Wellness

Funny plans for kids on holidays

a group of people riding bikes on a beach

a couple of people that are standing in the sand on a beach

a man riding a wave on a surfboard in the water

a group of people swimming in a pool of water

a group of people riding skis on a body of water

Date of publication 03/07/2017

Taking the whole family on vacation can be deeply rewarding, and can create lasting memories for everyone. Keeping the kids entertained on vacation can be a challenge, but it doesn’t always have to be a stress. Here are some simple tips to keep in mind when you plan your next family holiday. At Iberostar we want to make it easier for you (and your pocket), discover the kids free hotels on our official wb.

SHAWN MOKSVOLD

Make an effort to break the routine

Breaking out of the comfort zone is not only good for grown-ups, it can stimulate children’s minds and create lasting memories and exhilarating experiences. All year long at school, your kids are drilled and molded to conform to routines. Change it up with something different and watch their faces light up.

SHAWN MOKSVOLD

Sports can be the key

Play a game, practice a team sport, or challenge the physical fitness of the whole family. Few activities are more effective in bringing parents and children together to get out of the rut. Sports like tennis teach the value of teamwork, develop mental strength and bring the family together. A little friendly competition goes a long way, and why not exercise a little while building on those important family dynamics?

SHAWN MOKSVOLD

Take advantage of your surroundings

If you’re on a coastal vacation, use the beaches, swimming pools and play areas to get wet and cool down at the same time. Sit down in the sand and make sand castles, sculptures, or write messages in the sand, all together as a family. If you’re on a mountain holiday, take hikes together, finding and identifying the flora and fauna of the surrounding countryside.

SHAWN MOKSVOLD

Visit the right museums

Some museums aren’t exactly suited for children. As much as you may find Baroque sculpture fascinating, the kids might not be so stimulated. Find exhibitions that cater to kids and adults alike, and visit museums adapted to children so they can approach learning in a fun way. Try natural history museums and educational approaches to media like film, comics and music.

SHAWN MOKSVOLD

Get creative together

Do activities together like writing stories, playing board games, or writing in a journal about what happened during the day. Creative expression and family interaction help children understand their emotions, and develop language abilities, communication skills and emotional intelligence. Lead by example and do all your activities together.

SHAWN MOKSVOLD

Enjoy the open air

Make picnics and have meals in the great outdoors and take in the open air together as a family. Get the children involved with the food preparation and packing and then afterward, play a few tried and true family games, like “clap and catch,” “treasure hunt” and “two truths and one lie” to bring the family even closer.

SHAWN MOKSVOLD

Take advantage of your hotel’s children’s entertainment

Encourage your kids to play with others, all the while strengthening their social skills and creating lasting memories of your vacation as a family. Find ways to help them break the ice and guide them through the often difficult process of making new friends. In all our family hotels, you will find plenty of activities for children that will help them to be entertained and happy during their vacations.

SHAWN MOKSVOLD

Role-play with your kids

Play fantasy and invent fictional characters together. Pirates are a classic make believe theme that never fails, especially on vacation. Don’t hold back—put on the make up, get the props and wear the costumes. Your kids won’t forget such a fun experience of pretend adventure, especially in a new, unexplored environment.

SHAWN MOKSVOLD

Teach them new skills like as fishing, swimming, or surfing

Nothing breaks up the routine of a normal day like learning a challenging new activity. Some sports, like fishing, bring everyone closer to nature. Others, such as surfing, are notoriously difficult to master. But no matter, try it as a family and everyone can laugh and experience the trial and error together.

SHAWN MOKSVOLD

Photography by Cordon Press and Getty Images

Find in:

Iberostar Hotels & Resorts is a leading hotel chain that is committed to developing a responsible tourism model, focused on caring for both people and the environment. It has more than 100 four- and five-star located in the most popular vacation destinations in Europe, Africa and America. As part of the Iberostar hotel portfolio, guests can enjoy beachfront hotels, city hotels and heritage hotels. In addition, there is the JOIA category, the highest level of luxury and excellence. Enjoy an all-inclusive holiday with your family, partner or friends at hotels in , Tenerife, on the Costa del Sol, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica or Brazil. Experience the essence of the city at one of our hotels in Barcelona or Lima. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the history and tradition of destinations like Montenegro. The alliance between Iberostar and IHG excludes Iberostar’s interests in Cuba.