Holiday ideas for an active, outdoorsy family

[CoveredInCobwebs]

Kids will be 4, 7 and 9 next summer. We all LOVE our annual ski holiday but I feel like we never have a summer holiday that is quite as good (we usually go somewhere like Aviemore/the Alps, self-cater and organise all activities ourselves) so hunting around for something similar but different.

Criteria would include

• Outdoor activities on tap - hiking/biking/kayaking/paddleboarding/climbing
• Somewhere to swim
• Good food options - I don't mind doing s/c but somewhere that cooked for me would be even better
• Somewhere the kids can meet and play with other kids but NOT somewhere where the kids and adults' activities are segregated - we tried Mark Warner when the older two were very small and hated it because it felt like the whole thing was set up for adults and kids to be separate

I realise this basically sounds like what we've already done. I think I'm dreaming of an American style summer camp for kids but for all of us!
Has anyone done anything vaguely similar that they would really recommend?

Budget?

We're happy to spend a lot on something that really fits the bill. I'm not sure what's reasonable on that front actually as a friend told me recently she'd been priced £15k for a week's (very smart) AI in Europe which seemed madness to me but then after a bit of googling we found it was pretty standard.

Sorry, that wasn't very clear! I'd rather not spend £15k. We don't need very smart. But maybe £10k at the top end?

www.clubmed.co.uk/r/la-palmyre-atlantique/y

The answer is Costa Rica. Specifically Rafiki Safari Lodge and do their Super Lekker package. Best holiday we have ever done and fits all your criteria.

In the uk, have a look at Plas y Brenin. They do loads of great activities and also have a massive network of freelance instructors so that they can tailor something for you if you want something specific. It’s also not far from the coast and Anglesey if you fancy a day away. They have a great kit loan store, and the food is amazing, especially the breakfasts and the home made cake that’s ready when you come back from a day of having fun. pyb.co.uk/

Costa Rica looks amazing!
I love Plas y Brenin (have been there as a younger adult) but the problem with both places seems to be the age of my youngest; lots of activities are 6+. Maybe that's going to be an issue generally.

Ah yes, forgot to clock that. Might be giving their really good customer services a ring to see if they could recommend any instructors or activities that cater for smaller children - they will deal with a lot of school groups so are up to date on what's allowed, what's good fun, and sometimes something you might not have thought of, like a wild camp or something. pyb.co.uk/hire-an-instructor-2/

For when they are older Exodus Travels now do some amazing multi-activity holidays that you might want to look at, starting at 9+.

Canada?
2 days in Vancouver a few in togino to surf and explore - bear watching, whales. The to whistler for some down hill mountain hiking?

Tofino

I love the pico's in northern Spain and the auvergne in france for outdoorsy holidays.

If budget allows my dream outdoor holiday is whistler in Canada or banff for that matter, I love them both summer and winter. Closer to home you can do all of those activities in the caingorms too, my kids loved it there at that age. There's some great outdoors centres in wales too for that matter who offer family packages (not sure of age limitations)

www.familyadventureholidays.com/chateau-de-la-baudonniere-normandy-holidays/

The above holiday looks like it would be fun for kids and adults. Maybe not what you're looking for though.

That isn't really what I had in mind but it does look like a lot of fun!

A Kinderhotel in Austria?

This one gives a flavour of what's available, and Hinterglemm has so much going on that you can choose how much or how little you use the organised activities.

www.ellmauhof.at/en/familyhotel/holidays-children-austria.html

Have a look at Do The North? You rent kayaks and kayak from island to island. I think they drop food and tents to each place so you don’t have to cart that with you. I’ve not done it but some friends have. Don’t know how much fun for you g kids tho.

I took my 2 DSs on an activity holiday in north Italy through Explore. We did kayaking, cycling, walking, swimming, a visit to a Go ape type place. also a visit to the leaning tower of Pisa.

We stayed on a farm, all the families in seperate chalets or accommodation, with all the catering done for us.

Dutch Center Parcs? Try Kempervennen

This is much lower budget so may not be luxurious enough for you, but with kids at that age, we had a great holidays with Eurocamp. Les Ormes at Dol de Bretagne in France has archery, zip wires, horseriding, cycling, swimming in pools with waves, lazy rivers, slides etc and you can sleep in treehouses. Loads of adventure playgrounds around for them to mix with other children. There are decent restaurants in the nearby villages and pizza places on site if you want to avoid cooking.

DC went riding every day.

Just back from another week, really with we could move there all year round

www.clublasanta.co.uk

I was going to say Neilsons beach club but you didn't like Mark Warner so maybe not......although your kids don't have to go to the kids club and some resorts don't have them (but may be less suitable for the younger kids)

Club la Santa is similar to Neilsons and MW too but you can self-cater or do half board.

Check out responsible travel adventure/family active holidays. Intrepid/Explore/Exodus also interesting but more about the experience than just activity.

www.alpineelements.co.uk/activity-holidays/france/morzine
Alp Activ or alpine elements do things like you do but with activities included.
How about a flotilla? ( if you don’t sail already could do a short course here before hand) Kids spend all day sailing with you but hang out with other kids when moored at lunchtimes or in the evenings. Mine reckon it’s the best holiday we’ve ever had!

Neilson's have a beach club now that doesn't have kids' clubs and is set up for families to do activities together: www.neilson.co.uk/beach/greece/retreat-beachclub
I haven't been, but have been on another Neilson's holiday which I thought was great.

Thanks all, keep them coming! It definitely doesn't need to be luxurious or big budget - Eurocamp is a super suggestion - I didn't realise it had so much on offer.