Holidays make for some of your family’s most treasured memories. Whether sailing the crystal waters of the Caribbean or kitesurfing the coasts of Cornwall, this is the perfect time for you and your loved ones to enjoy the great outdoors together. Part of an adventurous family? This is a guide to five of the best activities which bring true meaning to the phrase “fun for all the family”.
Climb every mountain!
The enjoyment in climbing in is the challenge! From kids scrambling up near vertical walls at breakneck speed, to tentative grownups edging from foothold to foothold, the sport caters for almost everyone. Particularly popular in the Costa Blanca region of Spain, here climbers can scale limestone cliffs in the glorious warmth of the Mediterranean sun. These facilities are often within walking distance of beaches – meaning it’s just a short jaunt to your well-earned afternoon siesta after a morning on the ropes.
Image by Shepard4711, used under Creative Commons License (CC BY 2.0)
If you’re after a more gradual climb, then why not embark on a hike? Ideal for families not wanting to break the bank with fancy equipment, hiking is also a great way to experience the local environment. The hills of the Greek island of Crete – particularly those of the Samaria National Park – offer a mixture of gentle hills alongside more challenging hikes. Families can immerse themselves within the island’s ecosystems whilst gazing over the Mediterranean Sea – all just a short drive from the resorts of the north western coast!
Catch those waves..
After a cost-free afternoon that’ll keep get you fit AND keep the kids occupied? Take a break from the warmth of the sun and dive into the sparkling Portuguese coasts. If you or your kids are after something a little more daring, then why not try surfing? Catching waves off the coast of Algarve is a golden opportunity way to experiecne the real Portugal. Throughout the year, it brings in a mixed bunch of both families who are new to the sport, all the way to the more experienced adrenaline junkies.
Image by David Berkowitz, used under Creative Commons License (CC BY 2.0)
Don’t fancy getting wet? Climb aboard a kayak and enjoy the water splash-free. Whatever your skill level, kayaking creates scope for parents and their kids to bond with each other even more. Resorts on the coast of Florida often provide guests with access to lessons which’ll have you setting sail towards the horizon in next to no time – ahoy!
Crank those gears..
For all you land-dwellers, you can always count on cycling as a reliable way to see the local sights at the same time as burning off those inevitable holiday indulgences. The villages of Khao Lak house excellent facilities and guides for families who’re after a little more than the conventional beach holiday. From half day trips to week long adventures, you’ll soak up culture, scenery, and of course, sun. Saddle up, fasten that helmet and prepare to embark on a side to Thailand that you’ll never forget.
Whether you’re a family of intrepid daredevils or are just looking for an alternative way to see the sights, make sure your holiday is adventure-packed from the get-go.