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10 best family holiday destinations for 2024

From France to Florida, we've rounded up the best family-friendly holiday destinations that Mumsnetters love. Read on for travel inspiration and top tips from real parents before booking your next escape.

By Mumsnet HQ | Last updated Mar 11, 2024

Toddlers holding hands in the sea

Whether you're in search of a beach holiday, a city break or an activity-packed escape, there are some destinations that are particularly well suited to families. If you're not sure where to book for your next family holiday, we've got some brilliant recommendations from Mumsnet users who have travelled near and far in search of fun family holidays.

"I’ve got the travel guides etc but nothing helps more than such great personal recommendations..."

Follow in the footsteps of fellow Mumsnetters by considering one of these top family-friendly holiday destinations.

What's the best holiday destination for families?

  • Best short-haul destination: France

  • Best for a UK break: Cornwall

  • Best for an action-packed escape: Florida

  • Best long-haul destination: Mexico

  • Best for budget breaks: Turkey

1. France

Mont St Michel, Normandy, France

Hotels in France | Campsites in France | Activity holidays to France

Whether you're camping in the Dordogne or heading direct to Disneyland Paris, France is a firm family favourite. If you're heading from the UK, it's easy to get to by train, plane, boat or car and there are good value holiday parks, campsites and gites to book for families of all sizes. The beaches in northern France come highly recommended by families, and Paris will always be a sure-fire hit for a fun-packed city break.

Best family-friendly destinations in France, according to parents

  • Normandy: "We’ve often had holidays on the Normandy beaches. They’re mostly sand dunes and very safe. We’ve always had good warm weather. There’s a lot of little coastal towns that come alive for the summer when the Parisians go to their summer houses. Houlgate and surround area is good. It’s a short, straightforward drive from the tunnel or Calais" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Beebumble2

  • Disneyland Paris: "I’ve been lots of times and always stayed in the Disney hotels. I find the theming just makes it feel more special and it’s handy to be able to walk to the park" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Tigerwhocameforsupper

  • Antibes: "Juan Les Pins. The beach is lovely, really gently shelving, lots of shops and restaurants and it's really easy to get up and down the coast on the train. Carousels on the sea front" - tried and tested by Mumsnet user, MissAmbrosia

Toddlers on the beach at Cala de la Fosca, Spain

Hotels in Spain | Campsites in Spain | Activity holidays in Spain 

Another Euro hit, Spain is ideal for both city breaks (Barcelona! Valencia! Madrid!) and relaxing beach holidays. Mallorca is undoubtedly a good fit for families, meaning it can get pretty busy in the school holidays. If you fancy something a bit quieter, try its sister island Menorca – sea, sangrias (for you) and sunshine (mostly) still guaranteed.

Best family-friendly destinations in Spain, according to parents

  • Tenerife: "We went to Costa Adeje [in Tenerife] last year. It was beautiful and there are a variety of excursions you can take to see more of the island. We did a trip to Mount Twice which was stunning" - recommended by Mumsnet user, funmummy48

  • Barcelona: "It's wonderful. My kids (11, 8 and 6) thoroughly enjoyed it, as did we. Getting around on the Metro quickly became second nature to us and even the children knew where to get on and off it. I would go back in a heartbeat" - recommended by Mumsnet user, OchAyeThaNooh

  • Mallorca: "We really enjoyed both Puerto Pollensa and Cala D'or. They are both really child friendly with lovely beaches" - tried and tested by Mumsnet user, Autumnpumpkin

3. Florida

Magic Kingdom Florida

Hotels in Florida | Apartments in Orlando | Holidays to Florida 

If you're after a bit of a 'bigger' trip, Florida might well be the destination for you. With its theme parks, beaches, fun cities and everglades, there's plenty to see and do that no family member could complain of being bored. It's also a safe bet for year-round sunshine.

Best family-friendly destinations in Florida, according to parents

  • Orlando: "The whole park experience makes for a great family holiday. Not relaxing as very busy but so much fun" - recommended by Mumsnet user, OverByYer

  • Miami: "There’s lots for kids to do - beaches, pools, parks, zoo, seaquarium, boat trips , cycle hire. It’s a fairly easy drive (or coach trip) to the Everglades to do the airboats/gator parks"- tried and tested by Mumsnet user, budgiegirl

  • Florida Keys: The keys are fabulous. Best thing to do is hire a car and start driving down. You'll find some lovely little places. We also drove across to Naples down alligator alley. Well worth the trip - recommended by Mumsnet user, Jon65

4. Cornwall

A view of St Ives beach in Cornwall

Hotels in Cornwall | Cottages in Cornwall | Holiday parks in Cornwall

Perennially popular, Cornwall is a favourite spot for Mumsnetters with kids of all ages. Stunning beaches, cute harbour towns, fresh seafood and pasties galore attract families all year long. If you luck out with the weather, it can feel like you're on a tropical beach escape without having to pay for a long-haul flight or deal with the associated jetlag

Best family-friendly destinations in Cornwall, according to parents

  • St Ives: "We love St Ives. In many ways it's the perfect family holiday destination, because there are five beaches within walking distance and plenty else to keep adults sane, e.g. the art galleries. And, as you say, it's utterly beautiful" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Zzelda

  • Falmouth: "We’re in Falmouth so I’m biased but I love it here. It has a good train line, beaches, restaurants, sailing and a general buzz about the place" - rated by Mumsnet user, PhannyMcNee

  • Mawgan Porth: "Mawgan Porth is between Newquay and Padstow. It’s got a blue flag beach with a surf school and there’s a decent go karting circuit. It’s half an hour from the Eden Project" - recommmended by Mumsnet user, Ricekrispie22

Read next: The best family hotels in Cornwall, as rated by Mumsnetters

5. Greek Islands

Two girls walking in through a Greek town

Hotels in Greece | Villas in Greece | Activity holidays in Greece 

With over 200 islands to choose from, it's no surprise that Greece is a top holiday destination. Depending the island, you're likely to find beaches, historic sights and laidback tavernas within easy reach. And beyond the party hubs of Mykonos and Malia, the vibe is very family friendly.

Best family-friendly Greek islands, according to parents

  • Crete: "We love going to Crete. It is such a big island that there is something for everyone. Our family loves hiking so we normally choose a base town and then try different trails nearby" - tried and tested by Mumsnet user, PashaMashenko

  • Zante: "There was loads to do for kids and we hired a car and drove all over the island which was absolutely stunning. Tsilivi which was very good for restaurants/entertainment/crazy golf and easy to drive or get a taxi to the water park, airport and Zante Town" - rated by Mumsnet user, Startuplife

  • Rhodes: "I’d say Rhodes is the best island for history and probably one of the best for families. It really depends which resort you go to" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Fivemoreminutes1

6. Wales

Ynys llanddwyn, Anglesey, Wales

Hotels in Wales | Cottages in Wales | Holiday parks in Wales

Well known for its mountains and valleys, Wales also boasts some of the most stunning beaches Britain has to offer. In fact, The Gower Peninsula in South Wales was the very first site in the UK to be crowned an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty'. From Cardiff to Carmarthen it's easy to find a scenic spot for a family break.

Best family-friendly destinations in Wales, according to parents

  • Gower Peninsula: "We’ve stayed in the mumbles quite a bit. Lots of ice cream to enjoy and numerous lovely restaurants. Plus the coastal path for nice walks. It’s a great place to take kids" - recommended by Mumsnet user, jellybellydancer

  • Pembrokeshire: "Barafundle Bay and there are some good surfing beaches. Tenby is pretty for a day out and fish and chips. The coastline is beautiful and there's plenty of good walking" - rated by Mumsnet user, reprehensibleme

  • Anglesey: "Rhosneigr has gorgeous beaches, great little shops, lovely places to eat and a fabulous Artisan market every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month. Also has a kite surfing school. Would highly recommend you visit" - recommended by Mumsnet user, VioletBlueBug

7. Lapland

A snowy wooden lodge in Lapland

Hotels in Lapland | Holidays to Lapland | Activities in Lapland

For magical family memories, a trip to Lapland is hard to beat. Even if your kids are a little older and their 'belief' is starting to wear off, it's likely that they'll be wowed by stunning snowy scenes and glimpses of the Northern Lights. It's especially festive in the run up to Christmas as excited kids flock to see Santa in his natural habitat.

Lapland holidays according to Mumsnetters

"We used Canterbury Travel and did a Santa trip which truly exceeded my expectations and I would highly recommend" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Zodlebud

"I'm 21 now and when my parents took me I was 7.5 and my sister 4.5, I think it was the perfect age. We both remember it well enough and it was so magical. It was my favourite holiday aside from the 2 weeks in Disney Florida we did" - rated by Mumsnet user,  RedPandaMama

"It was amazing. I thought that the Santa visit would be the central part, but everything was so amazing, the scenery, and all the tours, that it really wouldn't have mattered if your kids didn't believe still, it was truly magical even without Santa" - recommended by Mumsnet user, thesparkthatbled

8. Italy

Mother and daughter in Italy

Hotels in Italy | Campsites in Italy | Activity holidays to Italy

You don't have to be an art or history buff to enjoy Italy, but if you are, all the better for it. And a trip to the Colosseum in Rome or the ruins in Pompeii can bring the pages of Horrible Histories to life. And for kids that might be more interested in their next meal than The Last Supper, there's food to please even the fussiest of eaters. Oh, and there's a beautiful Mediterranean coastline to explore too. La Dolce Vita in spades.

Best family-friendly destinations in Italy, according to parents

  • Sardinia: "Sardinia is absolutely beautiful, beaches are stunning and amazing food. We did a couple of nights in Bosa and a few up near Alghero" - recommended by Mumsnet user, starsinyourpies

  • Lake Garda: "Malcesine and Limone are both gorgeous. Getting around is easy if you buy the multi boat tickets. Restaurants are full of gorgeous food at reasonable prices" - rated by Mumsnet user, Onlyabean

  • Amalfi Coast: "Amalfi Coast is lovely. There’s a lot to see ( Pompei, Naples etc). There is a bus network that joins the towns up that you can catch from outside the Sorrento train station. Cheapish flights to Naples are usually easy to find" - recommended by Mumsnet user, SJaneS48

9. Turkey

Olu Deniz beach, Turkey

Hotels in Turkey | Apartments in Turkey | Holidays to Turkey

For an exotic escape without a long-haul flight, consider a trip to Turkey where you'll find beautiful beach towns, bustling bazaars and delicious meze dishes. It can be cheaper than a Mediterranean beach break but there are plenty of luxury hotels and family-friendly apartments to choose from.

Best family-friendly destinations in Turkey, according to parents

  • Antalya: "Antalya is lovely, there's a bus that goes on the front of Lara Beach straight to the old town with the ruins and harbour, a few lovely restaurants overlooking the sea" - recommended by Mumsnet user, CustardGoodJamGoodMeatGood

  • Side: "Side is gorgeous, it had some Greek architecture, a ruined temple, an amphitheatre and a beautiful harbour. more European than UK visitors" - rated by Mumsnet user, 70sDuvet

  • Bodrum: "The peninsula itself is lovely. Lots of the coastal towns haven't been discovered by western tourism. Akyarlar, Ortakent Yahsi, Gumusluk and Yalikavak are all lovely little seaside towns" - recommended by Mumsnet user, PencereTencere

10. Mexico

A cobbled street in Oaxaca Mexico

Hotels in Mexico | Holidays to Mexico | Tours in Mexico 

Beaches, ancient culture and amazing food combine in Mexico. It really is one of those trip-of-a-lifetime type places and despite the distance from the UK, there's plenty for families to see and do when there. The Riviera Maya boasts plenty of kid-friendly resorts, with easy access to Playa del Carmen and the Tulum ruins.

Best family-friendly destinations in Mexico, according to parents

  • Riviera Maya: "Just booked our 5th trip! Stay in Riviera Maya which is out of the main Cancun drag. Lots of great trips - Xel-ha, Xsenses, Xcaret. We love it!" - recommended by Mumsnet user, sidsgranny

  • Tulum: "My top suggestion is Tulum, or another place nearby is Akumel. The latter a bit smaller. Both very safe, blue pristine waters, snorkelling, ruins nearby" - recommened by Mumsnet user, Redandblue11

How we chose our recommendations

Recommendations by real parents

Before choosing any destination for our roundups, we first consult the Mumsnet forums. With over 10 million users per month, there’s a lot of suggestions by real parents who have been there, done that when travelling as a family.

Expert guidance and traveller reviews

After we’ve collated our destination picks, we then turn to the experts and consult the likes of TripAdvisorBooking.com, and Expedia to see what their recommendations include for family holiday destinations.

Celebrated hotels

Finally, we cross-referenced all of the above information to find the best family holiday destinations that had won the most awards and recommendations across the board. We feel there’s something here for everyone, to suit every budget.

Why should you trust us?

We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.