Things to remember
- Plan your breaks, meals, child-friendly activities and accommodation to make your holiday more relaxing.
- Involve your children in planning your holiday to stimulate their interest and enthusiasm.
- Holiday activities for children can include beach fun, bush walking and camping.
- Think about vaccinations, clean drinking water and unfamiliar foods when travelling abroad.
Planning a family trip with children
Whether you plan a holiday with children, whether you are staying in one place or exploring multiple locations, it is important to consider their attention span and shorter travel times.
Here are some top tips:
Plan for more breaks and fewer activities than if you were traveling alone or with adults.
Make sure to take plenty of meal and drink breaks to keep everyone’s energy up.
Look for activities and local attractions your children will enjoy, such as swimming, games, playgrounds, fairs, theme parks, and movies.
Plan time for yourself, too. If your children are enjoying structured activities, playing with other children, or being looked after by a babysitter, you’ll be able to take a break yourself. Involve your kids in planning your holiday
Involving your kids in planning your holiday will stimulate their interest and enthusiasm. Your input will help everyone have an enjoyable holiday.
You can also borrow books from the library or find websites about your travel destination. This way your kids can look at the pictures and tell you what they enjoy. You can also read or tell some stories about the places you have visited or, if you are traveling abroad, learn some of the language. If your kids are young, you can create a basic plan and give them a few options to choose from.
Holidays are exciting, but some kids can get nervous about being away from their routine. Talking to them about your holiday plans can also help them get used to the idea and reduce anxiety.
Here are some ideas:
Beach Activities
To swim safely, make sure the beach is patrolled by lifeguards and has predictable tides. Many beaches have rock pools and areas suitable for small children, but check beforehand for any hazards. Always supervise children when they are in the water. Don’t forget to bring a bucket, shovel, ball or racket for playing on the beach. Old running shoes are useful when climbing rocks. Pack swim diapers too if your child isn’t clean yet.
Find out about activities for rainy weather or when your child doesn’t want to play in the sand or water.
Hike in the bush Check guidebooks or national park websites for nearby trails. These guides can also tell you if the trail is suitable for a nature walk with children. Many national parks have trails that are suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. If your hike will last more than 30 minutes, be sure to bring a first aid kit, sunscreen, hat, rain gear, insect repellent, food and water. Always tell someone where you are going and carry a charged cell phone. If you plan to go to a remote area, carry an emergency beacon. Baby and toddler carriers are a great way to carry your baby while keeping your hands free. When using a carrier, be sure to walk on flat ground, be aware of uneven ground, and keep walking distances short.
Camping Activities
Choose a campsite where your children can experience exciting activities, such as watching local wildlife, and where you can keep an eye on them at all times. Pack rain gear, sunscreen, hats, insect repellent, a first aid kit, games and books. Many caravan parks and campsites in Australia have child-friendly facilities, such as playgrounds, pools and water parks.
