Smiling child in pink sunglasses playing in clear turquoise ocean water on a sunny beach holiday

Family holidays 2026 / 2027

Deals from £129 per person

Family holiday? Don't just book it. Thomas Cook it.

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Many other travel companies have hidden fees, which aren't included in the final price. With Thomas Cook, the price you see is the price you’ll pay. Deposits as low as £1pp on long haul destinations.

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Low deposits

Secure your next holiday from £39pp

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Hassle free monthly instalments, and we don’t include any hidden fees however you decide to pay.

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Spread the cost

Pay monthly without any extra fees

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If you need help while you're out on holiday, you can speak to us on the phone 24/7. So you can rest easy knowing that you get the support you need, when you need it

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Expert help whilst you are on holiday

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We check tons of prices to make sure we give you the best possible deal, but if you can find a cheaper price with a UK based Online Travel Agent within 24 hours of receipt of a booking confirmation from us, we will reduce the price of your holiday or refund the difference to you! Subject to T&Cs*

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Know you are getting the best holiday deal

Family holidays 2026?

A family holiday’s not just time off - it’s proper time together. Overwhelmed by options? We’ve done the sorting - by budget, school dates, short flights, waterparks, you name it. Ready to dive in? Jump straight to the deals page to tailor your search. Or scroll on for our best picks and planning tips.

From budget-friendly gems to luxury escapes, this page is packed with handpicked hotels. The kind with kids’ clubs, teen hangouts, and quiet spaces just for you. Waterparks when you’re full of beans, spas when you’re out of steam. All in sun-soaked spots like Turkey, Greece and Mexico

You bring the chaos, we’ll bring the calm - flights, hotels, and all the family bits you’ll need 👇

Trending Family Holidays 2026

Family holidays: choosing your perfect getaway

What makes the best family holidays? The ones that keep everyone happy - tiny tots to grown-ups - with plenty to see and do.

Here’s what to look for:

  • Kids’ Clubs - You get quiet time, they get crafts, mascots and mini discos they'll love.
  • Splash Parks - Shallow pools and mini slides. Explore 6 of the Best Toddler-Friendly Holidays.
  • Family Rooms - More space, beds, and peace of mind with interconnecting rooms.
  • Family Dining - Buffets, kids’ menus and all-day ice cream keep picky eaters busy.
  • Daytime Activities - No screens, just water polo, archery, mini golf and games galore.
  • Luxury Breaks - Treats for everyone. Here’s 7 Luxury Hotels That Are Great For Kids Too.
  • Waterparks - Pools and slides for all.


Ready to plan? Let’s find your perfect family getaway.

Explore the best destinations for family holidays
Family Holidays 2026 / 2027

Looking for family holiday deals? Here's where to find them.

Where can you go for splash-happy fun? Try waterpark holidays or once-in-a-lifetime Walt Disney World Resort trips. Want something fancy? Look for family-friendly luxury holidays with kids’ perks included. Need something quick? A family weekend break to the Balearics works a treat - perfect for easy sun from spring to autumn.

Keep scrolling for family deals worth packing for.

Top rated All Inclusive family resorts

Love a family getaway but hate the faff? Food, drinks, kids sorted - great. The best all inclusive resorts for families will not only sort your meals, with soft drinks and ice cream on tap (because who’s saying no to that?). They’ll usually chuck in activities and entertainment too, so the kids stay busy - and you actually get a break. Why stress when you can have it all sorted? Find your All Inclusive family holiday below.

More all inclusive family holidays >>

Planning your family holidays: best destinations for 2026?

Not sure where to pitch up next?
Whether you’re planning ahead or winging it last minute, this little guide’s here to help.

Dodge mid-flight meltdowns and squeeze in more fun: 

  • Short Flight Times - Where can you fly with kids in under 3 hours? See 4 Shortest Flights to the Warmest Places.
  • Time-Zone Friendly - How to avoid jet lag with kids? Stick to Europe - just 1-3 hours ahead, so less sleep disruption.
  • Baby-Friendly Travel - Where can you go on holiday with a baby? Anywhere you like! Babies don’t run off yet - so it’s the perfect time to get away.
  • Family-Friendly Spain - Where’s best for kids? Spain’s sunny Costas are a top choice for families.
  • Holidays for Teens - Try bike tours in Crete or kayaking Croatia - active breaks older kids won’t roll their eyes at.

Family holiday packages 2026

Package holidays for families are a solid shout if you’re watching your budget. They sort flights and hotels in one simple deal - one less thing to overthink. What’s covered varies by hotel. All Inclusive means more is bundled (meals, snacks, activities) with fewer extras to pay for. From Full Board to Room Only, every package type offers something different. Need help working out which one is best for you? Check out our easy board basis guide to what’s included.

More family holiday packages >>

How can I save money on family holidays? Smart budget tips

Looking for cheap breaks for families?

Or wondering how to keep it affordable? Here’s how to save money and keep the fun:

  • Spread the Cost - Can I pay for a family holiday in instalments? Yes. Low deposits and payment plans help you spread the cost.
  • Fly for Less - How to get cheap flights? Book early. As seats fill up, prices rise. And choose low-cost airlines like Ryanair or easyJet to keep your spend down.
  • Go where the deals are - Benidorm, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Turkey, Greece or Portugal - all classics for cheap family holidays.
  • Spend Smart - A travel money card keeps your budget on track (and dodges panic exchange rates).
  • Airport Hack - Compare package prices from different airports - school holiday dates differ by region, so you could save if you’re flexible on where you fly from.

Family holidays in Turkey

Turkey is a top choice for family breaks! And it’s not just the beaches that little ones love. When it comes to Turkey family holidays, it’s the supersized, family-friendly hotels that really steal the show. Like, Delphin BE Grand Resort in Antalya - which is basically a waterpark, theme park and hotel rolled into one.

More family-friendly hotels in Turkey >>

Helpful information for stress-free family holidays

Handy tips and useful articles to make your next family holiday hassle-free - whether you’re planning child-friendly holidays 2026 or braving flying with kids for the first time.

From the best family holiday destinations to stress-busting packing lists, here’s where to make kids’ holidays that bit easier:

Child friendly city breaks and family holidays

Looking for family city breaks that blend cultural sights with fun attractions? We've got just the thing! From beach days and must-see landmarks - like the Gaudi buildings in Barcelona to Disneyland Paris Holidays, we’ve got deals in some of Europe’s most impressive cities. Take advantage of those shorter half terms with a two or four day trip.

More child friendly city breaks >>

Going Abroad in the School Holidays

Best time to go on a family holiday? When the kids are off school - of course. But to dodge the peak prices and crowds - go early (more choice) or late (hello, last-minute deals) in the school holidays.

Summer splash or festive dash - there’s a child-friendly spot with your name on it.

  • Planning a July getaway? Start here: School’s out, sun’s up - perfect time to book. See where's hot and grab the best July deals while they last.
  • Summer holiday abroad? Make the most of the school break. Think long days, lazy evenings, easy escapes. See where's hot in August and grab a scorching summer holidays deal.
  • Where to go for October Half Term? Plan your trip with our full October half term holiday guide.
  • Ready for a festive escape? Give them something to brag about with a Lapland escape - made for wide eyes, woolly hats and ‘remember when?’ moments over the Christmas Holidays. Or, see how you can save money on your Christmas market break.
  • Easter School Holidays - With two weeks off school and two bank holidays – Easter is one of the best times to go on a family holiday. Need ideas? Explore the hottest April getaways for families - 15 top spring destinations.

Best family holidays in Greece

Greece family holidays mean sun, sea and ancient wonders - all in one. Splash in hotel kids’ pools, venture out on a boat trip or roam ruins in Athens. Mitsis has family-loved hotels in Rhodes, Crete and Kos, while spots like Exotica Hotel and Spa in Zante mix kids’ fun with quiet zones just for grown-ups.

More family resorts in Greece >>

Family-friendly hotels in Egypt

Family holidays in Egypt are about as exotic as it gets. Water babies will love splashing in the Red Sea from Sharm el Sheikh’s coastal hotels. Holidaying with older kids? Hurghada is a great place to explore those famous coral reefs without worrying about steep drop-offs. The adventures don’t end there either! Turn your trip into a history lesson and let your little ones tell you all about Ancient Egypt as you explore tombs and temples decorated with hieroglyphics. 

More family friendly hotels in Egypt >>

Family Holidays 2026 FAQs

Family Holidays 2026 FAQs

In the UK when do kids break up for the summer holidays?

A In the UK, school holiday dates are set by the local council and school - here's a general guide.

  1. • In England and Wales, the summer term typically ends around the third or fourth week of July, usually 20-25 July, with kids off until early September (2-6 Sept).
  2. • In Scotland, schools usually break up earlier - often in late June (around 28th) - and go back mid-August (usually 12-16 August).
  3. • In Northern Ireland, summer holidays often start in early July and kids return at the end of August (usually the last week).

Travelling with a child with a different surname?

Not sure what paperwork you’ll need? Here's what you need to know.
 

Need family holiday insurance?

Together with the Post Office, we’ve got you covered. Find out how kids can go free on family holiday insurance policies.

What theme park tickets can I book?

From Universal’s Express Passes to LEGOLAND® and Parc Asterix, you’ve got plenty of theme parks to pick from. Skip the queues at Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure, splash out at LEGOLAND® Florida Water Park, get wild at Gatorland or zip through Ancient Siam. One-day passes, multi-park passes - all ready to book in advance.

What are the cheapest family holiday destinations?

Sign up for our latest deals and you’ll be first to know when prices drop.

  • 🏖️ Eastern Europe coastlines - Croatia, Albania (Ksamil/Tirana), and Montenegro.
  • 🏙️ Budget Western Europe city breaks - Krakow, Lisbon, Istanbul and Bucharest are topping cheapest‑city lists.
  • 🏝️ Greek islands & Spanish favourites - Zante, Lanzarote and Majorca are consistently cheap. 
  • 🧳 Package deals - Antalya in Turkey, the Costas in Spain, and Portugal all deliver big, kid-friendly value.

Is it worth booking early for family holidays?

💯 - booking early usually means better prices, more choice on flights and family-friendly rooms, plus extra time to pay with payment plans. You’ll also snap up school holiday dates before they’re gone.

Family holidays under 3 hours away?

There's plenty! 

  • 💃 Spain’s family-friendly Costas - Malaga, Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Alicante, Benidorm, Salou - think beaches, waterparks and family hotels galore.
  • ⛱️ Algarve, Portugal - Faro, Albufeira, Lagos - plenty of soft sand beaches for little feet.
  •  🌊 Balearics (Majorca/Ibiza) - Majorca just about squeaks in at 2.5-3 hours - big family resorts, calm coves, shallow beaches.
  • 🌃 City-hopping - Nice, Paris, Amsterdam or Dublin - you’ll get there in 3 hours or less.

Need help with your booking? Our FAQs have answers - or chat with our travel pros!

See also

Winter sun holidays
Find a winter destination
Adult only holidays
The best adult only holidays and adults only all inclusive resorts
Beach holidays
Find the best beach holidays
City breaks
Discover cheap and last minute city break deals
Luxury holidays
Five star luxury holidays
All Inclusive holidays
Get all you need for one price
Cheap Holidays
Holiday package deals
Long haul holidays
To far-flung shores
Find more family holiday destinations
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