Holidays with great toddler activities

[MillyMollyMiley]

Looking to book either pre-summer or late summer (not summer holidays) weeks holiday. Me, DH and our 3 year old.

Ideally in Portugal, Spain, Greece maybe - not really interested in Canary Islands.

We always go for a 1/2 bed apartment because I can not be dealing with tip-toeing around or sitting on a balcony all night but prefer to be self catering. Somehow we just find all inclusives more stressful.

The main thing I'm looking for a hotel with a decent set up for younger children. Good amount of splash pads and play areas that are suitable for 3 year olds.

I'm not going to share our budget, because I'd consider some options based on the overall offerings, location, etc, but I will say we're not rich so I'm not looking to spend £5k on a weeks holiday.

Would love to hear any great places you've stayed that you'd recommend for young children.

Royal Son Bou in Menorca is excellent for children that age.

Another vote for Royal Son Bou

Is the pool better than it looks in the photos? There doesn't seem to be much in the way of splash pad/slides, etc.

From what I remember, it has a few slides coming off a pirate ship, and a sprinkler fountain. It was enough for my dc, but they’re not really water babies. If the splash pool worries you, have a look at Insotel Cala Mandia and Grecotel Marine Palace.

If you want Self catering, have you considered Eurocamp. There’s lovely campsites all over Europe, and if you’re flexible on timings can get some great deals. We have a 4 and 2 yr old, and we’re off to Italy this year. We’ve been every year since we had DS1 and had some great holidays.

You know, I've only ever given Eurocamp a passing glimpse but I think I will look into it more. Any recommendations for really good sites you've been to? We love a beach so I don't want to be too far away from one on any holiday really.

There’s such a variety, depends on whether you want to fly/drive, what your interests are etc. It can be a bit daunting sometimes as there’s too much choice. This year and last year we stayed/ing at Hu campsites (google Hu open air), we think they’re great for younger kids. We went to lake Garda last year stayed at Hu altomincio, which was great for little ones as there’s shallow pools as well as normal pools. We’re going to Hu albatross which is on the Tuscan coast this year, right by a beach. You can book through Eurocamp, but we booked direct. If you’re on Facebook there’s a group called ‘Eurocamp unofficial supporters club’ which has some great advice.

The lake guarda eurocamp always has great feedback on here, one of my friends goes every year.