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
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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
Playa de Muro
Prime beachfront location
On-site soft play centre
BabyClub offers childcare for babies and toddlers six days a week
Board basis: B&B or half-board
Nearest airport: Palma de Mallorca (39 miles)
Number of pools: Four
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
Kolymbia
Splash park with a pirate ship
Four restaurants and six bars to choose from
Swim Academy for kids aged 3+
Board basis: All inclusive
Nearest airport: Rhodes (19 miles)
Number of pools: Four
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.
Cala Tarida
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
Board basis: All inclusive
Nearest airport: Ibiza (11 miles)
Number of pools: Four
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.
Playa Blanca
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
Board basis: All inclusive
Nearest airport: Lanzarote (21 miles)
Number of pools: Three
Kids' club: Open 1 May to 31 October
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.
Dalaman
Amazing pools (three just for kids)
Loads of fun activities for kids of all ages
Short 20-minute transfer
Board basis: All inclusive
Nearest airport: Dalaman (7 miles)
Number of pools: Five
First Kicks football sessions: June to September only
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.
Marmari
Close to the beach with a boardwalk for easy access
Three dedicated kids’ pools
On-site minigolf course
Board basis: All inclusive
Nearest airport: Kos (7 miles)
Number of pools: Five
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.
Pizzo, Calabria
Splash park with a dedicated toddler area
Guests can access a private section of the beach
Amphitheatre for evening entertainment
Board basis: All inclusive
Nearest airport: Lamezia Terme (10 miles)
Number of pools: Four
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.