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Booking a family holiday with toddlers in 2024? Consider these 7 fun-filled resorts

Travelling with toddlers can be magical. It can also be testing and tiring, so it’s important to pick a resort that’s fully geared up to keep the whole family happy. We’ve rounded up seven TUI hotels you need to know about if you’re holidaying with toddlers in tow.

By Rachel Erdos | Last updated Feb 2, 2024

Toddlers on a family holiday

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Holidays hit different when you travel with toddlers. While it’s incredible to see little ones discover and explore new destinations, eyes full of wonder and pockets full of sand, they can be hard work. Nap schedules, tantrums and snack requests still need to be dealt with on holiday, even against the prettiest of backdrops. Which is why picking a good toddler-friendly resort - one that provides shady nap spots, plenty of food options, activities on tap and on-site childcare - can really help to ensure that EVERYONE has a good time. 

We’ve tapped into the collective wisdom of well-travelled Mumsnetters to highlight seven TUI resorts that parents have tried, tested and recommended for toddler-friendly escapes in popular spots including Mallorca, Turkey and Greece . 

Looking to take advantage of a term-time bargain with your pre-schooler? Right now you can save up to £250 on family holidays in TUI’s Live Happy Sale plus an extra £50 if you book a trip to Greece or Turkey. Use code SALE at checkout to nab a deal or EXTRA50 if you're booking a Greece/Turkey escape. TUI is also offering thousands of free kids’ places this year including free flights, accommodation, transfers and food. 

Top toddler-friendly hotels at a glance 

1
TUI BLUE Alcudia Pins, Mallorca

Playa de Muro

What we like
  • Prime beachfront location

  • On-site soft play centre

  • BabyClub offers childcare for babies and toddlers six days a week

What to know
  • Board basis: B&B or half-board

  • Nearest airport: Palma de Mallorca (39 miles) 

  • Number of pools: Four

What Mumsnet users say
Grange · Stayed + rated
"I've been to Alcudia Pins and have rebooked for this year. We went all inclusive with a 4 and 2 year old. Accommodation suited us as the apartments have a separate bedroom and kitchen area despite it being all inclusive. Excellent pools, kids club and on the beach."
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Milliways · Stayed + rated
"The hotel is right on the beach and has a great pool. There was also an evening Disco & kids disco (DD loved it). The sea is great and fab for little ones as you can walk out for miles it is so shallow and calm."
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Our verdict

Like the idea of a beach break but want to be able to escape to an air-conditioned room when nap time strikes? Mallorca’s TUI Blue Alcudia Pins has a prime beachfront location on a golden stretch of sand in Playa de Muro, a laidback former fishing village. 

Part of the TUI BLUE For Families collection, you’ll find everything you need to keep active toddlers happy including a splash park with animal-themed slides, a shaded paddling pool, dance classes for kids aged 3-11 and a soft play area. 

And if you’re craving some toddler-free time, the BabyClub - led by fully-trained TUI staff - offers two two-hour sessions per day (as well as some evenings) for kids up to 36 months. 

There’s a dedicated children’s area at the buffet as well as four other restaurants plus an all-important snack bar. 

The hotel is between Alcudia and C'an Picafort and there’s a bus stop right outside for easy access to both - perfect for little legs that like to explore. 

Check out the TUI blue Range, booked our 3rd this year. So well set up for babies and young children

- Mumsnet user, Passmeaplacard

2
TUI Holiday Village Atlantica Rhodes
What we like
  • Splash park with a pirate ship 

  • Four restaurants and six bars to choose from

  • Swim Academy for kids aged 3+

What to know
  • Board basis: All inclusive 

  • Nearest airport: Rhodes (19 miles) 

  • Number of pools: Four

What Mumsnet users say
MacaroniBaloney · Stayed + rated
"We did HV Rhodes and it was very good. Great for younger kids especially."
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Ilovechoc12 · Stayed + rated
"We started going to [Holiday Village Hotels] when we had 4 children under 4 - so lots of splash pools. Rhodes we have been there twice - that’s the best one. Beach is a 10 min walk away."
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Our verdict

Kids will be in awe at every turn at this Holiday Village resort on the east coast of Rhodes, from the splash park with its own pirate ship to the huge on-site adventure playground. And while toddlers won’t be able to try out the aerial course (it’s for kids aged 6+), it provides a brilliant backdrop for a fun family holiday. 

Toddlers have their own playground though and can join in the kids’ club activities from the age of three. There’s also a Swim Academy staffed by ASA-qualified teachers so that kids aged 3+ can build their confidence in the water - where better to learn to swim than on a Greek island getaway? 

Families can head to the self-service buffet restaurant in the evening or choose from a range of options including an American Diner and an Italian trattoria. There’s also a food truck for laidback eats.

3
TUI BLUE Tarida Beach (formerly Sensatori), Ibiza
What we like
  • Steps from a wide sandy beach

  • On-site splash park and baby pool

  • Range of kids’ clubs for children 3-12, and a playgroup for toddlers

What to know
  • Board basis: All inclusive 

  • Nearest airport: Ibiza (11 miles) 

  • Number of pools: Four

What Mumsnet users say
Ricekrispie22 · Stayed + rated
"Babies get their own multi-sensory nursery, which comes with the likes of flashing lights, tactile panels and a Little Land of Nod sleeping room. It’s designed for little ones aged up to 3 years and is available seven days a week, all year round."
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Our verdict

Set right on the beach on Ibiza’s west coast, TUI BLUE Tarida Beach is a fab choice for toddlers. Its on-site splash park will keep little feet cool and the baby pool is a peaceful spot for toddler dips. 

Alongside a range of kids’ clubs offering activities throughout the day and evening for kids aged 3-12 (hello mini disco!), there’s a playgroup for toddlers up to the age of three (note that parents need to be present during a session) and a playground designed especially for children four and under.  

Four restaurants and four pools will keep everyone happy and there are family rooms with sliding doors and swim-up rooms to choose from. Its location puts you steps from a wide sandy beach for those first tentative steps in the Med. 

4
TUI BLUE Flamingo Beach, Lanzarote
What we like
  • Separate pools for kids and babies plus a splash park 

  • BabyClub childcare for kids 36 months and under 

  • Cooking classes with TUI mascot, Captain T

  • Air-conditioned Baby Lounge close to the pool

What to know
  • Board basis: All inclusive 

  • Nearest airport: Lanzarote (21 miles) 

  • Number of pools: Three

  • Kids' club: Open 1 May to 31 October

What Mumsnet users say
Kwackerly · Stayed + rated
"Lovely low rise all inclusive resort right next to a beautiful white sand beach, took my son there for a few very easy holidays when he was small."
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harrumphs · Stayed + rated
"We love this place, highly recommend and can't wait to go back! Lanzarote is a beautiful island, as well."
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Our verdict

Overlooking Playa Flamingo Beach on Lanzarote’s southwest coast, TUI BLUE Flamingo Beach is VERY family friendly. Part of the TUI BLUE For Families collection, it features separate pools for kids and babies as well as a fun splash park. There’s also a handy air-conditioned Baby Lounge close to the main pool fitted with a microwave, bottle warmers and changing facilities. 

The BabyClub is perfect for tots aged 36 months and under, and toddlers aged three and over can join the Minis kids’ club for a full range of fun activities and sports sessions. 

For Canarian cuisine, you can take advantage of one all-inclusive visit to the a la carte Taverna per stay, or enjoy beachfront dining at the Green & Grill El Duque. The main restaurant features a kids’ buffet, and young foodies can join a cooking class with TUI mascot, Captain T.

5
TUI BLUE Tropical, Turkey
What we like
  • Amazing pools (three just for kids) 

  • Loads of fun activities for kids of all ages 

  • Short 20-minute transfer

What to know
  • Board basis: All inclusive 

  • Nearest airport: Dalaman (7 miles) 

  • Number of pools: Five

  • First Kicks football sessions: June to September only

What Mumsnet users say
Phos · Stayed + rated
"Tui Blue Tropical in Sarigerme. Amazing for that age. Going for our 4th visit in two years soon."
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iliketurtles21 · Stayed + rated
"Second tui blue tropical! Booked our second visit for next year already!"
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Our verdict

A short airport transfer can be a godsend if you have travel-weary toddlers in tow - thankfully the TUI BLUE Tropical is just seven miles (20 minutes) from Dalaman Airport, meaning you can jump straight into your holiday after touching down (or straight into an air-conditioned room for a family nap). 

Its beachfront location in the traditional village of Sarigerme puts you a world away from the runway though. It’s a popular spot for families thanks to its awesome pools (there are three just for kids, including a sheltered baby paddling pool) and impressive selection of activities. 

Alongside a BabyClub, parent-and-toddler sessions and kids’ clubs for children 3-12, there are swimming lessons for kids 4+ and a mini football academy for little ones aged 2-5. 

The main buffet restaurant is just one of five dining spots although you might find it hard to tear yourself away thanks to the dedicated children’s buffet section and pancake station.

6
TUI BLUE Atlantica Marmari Beach, Kos
What we like
  • Close to the beach with a boardwalk for easy access

  • Three dedicated kids’ pools

  • On-site minigolf course

What to know
  • Board basis: All inclusive 

  • Nearest airport: Kos (7 miles) 

  • Number of pools: Five

What Mumsnet users say
thismeansnothing · Stayed + rated
"We went to Marmari in Kos last year and [it] was fab. DD was 6. We hired a car for 2 days for about £50 with car seats etc and the island is really easy to get around. We explored loads. Other beaches. Kos town. Went into the hills/villages for food then nice beach/pool at our hotel to chill out on."
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Our verdict

This TUI BLUE for Families resort is fully geared up for easy, breezy family beach breaks. A short 20-minute transfer helps get your holiday off to a good start and it faces a long sandy beach with a handy boardwalk for pain-free pram access. 

Water babies will be spoilt for choice with three pools designed especially for kids, including a partially shaded baby pool. And the air-conditioned Baby Lounge - with bottle warmers and changing facilities - is perfect for a spot of shade. 

There’s a BabyClub for little ones up to 36 months and older toddlers can join the fun in the Minis kids’ club from the age of three. Activities include a minigolf course, a playground and swimming lessons for kids aged 4+. 

As you’d expect from a TUI BLUE resort, dining options are varied, with plenty of choice for children no matter how picky they may be at meal times. The main buffet offers local cuisine and family favourites, while the American diner is likely to prove a hit with the kids - you get one visit included during your stay.

7
TUI Magic Life Calabria, Italy

Pizzo, Calabria

What we like
  • Splash park with a dedicated toddler area

  • Guests can access a private section of the beach 

  • Amphitheatre for evening entertainment

What to know
  • Board basis: All inclusive 

  • Nearest airport: Lamezia Terme (10 miles) 

  • Number of pools: Four

What Mumsnet users say
december212 · Stayed + rated
"We stayed at TUI magic life calabria in Italy - it was fab."
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LoonyLunaLoo · Stayed + rated
"We had an amazing holiday at Tui Magic Life Calabria in Italy."
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Our verdict

Facing the sea and backed by vineyard-covered hills, TUI Magic Life Calabria is in a beautiful spot for an Italian beach break. 

There’s a private section of the beach to stroll to or if you’d rather take a dip on site, there are four pools to choose from, including a heated family pool and a mini splash park with a dedicated toddler area. 

Kids aged 3-6 can join the Magic Mini Club for activities, parties and games and there’s an amphitheatre for evening entertainment, including classic mini discos. Not one but two playgrounds will help little ones work up an appetite before hitting one of the many dining options including a buffet restaurant (complete with a special pasta section), a traditional trattoria and a beachfront grill. 

About TUI

When it comes to booking a holiday, we know everyone likes something different - from great value all inclusive deals with TUI MAGIC LIFE where kids can go free* at selected hotels to our action packed Holiday Village options and our TUI BLUE for families hotels which cater for everyone and are handpicked just for your family.

Our holiday portfolio ticks off everything from beach holidays and city breaks through to lakes and mountains getaways. We also offer tours that let you experience exotic places like Costa Rica, South Africa and Japan in a brand new way, and multi-destination trips with over 5,000 combinations to choose from. As one of the biggest UK holiday companies, we're here whenever you need us - via our stores, website or 24/7 Holiday line. Book now for 2024 for a £0 deposit* when you pay via Direct Debit*.

About the author

Rachel Erdos is an Editor at Mumsnet where she commissions, edits and writes content with a focus on family travel, product reviews and homeware roundups.

She has written hotel reviews, features and destination guides for top publications including the Guardian, Four Seasons Magazine, Travelzoo, Visit Britain and Visit London and loves nothing more than researching and writing about fun things for families to do in destinations near and far, as well as trawling the Mumsnet holiday forum for inspiration for her next trip away with her husband and two kids, aged seven and four.