The Seven Wonders of the World (for kids)

kids on beach
Forget the pyramids and the Great Wall of China. If you really want to impress your kids this holiday, think adventure and fun. Here are some of the top hot spots to tempt your mini-adventurers


DisneyWorld in Florida, United States, or Disneyland Paris, France
Despite large crowds and high prices, Disney remains a very kid-oriented destination. There are gentle rides to foster an adventurous spirit in even the youngest toddler, such as brightly coloured playgrounds and mock forts. Children can speak to Disney characters, sing with Disney characters and even eat with Disney characters.

Disney resort hotels have kids' clubs that take children from age four upwards. Some are evening affairs, while others open early in the morning and continue until midnight. Children get their own meals, and often their own check-in services and ID cards.

Many of the non-Disney operated hotels close to DisneyWorld in Florida also cater for kids. With toddlers' play areas and 'kid suites' featuring bunk beds, televisions with VCR, activity tables and more. The area also has a wide range of restaurants that offer kids' menus and play areas - these are usually much cheaper than in DisneyWorld itself.

An advantage that DisneyWorld has over EuroDisney is its proximity to the beach. Most under-fives will need plenty of downtime away from the frenetic excitement of the resort, and Florida's wide open sands afford plenty of room for games of footie, sand castle construction, wave jumping and napping in the sun. Of course, EuroDisney is both quicker and cheaper from the UK, especially with the Eurotunnel which takes you to the door, and can be visited in a weekend!

Diving, Great Barrier Reef, Australia
With the minimum age for PADI diving qualification now lowered to 12, one way to entice teenagers away on holiday is to organise a diving holiday to the Great Barrier Reef. Cheap? No. Holiday of a lifetime and at least a couple of weeks of respect? Almost certainly.

But the Barrier Reef isn't the only diving destination in Australia. You can learn to dive in almost every major city and in coastal and island beach resorts. Luxuriate in 5-star hotel, hole up in basic motels or if you're kids are up for it, pitch a tent on beachfront campgrounds.

Safari, Kenya
Safaris used to be an adults-only endeavour but adventure holiday operators are increasingly offering family packages so kids can see the wildlife and striking scenery of Africa. A safari is more suitable for older children and teenagers, if in doubt, check with your tour operator, but mostly the minimum age is 11 or 12. Trips are based in national parks and nature reserves and accommodation is in comfortable tented bush camps or safari lodges.

Many visitors to Kenya opt to make the trip to the Masai Mara to learn about the nomadic Masai life and history. Kenya's beaches make a popular side trip.

Visit Father Christmas in Finnish Lapland, Finland
Even kids who don't believe in Santa Claus anymore can enjoy visiting this famed land of Father Christmas during winter months. Many operators offer day trips to Lapland from other areas of Finland, or week-long winter breaks to the Arctic Circle, where children and parents alike get to satisfy their desire for a genuine winter wonderland.

Kids can visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, or SantaPark, a theme park built in the side of a hill and packed with amusement rides. You can also go sledging or do snowmobile trips for real family thrills.

Baja California, Mexico
The sheltered, warm waters of this west coast peninsula attract loads of friendly creatures that animal-loving kids can get close to. The lagoons attract grey whales, who travel over 5,000 miles from the Bering Strait to mate, give birth and nurse their young. Curious calves are known to approach boats to be petted. Sea lions, dolphins, blue-footed boobies, pelicans and beautiful desert flowers also make for fascinating viewing in lagoons such as Scannom, Ojo de Liebre and San Ignacio. Adventure-seekers can go on a sea kayaking expedition up the Sea of Cortez where they will see giant blue whales also taking in the winter sun. The months to see the creatures are January, February and March.

Dude ranches, United States
Supposedly dude ranches are where city slickers go to become cowboys. There's a lot more to the dude ranch than this stereotype, although some do ham up the cowboy theme. What these ranches really do is teach kids about a different way of life and imbue a respect for animals and nature, all while they're having fun.

Many ranch getaways are luxury holidays with horses an added bonus where you'll spend most of the day in the saddle - after a huge breakfast. A few take their horsemanship very seriously and some allow guests to get in on the cowboy act, doing chores and really living the experience.

Alton Towers, Staffordshire, UK
Alton Towers is the UK's greatest theme park, home to legendary thrills like Oblivion, Nemesis and Air. Alton Towers boasts an array of activities for all ages, although very young children might find the height restrictions, the queues and the walking a bit tedious. But smaller rollercoasters such as the runaway mine train are open to younger thrill seekers providing they are accompanied by an adult.

New for 2005 is the latest ride; Rita Queen of Speed which is said to be faster than a shuttle take-off and faster than a Ferrari, with speeds up to 60kph!

For further information on hundreds of great value holidays, visit www.teletextholidays.co.uk, or tune in to Teletext Holidays TV on Sky, channel 665.

Why not chat to other iVillagers on the Family Travel message board. Take a look at some of the LIVE discussions taking place on the message board right now: