Family travel adventure activities are the secret to trips where no one ends up crying, tantrums are non-existent, and there is zero moaning of the “I’m bored” variety. You’ve all been there. You spend weeks (months) meticulously planning the perfect trip… Only for the kids to stare at screens all day, whilst the adults argue about where to eat. The good news? There’s a better way. And it starts with putting adventure at the heart of your holiday.
Photo by Land O’Lakes, Inc. on Unsplash
In this guide, we’re going to show you how to plan a family holiday everyone will actually remember (for the right reasons).
In this guide
- Why adventure activities work for families
- Picking activities everyone can enjoy
- The best family adventure options
- Planning tips that save headaches
Why adventure activities work for families
Family travel is massive right now.
According to NYU’s 2025 Family Travel Survey, 92% of parents planned to take a holiday with their children in the next 12 months. This is the highest number recorded since before the pandemic.
Great news for holiday providers. A bit of a headache for anyone trying to plan trips.
But here’s the thing…
Not all family trips are created equal. Sure, somewhere nice and relaxing with great food is nice… But in our experience (and from what we hear back from customers), the family holidays that really stick in the memory years later? They are the ones where you do something together.
Active holidays. Shared experiences. A sense of challenge or adventure that sees everyone ‘being present’.
Family travel adventure activities are a perfect way to incorporate all of this into a trip.
From hiking coastal trails to sampling water sports to doing something truly adrenaline-pumping like coasteering in Newquay… Family travel adventure activities have the potential to bring families closer than sitting in front of a TV ever will.
Not only do you get a sense of achievement for everyone… But the stories that come out of adventures are the kind that can keep kids (and adults) laughing for years.
Adventure activities, that is, if everyone is doing them together. Hiking, scrambling, swimming, jumping, and running hard as a family is the antithesis of staring at screens. And everyone is checking their phones.
The benefits of adventure activities for family holidays are that everyone can do them. At their own level. And this shared participation? That’s when family holidays really come alive.
Picking activities everyone can enjoy
This is the bit that usually lets family holidays down.
Parents choose activities that only appeal to one age group. Teenagers groan at things they see as “babying” them. Younger children struggle with or simply aren’t interested in “big kids” adventures. Cue arguing about what to do, parents trying to please everyone, or simply splitting up.
The trick is in choosing activities with wide age appeal. Look for things that:
- Can be adapted for different skill levels
- Involve the whole group working together
- Offer a sense of achievement for all
- Get everyone outdoors and away from screens
Water-based activities are great for this. Kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, etc, can all usually be scaled up or down for different ages and abilities. The same goes for hiking. Choose trails with a variety of routes so all skill levels can have a go.
The best family travel adventure activities are those where everyone is involved, but all can participate at their own level. This means the 8-year-old feels as proud as the 15-year-old.
The best family adventure options
Not sure where to start? Here are some of our proven family favourites that work across multiple age groups.
Coastal adventures
Coastlines offer a huge scope for families. Rock pooling can keep younger children entertained for hours. Cliff walks provide teenagers with the dramatic scenery they want. And for families looking for something a bit more exciting, why not try some coastal activities? Swimming through caves and jumping off rocks are real adrenaline boosters and are genuinely thrilling.
The UK coast is full of such opportunities. Cornwall, in particular, has become something of a hotspot for families seeking this kind of experience.
Water sports
Kayaking and paddleboarding are both easy for most ages to pick up. The vast majority of providers also have family-sized kayaks. These are stable and work really well for mixed groups.
Stand-up paddleboarding is much easier than most people expect. It’s worth noting that most kids learn quickly than adults. Something they all love to remind you of.
Hiking and trail adventures
Trails don’t have to be mountaineering level. Pick routes with features of interest along the way. Waterfalls, viewpoints, and wildlife spots all keep kids motivated.
Pro tip: Let the kids set the pace. It’s not a race. This kind of adventure is about the experience.
Wildlife experience
Seal watching, birdwatching, and wildlife boat trips work for all ages. There is something genuinely magical about seeing animals in their natural environment that entrances everyone.
Cycling adventures
Family cycling trips are another great way to travel. Many providers now offer family hire with child seats, trailers, and kids-sized bikes. Coastal cycle paths and traffic-free routes make this a viable option for families with even young children.
Planning tips that save headaches
This last section is for the planners among you. Because even the best activities can be derailed by a lack of good planning.
Match the activity to your family
Be realistic about fitness levels and attention spans. A ten-mile hike may sound great to you… But will your 6-year-old last more than an hour and a half?
Start smaller than you think you need to. An hour of fun outdoor adventure is way better than a collapsed family after a full-day challenge.
Book in advance
Popular family activities book up quickly. It’s especially true during school holidays. If something is popular, don’t assume you can just turn up.
Family travel in general is increasingly competitive for family bookings due to the fact that 47% of families now choose multigenerational trips.
Check age requirements
Age, height, and swimming abilities will differ between providers. Some adventures have minimum age or ability levels. Double-check so you don’t get everyone excited for nothing.
Pack smart
Nothing will dampen an adventure faster than getting caught short on the right gear. Check what is provided, what you need to bring, and any kit restrictions in advance.
Layers are key for UK-based outdoor activities. The weather changes quickly.
We recommend always packing:
- Sunscreen (yes, even on overcast days)
- Water and snacks
- Spare dry clothes
- Basic first aid supplies
Manage expectations
Talk to your children about what they can expect. If you’re doing something unusual, make sure they know what they will see and what will be expected of them. Showing them photos/videos will help. Get them as excited as possible, but manage their expectations.
If someone is nervous, acknowledge it. It’s ok and normal. The best adventure providers have a way of putting anxious first-timers at complete ease.
Built-in recovery time
Don’t fill every day with high-energy adventures. It’s ok to take a day to chill. In fact, it’s important. Kids (and adults) need time to recover. A day by the beach after an adventure day is a great way to recharge and keep the whole family happy.
Bringing it all together
Planning family travel adventure activities doesn’t need to be hard.
The formula is simple:
- Pick activities that work for everyone
- Book well in advance to avoid disappointment
- Prepare so nothing comes as a surprise
- Focus on shared experiences rather than the ticking of boxes
The best family holidays aren’t about 5-star resorts or high price tags. They are about shared memories that bring everyone closer.
Adventure activities give you exactly this.
Whether this is your first family adventure or your fiftieth… The key is to focus on things that the whole group can do. Where screens get put away. Where no one is checking their phone. Where you actually talk to each other.
These are the holidays that you and your family won’t forget.