Crafting Educational family trips that your family will love

Travelling with your family can be more than just a change of scenery. The best adventures blend learning with laughter, turning every stop into a story worth retelling. Educational family trips are your chance to explore the world together while uncovering new cultures, histories, and skills. They can inspire curiosity in your children, spark conversations, and create lasting memories that go far beyond a standard holiday. The secret is making the “educational” part just as exciting as the “fun” part.

Why combine education and fun when you travel?

Children absorb information best when they’re engaged and having a good time. Seeing a Roman amphitheatre in person makes history more vivid than any textbook. Sampling local produce at a farmers’ market can turn a picky eater into a budding foodie. These shared experiences become powerful learning tools.

Parents benefit too. Travelling in this way means you share the excitement of discovery rather than just supervising it. You’re not just the organiser; you’re a co-explorer.

The mix of enjoyment and education helps to:

• Encourage curiosity and problem-solving
• Strengthen family bonds through shared goals and discoveries
• Give real-world context to what children learn at school
• Foster a lifelong love of travel and culture

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Planning your educational family trip for maximum enjoyment

The best educational family trips start with a clear plan, but one that still leaves space for surprises. While it’s tempting to pack every moment with sightseeing, balance is key. Children need time to absorb what they’ve learned — and some time to just play.

Here are a few steps to help you get started:

• Choose a theme – History, science, art, or nature? A focus helps narrow down destinations and activities.
• Involve your children – Let them help research places or vote on activities. Participation makes them more invested.
• Mix indoor and outdoor experiences – Museums and galleries are great, but so are hikes, boat trips, and wildlife spotting.
• Plan downtime – Even the most curious minds need rest.

Small changes to your itinerary can make the educational parts feel natural. Visiting a castle? Bring along a short story about its past to read before you go in. Stopping at a nature reserve? Download a spotter’s guide and turn it into a family challenge.

Choosing destinations for learning and fun

Some destinations are almost designed for families who want to learn as they go. The trick is finding a location that offers a mix of cultural depth and hands-on experiences.

When selecting a destination, think about:

• How easy it is to get around
• Age-appropriate attractions
• Opportunities to interact with locals
• Seasonal events that add an extra layer of interest

The following are some ideas that combine culture, history, and active fun.

Rome, Italy – A living history lesson

Rome turns a walk down the street into a step back in time. You can stand inside the Colosseum and imagine gladiators in the arena, or toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain while practising Italian phrases.

Children can follow simple scavenger hunts around the ruins, making history more like a game than a lecture.

Hotel suggestion: Hotel Artemide — Centrally located with spacious family rooms, a rooftop terrace, and easy access to the main sights. After a morning exploring ancient streets, the rooftop is perfect for unwinding.

We often have special offers for city breaks like Rome that combine family-friendly hotels with guided tours designed for young explorers. Ask us about what’s currently available.

Edinburgh, Scotland – Stories in every stone

From the winding closes of the Old Town to the majesty of Edinburgh Castle, Scotland’s capital brims with history. Add the interactive exhibits at the National Museum of Scotland and a hike up Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views, and you’ve got a trip that mixes learning, exercise, and fresh air.

Hotel suggestion: Radisson Blu Hotel Edinburgh — Right on the Royal Mile, this hotel offers family suites and a swimming pool. Its location makes it easy to explore without tiring young legs.

We can arrange packages that include centrally located accommodation, skip-the-line entry tickets, and walking tours tailored to families.

Athens, Greece – Myths, marble, and Mediterranean sunshine

Athens offers a unique blend of ancient history and modern life. Families can explore the Acropolis, wander through the colourful Plaka neighbourhood, and sample Greek street food in the bustling markets. For children, learning about Greek mythology while standing at the Parthenon adds an unforgettable twist to their history lessons.

Hotel suggestion: Electra Palace Athens — With its rooftop pool overlooking the Acropolis, this hotel is ideal for cooling off after sightseeing. Its central location means less time travelling and more time exploring.

We can tailor itineraries that pair guided archaeological tours with fun, hands-on activities like pottery workshops or Greek cooking classes for kids.

Orlando, Florida – Science and discovery beyond the theme parks

While Orlando is famous for its theme parks, it also offers opportunities for learning. The Kennedy Space Center sparks interest in science and space travel, while local wildlife parks give insight into Florida’s ecosystems. Families can mix a few high-energy days at the parks with quieter, educational experiences.

Hotel suggestion: Rosen Shingle Creek — Spacious grounds, family-friendly dining, and easy access to both attractions and nature reserves make it a strong base.

Ask us about packages that combine park passes with educational day trips, so your family gets the best of both worlds.

Kyoto, Japan – Tradition meets hands-on culture

In Kyoto, children can learn about Japanese culture through interactive experiences — from tea ceremonies to calligraphy workshops. Strolling through the bamboo forest of Arashiyama or visiting the Golden Pavilion offers a calm contrast to the sensory overload of big cities.

Hotel suggestion: Kyoto Tokyu Hotel — A blend of modern comfort and traditional style, with rooms that suit families and easy access to public transport.

We can arrange experiences where children can dress in traditional kimono, take part in origami classes, or learn a few words of Japanese from local guides.

Costa Rica – Rainforests, volcanoes, and wildlife encounters

Costa Rica is a paradise for nature-loving families. Children can spot sloths and toucans in the wild, walk across hanging bridges in cloud forests, and see volcanic landscapes up close. Learning about conservation here happens naturally, as the country’s eco-friendly ethos is part of everyday life.

Hotel suggestion: Hotel Arenal Springs Resort — With views of the Arenal Volcano, natural hot springs on site, and family-friendly facilities, it’s a great mix of comfort and adventure.

Our tailor-made trips can combine rainforest lodges with beach stays, creating a balanced itinerary that keeps everyone engaged.

Paris, France – Art, history, and pâtisserie

Paris offers endless possibilities for learning. The Louvre and Musée d’Orsay make art accessible, while a cruise on the Seine reveals the city’s history from a different angle. Families can also enjoy interactive science at the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie. And of course, baking classes for French pastries turn the trip into a delicious learning experience.

Hotel suggestion: Hôtel Le Littré — Located between Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Montparnasse, this family-friendly hotel offers spacious rooms and easy metro access.

We can create itineraries that skip long queues, add guided museum tours for children, and include time for relaxed exploration.

Making learning feel like part of the adventure

One of the biggest challenges for parents is making sure the “educational” part doesn’t feel forced. The goal is to let children discover things for themselves while you subtly guide the learning.

Here are ways to weave learning into your trip:

• Turn activities into games – Create scavenger hunts, photo challenges, or quizzes based on what you see.
• Encourage storytelling – Ask your children to describe what they’ve seen each day, either in a travel journal or a short video diary.
• Use local transport – Buses, trams, and ferries can become mini-lessons in geography and culture.
• Let them handle small tasks – Buying tickets, ordering food, or asking for directions can boost confidence and language skills.

By making learning interactive and choice-driven, you’ll find your children more engaged and less likely to tune out.

Jamie Says:

“When I travel with my own family and they have their children with them, I make sure we have a mix of structure and spontaneity. The best moments often happen when you’re exploring without a strict plan, and the children stumble upon something fascinating. Whether it’s a street musician in Paris or a tiny museum in a quiet village, those discoveries stick with them for years. At Jamie Wake Travel, we build that flexibility into our tailor-made trips so every family can enjoy their own unique journey.”

The protections you receive when booking with Jamie Wake Travel

When you plan your educational family trips with us, you get more than a well-organised holiday. You also have peace of mind knowing your booking is protected in several ways.

We are proud members of Protected Trust Services (PTS), which means every payment you make is securely held in a trust account until it’s paid to your travel suppliers. This ensures your money is protected at all times.

We also hold an ATOL licence, so if your trip includes flights, you’re covered under the UK’s financial protection scheme. This safeguards you against potential losses should a supplier fail.

Every tailor-made holiday we arrange includes:

• Supplier Failure Insurance – Covers you if a hotel or tour operator goes out of business.
• Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance – Protects you if your airline stops operating.

Our customers travel knowing they have full financial protection and the backing of a trusted, experienced travel agency.

Keeping children engaged throughout the trip

Even the most exciting destinations have their slow moments, so it helps to keep a few tricks ready to hold your children’s interest. The key is variety — blending hands-on activities, storytelling, and downtime.

• Rotate activities – Alternate between high-energy adventures and quieter learning moments.
• Let them lead sometimes – Hand over the map or let them pick the next stop.
• Include sensory experiences – Taste local foods, try crafts, or join music workshops.
• Capture the journey – Give children a disposable camera or an instant-print camera for a personal photo diary.

These simple touches keep everyone invested in the trip, making it both more educational and more fun.

Extra ideas for educational family trips closer to home

You don’t have to travel halfway around the world for a meaningful learning holiday. The UK is packed with opportunities for discovery.

York – Step into the past

York’s cobbled streets and medieval walls are like a living history book. Families can explore the Jorvik Viking Centre, walk the Shambles, and climb Clifford’s Tower for sweeping views.

Hotel suggestion: Middletons Hotel — Family rooms, gardens to relax in, and an easy walk to key attractions.



We often have short-break offers that combine York hotels with entry passes to popular attractions.

The Lake District – Nature’s classroom

From gentle lakeside walks to boat trips and Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top, the Lake District offers both literary and natural history. Wildlife spotting here is a bonus lesson in ecology.

Hotel suggestion: Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa — Family-friendly facilities, lake views, and activities on the water.

We can arrange tailored itineraries including guided nature walks and boat tours.

Cardiff – Culture, castles, and coastal air

Wales’s capital is full of surprises, from the grandeur of Cardiff Castle to the interactive exhibitions at Techniquest Science Discovery Centre. The nearby coast offers fresh-air escapes too.

Hotel suggestion: voco St. David’s Cardiff — Spacious rooms, a pool, and views over Cardiff Bay.

Our packages can include central accommodation, attraction tickets, and optional day trips to nearby beaches or historic sites.

For trusted visitor information on these UK hotspots and to plan your educational family trips further, VisitBritain provides comprehensive guides and tips.

Why tailor-made matters for educational family trips

Pre-packaged tours often miss the mark for families who want both fun and learning. A tailor-made itinerary allows you to:

• Adjust the pace to suit your children
• Choose experiences that match your interests
• Include rest days or lighter activities
• Combine different locations and themes in one trip

At Jamie Wake Travel, we listen to your goals, then craft a plan that balances educational value with genuine enjoyment.

Your next step towards a more meaningful family holiday

Family time is precious. By choosing educational family trips, you give your children more than just a passport stamp — you give them experiences that shape how they see the world. With Jamie Wake Travel, your holiday is as unique as you are. Whether you’d like us to plan everything or you prefer to design your own trip using our website’s bespoke booking tool, we’re here to help.

Call us on 01495 400005 to start your holiday enquiry, or use our online form. You can also search and book your perfect trip directly on our website. And remember — if you’d rather leave the planning to us, we’re only a message or phone call away.

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