Travelling with children doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With a bit of planning (and the right mindset), a family holiday can be one of the most rewarding experiences you share together.
Whether you’re heading to the Devon coast or exploring further afield, these practical family holiday tips will help you travel more smoothly, keep the kids happy, and actually enjoy the experience.
1. Slow Down Your Schedule (and Enjoy More)
One of the biggest mindset shifts? Accepting that everything takes longer with kids… and that’s not a bad thing.
Children naturally want to explore, stop, ask questions and take everything in. Instead of rushing from place to place, build in buffer time and treat those pauses as part of the adventure.
Helpful tip:
Plan one main activity per day, then leave space for spontaneous moments like an ice cream stop, beach play or a wander along the coast.
If you’re visiting somewhere like Dawlish Warren, its compact layout makes this much easier – everything from the beach to the amusements is within walking distance.
2. Keep Kids Engaged (Without Screens All Day)
Bored kids = stressed parents. A little preparation goes a long way.
Instead of relying purely on screens, give children something to do during the trip:
- A holiday journal or scrapbook
- A simple scavenger hunt (e.g. “spot a lighthouse”, “find a crab”)
- A disposable or child-friendly camera
- Collecting tickets, shells or postcards
You’ll often find local attractions offer activity sheets too – these are brilliant for keeping kids engaged while learning about where they are.
3. Choose Family-Friendly Destinations
Not all destinations are created equal when travelling with children.
Look for places that naturally cater to families, with:
- Easy access to beaches or outdoor space
- Family-friendly attractions nearby
- Places to eat with children’s menus
- Safe, walkable areas
Seaside locations like Dawlish Warren are ideal because everything is close together, relaxed, and geared towards families -meaning less time travelling and more time enjoying yourselves.
4. Make the Journey Part of the Adventure
For children, the journey is just as exciting as the destination… if you make it fun.
Simple travel games can make a huge difference:
- “I Spy”
- “I went shopping and I bought…”
- Spotting landmarks out the window
Audiobooks are also a brilliant, low-effort way to keep kids entertained. Platforms like Audible offer a wide range of children’s stories perfect for long journeys.
If you’re travelling by train, you can plan routes and find the best fares using Trainline, which is especially helpful when travelling with family.
Pro tip:
Always pack more snacks than you think you’ll need – delays happen, and hungry kids rarely stay patient.
5. Pack a ‘Grab-and-Go’ Essentials Bag
Think of this as your survival kit for days out.
Your “magic bag” should include:
- Wet wipes & hand sanitiser
- Snacks & refillable water bottles
- Sun cream (even in the UK!)
- Plasters and basic first aid
- Spare clothes
- Small toys or colouring supplies
Having everything in one place means you’re not constantly digging through bags when you need something quickly.
6. Plan Ahead (But Stay Flexible)
Good planning reduces stress, but overplanning can do the opposite.
Before you travel:
- Check opening times and book tickets where needed
- Look up transport options and routes
- Save useful resources like Traveline for local bus and travel info
But once you’re there, give yourself permission to adapt. If the kids are tired or the weather changes, switching plans is part of the process and not a failure.
7. Choose Accommodation That Makes Life Easier
Where you stay can make or break a family holiday.
Look for family-friendly accommodation that offers:
- Space for kids to play
- On-site entertainment
- Easy access to local attractions
- Family-friendly facilities
Staying somewhere like Welcome Family in Dawlish Warren means you can park up (or arrive car-free) and have everything you need within easy reach – from the beach to evening entertainment.
Make Family Holidays Feel Easy Again
Family holidays aren’t about ticking off a long list of attractions… they’re about spending quality time together, discovering new places, and making memories.
With a bit of planning, the right destination, and realistic expectations, travelling with kids becomes far less stressful, and a lot more fun.
Updated 15/04/2026