The Seven Wonders of the World (for kids)
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!
- 6 Essential tips when visiting a Disney park with kids
- An age-by-age guide to Disney park activities
- Find the latest deals on Disney holidays
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.
- Find the latest deals on diving holidays
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.
- Get more information about taking the kids on safari
- Find the latest deals on safari holidays
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Created: 17/08/2005 Updated: 25/07/2007
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