Family holidays are meant to feel like a break, not a juggling act. Yet keeping kids entertained can quickly spiral into extra spending if you’re not careful. The good news is that a brilliant summer doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag, especially when you’re staying somewhere designed with families in mind. With a little intention and a relaxed mindset, there can be plenty of built‑in fun, giving you space to enjoy time together without constantly reaching for your wallet.

First things first: plan as much as you can!

A bit of groundwork before you travel can completely change how your holiday feels once you arrive. Especially resorts often offer far more than most families ever get around to using, from sports sessions and creative workshops to evening entertainment aimed at different age groups. Taking half an hour to scan the activities list ahead of time helps you spot what’s included and avoid paying for things you could have enjoyed for free.

Getting your kids involved early makes a real difference, too. Ask them what caught their eye and let them flag a few must‑dos. Bonus: It builds excitement before you’ve even packed a suitcase and helps everyone feel invested in the trip!

Five entertainment ideas for your offspring

1. Make the Most of on‑Site Activities

As mentioned, resorts are brilliant at packing in things to do, but plenty of families barely scratch the surface. Pools are the obvious draw, yet there’s often much more going on: sports sessions, craft hours, dance classes, film nights. These activities are usually part of an all-inclusive holiday tailored for families and run by staff who know how to keep different age groups engaged.

2. Family challenges or mini‑tournaments

A bit of friendly competition goes a long way. Table tennis, mini‑golf, pool games, even a step‑count challenge – you name it! Keep the rules loose and the mood light. The prize doesn’t need to be anything fancy. It could be anything from choosing dessert to deciding tomorrow’s activity. That’s more than enough.

3. Get creative with DIY

A small stash of cards or craft bits can be a lifesaver. These can come out during downtime: waiting for dinner, lounging in the shade, or winding down in the evening. In fact, you don’t need any prep at all, really! Inventing your own games, quizzes, or silly challenges often ends up being more fun than anything planned. Kids love being given the reins to make something up, and it costs absolutely nothing.

4. Explore local culture without extra cost

You don’t need organised excursions to get a feel for where you are. A walk to a local market, a wander through nearby streets, or a stop to watch street performers can be just as engaging. Encourage kids to try unfamiliar foods, learn a few local words, or listen to music they’ve never heard before!

5. Let teens take the lead

If you have older kids who are already craving independence, give them space to choose an activity, plan an afternoon, or decide how they want to spend part of the day. It shows trust and usually leads to better buy‑in. Set clear boundaries, then step back a little. When teens feel heard, they’re far more likely to enjoy family time too, rather than counting down until they can escape it.

Family time and personal space

Even the happiest families need breathing room, especially when you’re together all day. Downtime is what keeps everyone in a good mood. Kids get overstimulated, teens get prickly, and adults need five quiet minutes here and there. Building small pockets of space into the day helps the whole thing run more smoothly. For younger kids, quiet activities like drawing or puzzles work well. For teens, scrolling, journalling, or just lying on the bed doing absolutely nothing can be surprisingly restorative.

Let the days breathe. Say yes to the easy fun, skip what feels forced, and trust that simple choices often land best. When everyone leaves with stories they actually want to retell, you’ve done it right.