20 Fun Activities to Do on Vacation with Children

Going on vacation with children means not only seeing a new city or country, but also having fun, exploring, and creating unforgettable memories together. However, planning a few activities before the trip ensures that the vacation is much more enjoyable and helps you avoid hearing the question, “What are we going to do today?”

From beach vacations to nature trips, museum visits to boat tours, theme parks to camping experiences, there are many options that may appeal to children.

In this article, we have brought together 20 fun activities to do on vacation with children. We also explain how you can evaluate activity, hotel, transportation, and tour options together when planning a family vacation.

What Should You Consider When Choosing Activities for a Vacation with Children?

When choosing an activity to do with children, it is important to consider the child’s age, interests, and the conditions of the region where the vacation will take place.

For example:

• Playgrounds and short-term activities for young children
• Adventure and exploration activities for school-age children
• Water sports, nature walks, and cultural experiences for older children

may be more suitable.

In addition, scheduling outdoor activities in the morning or evening during hot weather can help children feel more comfortable.

20 Fun Activities to Do on Vacation with Children

1. Build Sandcastles on the Beach

Building a sandcastle may seem simple, but it is quite enjoyable for children.

You can create a small play area on the beach with buckets, shovels, and a few toys.

If you like, you can make the activity more fun by organizing a “best sandcastle” competition among family members.

Vacation type: Beach vacation

Suitable age: All ages

2. Take a Boat Tour

One of the most enjoyable activities to do on vacation with children is a boat tour.

Exploring bays from the sea, taking swimming breaks, and seeing different beaches may capture children’s interest.

Especially day boat tours or private boat tours suitable for families are great options to add to your vacation program.

Tip: If you are planning a boat tour with young children, check the tour duration, safety equipment, and suitability for children in advance.

3. Visit an Aquarium

Especially on hot or rainy days, an aquarium visit is a good alternative for families.

Children can have fun while learning as they see different sea creatures up close.

You can combine an aquarium visit with a city tour to turn the day into a fuller program.

4. Go to a Theme Park

One of the most unforgettable vacation activities for children is a visit to a theme park.

Thanks to age-appropriate rides, adventure areas, shows, and entertainment attractions, children can enjoy different experiences for several hours.

Especially during city vacations, planning a theme park visit in advance can help you save time.

5. Explore a Zoo or Wildlife Park

Seeing animals up close is one of the activities that attracts children’s interest.

Through visits to zoos, wildlife parks, or animal shelters, children can learn about different animal species.

Whenever possible, choose educational facilities that prioritize animal welfare.

6. Go on a Nature Walk

Instead of spending all your vacation time at the hotel or on the beach, you can plan a short nature walk.

By choosing easy trails suitable for the children’s ages, you can:

• Observe birds,
• Examine plants,
• Take photographs,
• Play a small exploration game in nature.

Turning the walk into a “treasure hunt” for children can make the activity more enjoyable.

7. Take a Bike Tour

In destinations where bicycles are available for rent, you can take a short bike tour as a family.

Coastal paths, parks, and traffic-free areas may be more suitable for cycling with children.

Remember to use safety equipment and choose a bicycle appropriate for the child’s age.

8. Visit Museums and Science Centers

Museum visits do not have to be boring for children.

Especially interactive museums, science centers, archaeology museums, and children’s museums can offer an enjoyable experience.

If you choose a subject that interests your child, their interest in the visit may also increase.

Museum visits do not have to be boring for children.

Especially interactive museums, science centers, archaeology museums, and children’s museums can offer an enjoyable experience.

If you choose a subject that interests your child, their interest in the visit may also increase.

9. Go Camping with Children

A camping experience can be quite fun for families looking for a somewhat more adventurous vacation.

Together with your children, you can:

• Set up a tent,
• Explore nature,
• Watch the stars in the evening,
• Tell stories,
• Play nature games.

For your first camping experience, it may be better to choose safe, easily accessible campsites with on-site facilities instead of long and challenging trails with children.

10. Explore Waterfalls and Natural Wonders

Exploring the waterfalls, lakes, canyons, or natural parks in the region where you are vacationing can be a different experience for children.

Especially with children who enjoy taking photographs, you can organize a small “vacation photo competition”.

11. Have Fun at a Water Park

One of children’s favorite activities during summer vacation is water parks.

Slides, children’s pools, and water play areas can help you spend several enjoyable hours.

However, when choosing a water park, it is important to check the children’s age and height limits, safety rules, and eligibility requirements.

12. Enjoy a Horseback Riding Experience

A horseback riding experience can be unforgettable for children who love animals.

Short horseback excursions, especially those held in nature, can allow children both to have fun and experience a different activity.

Check in advance whether it is suitable for the child’s age and review the business’s safety practices.

13. Join a Local Cooking Workshop with Children

You can participate in family-oriented cooking or workshop events to discover the cuisine of the region you are visiting.

Together with your children, you can:

• Make cookies,
• Prepare pizza,
• Learn about local dishes,
• Try pottery or similar handicrafts

and other activities.

These kinds of experiences create a vacation memory that is different from classic sightseeing programs.

14. Enjoy a Boat or Canoe Experience with Children

Canoeing or similar water activities can be tried as long as they are suitable for your child’s age and the activity’s safety requirements.

Family-oriented tours may be available, especially on calm lakes and suitable river routes.

It is important to use safety equipment and follow the guide’s instructions.

15. Try Fishing

Fishing is one of the calm and enjoyable activities to do with children, especially during nature vacations.

It can help your child develop patience and spend time in nature.

You should choose areas where fishing is permitted and follow local regulations.

16. Watch the Sunset Together

Not every activity has to be paid for.

Even watching the sunset as a family while spending an evening away from phones and tablets can turn into a wonderful memory.

You can take a small picnic basket with you and spend time together on the beach or at a scenic spot.

17. Organize a Treasure Hunt

One of the easiest ways to have fun on vacation with children is to organize a treasure hunt.

You can prepare small clues in the hotel room, garden, or a safe outdoor area.

For example:

“Find the next clue under the blue chair!”

You can encourage children to explore throughout the vacation with simple tasks like this.

This activity can be done without requiring an extra budget.

18. Organize a Photo Competition

Give the children a simple photography assignment:

“Take a photo of the most interesting thing you saw today.”

At the end of the vacation, everyone can share the photos they took.

This can help children begin to observe their surroundings more carefully.

19. Watch the Stars

If the weather conditions are suitable, you can observe the stars at night in an area away from city lights.

This activity can be especially impressive for children during camping or nature vacations.

You can explore the stars and constellations you see together with a star map or a simple sky application.

20. Take a Day Trip as a Family

You can plan a day tour to explore important places near the region where you are vacationing.

For example:

Kuşadası → Şirince → Ephesus

or

Antalya → Perge → Düden Waterfalls

Routes like these can add cultural and exploration experiences to a family vacation.

To prevent children from getting bored, it may be better to choose a few stops that will interest them instead of visiting too many places in one day.

Age-Based Recommendations When Choosing Activities for a Vacation with Children

This table is a general guide. The activity’s safety conditions and the business’s age/height limits should always be checked separately.

Why Is an Activity + Hotel + Tour Package Advantageous for Families with Children?

When planning a vacation with children, booking only a hotel may often not be enough.

The family may also need to organize:

Transportation + hotel + transfer + activity + tour

separately.

For this reason, family vacation packages prepared through a travel agency can be advantageous for evaluating the entire trip within a single plan.

Checklist Before Booking a Vacation with Children

Check the following items before making a reservation:

• Are there activities suitable for the child’s age?
• Does the hotel have a kids’ club?
• Is there a children’s pool?
• Is the hotel close to the beach?
• Is a family room available?
• Are activity fees included in the price?
• Is a transfer required?
• Is there an age or height limit for the activity?
• Do weather conditions affect the activity?
• What are the cancellation/change conditions?

Checking these details in advance reduces the risk of encountering unexpected situations during the vacation.

Plan Your Vacation with Children Now

There are plenty of activities to do with children. The important thing is to choose activities suitable for your child’s age, interests, and vacation destination.

With options such as sandcastles, boat tours, aquariums, theme parks, nature walks, camping, cycling, water parks, museums, and day tours, you can turn an ordinary vacation into an unforgettable experience for children.

When creating your vacation plan, it is more accurate to consider not only the hotel price but also the total cost of transportation, accommodation, transfers, and activities.

✈️ Plan the Right Vacation for Your Family Together

By determining your children’s ages, vacation dates, and budget, you can bring together a family-friendly hotel, transportation, transfers, and child-friendly activities in a single vacation plan.

If your vacation dates are set, start planning your reservation by checking hotel and activity options early, especially before crowds build up during summer vacations and public holidays.