Fun family holidays this summer

The school holidays have arrived and many Brits have still not booked their summer break. With six weeks to fill travelbite.co.uk has picked out the top ten holiday ideas for family R&R this summer. From sustainable 'staycations' to self-catering cottages, from cruise holidays to active family holiday breaks and holiday solutions for large families, we have the best school holiday ideas in the UK and abroad.

1. Family Mediterranean cruise holiday

A cruise is a fun way to spend a summer holiday with the family, soaking up the sun on deck and taking in some culture at the various ports of call along the way - and cruise holidays can also be more affordable than you think.

On MSC cruise holidays up to three children under the age of 18 years sail for free when sharing a cabin with two adults, paying just the port dues. On some ships family accommodation is available in adjacent cabins, with a connecting door.

All restaurants on MSC cruise ships offer early dining for families and children's menus are available.

There's a kids club, with activities for various age groups. All the MSC club team is English speaking and when parents are out on shore excursions they can leave their children at the free kids club. The children have lunch with the staff in a dedicated area and with a special children's menu.

2. Cottage holidays for summer

From farm houses, to converted stone barns to heritage properties, a cottage holiday is a great way to spend your family summer break. Self-catering cottage holidays are a good way to save money, while the kids get to enjoy the space to run around in the countryside.

With country views, easy day trips to the coast or the hills, cottage holidays in the UK are very family friendly and often even pet friendly. Cottages and gites in Europe are also family friendly and it's not difficult to find a holiday cottage that provides baby cots and high chairs.

A cottage holiday is the perfect opportunity for an extended family break. Invite the grandparents and cousins so that everyone can share the childcare. Parents can enjoy some time off and everyone can have a memorable summer family experience.

Cottages4you are offering 20 percent off many of their rural cottage holiday rentals this summer.

3. Holidays for large families

Finding affordable and practical accommodation for a summer holiday can be difficult for larger families with three or more children. Instead of paying for two hotel rooms and splitting up the family, or block booking a cottage and doing your own chores, consider an alternative.

Spend a fun family holiday in the Lake District this summer in apartments linked to hotels at Derwent Lodge. This unique form of accommodation provides the ideal combination of flexibility and convenience, as guests in the apartments have access to the facilities of the hotel.

Prepare food for the family in the apartment's kitchen, or order in room service when you need a break. The abundance of activities in the National Park makes it a great destination for families to enjoy their summer holiday.

4. Activity holidays for families

For active families who like to get up and go, how about a summer getaway in the Algarve, staying at one of the Oceânico Resortsin Faro for a week in July from £221 per person (based on four sharing a two-bedroom apartment).

With the special offer of a discount booklet for every guest this summer, there's never been a better time to visit. Take advantage of the savings with vouchers for great offers like 20 per cent off golf and tennis lessons, free entry to kids' party nights for guests aged four-11, free spa treatments, and great discounts on food and drinks.

The resorts offer spacious apartments and townhouses, and facilities that include swimming pools, tennis courts and children's play areas. There are several great golf courses in the area and other attractions in the Algarve for families include a marine park, water parks, horse riding, surfing and cycling.

5. Sustainable family holidays in the UK

Camping is a great way to have a fun summer holiday outdoors and protect the environment at the same time. For an affordable holiday near Exeter in Devon take the whole family for a week of camping at Embercombe.

This 50-acre sustainable community has many activities to offer. Your family will have the opportunity to build tree houses, roam wild meadows, and cook organic food on the campfire. Pitch your own tent or stay in one of the camp's cosy yurts. The site also overlooks the Dartmoor National Park, a great place to go exploring.

The price for a family of four is £400, which includes all activities, accommodation and food for a week. A stay in a yurt costs and additional £100.

6. Austria's Kinderhotels

Kinderhotels offer comfortable accommodation for a summer holiday in the Austrian mountains and they are totally dedicated to welcoming children.

Some Kinderhotels are based on traditional alpine farms and the kids can help feed the animals, bake bread and make apple strudel.

Enjoy gorgeous alpine scenery and clean air in an environment where children can play safely outdoors. They have English-speaking nannies, free childcare and special children's menus.

Baby-friendly holidays are also a given, with all the equipment from bibs and high chairs to buggies, bottle warmers and microwaves available.

Healthy, organic food, spa and wellness centres for mum and dad, and exciting activities for older children. What more could you ask for in a family holiday?

7. Kids club family holidays in Cornwall

If you're still looking for a place for your family to holiday this month, consider self-catering accommodation in Cornwall. The Kids Club at the Retallack Resort and Spa is free this July, offering a number of fun activities every day.

Children between the ages of four and 12 can fill their days with themed activities. The club will be open daily from 09:00 - 11:00 and 14:00 - 16:00 and will be divided into age groups so everyone will have fun. Some highlights in July include visits to the Newquay Zoo, the Screech Owl Sanctuary and the Blue Reef Aquarium's Rock Pool Road Show.

There will be a hosted bonfire party where children aged seven and older can gather wood, make a fire, and toast marshmallows. Those aged ten years and over can join in a Ray Mears survival session and learn how to cook their own food, gut a fish and even build a fire. The evenings offer movie nights and BBQs on the terrace, where kids will have the chance to cook their own burgers and sausages.

While the kids are off having fun, mums and dads can have some time to relax at the resort's leisure facilities and spa. But don't miss the opportunity to get the family together and explore the Cornish countryside.

Visit the greenhouses at the nearby Eden Project, hire bikes and ride the Camel Trail, or simply spend a day at the beach.

8. Outdoors family fun holidays in Zermatt

If you're looking for something different from the typical summer beach holiday, then take your family on a fun break in the Swiss Alps. Skiing isn't the only activity the Alps have to offer, and you'll find a wealth of things to do outdoors in Zermatt.

This picturesque village boasts a range of mountain activities perfect for every age group. The whole family will enjoy the trampoline park and the tree top fun park - an extensive route of long zip-wires and tree top obstacles suitable for children aged four and above.

Teens will have a blast on the fixed rope climbing routes, tandem paragliding, or speeding down the mountain on a downhill trailscooter. The nearby village of Tasch offers golf for the adults.

Mountain Exposure is offering for 20 percent off of chalets in Zermatt, either catered or self-catered, until September 30th. Chalets are self-catering, or fully catered upon request, and sleep between two and 26 people.

9. Family farm experience in Slovenia

Try something on your family holiday this summer by staying in one of the 200 tourist farms spread across the unspoilt Slovenian countryside.

A farmstay is an opportunity to get a real insight into the customs and traditions of Slovenian life, plus a chance to get closer to the country's nature and landscapes.

These are genuine working farms that welcome help from their guests - including children - including fruit picking, egg collecting, mushroom picking, grape harvesting and animal feeding.

Being based in the Slovenian countryside means families can make the most of Slovenia's outdoor activities - hiking in the Julian Alps; rowing on Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj; white-water rafting and kayaking on the Soca River; or horse riding and mountain biking in the Triglav National Park.

10. All inclusive family holidays

First Choice have just launched a new collection of Family Choice holidays, offering a full range of family entertainment at an affordable price.

Family Choice hotels offer full childcare up to the age of 15 years at the First Choice Kids' Academy, run by UK qualified Kids Reps and are in destinations less than a five hour flight away so that the kids don't get bored. They also offer pre-bookable family extras, such as baby equipment and a crèche.

With kids' pools and playgrounds there's a lot to keep the little angels entertained while parents take a moment to relax.

There are free child places available on all these properties, offered on a first come, first served basis. First Choice family choice hotel holidays are available to book for summer 2010.

by travelbite.co.uk staff