Active family holidays
Whether you choose walking, cycling, surfing, sailing, diving, whitewater rafting or a treetop adventure course – or a combination of some or all of these (or any number of other active pursuits besides)! – an active family holiday is a wonderful way to spend time together, allowing you to enjoy a favourite pastime or discover a new hobby together.
Active holidays can be very tiring, which is not always a bad thing but does mean that they are generally best suited to children aged 6 or 7 and up. Depending on the activity and safety requirements, some operators do cater to younger kids. Accommodation and meals are generally included in the holiday price, leaving you free to concentrate on wearing yourselves out…
Favourite of the month
Simply Morzine
Simply Morzine Summer special offer
10% off Chalet Madeleine & Chalet Carving (self-catered)
Top offers
The Adventure Company late family deals
Check out the latest offers for adventure holidays...More
Simply Morzine Summer special offer
10% off Chalet Madeleine & Chalet Carving (self-...More
Our favourites
1) Best active family holidays for infants and toddlers
Our favourite active family holidays for families with toddlers and pre-school age children More about Best active family holidays for infants and toddlers
2) Best active family holidays for tweens and teenagers
Our favourite active family holidays for families with tweens and teenagers More about Best active family holidays for tweens and teenagers
3) Best active family holidays for mixed ages
Our favourite active family holidays for families with a wider child age range More about Best active family holidays for mixed ages
4) Best active family holidays for young kids
Our favourite active family holidays for families with children at primary school More about Best active family holidays for young kids
Tips
Study age limits for the holiday you’re considering and make sure you’re confident the activities are within both yours and your child’s abilities, fitness levels and comfort zones.
Don’t rule out certain types of holiday for your family. Some cycling operators provide child-seats/trailers, while walking holidays with tots are possible using combined rucksacks/child-carriers. Some offer discounts/free places for very young siblings, but check there’s enough to entertain them on-site or nearby (perhaps a swimming pool or a playroom).
Ask if instruction is given by fluent English-speakers, and if children can do activities without parental accompaniment if necessary.
Check whether insurance is included or you need to take out your own.
Ask if you need to invest in specialist clothing or equipment. Most operators provide everything you need, although sturdy footwear is a must. Old trainers and clothes are generally advisable. Avoid jeans, which become heavy when dirty or wet, and take a set of lightweight waterproofs.
In the unlikely event there are no laundry facilities on-site or nearby, pack accordingly. Take plenty of plastic bags for carrying spare clothes/dirty or wet items.
Make a list of essentials needed on your type of holiday, remembering that even for summer activity holidays you need to be prepared for nearly all kinds of weather. These may include: a water-bottle, sunblock, lip salve, sunglasses with cord, fleece tops for evenings, insect repellent/sting relief and a waterproof camera.
See also our tips pages on whitewater rafting, diving, boating and surfing.
Family Holiday Finder
I want to go to....
On this type of family holiday
Explore Destinations
Booking Specials
Special Offer
Free Photobox Gift Voucher - up to £40
Book selected family holidays with us and receive a Photobox gift voucher worth up to £40.
Find out more
