Sometimes, it can be a challenge to plan a family-friendly holiday that offers unique and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Most people assume that all kids would prefer to go on a beach holiday. But kids will actually have more fun if you take them on a holiday that allows them to try some exciting new activities!
If you are planning to embark on a fun-filled holiday with the family, check out these fun ideas for alternative family holidays.
- Norway
When you think of Norway, images of dramatic fjords, snow-capped peaks, and charming fishing villages will come to mind. Indeed, Norway is a land of spectacular beauty and a perfect destination for adventurous families.
If you have adventure-loving kids, then your family holiday to Norway will be a sure-fire success. When visiting in the summer, you can spend your timeĀ sailing the coast of Norway, white water rafting, or kayaking down the beautiful river. Conquer Norwayās dramatic mountains on a hike or visit parks and find that perfect picnic spot.Ā
During winter, stay at cosy log cabins that offer warmth amid a snow-filled day. Take the kids on fun husky sledding adventure through the snowfields, go camping at night, and marvel at the spectacular Northern lights! Before heading home, make sure you check out the colourful Christmas markets, where you’ll find stalls selling all sorts of stuff, from souvenirs to gingerbread and even steaming hot chocolates!
- Dubai
Dubai is probably not the first place that comes to mind when talking about family holidays, but this modern city has plenty to offer when it comes to child-friendly activities. It’s now developing faster than ever, with a growing number of theme parks that can rival those found in the US. In fact, everything that kids love about holidays, Dubai has it covered!
The best thing to do on a luxury holiday in Dubai with the family is to go to the beach. With its soft white sand and shallow warm waters, Jumeirah Beach is the perfect spot to go swimming with your kids. Jumeirah is also home to several luxury hotels and resorts with beautiful pools and water parks. Book an all-inclusive stay at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, an award-winning 5-star hotel located directly across the Arabian shores.
Take your adventurous kids to the Wild Wadi Waterpark, a vast outdoor water park with more than 30 rides and attractions, many of which are interconnected. Another theme park that’s definitely worth checking out is Atlantis the Palm, which also has an enormous waterpark with zippiness that slide through shark-filled tanks!
While in Dubai, immerse your kids in the Middle Eastern culture by joining some fun cultural activities, such as a fun desert safari. This activity will take you to the desert, where you can go on a fun camel ride and witness cultural shows with traditional dinner. Kids can also participate in some fun activities such as dune bashing, sandboarding, and so much more!
- Scotland
Scotland is breath taking, fantastic, and offers plenty of fun activities that can keep your little adventurers feel excited. Whether it’s exploring castles in Edinburgh, dogsledding in the Cairngorms, or discovering Loch Ness, Scotland offers an incredible array of activities for families with kids.
If your little ones love the idea of going on wild camping, then Scotland will be the perfect place to do this. But remember that going on a camping trip with your little ones can be tricky, so you must come prepared. The Glenmore Campsite in the Highlands is a great site to consider for your wild camping. It’s close to the beach on Loch Morlich where you can try some activities like kayaking or canoeing.
Aside from wild camping, you can also take your kids to explore Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh. It’s home to a beautiful medieval old town and the historic Edinburgh Castle. Discover Loch Ness as well, where you could be lucky to spot the infamous Loch Ness monster.
- Sudan
It might come as a surprise, but Sudan is slowly becoming a popular destination for holidays over the recent years. Located in northeast Africa, the country borders Egypt and the Red Sea and is home to the magical Bayuda Desert. Surrounded by cone-shaped black basalt mountains, the Bayuda Desert is not like anything you’ve seen before. So, if you’re looking for something unique to do on your next family adventure, exploring Sudan’s vast desert would be a great idea.
On your travel expedition through the Bayuda Desert, you could come across grazing camels, which indicates the presence of nomad families who live on small huts made from branches and mats. According to archaeological evidence, the Bayuda has been occupied by humans since the Stone Age. The desert also features rock arts, settlement sites, and cemeteries with unusual grave structures.
- Mauritius
Mauritius is an ideal destination for families who love nature and adventure. This small island nation is very family-friendly, offering fantastic child-friendly activities and the most scenic landscapes, from lush forests, white sand beaches to sparking lagoons and lakes.
Mauritius enjoys excellent weather all year round, with pleasant 30-degree sunshine and a nice breeze to keep your little ones cool. As the adults soak up the sun with a cocktail on hand, the kids can indulge in the various water sports by the beach. There are plenty of resorts in Mauritius that cater to families with little kids, such as the Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort. The resort is famous for its Timomo & Friends club, where kids as young as two can participate in fun activities, including crab searching and various Mauritian games.
For holidays with a bit of luxury, book an all-inclusive stay at the Constance Le Prince Maurice. The resort offers elegant family suites with beautiful, thatched roofs and opens to the island’s lovely views. The resort also offers a complimentary Constance Kid’s Club, where kids can participate in fun games and activities. They also have exclusive children’s menu at their restaurant, which is perfect if your little ones are picky eaters.