Family holidays aren’t just about getting away – they’re about growing closer, laughing louder, and creating the kind of memories your kids will bring up at every family gathering for years to come. Whether wandering along a golden coastline or navigating a quirky local museum, it’s those shared experiences that make travel unforgettable.
In our ever-busy lives, time together is a real luxury. And choosing the right mix of activities can turn a good holiday into a great one. From thrill-seeking teens to imaginative toddlers (and yes, even slightly frazzled parents), we’ve rounded up the very best family activities to do together – wherever your passports take you.
Explore the great outdoors
Nature is the perfect playground – and it’s open all year round! Outdoor adventures are a hit with all ages, especially when there’s space to run wild, climb trees, or chase butterflies.
1. Beach days and rock pools
Sun, sea, and sand between your toes. It’s classic family holiday magic. Try a new beach every day, or return to your favourite beach for a sandcastle showdown. Don’t forget reef shoes and a bucket for collecting shells, sea glass, and any curious creatures you might spot in the rock pools.
These shallow tidal zones are perfect for mini marine discoveries – think scuttling crabs, darting fish, and the occasional starfish surprise. It’s a fun, hands-on way for kids to learn about nature while getting gloriously sandy. Keep an eye on the tide times and always supervise little ones as they explore – it’s all part of the adventure.
2. Hiking adventures
Even little legs can handle a well-marked nature trail. Look for routes with wildlife spotting opportunities or treasure hunt-style maps. Many national parks now offer kid-friendly trails with interactive signs and “junior ranger” challenges.
3. Forests, lakes and nature reserves
From canoeing to zip-lining, natural parks across Europe and beyond are bursting with energy-burning opportunities. You’ll find guided nature walks, birdwatching sessions, and even treehouse stays for a night under the stars.
Tip: Some Travel Insurance policies offer activity cover for hiking, kayaking and more. Check before you trek!
Immerse the family in local culture
One of the most enriching parts of travel is discovering how other people live, eat, celebrate, and create. Immersing your family in local culture doesn’t have to mean museums and long history lectures (unless you’re into that!) – it can be playful, tasty, and completely unforgettable.
4. Take a local cooking class
Food is a delicious way to bring people together. Find a cooking class where the whole family can roll their sleeves up, from handmade pasta in Italy to dumplings in Vietnam. Many family-friendly classes are hands-on, mess-friendly, and include a meal at the end of the class.
5. Join a community workshop
Check for drop-in sessions or family-friendly tours at local craft studios, galleries, or community centres. From pottery painting to batik dyeing, these moments of creativity give your children a tangible connection to the place you’re visiting (and a unique souvenir to take home!).
6. Time your trip with a local festival
From lantern parades to seasonal harvest fairs, local festivals are a feast for the senses. Colourful costumes, music, and community spirit create brilliant memories – and usually some tasty street food, too!
Tip: Learn a few key phrases in the local language together. It’s fun, and the locals love it when kids give it a go!
Splash and play: water-based adventures
From paddling in the shallows to racing down epic waterslides, water activities are a surefire way to keep the whole family smiling. Whether you’re holidaying by the coast, a lake, or staying in a resort with a pool, there’s no shortage of ways to get wet and make waves together.
7. Make a splash at a waterpark
A day at a waterpark is a holiday highlight for many families. Toddlers can paddle in shaded splash zones, older kids can race on multicoloured slides, and grown-ups can sneak off to the lazy river. Look for parks with family facilities like changing stations, shaded lounges, and on-site dining to keep everyone happy.
8. Hop on a boat
Boat trips come in all shapes and sizes – from glass-bottom boats and gentle river cruises to themed pirate voyages complete with treasure maps and face paint. Some offer swim stops in hidden coves, perfect for a family splash in the open sea. Just remember to pack sun hats, snacks, and maybe some sea sickness bands for younger sailors.
9. Try snorkelling together
Snorkelling is a gentle way to introduce kids to the underwater world. Choose calm, shallow spots with lots of marine life, and start with a quick practice session close to shore. Snorkel tours with child-sized equipment and floatation aids are ideal for beginners – and spotting a clownfish or sea cucumber will have little ones talking for days!
Tip: If you plan to do any water-based excursions, double-check that your travel insurance includes water sports cover. InsureandGo’s optional Activity Packs can give you peace of mind while you’re out on (or in!) the water.
Rainy day activities and downtime
Even in paradise, the clouds occasionally roll in. But a rainy day on holiday doesn’t have to be a washout! It can be the perfect excuse to slow things down, recharge, and enjoy some cosy family time.
10. Get creative with arts and crafts
A few crayons, some coloured paper, and a bit of glue can go a long way. Bring a small craft kit or pick up supplies at a local shop. You could make a holiday scrapbook as you go, filled with ticket stubs, postcards, and pressed flowers. Many hotels and resorts also offer creative kids’ clubs with pottery painting, beading or costume-making sessions.
11. Play good old-fashioned games
Pack a travel-sized board game or a deck of cards – ideal for lazy afternoons or after-dinner competitions. Create your own quiz about the trip so far, or turn sightseeing photos into a mini “memory match” game. Even hotel stationery can become part of a spontaneous game of Pictionary!
12. Discover local attractions
If you’re in a city or larger town, look out for indoor attractions like aquariums, hands-on science centres, or planetariums. Or settle in for a family film at the cinema – many tourist hotspots have English-language screenings or kid-friendly films in other languages with subtitles.
13. Embrace the art of doing nothing
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is… nothing. Snuggle up with books or podcasts, order room service, and watch the rain dance on the windows. After all, rest is an important part of a good holiday, especially for kids who’ve been going full-speed all week.
Unforgettable family attractions
Sometimes the most memorable moments come from doing something a little different. While beach days and boat rides are always favourites, adding a few unique or surprising experiences can make your holiday stand out – and give everyone a new story to tell.
14. Explore a family theme park or nature trail
You don’t need rollercoasters to create excitement. Across Europe and beyond, you’ll find wildlife parks, treetop walks, and adventure playgrounds built with families in mind. Many feature obstacle courses, interactive exhibits or zip-lines designed for all age levels.
15. Visit local markets and food halls
Let the kids pick a treat from a local food market or try a “taste test” challenge with regional snacks. Whether it’s croissants in France or gelato in Italy, trying new food together is a great way to explore a culture and make memories.
16. Try a puzzle or adventure trail
Head to a castle, botanical garden, or heritage site that offers a self-guided mystery trail or treasure hunt. These are great for active minds and bodies, and they subtly mix learning with fun.
17. Choose a standout experience
Depending on your destination, this might be a hot air balloon ride, a lantern-lit cave tour, or a visit to a rescue animal sanctuary. Look for activities that are safe, educational, and just a little bit special – something your kids might never do again.
Family fun deserves cover
You’ve spent time planning, booking, and packing. You’ve chosen the activities that will light up little faces and create core memories. So why leave protection to chance?
Family holidays can be full of joyful chaos, from impromptu ice cream runs to sudden swims in the sea. But even the best-laid plans can take a detour. A missed flight, a sprained ankle, or a lost teddy bear in the airport lounge… it happens. That’s where having the right cover makes all the difference.
Cover for adventures and activities
Planning to snorkel, hike, zip-line or paddleboard? Standard insurance policies may not include higher-risk activities, which is why our optional Activity Packs are so useful. They let you tailor your cover based on your plans, so you’re protected whether you’re gliding through caves or building sandcastles.
Support that travels with you
Our 24/7 emergency medical assistance line means help is always just a phone call away, day or night, wherever you are in the world. Whether you’ve misplaced your passport or need a local doctor, we’re here to help you keep calm and carry on.
Make memories, not worries. With InsureandGo Family Travel Insurance, you’ll get flexible, reliable cover design for your whole family. Wherever you’re headed, we’ve got you covered so you can focus on the fun.