How to introduce your children to more adventurous holidays

This is a collaborative post

Family trips can easily settle into a familiar pattern. Returning to places your children already love makes life simpler, but as they get older, they may be ready for something different. Adding a little adventure lets them test their confidence and discover new interests without pushing them too far beyond what feels comfortable.

Start with small adventures

You don't need to swap a relaxing break for a demanding expedition overnight. Instead, add one unfamiliar experience to a holiday your children already understand and enjoy.

On a beach break, for example, you might book a beginner-friendly kayaking session rather than spending every day by the pool. If you're staying in the countryside, you could tackle a short walking route with a picnic stop along the way. Choose an activity that suits your children's ages and abilities, and leave enough time for breaks.

Early experiences should ultimately feel achievable. If children finish an activity feeling pleased rather than exhausted or overwhelmed, they're more likely to approach the next opportunity with curiosity instead of nerves.

Choose activities you can learn together

Children can feel less self-conscious about trying something unfamiliar when they see you learning too. You don't have to arrive with years of experience, and making the occasional mistake can show them that getting things wrong is simply part of developing a new skill.

For example, family ski holidays can give adults and children the chance to start lessons at an appropriate level, then share what they've learnt afterwards. Even if you're progressing at different speeds, you still have common experiences to talk about over dinner. This can turn learning itself into part of the holiday rather than something children feel they have to master.

Let your children have a say

Giving children some control over the itinerary can make a new destination feel more like their trip too. Rather than presenting them with endless possibilities, offer two realistic options that you're happy to book.

At a ski resort, you could ask whether they'd prefer another morning on the slopes or an afternoon ice skating. For a summer break, the choice might be between kayaking and a gentle cycle ride. Having a genuine say can shift an activity from something you've arranged for them to something they've actively chosen.

Leave room to slow down

Don't mistake adventure for constant activity. Learning unfamiliar physical skills takes energy, particularly for younger children, and an overloaded itinerary can quickly turn enthusiasm into tiredness.

If you spend the morning skiing or exploring a walking trail, keep the afternoon flexible. You might head back to your accommodation, visit a café or simply spend some time reading and playing. 

A quieter few hours give everyone time to recover, while leaving your children with enough energy to look forward to whatever comes next.