5 Amazing and Unexpected Destinations for Kids in 2016

A New Year is the perfect time to start planning new adventures, and start dreaming about all the places you want to take your kids in 2016.  The world is a big place and there are loads of places which are ‘off the beaten’ track which you might not have considered before.  Jo Addison who blogs at Kiddieholidays puts forward some ideas about amazing and unexpected places to take your kids in 2016.

1. Iceland

Iceland is one of the best places in the world for an adventure, and it’s only a short flight away from the UK.  Iceland has it all – outdoor thermal pools, whale and puffin watching, loads of natural wonders and 24 hour daylight in the summer months.  It’s an awe inspiring place for adults and kids alike.

Kids will love seeing ‘cool things’ such as volcanoes, geysers and tectonic plates on the 300km drive around the Golden Circle outside Reykjavik.  For a bit of relaxation, head to the famous Blue Lagoon where you can swim outside in the milky blue thermal pools surrounded by spectacular scenery.   Plus, if you go during the winter months you may even be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights – now that’s something for the kids to tell their friends about!

2. The Isles of Scilly

The Isles of Scilly are located just off the coast of Cornwall, but couldn’t be more different from the busier, more touristy mainland.  Part of the adventure of getting to the Isles of Scilly is the journey there – either by an 8 seater plane from Exeter or Newquay or by the Scillonian 3 passenger ferry.  The islands are made for exploring – take your time to discover the 35 beaches across the islands and play in the rockpools and build sandcastles on the pristine beaches.  Or go on a boat ride and visit some of the other islands which are part of the archipelago.  Older children will love snorkeling with seals or having a go at coasteering.

3. Disneyland Resort – Shanghai

Disneyland Resort in Shanghai is due to open in early 2016 at a cost of $4.4billion.  It will be the largest theme park in China and draw in crowds of 17m a year.  As well as the old favourites such as the Enchanted Storybook Castle, there are some new features which will appeal to kids of all ages.  I love the sound of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, a Buzz Light Year attraction and a Tron rollercoaster.  Plus there will be a whole section of the park dedicated to Pirates of the Caribbean, and a state of the art Star Wars cinematic experience.

4. Yellowstone National Park

Take a trip across the pond and visit Yellowstone National Park in the USA.  The Park runs a fantastic Junior Ranger programme, which teaches kids and adults all about the park’s history, fauna and animals through fun activities which can be completed as you explore the park.  Kids get a Junior Ranger badge when they complete a minimum number of activities.  As well as the Junior Ranger’s program, there are erupting geysers, mudpots, steam vents and hot springs and kids friendly hikes – not to mention the bears!

5. Scotland via the sleeper train

What could be more exciting to a child than sleeping on a train?! Kids love train journeys, and the Caledonian Sleeper train between London and the Scottish Highlands (known as the Deerstalker) has recently been named one of the best railway adventures in the world.  The kids will probably be too excited to sleep, but just in case, there are family cabins with bunkbeds, mini disposable toothbrushes and little sinks to keep you comfortable during your 590 mile journey to Inverness.

Jo Addison is a Mum of 2 little boys, Yorkshire born and bred, occasional marathon runner, dreamer and once RTW traveller.  She blogs about holidays and days out for babies and toddlers at Kiddieholidays. Follow her on Twitter @kiddieholidays‘