5 Epic School Holiday Destinations (Yes, You Can Take the Kids!)
We hear it all the time: 'You can't travel there during school holidays with kids.' But if our family has learned anything, it’s that there is no limit. Our kids take every journey in their stride - they are often way more resilient on the road than they are at home, and to them, it’s all one big adventure.
Whether you love five-star luxury or budget stays, each of these destinations has something for you. You can be as adventurous as you like, but you will still come away with an absolutely incredible experience
Bangkok, Thailand
We’ve been here four times - twice with the kids and twice without and it is one of our son’s absolute favourite places on earth. It is a city of brilliant contrasts and ultimate convenience.
The Vibe: High energy, culturally rich, and really easy to navigate.
For the Kids: You get the perfect mix. One day you’re exploring breath-taking temples, and the next you can be hitting world class indoor soft plays, massive theme parks, and amazing splash pads. For a unique evening, a night time cycle tour and a family cooking class are absolutely unreal.
The Parents' Perspective: Don't skip the famous Khao San Road at night just because you have kids -the atmosphere is so fun!
Why it works: It is arguably one of the most convenient cities ever. Public transport (the Skytrain) is seamless, and you are never more than two minutes away from a pharmacy, a grocery store (7/11 - the kids will love it!), or incredible food. If you're nervous about Asia with kids, start here.
2. Malaga, Spain: A Wholesome Christmas Alternative
Instead of spending a fortune on mediocre festive activities at home, we spoke to the kids, skipped the freezing rain, and headed to Malaga in December. Best decision ever.
The Vibe: Warm, vibrant, and bursting with festive magic.
For the Kids: The city centre is entirely pedestrianised, beautiful, and alive with an evening buzz that kids just absorb. The legendary Christmas light animations on Calle Larios are world class.
The Comfort Hack: We stayed in an Airbnb just outside the city centre. It’s significantly cheaper, and it gave us a chance to experience the authentic, local side of Spanish life.
Why it works: Trading winter coats for sunshine and wholesome family time is a game changer.
3. Chicago, USA: The City That Blew Us Away
We aren't usually massive fans of the States, but Chicago completely stole our hearts - and we only scratched the surface.
The Vibe: A massive, clean metropolis met by a stunning lakeside beach.
For the Kids: Navy Pier has rides, street performers, and great food outlets. There’s a world class aquarium (Shedd Aquarium), amazing play parks, and a huge splash park right in the middle of downtown where the kids can cool off. For a bit of fun, the interactive sports museum is a huge hit, and the American Girl store is every young girl's dream.
Don't Miss: Doing a family cycle ride through the city streets and taking a boat architecture tour along the river.
Why it works: It combines the excitement of a massive city with the relaxed energy of a beach holiday.
4. Sumatra, Indonesia: For the Intrepid Family
This one is for the slightly more experienced traveling family, but wow... it is a total gem. We spent two weeks split between Samosir and Bukit Lawang, and it was unforgettable.
The Vibe: Deep jungle, volcanic lakes, and untamed nature. Far less touristy than the rest of Southeast Asia.
For the Kids: This is real life adventure. Think trekking to spot wild orangutans, jungle river tubing, swimming in stunning waterfalls, and staying in local villages to meet the amazing local people.
Why it works: It’s a real gem that teaches kids a beautiful, slower, and more connected way of living.
5. Chiang Mai, Thailand: The Perfect Slow Down
Chiang Mai offers a much slower, chill pace than Bangkok, making them the ultimate twin-centre holiday pairing.
The Getting There: You can grab a quick flight or take the overnight bus or train - which we highly recommend! They are entirely safe, comfortable, and a massive adventure for the kids.
For the Kids: You can climb up the famous Sticky Waterfall (the limestone gives your feet perfect grip!), go river rafting, visit the zoo/night safari, and see elephants.
An Important Note: Always do your research before booking animal experiences. Ethical sanctuaries will not allow riding or forced touching.
Why it works: It mixes the absolute best night market energy with unforgettable outdoor activities, making it an easy, fun filled favourite for the whole family.
Ready to rewrite your school holidays?
We haven’t been everywhere yet, but if you’re open to trying a slightly different kind of school break, we’re always happy to help.
