Best Family Holidays for 2026 | Top 10 Family-Friendly Destinations

Family holidays are supposed to be fun, not a test of patience and snack supplies. Whether you’re planning your first big family adventure or looking to outdo last year’s trip to Spain, 2026 is shaping up to be a golden year for family travel.

From all-inclusive resorts that let you switch off properly to destinations packed with adventure, here are 10 family holiday ideas for 2026 that’ll keep everyone, from toddlers to teens, happy.

Rhodes continues to be one of the easiest, most family-friendly Greek islands. You’ve got gentle beaches, waterparks, boat trips, and charming old towns that even the kids won’t complain about (for at least 10 minutes).

Stay in an all-inclusive resort near Faliraki or Kalithea and you can relax knowing everything’s sorted, from ice cream refills to evening shows.

Best for: Easy sun holidays without the chaos.

Forget what you think you know about Dubai - it’s not just skyscrapers and shopping malls. This city has some of the best family hotels in the world, from Atlantis The Royal to Jumeirah Beach. Expect world-class kids’ clubs, private beaches, and air-conditioned everything.

Best for: Luxury, adventure and guaranteed sunshine.

Turkey is one of the best-value destinations for 2026. With stunning coastal resorts like Antalya, Dalaman and Bodrum, families can enjoy waterparks, beachfront hotels, and buffet spreads that would make even the fussiest eaters happy.

Best for: Affordable family luxury with short flight times.

Because some holidays are worth doing at least once. From Disney World and Universal Studios to the Kennedy Space Center, Orlando offers endless entertainment, and jet-lagged parents can always find a good coffee.

Best for: Kids (and grown-ups) who still believe in magic.

With year-round sunshine, Tenerife is an easy win for UK families. The island’s Siam Park is often voted the best waterpark in the world, and there’s plenty to explore beyond the slides, think volcano hikes, dolphin spotting, and black-sand beaches.

Best for: Winter sun and year-round fun.

Italy might just be the perfect family destination: child-friendly locals, amazing food, and plenty of day trips. Try Lake Garda for beautiful views and boat rides, or Sicily for beaches and ancient ruins that make learning feel like fun.

Best for: Families who love culture (and carbs).

Portugal’s Algarve is made for family travel, safe beaches, short flights, and resorts that know exactly what families need. Vilamoura, Albufeira, and Lagos are top picks for 2026.

Best for: Hassle-free holidays with sunshine and seafood.

Croatia is becoming a firm family favourite thanks to its stunning coastline and crystal-clear sea. Split and Dubrovnik offer island-hopping, waterfalls, and old-town charm, all without the high prices of some other Mediterranean spots.

Best for: Active families who like a mix of culture and beach days.

If your kids are older and you fancy something unforgettable, Thailand is a dream. Think island-hopping, elephant sanctuaries, night markets, and floating villas. It’s long-haul, yes, but worth every minute once you’re there.

Best for: Bucket-list memories without breaking the bank.

Not every amazing family holiday needs a passport. 2026 will see a big rise in UK staycations again - from Cornwall to the Scottish Highlands. Coastal cottages, glamping pods, and activity parks are giving British breaks a major glow-up.

Best for: Easy escapes without airport queues.

The best family holidays in 2026 aren’t about perfection - they’re about connection. Whether it’s your toddler’s first paddle in the sea or your teenager finally looking up from their phone to see a sunset, these are the moments that last.

And if you’re ready to start planning your family escape for 2026, Turner Travel’s experts can take care of everything - from flights and hotels to those little touches that make a holiday feel effortless.