October half-term holidays that kids and parents will love

October is a fabulous month to travel. The blistering heat of the summer will have mellowed into a warm and balmy heat and many of the tourists will have returned back to their 9-5 routines. This makes October an ideal time to explore the authentic side of many popular destinations. Plus, the pleasantly warm temperatures will be more comfortable for little ones and their sensitive skin. Families looking for places to go in the half-term holidays will be pleased to know that the high season starts in October for the Canary Islands and other top winter sun destinations, meaning you will find everything you could need and want for your October half-term holidays. At this time of year, it is easy to find a warm and welcoming destination to suit any family. If you are looking for winter sun, an adventure of a lifetime, a cosmopolitan city break or an escape to the mountains, we have you covered.

If you are looking to chase Instagram-worthy sunsets or are desperate to dive into the refreshing ocean then dust off your passport and feel inspired by these unmissable October half-term holidays. From the Canary Islands to Andalusia, Spain is a classic family destination for all-year-round fun.

The Iberian Peninsula is just a stone's throw from the UK but its warmer climate makes it all the more appealing for a quick getaway during the Halloween half-term month. Another popular destination for an autumn escape is Dubai. This Emirati paradise perfectly combines the comfort of the city with an idyllic coastline. Dubai is also a hugely international destination where English is spoken widely making it even easier to relax in style. So, when thinking about family half-term breaks, it is essential to decide whether you want a beach break or whether you feel like exploring the delights of the city with your little ones.

Dubai is a top destination for those longing for a mid-haul adventure but with all the luxuries and conveniences that city life offers. Stay in one of the centrally located family-friendly resorts to be a stone’s throw away from the action and to enjoy services such as the kids club or the wellness facilities. Adrenaline junkies will enjoy buggy rides through the dunes or a desert safari led by camels. But, if rest and relaxation is what you are after on your half-term luxury holiday, there is plenty of that too. Dubai is home to some world-class attractions that will keep kids of all ages amused. Travel to the future with a visit to the Dubai Museum of the Future, get lots between the colourful displays at the Miracle Garden or kick back and soak up the Arabian sunshine on one of Dubai’s golden beaches. 

Being just a short plane ride away from the UK’s international airports, Italy is a great choice for those who just want a bite-sized vacation for their October half-term holidays. With so many cultural highlights on offer, it's important to be strategic and pick a region or city and dive deep into the local life of that place.

Cities like Milan or Rome offer the perfect balance between culture and comfort allowing you to discover Renaissance masterpieces and the latest fashion trends all in one morning. Be sure to try Italy’s famous cuisine and dine like a local in the most popular foodie hotspots in town. It’s time to enjoy a dose of La Dolce Vita’ and some October half-term sunshine in equal measures.

Discover the Moorish heart of Spain and enjoy the warm, relaxing Spanish sunshine in the October half-term with a trip to Andalusia. Shrouded in mystery and bursting with life, the cities of Seville, Cordoba, Malaga and Cadiz offer a tantalising display of Instagram-worthy architecture, authentic tapas dishes and seductive Flamenco dancing shows. Temperatures settle around 25ºC during the day and fall to around 14ºC at night making it one of the best half-term holidays for sun worshipers. This region of Spain is also home to some of the country's best beaches which stretch out along the Costa del Sol and the Costa de la Luz ensuring you will never be short of a place to lay down your towel and enjoy a dip in the sea during your October half term holidays. Once kids tire of making sand castles, activities such as pony trekking, exploring historical landmarks and watersports offer hours of entertainment for culture-savvy children. 

Fuerteventura is one of the islands closest to Africa and it is perhaps the island most famous for its beaches. Miles and miles of golden sand dominate the volcanic landscape of this rugged island so you won’t be short of space to stretch out and soak up the Canarian sunshine. Fuerteventura is an ideal destination for those travelling with older kids during the October mid-term holidays, especially those with a taste for adventure. 

Surprise them with surf lessons and battle with the forceful waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Did you know? Fuerteventura is a world-famous spot for windsurfing and kite surfing. If you have teenagers eager to burn off steam, book them onto any of the watersports activities. If you are hunting the best October sun deals and looking for a more relaxed holiday the island also offers exceptional lava pools for natural swimming as well as all-inclusive hotels with luxury spa and wellness offerings. 

Gran Canaria on the other hand is more cosmopolitan and is perhaps the most modern of all the islands. Enjoy seaside city life in Las Palmas which is home to an incredible science museum that is sure to keep curious minds entertained for hours. Take to the hills to explore the quaint towns and villages such as Arucas which are rich in culture and offer a glimpse at local life. Visit a rum distillery and teach teens about the fascinating process behind one of the island’s local spirits. Over 18s will be able to savour this local delicacy and enjoy the sweet taste of the islands. Every corner of the island presents an opportunity to marvel at Gran Canaria’s impressive natural landscapes formed over time by volcanic eruptions. If the beach is what you are after, Maspalomas is a great destination for family-friendly fun and there are many places to enjoy sunbathing, paddleboarding or even sailing on your October half-term family holidays.

Home to the El Teide volcano, the tallest mountain in Spain, Tenerife is a well-travelled destination for families looking for sunny places to go in half-term. The island’s culture is centred around family making it easy for stressed parents to find a variety of activities to keep little ones occupied. The south of the island offers the best family-friendly beaches and from tip to tip, the island is bursting with outdoor dining spots where parents can enjoy a romantic dinner under the stars while children play long after their bedtimes. Stargazing is a top activity to enjoy as a family with the island boasting dark sky status making it easy to see a carpet of stars and intricate constellations in the unpolluted sky, especially from El Teide. If you are looking for an all-inclusive luxury adventure, the newly refurbished beachfront hotel, Barceló Tenerife offers top-range sports activities including beach volleyball, a kayakable lake and a climbing wall. This is in addition to the adventure playgrounds, nature reservoir and luxury wellness activities. The only downside is that the October half-term holidays are only one week long.