Family holidays are about connection, fun, and making memories together—but they can also be a great opportunity to introduce movement into your time away in ways that are natural, lighthearted, and inclusive. Staying active doesn’t have to mean squeezing in workouts or dragging reluctant kids to an exercise class. Instead, think of it as playtime with purpose.
With the right mix of activities, your family can bond, explore, and stay energized—without ever once calling it “exercise.” From countryside rambles to games in the pool, here’s how to make family fitness part of your holiday in the most enjoyable way possible.
Children are naturally active—and they love exploring. Rather than planning formal exercise sessions, weave movement into your daily holiday routine. Start with nature walks to a local landmark, morning beachcombing adventures, or a bike ride to explore nearby villages. These don’t feel like workouts, but they keep everyone moving and engaged.
Involve kids in the planning too. Give them a choice of a morning hike, an afternoon swim, or even a dance session in your accommodation. When they feel included, they’re more likely to embrace the activity—and the enthusiasm is often contagious.
One of the joys of a holiday is breaking away from the routine—and that includes trying new forms of activity. Think paddleboarding, mini golf, archery, or even a family-friendly obstacle course. These types of experiences promote not just physical activity, but laughter, teamwork, and memories that last long after the trip is over.
Midway through your holiday, consider visiting a place like Manor & Ashbury Resorts, which offers a variety of inclusive, age-appropriate activities tailored to families. With indoor and outdoor facilities for everything from racket sports to swimming and cycling, it’s easy to stay active without ever needing to plan a gym session.
The key is to choose something new and fun, not necessarily something physically demanding. If you’ve never played pickleball or done a group yoga session together, your holiday is the perfect time to start.
Pools and beaches offer the ideal setting for family fitness without it feeling like work. Games like water volleyball, pool tag, or even races using floaties are fantastic ways to stay active as a group. If you’re near the sea or a lake, consider trying beginner-friendly kayaking, canoeing, or stand-up paddleboarding as a family activity.
These water-based adventures help build strength, coordination, and confidence—all while staying cool and having fun. Plus, they can be scaled to different ability levels, making them suitable for everyone from toddlers to teens to grandparents.
Don’t forget your waterproof camera—these are the moments you’ll want to capture.
Transform your surroundings into a giant playground with scavenger hunts or nature challenges. Create a list of items to find, animals to spot, or landmarks to reach. Turn your hikes or walks into missions: who can spot five different types of birds, or who can reach the top of the hill first?
You can make these challenges as simple or as educational as you like. Add in trivia, mini tasks, or map-reading to incorporate learning and teamwork. It keeps kids engaged longer and turns a regular walk into an interactive adventure.
These types of activities not only promote movement but also encourage mindfulness and a stronger appreciation of the natural environment.
After a day of exploration, wind down with some gentle group activities that keep the body moving and the mood light. Think lawn games like boules, frisbee, or capture the flag. If you’re staying at a resort or holiday park, check the event schedule for things like family Zumba, dance nights, or yoga under the stars.
Evening walks can also become part of your family’s holiday ritual. Take a stroll to watch the sunset or explore a local village at dusk—it’s a lovely way to reflect on the day while adding a few more steps before bedtime.
And if it rains? Indoor charades, dance-offs, or yoga videos are all great alternatives.
You don’t need to schedule workouts or force fitness into your holiday to stay active as a family. With a little creativity, movement can become part of the fun—embedded in your adventures, games, and downtime. It’s about quality time, shared experiences, and feeling good, not ticking off steps or calories.
By focusing on activities that everyone enjoys, you’ll nurture healthy habits, foster stronger connections, and create a holiday filled with energy and joy. Whether it’s exploring forest trails, laughing through a game of pool volleyball, or dancing after dinner, the fitness will follow naturally.
