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Family holidays 'most fun' when children reach eight years old, parents say

Parents sat family holidays are the most fun when their children are able to get involved in planning activities they can do together.

[Young boy and girl excitedly getting dressed on bed of holiday cabin with mother helping young daughter, unpacked suitcase on bed in foreground, vacations, excitement, anticipation]

Parents enjoy when their children can get involved in the planning(Image: Getty Images)

Family holidays are most fun when children reach eight years old, according to research. A poll of 2,000 parents found eight is the age when everyone in the family gets the most out of holidays. Four in ten parents are better able to relax themselves and enjoy more shared hobbies and activities together with their kids.

Meanwhile, at this stage, 55% of parents believe their children start to form lasting holiday memories, while 64% think their children get genuinely excited about new places and 22% say they can contribute to the planning. Commissioned by Jet2holidays ahead of Mother's Day, the research found 76% of mums who go on one or more getaways a year consider family holidays to be their highlight.

[Family on the beach together]

Eight is the age when everyone in the family gets something out of the holiday(Image: Getty Images)

A spokesperson for the tour operator said: Family holidays are special at all ages. However, there appears to be something especially great once kids reach eight years old with the findings suggesting many kids are more curious, more engaged and better able to take in new experiences at this age.

The study also identified what parents look for in a family getaway with value for money (29%), a place which suits the whole family (28%) and good weather (28%) coming top.

Activities everyone can enjoy together are also considered key (17%), along with a destination which is easy to get around (15%) and genuinely family friendly accommodation (14%).

To ensure the kids in particular are happy, 30% often or always get them involved in the planning of a family break. They do so because it makes their little ones feel included and valued (46%), creates shared excitement (37%) and ensures activities suit their interests (34%).

And taking such steps to ensure family holidays are a success appear to be worth it 86% said memories spent with their kids on such getaways are among their most meaningful.

The research carried out through OnePoll also identified the holiday milestones those polled consider to be the most significant, with going abroad as a family for the first time (35%) coming top.

[Mum walking with her two young sons to the car. The youngest boy is holiday an inflatable crocodile for the pool.]

30% often or always get their kids involved in the planning of a family break(Image: Getty Images)

Flying together for the first time (24%), the first theme park or major attraction visit as a family (15%) and staying away from home overnight for the first time as a unit (14%) are also significant.

A spokesperson for Jet2holidays added: Its clear involving children in the planning process plays a big part in making a holiday memorable.

And this is just one of a host of memorable holiday milestones theyll be part of whether thats flying together for the first time or going abroad as a family stay with parents for years.

This is why considerations like the right destination and accommodation are so important.

Were proud to help families make those memories by offering great value, family friendly holidays which cater to everyone, whatever stage of family life theyre in.

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