Kids' Ultimate Holiday Wishlist: Fun, Freedom, and Family Time
A new poll of 1,000 children aged 6 to 12 has unveiled their dream holiday plans, and the results are a delightful mix of whimsy and warmth. If kids were in charge, they would prioritize endless ice cream, adventurous activities, and quality family moments, painting a picture of a getaway filled with joy and spontaneity.
Survey Highlights Children's Holiday Preferences
The research, commissioned by Sykes Holiday Cottages, shows that children's ideal holiday includes eating three ice creams a day, using bikes or scooters as their primary transport, and playing board games every night. Additionally, 40% of kids would spend all day in the pool, while 20% would play hide and seek with their family, and 14% would indulge in a cozy pyjama day.
When it comes to accommodation, an overwhelming 93% of youngsters prefer holiday parks, with 72% citing them as fun places packed with activities. The study also found that 19% view holiday parks as a home away from home, thanks to popular amenities like swimming pools, adventure playgrounds, and arcade games.
Competition to Empower Young Holiday Planners
In response to these findings, Sykes Holiday Cottages has launched a competition to recruit two children as its resident Directors of Fun. This initiative aims to put kids at the heart of holiday planning, encouraging them to share their perfect itineraries until April 30, 2026. Winners will have the chance to bring their holiday dreams to life, with the job ad seeking spontaneous, imaginative, and enthusiastic applicants.
James Shaw, spokesperson for the staycation specialist, commented: "It's always interesting to see what kids would do if they were in charge of the whole holiday – and it turns out it would be pretty fun for everyone else too. While there's plenty of excitement around things like unlimited ice cream and activities, what really stands out is how much they value simply spending time together."
Family Time Tops the List of Holiday Priorities
The survey, conducted via OnePoll.com, revealed that more than half (51%) of children say their favorite part of being on holiday is spending time with family, while 35% enjoy meeting other young people their age. Furthermore, 79% admitted they would like to take charge of a family holiday, with top reasons including leading activities they want (63%), telling relatives what to do (41%), and feeling like a grown-up (40%).
Shaw added: "Holidays should give families the chance to properly switch off, reconnect, and enjoy shared experiences all in one place. What's striking is how much children value the freedom to shape their own days – whether that's choosing activities, exploring, or just having unstructured time to play. That's where settings like holiday parks come into their own, offering a mix of flexibility and variety that lets every family member make the most of their time away."
Top 10 Activities Kids Would Do on Holiday
- Eat ice cream every day
- Spend all day in the pool
- Have a giant water fight
- Ride bikes or scooters everywhere
- Play hide and seek with my family
- Go on a treasure hunt
- Have a midnight feast
- Eat dessert before dinner
- Stay up late playing board games every night
- Have a pyjama day
This list underscores a holiday vision centered on simple pleasures, active fun, and cherished family interactions, highlighting how children's ideas often focus on togetherness rather than packed schedules.
