Top Family Summer Holiday Destinations for 2025

Summer is finally here, making it the perfect time for families to start planning their summer holidays. Whether you’re after a fun-filled family break or a long-overdue reunion, the longer days and warmer weather make it a great opportunity to organise your next trip.

Whether you’re after a beach break, an outdoor adventure, or a change of scenery, there are ideal destinations for every generation, from toddlers to grandparents, with plenty of fun, comfort, and memorable moments along the way.

Here are 8 destinations that bring together sunshine, adventure, and quality time for the whole family, along with some summer travel essentials to help you stay prepared.

1. Lake Garda, Italy

Lake Garda is a beautiful and relaxed family destination with lots of sunshine in summer. With swimming, boat rides, and gelato around every corner, it’s ideal for kids and parents alike.

Family Highlights:

• Ride the cable car up Monte Baldo for amazing lake views and picnic spots.
• Spend a day at Gardaland, Italy’s biggest theme park, full of rides and shows.
• Enjoy local summer lakeside festivals with fireworks, live music, and markets.

Find out more about Gardaland here.

2. Botswana, Africa

For a once-in-a-lifetime summer adventure, Botswana offers family-friendly safaris, warm weather and incredible wildlife. June to August is dry season, perfect for spotting animals in the wild.

Family Highlights:

• Take a mokoro canoe ride through the Okavango Delta.
• Join a kid-friendly safari in Chobe National Park to see elephants and lions.
• Visit local craft villages for basket weaving demos and traditional storytelling.

Learn more about Botwana safari options here.

3. Lombok, Indonesia

Less crowded than Bali, Lombok is ideal for families who love nature and sunshine. Expect calm beaches, waterfalls, and island adventures in a laid-back setting.

Family Highlights:

• Take a boat to the Gili Islands – car-free and great for safe biking and water play.
• Visit Sendang Gile Waterfall for a jungle hike and a splash at the bottom.
• Explore Sasak village life and spot monkeys at Baun Pusuk Pass.

4. Havana & Varadero, Cuba

Cuba is bursting with sunshine, culture and colour, perfect for a family summer getaway. Explore Havana’s historic streets, then unwind on Varadero’s long beaches.

Family Highlights:

• Ride a vintage car through Old Havana and enjoy ice cream at Coppelia Park.
• Visit the Tropicana Matinee Show, suitable for kids, with live Cuban music.
• Look out for July and August carnivals, street parades, dancing, and food stalls.

Explore family activities in Cuba here.

5. Crete, Greece

Crete is Greece’s largest island and full of summer sunshine. Families can combine beach days with easy cultural discoveries and gentle countryside exploring.

Family Highlights:

• Discover Knossos Palace – an ancient site full of history and mythology.
• Swim in shallow waters at Elafonissi Beach, with its soft sands and natural shade.
• Join local summer food festivals or learn about olive oil production at a farm.

6. Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve in southern Portugal offers wide beaches, warm waters, and relaxed seaside towns. Early summer is warm but quieter, making it ideal for families.

Family Highlights:

• Explore the Benagil Cave on a short boat tour from Carvoeiro.
• Try the slides and pools at Zoomarine Algarve – perfect for a day with kids.
• Stroll the boardwalks of Alvor or watch fishermen at Lagos harbour.

7. Gold Coast, Australia

The Gold Coast is packed with sunshine and adventure – ideal for families who want fun with a bit of everything. Though it’s winter in Australia, the Gold Coast still offers mild weather and loads of family-friendly activities.

Family Highlights:

• Visit theme parks like Warner Bros. Movie World or Sea World Australia.
• Spend time at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary feeding kangaroos and watching shows.
• Relax on wide sandy beaches like Burleigh Heads with picnic spots and calm waves.

Learn more about the Gold Coast here.

8. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is full of outdoor fun, wildlife, and tropical sunshine—perfect for adventurous families who love to explore nature.

Family Highlights:

• Try zip-lining or take a walk through the treetops at Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges.
• Visit Tortuguero National Park to learn about turtles and rainforest life.
• Relax at family lodges with natural hot springs near La Fortuna.

Summer Travel Essentials for Families:

Packing smart makes travelling with children much easier. Here are a few family-friendly essentials to help you prepare:

• Sun cream and insect repellent: For protection during sunny days and evenings outside.
• Reusable water bottles for everyone: Stay hydrated on the go.
• Light clothes, hats, and sunglasses: Keep cool and protected in the heat.
• Travel insurance for the whole family: Peace of mind for unexpected events.
• First aid kit and prescriptions: Always handy for minor bumps or essential medication.
• Games, tablets or books for downtime: Keep everyone entertained during travel or rest time.
• Healthy snacks for travel days: Great for long journeys or hungry moments.
• Power bank to charge devices on the go: Don’t run out of battery mid-adventure.

Before you go, don’t forget travel insurance. It’s a simple step that offers peace of mind and covers the unexpected. Whether it’s flight delays, medical help or lost luggage, it’s good to be prepared.

Ready to plan your summer holiday? Get a free quote here.