A beach break in the Mediterranean has long been a mainstay of family vacations – and for good reason. Traveling with kids isn’t always easy, but a European getaway can deliver the holy trinity of family vacations in just two hours: safe sandy beaches, shallow turquoise waters, and guaranteed sunshine. Whether your child is a clumsy teenager or still in diapers, there are plenty of activities to keep them busy and entertained while you relax by the pool with a glass of something cool. From surfing to ziplining, to the stage or the DJ, here is our selection of the hotels with the best clubs for children that will guarantee them as much fun as you on your next vacation.

The best hotel kids’ clubs in Europe are:

Neighborhood: Sardinia

The well-earned and endlessly enthusiastic staff at this award-winning kids’ club caters to children aged 18 months to 17 years, who can participate with or without their parents. The 10,000 square meter “Fantasy Village” playground is just one of the standout features, with a swimming pool, Native American reservation and cowboy fort amid sand dunes, while Duneland is an enchanted castle for children with creative workshops, a playground, cinema, siesta room and Peter Pan restaurant. Expect sports galore — tennis, mini-golf, trampolines, riding school, kayaking, archery, and rock-climbing, to name a few — while the resort itself -even has 500 rooms, six swimming pools, 10 restaurants and beaches with water as clear as the Caribbean.

Price: Family suites from €244 per night (£202)

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Neighbourhood: Zakynthos, Greece

Who said teenagers were too old for kids’ clubs? Set on an unspoilt coastline, this one is adored by older children, who can enjoy virtually any adrenaline-seeking water sport you can think of – sailing, windsurfing, waterskiing and more. Other activities include volleyball, mocktail making, and parent-free boat trips. There’s even a teen-only hangout with its own music and bespoke drink menu. For babies and toddlers, there’s an on-site nursery, while those under 12 enjoy a program that includes activities like treasure hunts and raft-making. The staff are mostly university students, who excel at building the confidence of even the shyest of youngsters. Regular barbecues for children allow parents to dine together in the restaurant.

Price: Villas from €1,700 (£1,407) per week

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District: Greece

The “babewatch” service on the beach (the first 30 minutes are included in the price of your room) is a genius invention at this luxurious resort, which has five hotels filled with baby-friendly facilities, several swimming pools and 18 restaurants. The British crèche welcomes children from four months to four years old, with high numbers; the “mini club” allows children from 4 to 11 years old to play games on the beach, to take short excursions and to have picnics and parties, as well as to do treasure hunts, make cookies and more. The club for teens aged 12 to 17 organizes activities such as DJing, archery, beach volleyball, dancing and football and sailing academies – all supported by Ozone, a meeting place especially for teenagers. There are swimming lessons available for children under 4 and there is a junior and teen spa, with dedicated treatments.

Price: From €604 (£500) per night based on two adults and two children sharing

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Neighbourhood: Morzine, France

It’s a favorite among more active families as the resort has its own mini-farm, indoor and outdoor swimming complex, fishing, white water activities, paragliding, biking, golf and horse riding. The kids’ club (a reminder that you don’t always have to go to fancy five-star hotels to find good ones) offers entertainment throughout July and August for 4-12 year olds, including creative workshops, Olympic games, theatrical activities, pool games, discos and sports. Meanwhile, the surroundings of Morzine offer mountain peaks, pine forests and lakes with great trails and walking paths. In summer, the town also has a water park and toboggan runs.

Price: From €230 (£190) per night

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Neighborhood: Croatia

Located on a hillside outside of Dubrovnik and by the sea, this resort – which includes a hotel and private residences – includes the imaginative Explorers’ Kids Club, offering children aged four months to 11 years fun and action-packed from scavenger hunts to making dough animals. Meanwhile, the Crew program offers teens at least 18 hours of water and land activities (including paddleboarding, jet ski, sailing, zip-roping and zorbing) spread over six days and all pre-arranged once you arrive. If that doesn’t get them off their screens, nothing will. The rooms themselves are specially equipped for your child’s age range, including plenty of toys and games. It also includes training programs for football, squash, swimming and basketball, helping your little one to perfect their technique. But no evening activities or group meals are offered here.

Price: From €551 (£456) per night based on two adults and two children sharing

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Neighbourhood: Abama, Tenerife

This five-star resort has one of Europe’s largest kids’ clubs with areas for ages 4-12 dedicated to astronomy, wildlife, sustainability, technology, theater and the arts and trades on its 305 square meters of private indoor and outdoor space. region. There is also a teen program for 12-18 year olds during the summer holidays. Families appreciate the world-class tennis and golf facilities, as well as the hotel’s clifftop positioning, offering spectacular views. MB Restaurant holds two Michelin stars, while Abama Kabuki has one, plus a fabulous spa and private beach with beach bar and restaurant. But know that such luxury comes at a price.

Price: From €700 (£580) per night based on two adults and two children sharing

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Neighbourhood: Lisbon, Portugal

With over 2,300 square meters of well-designed children’s play areas, featuring a 20m zipline, bouncing zone and sandbox – and a kids’ club with an additional 700 square meters of play space – this seaside resort is a real hit with families. The children’s club includes the baby room (from 6 to 12 months, with age-appropriate toys and a sleeping area), the Little Foxes (from 13 months to 2 years old with a storytelling area, a puppet area and a swimming pool balls), Fox Club (for ages six to nine with arts and crafts, Lego and Xbox) and Explorer (ages 10 to 14) and Blast (ages 15 to 17), which offer surfing, biking, horseback riding and pool parties. There are also three pools (one covered for extra UV protection) and a baby concierge, and the three on-site restaurants offer full lines of baby purees and a full kids’ menu.

Price: From €613 (£507) per night for two adults and two children sharing

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Neighborhood: Opio in Provence, South of France

Located in the south of France, in the hinterland of Cannes, the highlight of this complex is the “Creactive” play area designed by Cirque du Soleil, where adults and children can enjoy up to 30 acrobatic and artistic activities, including the flying trapeze course. The playground is regularly frequented by the small club, the mini club and the junior club (there is also a baby club), all open daily from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm and again in the evening. The multinational staff are enthusiastic and the food and evening entertainment are also excellent.

Price: From €1534 (£1270) per week per person based on two adults and two children sharing an all-inclusive plan

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Neighbourhood: Ibiza Bay, Ibiza

If renters aren’t quite ready to ditch their clubbing days, check out this 152-room hotel, which opened in 2017 on Talamanca Beach, a five-minute drive from Ibiza Town. The kids’ club, aimed at 4-14 year olds, is one of the few clubs dedicated to children in a five-star hotel in Ibiza and offers activities ranging from cooking to DJ workshops, bohemian research sessions to dance lessons. swimming. There are also plenty of opportunities for arts and crafts, sports and chilling out (this is Ibiza, after all). There is a Six Senses spa and the restaurant, of course, is Nobu.

Price: From €613 (£518) per night

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