Choosing family holidays everyone will enjoy when your twins are older

Planning holidays with older twins

Family holidays can feel like they flash by, so you want them to feel special and memorable. When your twins, triplets or more were babies, you probably planned around naps, buggies and familiar routines. As they grow, the focus shifts.

Older children have stronger views, more stamina and often very different ideas about what a ‘good’ break means. One child might dream of waterslides, while the other prefers quiet nature walks. You can’t meet every wish all the time, but you can find shared ground.

A good starting point is a relaxed family chat. Talk about what matters now. Is everyone craving beaches or countryside, swimming or sightseeing, calm or buzz. You might spot a few themes, such as wanting water, space to run about or chances to explore somewhere new. Those shared priorities can guide your planning and reduce arguments later.

Balancing needs so everyone enjoys the break

Whatever you choose, it helps to design the holiday with both together-time and breathing space in mind. Twins are often treated as a ready-made pair, but they’re still two separate people with their own needs.

Some children love sharing a bedroom on holiday. Others feel calmer if they have clearly marked personal space, even if that’s just their own shelf or drawer. It’s worth talking about sleeping arrangements and privacy before you go, so no-one is surprised.

During the day, try to mix twin moments with one-to-one time. They might build a sandcastle together, tackle a climbing wall or design a simple treasure hunt. Alongside this, look for small windows where each child gets a parent’s full attention, even for a few minutes. A quiet chat over an ice cream or a short walk with just one child can ease tension more than a big day out.

It’s tempting to cram in as much as possible, especially if you feel you’re making up for years of disrupted sleep or staying close to home. In reality, children enjoy the big activities more when they aren’t exhausted. Aim to pair busy days with slower ones, so everyone has a chance to recharge.

Choosing the right holiday style for your family

Once you understand your priorities, think about the style of holiday before you focus on a specific country or town. The overall ‘shape’ of the break often matters more than the exact destination.

Family resorts can work well if you want plenty on site and minimal planning after you arrive. Holiday parks and campsites usually suit children who love being outdoors and making new friends. A self-catering cottage or apartment gives you flexibility with food, bedtimes and quiet time, plus room to spread out when tempers fray.

City breaks can be brilliant for curious children. They work best when you mix museums and landmarks with parks, street food and regular rests. You might plan a morning of sightseeing, then an afternoon in a playground or by a fountain.

When you look at brochures or websites, check there’s a mix of things to do. Options like water sports, nature trails, craft sessions, mini golf or bike hire help different personalities shine in the same place. You’re aiming for a setting with both high-energy fun and quieter corners.

Involving your children in choosing can make everyone more invested. You might narrow it down to two destinations and ask for a family vote. Or show photos and videos of one resort and ask what they would most like to do there. Giving each child a small ‘holiday budget’ for one chosen treat can also reduce later disputes.

Staying flexible and building happy memories

The practical side of travel and cost deserves as much thought as the destination. Even the dream location loses its appeal if getting there involves complex changes or hours of frazzled children. Think honestly about how long your family can manage in the car, on a train or on a flight. Then plan what could make that easier.

Individual backpacks with snacks, books and headphones can prevent battles over shared devices. Agreeing seat plans in advance can also help things feel fair.

Being clear about your budget makes it easier to relax once you’re away. You don’t need constant paid attractions to have a good time. Beaches, parks, local walks and free museums can all give your children a sense of adventure without constant spending.

Even with thoughtful planning, there will still be tiredness, cross words or the odd “this is boring”. That doesn’t mean the holiday has failed. Over time, your children are most likely to remember the shared jokes, the messy ice creams and the feeling that their views mattered when you chose how to spend your days together.