Long journeys tend to create a lot of unspent energy among little ones. Discover kid-friendly activities and thrilling experiences, abroad or at home.

Head to Durham for the ideal UK getaway

If you’re after an autumn staycation with character, Durham delivers an irresistible mix of heritage, adventure, culture and countryside. There’s certainly no shortage of museums. Step aboard a vintage tram at Beamish – The Living Museum of the North or discover the story of rail at Locomotion in Shildon, the world’s first railway town. Plus, marvel at the enchanting 200-year-old Silver Swan automaton at The Bowes Museum

Meanwhile, at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens, uncover centuries of history at one of England’s most dramatic medieval castles. You can also discover unexpected treasures and glorious grounds at Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens.

For a stay to remember, unwind like medieval royalty at Lumley Castle Hotel. From city to countryside and coast, make Durham your next stop this autumn.

Follow Hertfordshire’s largest Christmas light trail

Experience the brand-new Illuminated experience at Ashridge House. Inspired by the beloved Christmas poem A Visit from St Nicholas, by Clement Clarke Moore, follow a reimagined trail through the historic Hertfordshire estate, where enchanting light, sound and storytelling provide festive wonder at every turn.

Illuminated 2026 features new installations and spectacular projections that will transform the house. Plus, there are immersive moments designed to delight all ages. Before or after your journey, explore the Christmas market, featuring seasonal treats, warming drinks and festive shopping. With free parking, dog-friendly evenings and free entry for children under four years old, it’s a magical festive experience for the whole family.

Illuminated 2026 is open from 20 November 2026 to 2 January 2027.

Explore history and science in Florence

Florence’s Museo Galileo offers an extraordinary journey into the history of science in the birthplace of the Renaissance. Home to more than 1,000 scientific treasures once owned by the infamous Medici and Lorraine families, the museum is bound to fascinate adults and children alike. One of the many highlights is the extensive collection of Galileo’s own instruments, including the only two telescopes he ever built.

Elsewhere, you can trace scientific inventions from the Middle Ages, marvel at the breathtaking 16th-century armillary sphere and discover what is thought to be the world’s oldest Arab celestial globe. Interactive 3D screens and a free app further bring the museum to life for visitors of all ages.

Experience art, nature and architecture in Portugal

Based in Porto, the Serralves Foundation is one of Portugal’s leading cultural institutions, bringing together several cultural sites at which families can experience art, architecture and nature. Explore the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Álvaro Siza; the Manoel de Oliveira Cinema House; the Álvaro Siza Wing or the striking Art Deco Serralves Villa.

Whether you decide to take a refreshing stroll in the park or admire the impressive architecture, Serralves offers families the freedom to experience the sites at their own pace. Plus, you can enjoy a cultural and educational programme combining contemporary art, architecture, cinema and activities connected with nature.

Marvel at gravity-defying shows and thrilling rides

Christmas fairs are all fun and games until you realise just how much you’ve spent. Christmas on Hampstead Heath is changing that – with exhilarating rides that won’t break the bank. Ideal for young children and adrenaline-seekers alike, once you’ve had your fill of rides, head over to Zippo’s Circus to witness mesmerising acrobatics, a giant Father Christmas and inflatable polar bears. Plus, you can order a Christmas tree on site, if you haven’t acquired a pine showstopper yet.

The fun begins on 11 December 2026 and runs until 3 January 2027. Circus prices start at £19. Save 40 per cent when you buy circus tickets with code “XMASCIRCUS40” (offer ends 31 October 2026). Book today at Zippos.co.uk and stay updated at Facebook.com/Christmasontheheath

Release energy during an exciting family day out

The best family days out are packed with fun, excitement and adventure. Gravity Active and Gravity Max bring families together with indoor activities guaranteed to get everyone moving. At Gravity Active, discover the power of play with action-packed trampoline parks, assault courses and thrilling Wipeout challenges. Gravity Max takes entertainment further, bringing multiple exciting experiences under one roof. Race around indoor e-kart tracks, score strikes on the bowling lanes, challenge friends at digital darts or explore virtual-reality and immersive games, putting your skills to the test.

With delicious food and drink options available, Gravity is the perfect destination for birthdays, celebrations or simply spending quality time together, creating unforgettable moments filled with fun and laughter.

Have fun at Amsterdam’s games and activity bar

Looking for a night out with a difference? Visitors to Amsterdam should head to The All Out for an evening of food, drinks and good-spirited competitive socialising. Gather friends, family or colleagues for an evening of playful challenges, with six interactive activities to choose from. Belt out tunes in a private karaoke room, take on pals at interactive darts and electric shuffleboard or try sjoelen, the classic Dutch tabletop game with a modern twist. There’s also Clay Shot, a virtual target shooting game and Ballaoke, a ball-pit-meets-karaoke experience that puts a playful spin on two favourite pastimes.

Head to the bar for speciality beers, signature cocktails and a menu of delicious bites or book a whole package with food, drinks and games included. The All Out also hosts birthdays, stag dos, corporate events and exclusive hires, with space for groups of more than 200.

Explore a topsy-turvy universe in Berlin

Tired of being told not to touch anything in a museum? Whether you’ve got excitable family members or a playful mind of your own, The Upside Down in Berlin is an interactive social museum where touching what’s on display isn’t just allowed, it’s encouraged. Head to the main exhibit to pose in mind-bending themed rooms, each one featuring optical illusions and upside-down decor inspired by the city’s vibrant culture and history.

It’s a hands-on experience without the traditional museum feel, with something to appeal to kids, teens and adults. Plus, if you’re looking for a meaningful souvenir, you’ll have plenty of fun photos to take home. Don’t worry if you’re camera-shy – there’s plenty of other things to do, including playing in a ball pit, singing karaoke and munching on colourful snacks.

Step into an upside-down world in Amsterdam

See the Dutch capital from a different perspective at The Upside Down in Amsterdam, an interactive experience that enables you to become part of the exhibition. Step into colourful rooms filled with optical illusions, unexpected settings and playful installations, with plenty of opportunities to create your own photos and videos along the way. In this museum, you’re invited to get involved and touch the creations rather than simply look at the exhibits.

Each room has something different to discover: it could make you see the city differently, spark your creativity or teach you something new. A visit takes up to two hours and will appeal to families, groups of friends and couples. Afterwards, enjoy refreshments at the cafe or browse the shop to take home fun mementos from the day.

Make thrilling memories on wintery slopes

Looking for a longer family excursion without the stress of planning? With SnowTrex, you can take your loved ones to snowy mountain tops for a skiing adventure. Designed to make holiday planning seamless, SnowTrex offers comprehensive ski and snowboard packages including accommodation and lift passes for more than 500 resorts, including those at prime destinations throughout the Alps and Europe, including Austria, France, Italy and Slovakia.

If you’re looking to save money or spend even more bonding time with your little ones, there are plenty of overnight spots to choose from with family rooms and children’s play areas. SnowTrex offers accommodation – from slope-side apartments and luxury spa hotels to low-budget hotels and self-catering options – to suit your family’s every need.

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