Family holidays. The idea sounds dreamy — until you add the suitcases, snack crises, nap schedules and a chorus of “I’m bored” before lunchtime.
And yet, despite the logistical gymnastics, more families than ever are packing up and heading out — just… differently.
According to data from Hellotickets, a global platform for booking cultural and entertainment experiences in over 130 countries, families in 2025 are changing the way they travel — and it shows in what they book, when they book, and how they move through cities.
What families are actually booking
Forget soft-play zones and mascot photo-ops. Today’s parents want activities that wow their kids — but that they also enjoy themselves.
Some of the most-booked family-friendly experiences across Europe and the US this year include:
- Harry Potter Studios in the UK — a huge hit, not just for teens.
- Broadway and West End musicals — The Lion King, Wicked, Back to the Future, all ranking high with family audiences.
- City boat tours in Paris, Rome and Amsterdam — effortless, scenic and stroller-friendly.
- Skyline viewpoints like SUMMIT (NYC), the London Sky Garden, or Torre Glòries in Barcelona — a moment of awe with zero complaints.
Average duration of booked family activities: 1hr 20min. Most popular time slots: 10am to 1pm and 3pm to 6pm — before naps, queues and hangry meltdowns.
What’s changed in how families travel
Gone are the days of cramming five attractions into a single day.
Families now aim for a rhythm that’s lighter, more spacious — where one or two meaningful activities per day are enough.
They also tend to avoid experiences labelled “for kids” and instead opt for those that feel shared, inclusive and visually rich. Think: a river cruise at sunset, a museum with a treasure hunt, a panoramic rooftop that doubles as a breather for parents.
It’s not about “entertaining the children”. It’s about enjoying something together.
Four things smart families do before they fly
- Choose immersive over educational — a giant aquarium beats an ancient archive.
- Balance their time — one big moment for the kids, one for the grown-ups… or ideally both at once.
- Don’t try to do it all — three strong memories beat ten half-baked ones.
- Plan just enough — book the key things early, but leave space for spontaneity.
Travelling with kids isn’t about giving up your holiday — it’s about reshaping it.
And more often than not, it’s the little things — a shared laugh, a quiet view, a first-time “wow” — that turn into the big memories.
With Hellotickets, families can find simple, powerful, stress-free experiences that make travelling together not just doable — but joyful.
Book your next experience at: www.hellotickets.co.uk
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