Half term spots: Family friendly places you wouldn’t think of
Think outside the box for the February half-term with these unusual child-friendly destinations and activities.
- Spot tigers in India
Prep your kids for Disney’s mind-blowing remake of The Jungle Book (set for release in April 2016) with a real life tiger safari in India. Tigers are one of the world’s most endangered creatures and tiger safaris, which introduce future conservationists to these marvellous creatures, play an important part in supporting the tigers’ fight for survival. This is one for older kids, as many of India’s tiger reserves don’t allow entry to children under 5 years old. Head for Kanha, Bandhavgarh or Ranthambore national parks for Bengal tigers, wild boar, sloth bears, leopards, crocodiles, scenic ruins and child-friendly camps and lodges. Spotting your first tiger together will beat Disneyland hands down.
- Explore the city streets of Copenhagen
Parents who are already aware of the Danish capital’s uber-cool status may be surprised to learn that Copenhagen is brilliantly child friendly. The compact city is well equipped with all the little extras that make travel with kids easier: reserved spots for prams and pushchairs on buses and trains, family-friendly restaurants with highchairs and children’s menus, and reduced entry for most attractions. Don’t miss The Blue Planet, Northern Europe’s largest aquarium, and Experimentarium City, a vast interactive science museum (both free with a Copenhagen Card). History-loving kids will love the city’s Viking heritage, while fairy tale fans can check out Hans Christian Andersen’s legacy and the beautiful, though surprisingly small, Little Mermaid statue.
- Learn to surf in Morocco
Take the family to the beaches of southwest Morocco to establish a new family hobby. A number of tour operators and local surf schools offer surfing courses for all ages. Try the towns of Mirleft, Tamraght and Taghazout, which all benefit from warm air, from the Sahara, and a reliable Atlantic swell. While you’re there, look out for the surreal sight of goats in trees, particularly around Essaouira. The animals go crazy for the nuts of the Argan trees and the sight of knobbly-kneed goats balancing on gnarly branches, will make all ages fall about laughing.
- Become a Junior Ranger in USA
Earn an official Yellowstone Junior Ranger patch at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, USA. The self-guided Junior Ranger Program gets children aged 4+ to complete fun age-appropriate tasks, such as hiking a park trail, while teaching them about geothermal geology, fire ecology and park resources. While you’re there, watch the Old Faithful geyser erupt in extra-steamy fashion and check out the winter wildlife, including moose and wolves. If there’s snow, join one of the commercially guided snowmobiles or snow coaches, or strap on a pair of cross-country skis or snowshoes and hit the trails.
- Fly to Cape Town, half the world away
The 12-hour flight is, admittedly, daunting, but there’s just a two hour time difference between South Africa and the UK, meaning you get to visit the southern hemisphere with minimal sleep deprivation. Start at the bustling V&A Waterfront where rugby fans will love the Springbok Experience Rugby Museum, and little geologists can mine for gems at The Scratch Patch and Mineral World. Tours to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, leave from the V&A Waterfront too. The trip on the Table Mountain Cableway to Table Mountain – another Cape Town must-see – is an experience in itself. Wildlife lovers should head a little further afield to Boulders Beach, home to a breeding colony of over 2,000 penguins.