There’s something truly special about travelling with children. Maybe it’s the way they see magic in the everyday, or how their boundless energy keeps you on your toes (and your step count impressive). Half-term is the perfect excuse to take a break from routine and spend some proper quality time together – away from school runs, screens, and that never-ending laundry basket.
Whether you’re chasing sunshine, snowflakes or simple adventures close to home, here are some of the best half-term destinations to make memories that last longer than any fridge magnet.
1. Lanzarote, Canary Islands
Best for: Winter sun and sandy smiles
With its otherworldly volcanic landscapes, family-friendly beaches and just a four-hour flight from the UK, Lanzarote is a brilliant pick for a sunshine-filled half-term escape. The island strikes the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation – kids can climb over lava rocks or learn something new at the Casa de los Volcanes Museum.
When the exploring’s done, there’s always time for an ice cream on the promenade, a paddle in the waves, or a lazy lunch with sea views. It’s an easygoing, sunshine-soaked getaway where fun comes naturally – no matter your age.
Don’t miss camel rides through Timanfaya National Park. It’s a guaranteed giggle fest!
2. Morzine, French Alps
Best for: First ski trips and snowball fights
This charming Alpine town is ideal for first-time skiers and anyone who simply loves being in the snow. The ski schools are friendly and reassuring, helping little ones (and a few grown-ups) find their confidence on the slopes.
When it’s time to slow things down, there’s plenty more to enjoy – from gentle sledging hills and scenic cable car rides to cosy cafés serving up endless mugs of hot chocolate. It’s the kind of place where snowy adventures by day naturally turn into early nights and rosy-cheeked smiles.
Even if you’re not skiing, there’s plenty to enjoy. Just pack warm socks and a sense of adventure!
3. Copenhagen, Denmark
Best for: Fairy tales and cosy cafés
Compact, colourful and endlessly charming, Copenhagen is the kind of place that makes family travel feel easy and exciting. Everything’s close together, so you can explore at your own pace. Whether that’s gliding through the canals on a boat tour, meeting polar bears at Copenhagen Zoo, or soaking up the old-world magic of Tivoli Gardens.
The city is stroller-friendly, packed with cosy cafés perfect for warming up, and full of delightful surprises – like hidden playgrounds, quirky museums, and even a royal palace or two. It’s a calm, creative city break with just the right amount of wonder.
And don’t forget the Danish cinnamon buns. Need we say more?
4. The Lake District, UK
Best for: Woodland walks and steam train rides
From gentle hikes to scenic boat trips, the Lake District is full of low-key adventures that feel like stepping into a picture book. It’s the perfect place to slow down and soak up the fresh air, whether you’re feeding ducks on Lake Windermere or rambling along a woodland trail in wellies.
There’s wildlife to spot, stones to skim, and plenty of space for little explorers to run free. When it’s time to rest tired legs, cosy tearooms are always nearby – perfect for storytime over a slice of cake and a warm cuppa.
Follow in the footsteps of Beatrix Potter with a visit to her beloved Hill Top farmhouse, or take thekids on a steam train ride through the countryside and let their imaginations run wild. The Lake District is a timeless kind of getaway, where simple joys turn into treasured memories.
5. Lisbon, Portugal
Best for: Big views and even bigger pastries
Lisbon is a city made for wandering – with its maze of cobbled streets and cheerful yellow trams. There’s the smell of freshly baked pastries floating through the air. It’s a great choice for a half-term getaway with the kids, blending big-city excitement with laid-back charm.
Hop aboard the iconic Tram 28 for a rickety ride through the city’s most scenic neighbourhoods, or dive under the sea (without getting wet) at the impressive Oceanário de Lisboa – one of the largest aquariums in Europe. The kids will love spotting sharks, penguins and even sunfish.
And of course, no visit is complete without a pastel de nata (or two), still warm from the oven. Lisbon is colourful, welcoming, and full of little moments that turn into lifelong memories.
Check out the local Time Out Market. It has food options even fussy eaters will love!
6. Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
Best for: Beach days without the bustle
Quieter than its livelier neighbours, Fuerteventura is the perfect pick if you’re looking for a half-term holiday that’s big on space and low on stress. The island is known for its endless sandy beaches and calm, shallow waters. It’s ideal for paddling, shell-collecting, or simply watching the waves roll in with sandy toes and a sunhat slightly askew.
You’ll find plenty of relaxed, family-friendly resorts where the pace is slow, the pools are warm, and nap time fits naturally between beach adventures and ice cream runs. With wide open spaces to run free and coastal paths to stroll hand-in-hand, it’s a place where everyone – from the littlest traveller to the most experienced– can truly unwind.
Head to the dunes at Corralejo – it’s like a giant natural sandbox.
7. Edinburgh, Scotland
Best for: Castles, cobbles and a touch of magic
Edinburgh is a brilliant UK city break with just the right amount of drama, from ancient castles and cobbled closes to misty hills and mysterious legends. Towering above it all is Edinburgh Castle, where you can watch the One O’Clock Gun fire or peer into the Crown Jewels. Take a wander down the Royal Mile, where bagpipes play, street performers entertain, and every side street feels like a secret waiting to be discovered.
Feeling brave? A ghost tour through the city’s underground vaults adds a spine-tingling twist to your trip – and it’s surprisingly fun for older kids who love a good scare. And for Harry Potter fans, the magic is everywhere: from the café where J.K. Rowling wrote early chapters, to the real-life graveyard that inspired some very familiar names. It’s a city packed with stories, perfect for making a few of your own.
8. Dubai, UAE
Best for: Big wow-factor and guaranteed sunshine
Looking for something unforgettable? Dubai pulls out all the stops. It’s a city of contrasts where you can build sandcastles on the beach in the morning, ski indoors by lunchtime, and ride camels across golden dunes by sunset. With its world-class waterparks, jaw-dropping aquariums and hands-on science centres, it’s a playground for all ages – grandkids, grandparents, and everyone in between.
Burj Khalifa might wow with its dizzying heights, but it’s the little moments – splashing through lazy rivers, sharing dates in the souk, or watching the dancing fountains light up the night – that leave the biggest impression. It may be a longer flight, but for a once-in-a-lifetime half-term treat, Dubai delivers memories that go well beyond the photo album.
Make sure to visit Dubai Miracle Garden – it’s like stepping into a floral fairy tale.
9. Bruges, Belgium
Best for: Waffles, winding streets and chocolate shops
This storybook city is small, charming, and made for unhurried wandering, just the kind of place where every corner feels like a scene from a fairy tale. With its cobbled streets, colourful gables and horse-drawn carriages clip-clopping past, Bruges is a joy to explore at any age.
Take a gentle boat ride through its winding canals, visit the enchanting Toy Museum in nearby Ferrières packed with vintage treasures, or simply follow your nose to one of the many chocolate shops dotted around town. Bruges is easy to navigate on foot, stroller-friendly, and refreshingly calm – a perfect mix of culture, cosiness and kid-friendly fun. And yes, the waffles really are that good.
Every corner has a chocolate shop – don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Make half-term one to remember
Half-term with the children is all about those small, unforgettable moments. The giggles, the games, the “remember when…” stories that get told again and again. Wherever you’re heading – near or far – InsureandGo travel insurance is here to help you travel stress-free. From family-friendly policies to winter sports cover and 24/7 emergency support, we’ll help you focus on what matters most: making memories together.
