7 Last-Minute Family Holiday Ideas

2 parents and 3 children walking through a field (source)

We know how it is - as a busy parent/grandparent/family matriarch or patriarch, it can be difficult to handle everything on your plate. Before you know it, school holidays have snuck up on you, and you haven't made sufficient holiday plans - so how can you throw together a spontaneous trip?

You're in luck, as Trip.com has compiled some excellent ideas. Whether it's with small kids or nearly-adults, we've got seven last-minute family holidays you can consider for your trip...

View of the castle at Disneyland Paris (source)

A classic. Your little (and not-so-little) ones will be absolutely delighted to see Mickey, Minnie, and all the other Disney characters in person. Whether it's new Disney heroes or those that are approaching their centenary, we're certain that faces will light up when seeing the grand castle - and we're not just talking about the youngsters in your travelling party.

A few days at Disneyland Paris will have everyone happy. Go on fun rides, see exciting shows, and, of course, snap pictures with cast members.

At the end of the day, drive just 5 minutes to arrive at Relais Spa Chessy Val d'Europe, or you can take a slow and leisurely walk over. Either way, you'll have a fantastic night's rest on their premium bedding.

Click here for cheap flights to Paris.

The beach in Alicante (source)

This seaside city in Spain is the perfect place to go when booking last-minute family holidays. There are plenty of family-friendly activities besides soaking in the sun's rays at the beach, such as exploring Parque Lo Morant and El Palmeral Park, checking out one of the museums, or visiting the Santa Bárbara Castle.

More importantly, you have a wide range of choices when it comes to kid-friendly hotels. For example, there's La City Mercado, which is located in the heart of Alicante. It'll be easy to walk back to if the little ones get tired.

Click here for cheap flights to Alicante.

A person taking a picture out the window on the Brienz Rothorn Bahn (source)

If you and your loved ones adore active adventures, then seeing the Alps is a must-do.

More specifically, you should take a trip on the Brienz Rothorn Bahn in Switzerland. This steam train departs from the village of Brienz and only runs during the summer.

It'll chug for an hour to reach the summit of Brienzer Rothorn, where you can get breathtaking views. At your destination, you can hike and dine at various high-quality restaurants.

Getting to Brienz itself won't be an easy feat, but it can be quite fun. If you're coming from Lucerne or Interlaken, then we recommend you take a train. Or for a thrilling time, hop on a boat in Interlaken.

Book your family a room at Hotel Brienzerburli, which will put you steps away from Lake Brienz. You'll get postcard-quality views of the summits surrounding you.

Click here for cheap flights to Brienz.

The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam (source)

If your kids are on the older side and are keen on some learning, then visiting the beautiful canal-strewn city of Amsterdam is a great last-minute holiday idea. Just taking a stroll through town will be an educational experience, especially if you book a walking tour. You'll get to learn all about Amsterdam's rich history and gain a newfound appreciation for it.

To make the most of your holiday, focus your museum visits at the Museumplein, as this square is home to Amsterdam's 3 biggest museums: the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum. If you've got more time to kill, then other museums include the Anne Frank House, NEMO Science Museum, and Museum of the Canals. Basically, anywhere you go in the city, you'll find a museum!

Staying at Jan Luyken Amsterdam will put you in the thick of it, as you'll be right in Museumplein. Not to mention, you'll be close to Vondelpark too, which is great for a family stroll/dog-spotting.

Click here for cheap flights to Amsterdam.

Is your family crazy about water parks? Then take them camping at La Rive in Biscarrosse for the most amazing time!

This French campsite is located near the Atlantic coast, and it's surrounded by beautiful forests and lakes. You can stay in tents for the real camping experience, or you can bring a camper or caravan to stay in for better comfort. In addition, the site has mobile home and chalet rentals.

The kids can enjoy a large swimming pool complex with fun water slides, heated pools, and even a separate children's pool. While they're at the kid's clubs, the grown-ups can venture off to the tennis courts, soccer field, or fitness centre.

La Rive has its own grocery store, bakery, and restaurants, so you won't have to leave for delicious food. However, you can also rent bicycles to explore the surrounding area, including Lake Biscarrosse.

Click here for cheap flights to La Rive.

Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany (source)

A last-minute trip doesn't necessarily mean it has to be short. If you've got time, take a tour around Germany to discover all its wonderful mediaeval castles.

Most of them are concentrated around Frankfurt, so Mercure Hotel Kaiserhof City Center makes a good home base. In the mornings, you can head out with your hire car and drive to castles such as Frankenstein Castle, Rheinstein Castle, and Schönburg Castle Hotel.

Not only will you see gorgeous pieces of Germany's history, but you'll also take in the stunning scenery as you drive along.

Click here for cheap flights to Germany.

Your children have probably already been to several zoos, but you can't beat the Scandinavian Wildlife Park in Kolind, Denmark.

Here, you can observe a diverse range of native wildlife in a natural setting. The whole family can stare at animals like bears, wolves, reindeer, elk, lynx, otters, and more.

The best thing is that the animals are housed in spacious enclosures that mimic their natural habitats. There are knowledgeable staff members too, and they give guided tours to provide more insights into these creatures.

Check in at Ebeltoft Park B & B for a beachside holiday. You'll be next to Ebeltoft Beach, and it'll take under 30 minutes to drive to the wildlife park.

Click here for cheap flights to Kolind.

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