There’s two weeks of school holidays looming and we can’t think of a better way to fill the days than a holiday. With temperatures (and prices) generally lower than the height of summer, Easter’s a brilliant time for a family break in Europe and further afield, so try spreading your wings (if not your purse) a little further this Spring. 

High Life, Wales 

If you’re tired of scrolling through endless self-catering cottages, how about mixing things up by booking a last minute narrow boat break instead? Think of it as a holiday cottage on the move, as they come equipped with snug beds, cute kitchens and dinky bathrooms. Black Prince Holidays has a new High Life short break in Wales ideal for active families, which takes you over two aqueducts in the stunning Dee Valley – jaw-dropping enough to even impress a teen. You’ll cover 37 miles and sites of interest along the way include Ellesmere Sculpture Trail, Chirk Castle and Wood Lane Nature Reserve. It’s a great holiday choice for canal boat first-timers as you’re given a free coaching session including steering and stopping (handy!) before gliding away. 

Cost: Three nights from £1024 for a family of four.

Catalonia Park Putxet, Barcelona

Bargain alert! easyJet Holiday’s last minute three-day escape to this sleek four-star is a winner, the highlight being its rooftop pool with epic views which teens can TikTok and tots jump in. It’s a great base from which so explore the city; visit Gaudi’s masterpiece the Sagrada Família, take strolls in the hillside Gaudi Park, dine in tapas restaurants (La Cova Fumada’s the tastiest in town) and, of course, lie out on the legendary gold sand beach. City, sun and sand, what more could you want this Easter? Errr, chocolate.

Cost: £255pp including flights from London Luton.

Verdura Resort, Sicily 

Spring’s a wonderful time to visit Sicily with kids: warm (rather than too hot) weather, less crowds and up-lifting blue skies after a grey UK winter. Family-friendly Verdura Resort’s the pick of the island’s accommodation, thanks to its 230-hectares of coastland, two-tiered swimming pool and awesome Verduland Kids’ Club, with its own pool, plus a dedicated teen programme. While the kids are learning how to make pizza, going on an Easter egg hunt or snorkelling with their new found friends, you can hit the Verdura Spa (treatment rooms, four thalassotherapy pools, infrared saunas) and try the seafood at open-air Amare restaurant steps from the sea. 

Cost: Seven nights from £3820 per family (two adults, two children) with Sardatur Holidays.

Aqua Fun Club, Morocco 

WHAT: If your kids are at the age where a swimming pool can make or break a holiday (IYKYK) then you’re going to want to book this bargain resort pronto. Situated in Morocco’s largest water park, your little darlings will have access to 16 pools and 59 slides – no fear of the dreaded words ‘I’m bored” here. There’s also a spa, Mickey Mouse Kids’ Club, numerous restaurants and, when the children tire of all that aqua fun (they won’t), Marrakech is just a 15-minute drive away for shopping and culture. 

Cost: Nine nights all-inclusive for two adults and one child, £2606, including flights, accommodation, meals and access to the Aqua Park with On The Beach.

Melia Tortuga Beach Resort and Spa, Cape Verde

Set on the picturesque island of Sal, you’ll have a coral reef and unspoiled beaches on your doorstep. Not that it’s only about lazing around on the sand, this resort’s very much geared for kids too, with two children’s pools (there are two for adults too) and an excellent kids’ club, with enough sports, group activities, and mini-discos to keep children entertained while you slink off to the spa/gym/yoga class/bar (delete as appropriate).  

Cost: Seven nights from £725pp with easyJet holidays.

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Maldives 

We can think of worse ways to celebrate Easter than a tropical island in the Indian Ocean. Ok your chocolate might melt a little in the 30-degree sunshine, but there are plenty of ways to cool down at this heavenly family-friendly resort in the archipelagos’ unspoilt Noonu Atoll. Its Easter programme runs from 17-21 April, and is choca with activities. Kids will love the Splashy Pool Party, Pirates & Mermaid Battle and egg hunt, but you’ll all appreciate renowned French magician Nicolas Subra, who’s appeared on TV and wowed audiences around the globe with his mind-bending illusions.

Cost: Trailfinders is offering seven nights in a water villa from £2,529pp including direct international flights and speedboat transfers. Price includes 35% resort discount with up to two children (14 and under) staying and eating for free when sharing a room with two adults, saving £2,550 per family! 

Big Sky Adventure road trip, USA

Fancy jetting off for the who two weeks? We’ve for the answer – a family self-drive adventure across America’s Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. After picking up your SUV in Salt Lake City, it’s on to Jackson Hole where you can fill your boots with outdoor activities including rafting, riding, biking and hiking. Next you’ll head to Yellowstone, home of the famous hot springs, geysers and dramatic canyons, before hitting the road again and reaching Grand Teton, where herds of bison, moose and elk roam and the whole family can raft down the Snake River. The journey ends at Park City, where kids (ok adults) can pretend they’re in a Western movie in the historic main streets, with shops and bars dating back to the 1800s. 

Cost: Nine nights (ten days) from £1747pp including vehicle hire, accommodation and flights.

Rainforest & Beach, Borneo 

Borneo? This last one might be a little on the wild side, but bear with us because it’s a brilliant destination for older kids and teens. Nature nuts, wildlife lovers and eco-conscious explorers are all going to LOVE Selective Asia’s family offering, which takes in Danum Valley, home to orangutans, gibbons and sun bears, boat trips along the Kinabatangan River, visits to tribal villages and stays in rainforest lodges deep in the jungle. Even junior Attenborough’s need a break, however, so there’s plenty of time to chill out on the white sand beaches and go snorkelling in the warm waters on the outskirts of Kota Kinabalu.  

Cost: Eleven days From £4190pp with Selective Asia.