For many families, summer holidays mean a week or two stretched out on a towel. But if you fancy shaking things up this year, why not skip the beach and try something a little more active instead?
Sarah Stone, Tour Development Manager at self-guided walking and cycling holiday specialists Macs Adventure, shares her top five alternatives to a traditional beach holiday — all of them family-friendly, all of them memorable.
#1. Wildlife Holidays
If your family loves gathering around nature documentaries, a wildlife holiday could be the perfect way to bring that excitement to life. Seeing your favourite animals up close — rather than on a screen — is one of those experiences kids remember for years.
For the ultimate wildlife adventure, head to the Amazon Rainforest for a chance to spot snakes, monkeys and sloths, or try a safari for a huge variety of wildlife in one trip. Closer to home, the Orkney Islands are a brilliant spot for otters, puffins, seals and even basking sharks. Whale watching trips from the south of Ireland are another great option for a chance to see whales and dolphins in the wild.
Tip: Ask everyone to take their own photos throughout the trip, then put them together into a family wildlife photo book once you’re home.
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#2. National Trail Holidays
If you fancy something more structured than a standard walking holiday, look for a destination with dedicated national trails. These carefully mapped routes take in must-see landmarks, wildlife and forest trails often overlooked by regular tourists — and with a range of trail lengths, there’s usually something to suit every family’s fitness and patience levels.
From the Cotswold Way and Scotland’s Loch Ness trail in the UK to the national parks of the USA, there’s no shortage of options — plenty of them sunny, so you won’t have to give up your dose of summer warmth just because you’ve swapped the sand for hiking boots.
Some trails can even be tackled on two wheels rather than on foot, which can work well if you’ve got younger children who can travel in a bike seat or on a tandem. Just check in advance that the sections you want to cover are bike-friendly.
Tip: Most destinations publish trail maps online, so you can plan your route — and how long it will take with kids in tow — before you go.
#3. Walking Holidays
For families who love exploring every corner of a destination, a walking holiday is hard to beat. As well as keeping everyone active, walking often gets you to places cars and buses simply can’t reach, opening up some genuinely unique discoveries.
Most walking holiday providers can cater for all levels, and many offer help picking family-friendly routes that won’t be too demanding for younger legs. If you’ve got curious kids, choose a route with plenty to look at along the way — the Cotswold villages, with their historic houses and abbeys, are a lovely option. For older children after more of a challenge, walking in the French Alps can be an unforgettable trip.
The beauty of a walking holiday is that you can shape the route entirely around your own family — gentle hillside strolls or something flatter and easier, whatever suits you best.
Tip: If you’ve got a toddler or younger child, a good-quality backpack carrier makes a real difference over a full day’s walk.
#4. Cycling Holidays
If walking isn’t your family’s thing, a cycling holiday might be. Trading beach time for time in the saddle is a great way to boost everyone’s fitness while spending genuine time together as a family.
Cycling holidays are well set up these days, and most can be adapted for younger children — some can even ride tandem with an adult if needed. Just make sure the terrain and distances you choose are realistic for your kids’ age and stamina.
Scotland’s Great Glen Way offers a slightly more challenging cycling adventure, while routes along the River Danube in central Europe are a gentler, family-friendly option with plenty to see along the way.
Tip: Many countries have national cycling associations that can point you toward family-friendly routes if you’re planning independently.
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5. Multi Activity Holidays
Why settle for one activity when you can pack a whole range of adventures into a single trip? Specialist holidays covering canoeing, sailing, climbing and more give families the chance to try new things together, so don’t be afraid to mix it up.
If being out on the water appeals, sailing or canoeing lets you see a destination from a completely different angle — one you’d miss entirely from a car window. Kayaking across Lake Titicaca in Peru, taking in the floating islands of Taquile and Uros, is an unforgettable option, or closer to home, the English Riviera offers a stunning 22-mile coastline the whole family will enjoy exploring.
Multi-activity holidays are brilliant for family bonding and introducing everyone to activities they might never otherwise try — some of your kids might even discover a new hobby along the way. As always, check that the operator can cater for the ages in your family before booking.
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We all love the beach, but sometimes it’s worth skipping it in favour of something new. Whichever of these active family holiday ideas you choose, it’s sure to be one to remember.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do active family holidays work for younger children?
Yes — most walking, cycling and multi-activity holidays can be adapted for younger children, whether that’s a backpack carrier for toddlers on walking trips or a tandem seat for younger cyclists. It’s always worth checking with the operator or destination in advance to confirm a route or activity suits your child’s age and stamina.
What’s the easiest active alternative to a beach holiday for a first try?
A national trail holiday or a gentle walking route tends to be the easiest starting point, since routes can be tailored to length and difficulty, and there’s no specialist equipment or booking required if you’re planning it yourself.
Can these holidays still include some downtime or beach time?
Absolutely. Many of the destinations mentioned — like the English Riviera or coastal walking trails — combine active days with plenty of opportunity to relax by the water too, so it doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing swap.
Related Articles
- 5 Unexpected Destination Ideas for Your Next Family Holiday
- Enjoy These Fabulous Family Cycle Routes in Ireland
- 9 Amazing Family Adventure Centres in Ireland for Guaranteed Fun
Save This for Later
Planning to skip the beach this year? Bookmark this article or save it to your holiday planning board so you’ve got all five ideas ready when it’s time to book.
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