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Holidays

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Active holidays but still with sun?

29 replies

WaryQuoter · 07/11/2026 12:01

Looking for some inspiration for a more active holiday next year!
My two girls are 12 and 15 and, how shall I put this nicely… they’ve both podged up a bit lately Between school, screens, snacks and generally not doing a huge amount of physical activity, I think we’re all in need of a holiday where we actually MOVE rather than spending a week rotating between the pool, buffet and sun loungers!
I’m thinking something along the lines of walking/hiking, cycling, kayaking, paddleboarding, water sports, adventure activities etc. Basically something where we’re having fun and being active without it feeling like I’ve booked them onto a military fitness camp!
They’re both old enough now to appreciate doing something a bit more adventurous, and I think it would be good for all three of us to get a bit fitter while actually enjoying ourselves.
Has anyone done an active/adventure holiday with tweens/teens as a solo parent that you’d recommend?
Ideally somewhere where there are other families/teenagers around too, as I think they’d enjoy it much more if they had other kids to join in with.
Would love to hear what you’ve tried, especially anything that worked well for those ages!

OP posts:
Hannahwatts2 · 11/11/2026 10:15

IDasIX · 11/11/2026 09:36

A week or two on an active holiday isn’t going to make much of any difference to their weight, unless you mean you want it to kick start a more active lifestyle and healthier eating on return?

Ye I agree, I'd try to think of it more as letting them have a chance to develop a habit or lifestyle which will help them maintain a healthy weight even when they're back home.

Not much point trying to lose weight during the 1/2 weeks and then going back home and losing all that progress!

hirsuteonHRT · 11/11/2026 11:11

wlinewbie26 · 11/11/2026 09:18

i would have recommended Neilson / Mark Warner too - active holidays but still enjoyable. Not a boot camp feel at all!

can anyone recommend somewhere to stay in Annecy?

@hirsuteonHRTwas Club La Santa full of serious athletes? I’ve heard lots of teams go there for serious training and were very much recreational participators … I wouldn’t want to feel out of my depth! 🤪🤪

No, they have themed weeks that are focused for very serious athletes (triathlon/swimming or cycling specifically) but generally it felt active but not overly pressured. Plenty of stretching classes or fun things to do as well as hyrox or sprint sessions. It is quite a family oriented place so also kid focused sessions etc. for the under 15s.

MiddleAgedDread · 11/11/2026 11:58

another vote for Neilsons!

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