16 best holidays to go on with babies and toddlers

Spain is such a hit with families, and the short flight time certainly helps. One of the most popular hotels to visit with your loved ones has to be IKOS Andalusia, located in Estepona, and acknowledged in TripAdvisor’s awards as the best all-inclusive resorts in the world.

With two complimentary kids’ clubs offering a range of activities including arts and crafts, sports, cooking and water sports and 24-hour room service, parents will be free to enjoy all the resort has to offer with total peace of mind. 

Whether you take the time out to enjoy the Ikos Spa by Anne Sémonin Paris (with nine private treatment rooms), or one of the eight indoor and outdoor pools, on site hairdressing salon or fitness studio with state-of-the-art equipment.

We went in April and it was the perfect temperature. Andalucia has a mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild winters. If you’re a sunseeker the best time to visit Andalucia is between June and September. The hottest month of the year is August, which might be too warm for the kids.

HELLO! Recommends IKOS Andalusia. 

To book your stay, visit booking.com, TUI.co.uk or Jet2Holidays.

Reviewed by Leanne Bayley. Read the full review of Ikos Andalucia here.

TinyTravelship Approved: “We agree, Ikos is highly recommended by our community.”

Although it’s a slightly longer flight to take with a baby or toddler, the Canary Island of Tenerife is a great choice for a holiday with little ones at any time of year. Some of the most family-friendly resorts include Playa de las Americas and Costa Adeje, but we love the five-star hotel Fantasia Bahia Principe.

Make their dreams come true with the Cinderella-style castle, two splash parks and five outdoor swimming pools and a playground. There is also a heated swimming pool for kids, all-day clubs for children aged 3 and over and plenty of entertainment to keep them occupied in the evening. 

If you’re worried the holiday excitement may impact their sleep, use the blackout blinds to enjoy a slightly longer lie in.

The highest temperatures in Tenerife appear between June and September although the sub tropical climate offers sunshine throughout the year and winter months are equally popular with visitors. The hottest month of the year is August, which might be too hot for little ones. 

We travelled in November but we were unlucky with the weather, and experienced rain and chilly temperatures on some days. 

HELLO! Recommends Fantasia Bahia Principe. 

To book your stay, visit Tui.co.uk.

Review by Leanne Bayley. 

The newly-renovated Da Balaia resort perched on the cliffs of the Algarve is a veritable paradise for families with young kids. Guaranteed to offer mum and dad the one thing they really need – a break – this hotel has literally everything you could think of for young families.

First off, there’s the childcare. Taking babies from 4 months old and up to teenagers, there’s a club for every age and a plethora of activities to get stuck into. While many parents start the week sure their child will only want to pop in for a session or two, the GOs (the staff looking after the kids) are so amazing and the fun so plentiful, kiddos are usually begging to stay all day. 

While children are occupied, mum and dad can get some much-earned rest, either taking a dip in the adult-only, chlorine-free zen pool, or getting a treatment in the luxurious Cinq Mondes spa.

Food is divine – with bottle stations in each accommodation block and freshly-made purees. Little ones may prefer the more temperate April and May to the blazing heat of the summer – great deals can be found outside of school holidays too. 

HELLO! Recommends Da Balaia. 

To book your stay, visit Clubmed.co.uk. 

Reviewed by Sophie Vokes-Dudgeon. You can read the full review of Club Med here.

Each of the five Center Parcs villages across the UK is suitable for holidaying with a baby or toddlers, with lots to explore and activities including swimming pools which have separate areas for youngsters, while the crèche offers three-hour sessions for children up to 35 months. The accommodation is fully-equipped too; lodges are fitted with stair gates and have high chairs and a cot.

There’s an array of indoor and outdoor activities for toddlers, from mini football, to pottery painting and much inbetween. Many restaurants include baby stations with free baby food, bottle warmers and anything else your little one could require. There are even soft play zones inside some restaurants so there’s no fear of hungry tantrums while you’re waiting for supper to arrive. 

There are kiddie zones in the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, as well as baby trailers to hire to attach little ones onto the back of bikes if they’re too small to ride. And if you go down to the woods (which you must – because the play parks are a lot of fun) you might be in for a big surprise. A real life teddy bear’s picnic. Sign us up!

If you go out of season, a trip to Centre Parcs will be cheaper. Don’t be put off by the thought of going in the winter as there’s still so much to do. If you’re not tied to school holidays you can get a midweek break for a really good price. Peak summer you may find it to be super busy. 

HELLO! Recommends Centre Parcs. 

To book your stay, visit centreparks.co.uk.

Reviewed by Hannah Hargrave.

For families seeking a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne offers an enchanting escape that caters to all ages. Nestled just a few hours from Ho Chi Minh City, this playground-themed resort draws inspiration from the daring voyages of Spanish maritime explorers, creating a vibrant hub of discovery and fun, perfect keeping the little ones entertained.

The resort features a waterpark complete with a lazy river, splash pad for kids, and thrilling slides, along with a unique cliff jumping pool that promises endless entertainment. For those looking to explore beyond the water, the resort dazzles with live shows, dining experiences, and the opportunity for exciting sand dune adventures.

Families can also enjoy a variety of recreational facilities including paddle boarding, kite flying and yoga, and themed restaurants that enhance the sense of adventure. For parents needing a little downtime, there’s a kid’s club where you can leave your rugrats while you head up to the spa and enjoy some blissful R&R.
We went in April when it was fairly sticky and hot but May, June and September are the key recommended times to visit the resort.

HELLO! Recommends Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne. To book your stay, visit booking.com.

Reviewed by Faye James 

If you’re looking for a family holiday that young kids will love and your teenagers will too, this is it. The Jumeirah Beach Hotel has thrills, spills and unlimited fun for teens thanks to the rides and slides at Wild Wadi Waterpark which is situated on the grounds. There are also tennis courts, football training and cinema under the stars. You’ll also find that the hotel is home to Football Escapes with current and ex-professional players coming from all over to teach the kids a thing or two. 

With vibrant indoor and outdoor spaces and play areas, the Jumeirah Beach Hotel KiDS Club is home to a kaleidoscope of social activities, from aqua fun, to crafting and face painting.

Parents seeking a moment of quiet relaxation can enjoy peace of mind with the babysitting services. Dedicated specialist staff that have met international childcare standards are at hand, so that you and your loved ones remain loved for.

We went in April and it was the perfect time but Dubai is nice all-year round, though bear in mind June – August might be too hot for little ones. 

HELLO! Recommends Jumeirah Beach Hotel. To book your stay, visit booking.com.

Reviewed by Leanne Bayley. You can read the full review of Jumeirah Beach here. 

TinyTravelship approved: “We agree, Jumeriah Beach is highly recommended by our community.”

Sticking with Dubai, but we can’t not include this celebrity favourite. Mrs Hinch, the cleanfluencer with over 4.8 million Instagram followers recently took to her social media account to tell her followers how much she loved her first time staying at the Atlantis in Dubai. 

“Struggling to put into words how incredible this holiday was,” she said. “I’m still in the ‘Atlantis bubble’ I want to take my family back already.”

When asked about travelling with a child who’s neurodiverse, Mrs Hinch, aka Sophie Hinchliffe, said: “It was perfect. The right choice of foods there, little quiet zones, the aquarium was beautiful. They even had little bean bag areas with head phones for kiddies to watch TV if they get overwhelmed at all. The staff are so calm and polite, the atmosphere was perfect. Even the games are which I was a little worried with Ron was ideal. I just can’t fault a thing.”

She concluded: “Both Ron and Len had the time of their lives and that to me was just everything.” 

To book your stay, visit Atlantis.com or via TUI.

TinyTravelship Recommends: “Does a parent pleasing spa hotel with 70 hours of complimentary childcare a week sound like the dream? No need to answer. Feuerstein Nature Family Resort, home to Europe’s first family spa, is a stunning, sophisticated Alpine stay designed to relax and re-energize all ages. Family activities include high ropes and hiking plus pony rides and petting zoos. Complimentary childcare starts from newborn, and all you need to pack for your little ones is their clothes as everything else from nappies to nightlights is provided. In winter, snow dusted mountains dominate the landscape while come summer, you’re dwarfed by verdant sun drenched valleys. Whatever the season, wholesome outdoor adventures, fresh air and quality family time await.”

Winter kicks off around the beginning of December and ski resorts are open from December until Easter. In early April nature awakens and the first signs of spring appear in the valley. The warm yet not too hot days between mid-May and the end of June are ideal. Most alpine huts are open until the end of October and November is the ideal month to enjoy a few days of wellness.

To book your stay, visit TripAdvisor. 

Fairmont Royal Palm, located only twenty minutes away from the Medina of Marrakech, is extremely family-friendly. The enchanting Kids’ Club promises the little guests a world of discoveries with a wide range of activities and a dedicated outdoor play area complete with a trampoline, a bouncy-castle, a mini soccer field, and two mini clay tennis courts. 

The best time to visit Marrakech is in the spring and autumn when temperatures are consistently pleasant without getting unbearably hot. May and September are the most ideal months to visit as rainfall tends to be lower than the other autumn and spring months.

HELLO! Recommends Fairmont Royal Palm. To book your stay, visit fairmont.com.

Reviewed by Kate Thomas. You can read the full review of Fairmont Royal Palm here. 

If you’re looking for something a little more unique, how about the west coast of the Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc, on what’s considered the island’s best beach.

Cliché though it may seem, there is literally something for all family members, whatever age. The kids club (4-12 years) has a playground and treehouse, an imagination zone with books for different ages in a range of languages, hundreds of games and indoor art and craft options. 

Outdoors young guests can explore the island’s unique beauty with activities that include learning Vietnamese, feeding resident Koi fish, kite flying, beach volleyball and going on treasure hunts.

Older children and teens can enjoy watersports like bodyboarding, kayaking, and paddleboarding, and there are quirky activities like latte art or candle making, or more locally inspired classes like lantern making or mastering pho. Health seekers can start the day with sunrise yoga, continue with boxing and end with meditation!

The best time to visit Phu Quoc is during the dry season (November – April). 

To book your stay, visit booking.com. 

Disneyland Paris is the ultimate holiday destination when the kids are young. While an action-packed trip to Paris might have to wait a few years, the theme park in Marne-la-Vallée is the ultimate mini-break location for a young family. 

There’s something for everyone; the little ones will adore the gentle rides and meeting all the characters, while adults can wind down after a busy day in one of the eight resort hotels, go for a spin on the golf course, or hit the shops and bars. And don’t forget sister park Walt Disney Studios, perfect for thrill-seekers and film buffs alike.

If you want to visit when it’s a little less busy, plan to stay mid-week (Tuesdays to Thursdays) during mid-January through mid-March or mid-April through mid-May. You’ll find shorter waiting times. However, there may be fewer scheduled shows and events during these periods. We went in April and had the BEST time as a family. 

If you want to visit whilst the Disney Parks have extended hours and more scheduled shows and events, plan your stay for weekends, including extended holiday weekends, during the summer months and for special seasonal events. However, it will be busier.

HELLO! Recommends Disney Paris.

To book your stay, visit wowcher.co.uk.

Reviewed by Andrea Caamano. 

TinyTravelship Approved: “One of the perks of staying in a Disney hotel is definitely early access to the parks – you’re allowed in an hour before the general masses – however, if you’re looking for a stay that’s a little more Parisian chic, check out this gorgeous airbnb. With two bedrooms, a light and bright Belle Epoque living space, and fully equipped kitchen, you can live like a local while being only a 30 minute metro ride away from the park. Disneyland lacks healthy food options but you can bring your own in so arm yourself with snacks, and try to dodge traditional meal times when the restaurants are at their busiest for less stress.”

You must visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, where the adventure of a jungle safari comes alive right before your eyes. The resort has restaurants, bars, a spa, swimming pool and kids club, and the best bit is that you might even see the zebras and giraffes roaming free from your very own room.

The weather is best from September to November and prices are usually lower at this time.

HELLO! Recommends Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. 

To book your stay, visit British Airways. 

Reviewed by Chloe Best. 

TinyTravelship Approved: “For a parent pleasing holiday to Disneyworld, big on magic and memories but light on crowds and cost, consider checking into this 5 bedroom airbnb in Kissimmee. While you lose out on early access to the park by not staying on site, the Genie Plus pass starts at $15 per person/per day, and considering park hotels are 5x more expensive than local villas, your purse will definitely thank you. If you visit in the height of summer, be prepared for some seriously hot weather – we’d recommend spending your mornings by the villa pool, and heading into Disneyworld in the late afternoon for evening fun until the gates close.” 

When looking for a hotel in Paris, you’ll no doubt want somewhere family-friendly and typically Parisian too. The M Social Hotel Paris Opera is the best of both worlds, and it’s situated on the famous Boulevard Haussmann.

It was glam, it was chic… it was just breathtakingly gorgeous. The rooms were so elegant and featured the very Instagrammable floor-to-ceiling balcony window doors that are so famous in the City of Love.

My kids particularly loved the hotel’s vintage lifts and the décor at the bar on the ground floor.

The hotel is also located close to the metro and is surrounded by incredible restaurant options. It was a big hit with all the family – which goes to show that you should always aim high even when travelling with little ones!

The best time of year to visit Paris with kids is either in the spring or in the early fall. We went in April and it was pretty much perfect. 

HELLO! Recommends M Social Hotel Paris. 

To book your stay, visit booking.com or Expedia. 

Reviewed by Andrea Caamano. 

Jet off to Corfu for some gorgeous sun. Known for its stunning views, MarBella is a great place to go for long relaxing days looking out to the ocean, enjoying the time with your family.

At MarBella, kids can play on their very own waterpark under the watchful eye of qualified staff. Anemelia Aqua Park offers guests their very own water world on site and is the first aqua park in a five-star hotel with slides in Corfu.

We travelled late-September looking for a nice dose of sunshine before winter in the UK and the weather was phenomenal. Though I will say there were a lot more wasps around at this time, which might be a bit tricky with kids (and adults!). 

If you want guaranteed sunshine, it’s best to go between June and August. The hottest month of the year is July and the coolest month of the year is January.

HELLO! Recommends MarBella Corfu.

To book, visit TUI.co.uk, Booking.com, British Airways.

Reviewed by Leanne Bayley. You can read her full review of MarBella here. 

The former hunting-lodge-turned-hotel, which is part of the Luxury Family Hotels (LFH) collection and is located in the picturesque New Forest, isn’t just family-friendly. It’s family-focused. 

New Park Manor is hands-down one of the most convenient and premium places I’ve stayed with my toddler in the UK, and I am a real LFH convert now. Their four other branches dotted around southern England, including Dorset and Cornwall, are firmly on my bucket list.

The 25 rooms and communal areas, including the two restaurants on site, the family-friendly spa, and the children’s facilities including the Ofsted-registered Four Bears Den children’s club, games room, and cinema, have all been given a refurb, so there’s no better time to visit. Plus, the hotel also boasts a playground and outdoor pool.

Every detail has been thought of, from the nappy bins and changing mats in your room (a real game-changer!) to the loan of a Yoto Player radio to keep the kids entertained, and a video monitor as part of their baby-listening service.

There are early dinner seatings for families to dine together with healthy, child-friendly menus and entertainment like colouring books and games, as well as the option to also eat alone in the adults-only restaurant at a later time.

Other touches like the daily film screenings, the milk and cookies station, and the bottle sterilising service all show just how family-focused the hotel is. Plus, you can borrow other equipment such as potties and buggies, subject to availability.

The real highlight for many parents, however, will be the two hours childcare that is included in each night of your stay. You can drop off your kids at The Den while you enjoy some adult-time at the spa or indulge in a treatment. The spa, is, incidentally also child-friendly and great fun for the kids. If you or your little one don’t want to be separated though, you can join in the family stay-and-play sessions.

HELLO! recommends New Park Manor. To book your stay, visit booking.com.

Reviewed by Ainhoa Barcelona. You can read the full review of New Park Manor here.

The Maldives is best known for being an ultra-loved-up destination for couples, but this brand new resort is perfect for taking the family to.

Rather than exclusively housing one-bed villas clearly designed for couples, the Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort has overwater villas with three bedrooms, for the whole family to enjoy the lap of luxury. Imagine your children’s faces when they see the glass bottom bath, perfect for shark spotting during tub time.

The island also had a kids-only pool, complete with slides and swings for hours of fun, and an Avani Kids club to keep them busy. The staff are brilliant with children too, forming a real bond with them and making them feel like royalty. The nap room is a bonus too, for when jetlag strikes. 

In addition, the main restaurant has a buffet-style setup, perfect if you want a relaxed meal with the family rather than being surrounded by honeymooners gazing into one another’s eyes. The staff make a point of getting to know mini guests, even showing them around the buffet, for an extra special touch.

November to April is peak season in The Maldives, outside of this time you might experience monsoons. March and April are the quietest months to visit – aside from the easter holidays, though the island never feels busy thanks to the small number of villas.

HELLO! Recommends Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort. To book your stay, visit booking.com or lastminute.com.