Building sand castles, splashing about in the sea, going on horse rides or taking glass-bottomed boat trips - family breaks are all about having fun together. But keeping the whole clan happy on holiday can require some planning - choosing a location with facilities and attractions that appeal to both adults and children, for instance, or picking accommodation that's geared towards families. Get the balance right and you can create something really special; quality time with your loved ones in an idyllic place and fond memories of your trip that will last a lifetime.
Long journeys are often best avoided if you have young children in tow, so opt for a holiday destination that's fairly close to home. Many of the countries that fringe the Mediterranean, such as Spain, Greece or Morocco, are perfect for summer holidays, offering sun-drenched family-friendly resorts less than a four-hour flight from the UK. Spain, in particular, is a firm favourite with families holidaying abroad, and for good reason. Children are at the heart of Spanish life, so it's easy to take them wherever you go, safe in the knowledge they will be welcomed by the locals.
To make sure your break is stress-free, choose a family-friendly resort and check out the local facilities and attractions before you go. Beautiful Costa Blanca on Spain's central Mediterranean coast is a great option for a fun-filled vacation by the sea. The region is peppered with water parks, aquatic zoos and theme parks that are always a big hit with children, and usually enjoyable for adults too. Aqualandia, one of the biggest water parks in the world, is a good option on a hot day. The kids can keep cool on more than twenty water slides, chutes and rides, while parents can relax in a giant hot tub surrounded by subtropical gardens. For a truly unforgettable family experience, fans of marine creatures can get a very special treat at Mundomar Park by booking a swimming session with the sea lions or dolphins. If your family prefers adrenalin activities and funfair rides, Terra Mitica theme park is packed with thrills and spills from the looping roller coaster to the water log ride.
Keep your children engaged by trying out a range of activities. Follow a lazy bucket-and-spade day at the beach with a morning exploring a local nature reserve, or find out about horse rides, boat trips or even camel rides in the area. Of the Spanish islands, Tenerife is perhaps the most family friendly. Its resorts offer entertainment for all ages and accommodation is usually designed to cater for two adults and two children. Animal attractions such as Jungle Land and Monkey Park are a ready-made family day out. Loro Parque - a huge marine zoo - has the largest dolphin pool and the longest shark tunnel in Europe, making it a must-see destination for underwater enthusiasts. An abundance of water-based activities are also on offer at the island's beaches, including windsurfing, snorkelling and exhilarating banana boat rides. But the island's natural features are just as enticing. Mount Teide National Park is an awe-inspiring volcanic landscape topped by Spain's highest mountain. If the scenery alone doesn't capture the whole family's imagination, the cable-car ride to the summit is sure to thrill.
For the ultimate family beach holiday, try to choose a resort with calm waters and a gently shelving beach - safe enough for little ones to play in the shallows, while adults can swim out further for snorkelling. Though it has a reputation as a party destination and hedonist's playground, Ibiza has some surprising plus-points for family holidaymakers. Its beaches are particularly suitable for children and there are plenty of quieter resorts on the island, away from the heaving clubs of Ibiza Town and San Antonio. Santa Eulalia, Ibiza's third largest resort, is popular for its relaxing atmosphere and sandy family-friendly beach, while pretty Portinatx's shallow clear waters and powdery sand beaches make it the perfect place for families to engage in gentle outdoor pursuits like snorkelling or walking.
While Spain looks to have cornered the market in family seaside fun, Morocco is a fantastic destination with a more exotic flavour. The whole family can experience the colourful sights, sounds and smells of Marrakech with a visit to the Djemma el Fna in the heart of the old city - a huge square which comes alive in the late afternoon with street entertainers, snake charmers and musicians, plus stalls selling crafts and local fare. Beyond the city, there are a multitude of activities to keep the family entertained. No visit to Morocco would be complete without a camel ride through the sand dunes. Quad biking in the desert and pony rides along the shore are both popular activities for families. The main tourist centres also boast their fair share of classic family attractions that are more in tune with nature than most. Near Marrakech, Terres d'Amanar Mountain Adventure Park near Marrakech features treetop walks, zip lines, nature trails, horse riding and more, while Jet Atlas Water Park offers the whole family the opportunity to try jet skiing, water skiing, wake boarding or banana boat rides on a beautiful natural lake.
Factoring in some relaxation time for mum and dad means making sure the children are entertained, so pick a hotel with a good Kids Club or animation team. Many hotels run day clubs with supervised activities and games for youngsters that leave parents free to lounge in the sun or soak up the local culture without boring their offspring. If you have very young children, look for hotels with babysitting services. That way, you can have a few evenings to enjoy as a couple, and even stay out late for moonlit drinks. Holiday destinations in countries like Spain and Morocco usually have plenty of informal restaurants where you can dine out as a family. Most restaurants cater for children with pizza and other dishes that appeal to kids, alongside local and more sophisticated fare for the adults.
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