October half term holiday ideas for families
Keeping your children entertained during the autumn half-term holiday isn’t always easy, especially coming up with endless activities to ensure they don’t get bored. So, if you’ve decided to go away and instead and want to know where’s hot in October, here are some destinations to consider.
Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are a great choice for an October break. With their proximity to north Africa they boast a dry and sunny climate virtually all year round, plus the islands are packed with great beaches, modern resorts and various entertainment options. In terms of days out, Tenerife comes up trumps with Teide National Park, Loro Parque and Siam waterpark offering plenty of kid-friendly fun.
Florida
When it comes to high-octane family entertainment, Orlando ticks all the boxes. So, if you’ve got cash to splash, head to the Disney capital of the world, which offers October temperatures of a pleasant 29°C. With its world-class theme parks, including Walt Disney World Resort Florida, Universal Orlando Resort and Busch Gardens, an array of sleek shopping malls and stylish hotels, a trip here is sure to earn you major brownie points with the kids.
Portugal
If you’re after lazy beach days and laid-back resorts, it doesn’t get much better than the Algarve. Portugal’s premier beach resort has been attracting families for decades and with a mix of modern resorts, sandy coves and varied entertainment options, it’s not hard to see why. For days out, Zoomarine, with its themed shows and amusements, is sure to go down a treat.
Cyprus
With a manageable flying time of four-and-a-half hours, dazzling beaches and child-friendly resorts, Cyprus is always a popular choice. Paphos, with its historic sites and vibrant marina, provides opportunities for dining and sightseeing, while Ayia Napa boasts the fantastic WaterWorld Waterpark and Parko Paliatso, a traditional theme park.
Crete
The Greek island of Crete offers great beaches, lively resorts and plenty of facilities. If you’re after sandcastle building fun then Falassarna Beach in Chania has an outstanding stretch of golden sands. Active families may want to take advantage of numerous mountain biking and hiking trails which weave throughout the island, as they are great ways to enjoy the lush and mountainous countryside.
Costa del Sol
Spain’s Costas are ideal for family breaks, with the Costa del Sol offering fabulous beaches, child-friendly dining and a host of attractions. Get up close and personal with some incredible critters at the Crocodile Park or spend some time at Bioparc Fuengirola, which offers fun and educational day trip options. Sohail Castle, built in 956 AD, is another top attraction worthy of exploration.
Before booking your half-term break, make sure you do your research to ensure it has the right elements to keep all the family entertained. It’s worth noting that some attractions, such as waterparks, may close in late October, so it’s worth checking in advance to avoid tears or tantrums.