caves to Hobbiton and breathtaking fjords.

24. Canada’s Rockies
Banff and Jasper offer hiking, canoeing, and jaw-dropping scenery in a safe, family-friendly setting.

25. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
In the Galápagos Islands families can snorkel with sea lions and marvel at blue-footed boobies - an unforgettable eco-adventure.

26. Iceland
Waterfalls, geysers, glaciers - Iceland is an open-air science lesson wrapped in stunning natural beauty.

27. Lake Bled, Slovenia
This fairy-tale lake has a castle on a cliff and boats to row to a tiny island church - picture-perfect for families.

28. Kenya
Combine safari adventure with beach relaxation in Kenya - meet the Big Five, then unwind on Diani’s white sands.

29. Hawaii, USA
Volcanoes, waterfalls, snorkelling, and hula lessons - Hawaii balances adventure and relaxation.

30. Norway
Fjords, Viking history, and scenic cable and train rides make Norway both awe-inspiring and surprisingly family friendly.

31–40: Easy Escapes & Relaxed Family Fun

31. Bali, Indonesia
Gentle beaches, cultural temples, and welcoming locals make Bali perfect for families, plus, the kids’ clubs are legendary.

32. Phuket, Thailand
Silky-soft sand, warm seas, and boat trips to nearby islands - Phuket is an affordable paradise offering something special for all ages.

33. Fiji
Fijians adore children, and the country’s family resorts cater to every need, with fun activities from snorkelling to coconut crafts.

34. Mauritius
Turquoise lagoons, family villas, and adventure parks make this Indian Ocean island ideal for all generations.

35. Sri Lanka
From ancient temples to elephants and surf beaches, Sri Lanka makes for an easy, enriching family adventure.

36. California Coast, USA
Drive the Pacific Coast Highway, visit the Monterey Aquarium, and spend lazy days at Santa Monica Pier on a family break to the California Coast. 

37. Vancouver, Canada
Cycle around Stanley Park, visit Grouse Mountain, or take a ferry to see whales - nature meets city in perfect balance in Vancouver.

38. Greek Islands
The islands of Crete, Rhodes, and Naxos offer safe swimming, sunshine, and endless mythology to spark young imaginations.

39. Maldives
The Maldives is not just for honeymoons - exclusive family-friendly resorts across the islands offer incredible activities like snorkelling, dolphin cruises, and overwater adventures.

40. Scotland’s Highlands
Scotland is full of castles, lochs, and wild landscapes where kids can roam free - timeless adventure at its best.

From city breaks to safaris, beaches to castles, these 40 kid-friendly destinations prove that travel is one of the best gifts a family can share.
As our 40 for 40 celebration continues, we’ll be creating more inspirational lists that honour four decades of adventure, discovery, and joy.