Where to find sunshine, warm pools, and kid‑friendly fun

If you’re dreaming of escaping the UK drizzle this half term, these destinations offer sunshine, family‑friendly resorts, and temperatures warm enough for kids to actually enjoy the pool. Here’s your guide to the best places to go — with real‑world details like weather, sea temperatures, and how warm the pools actually are.

Egypt 🐪

(Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Marsa Alam)
**Weather:** 24–28°C **Sea temperature:** ~22–24°C (warm enough for kids to swim comfortably) **Pool temperature:** Lots of resorts heat pools; very family‑friendly
**Why it works:**
Guaranteed sunshine
Huge all‑inclusive resorts
Waterparks, kids’ clubs, shallow beaches
Great snorkelling and calm Red Sea waters
Shorter flight than the UAE but still warm
**Best for:** Families who want *proper heat*, pools, and zero stress.

If you are a regular here, you will know that Egypt is one of our favourite kid friendly destinations! Click here to see our review of Holiday Village Red Sea (one of our top family friendly hotels in Sharm el Sheikh).

Dubai🏝️

**Weather:** 26–32°C **Sea temperature:** ~24°C (warm and perfect for kids) **Pool temperature:** All hotel pools are warm — many are heated or naturally hot due to the climate
**Why it works:**
Guaranteed sunshine
Huge family‑friendly resorts
Amazing waterparks (Aquaventure, Wild Wadi)
Clean beaches with calm water
Loads of indoor activities for hot afternoons (aquariums, malls, soft play, museums)
Direct flights from the UK

Worth noting: Dubai is one of the more expensive options, especially during school holidays — hotels, food, and activities can add up VERY quickly.

Best for: Families who want reliable heat, warm pools, beaches, and a mix of fun, luxury, and kid‑friendly activities — and don’t mind the higher price tag. Click here to see our review of Anantara, The Palm - our “hidden gem” family friendly resort featuring TukTuk Kids club.

🏛️Greece

**Weather:** 17–22°C (depends on island and month) **Sea temperature:** ~17–19°C (cool but swimmable for older kids) **Pool temperature:** Many hotels heat pools in early season, but not all **Why it works:**
Beautiful beaches
Family‑friendly resorts
Amazing food
Lots of outdoor exploring (villages, ruins, boat trips)
Warm enough for sunbathing, but not peak‑summer hot
**Best for:** Families who want sunshine, culture, and relaxed island vibes.

Make sure to check individual hotels for information on their heated pools to make sure it is suitable for your family. Click to see our review of Holiday Village Atlantica, Rhodes (we visited in May).

🏖️Caribbean (Dominican.Rep, Barbados, Jamaica, St Lucia)

**Weather:** 26–30°C **Sea temperature:** ~26–28°C (warm, calm, and perfect for kids) **Pool temperature:** Naturally warm — most resorts have beautifully warm pools year‑round **Why it works:**
Guaranteed sunshine and tropical heat
Calm, shallow beaches ideal for little ones
Huge choice of family‑friendly all‑inclusive resorts
Crystal‑clear water for snorkelling and safe swimming
Relaxed island vibes, great food, and loads of activities
Perfect for parents who want a proper “switch off” holiday

Worth noting:

Sargassum seaweed can affect some islands and beaches, especially on the eastern and southern coasts. It’s seasonal and varies a lot — some areas stay clear while others get heavy patches.
Flights can be expensive during school holidays due to long‑haul demand; despite this, there are some brilliant budget‑friendly resorts, especially in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and parts of Barbados if you book early or travel slightly off‑peak.

Best for: Families who want warm seas, tropical beaches, and a proper sunshine escape with a laid‑back feel — and don’t mind the long flight. Click to see our review of our top Domincan Republic family and budget friendly resort jam packed with slides and activities.

canary-islands — 🌞 **Canary Islands (Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura)**

**Weather:** 20–25°C **Sea temperature:** ~19–21°C (fresh but swimmable, especially for older kids) **Pool temperature:** Many family resorts heat their pools in half‑term, which makes a big difference
**Why it works:**
Reliable sunshine and mild warmth year‑round
Short flight from the UK
Loads of family‑friendly resorts and apartments
Great beaches, volcano landscapes, and easy day trips
Waterparks, zoos, and plenty of kid‑friendly attractions
Warm enough for sunbathing without the intense heat of summer

Worth noting:

The Canaries can be windy, especially in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura — great for surfers, but something to be aware of with little ones.

Best for: Families who want easy sunshine, heated pools, and a relaxed, reliable half‑term escape without long‑haul travel.

🏰Disneyland Paris

**A totally different trip compared to the sunshine destinations above — but a brilliant half‑term option if you can avoid French school holidays.** **Weather:** 10–15°C
**Why it works:**
High‑impact magic without long flights
Perfect for younger kids and first‑time travellers
Easy transport links from the UK
Two parks packed with rides, shows, parades, and character meet‑and‑greets
Lots of themed hotels that make the whole trip feel special
Great for short breaks when you want maximum fun in minimum time

Worth noting:

It can be cold and rainy at half‑term, so layers and waterproofs are essential.
Weekends and school holidays get busy, so planning ahead (dining, shows, ride strategy) really helps.
Avoiding French school holidays makes a huge difference to crowd levels.

*Disneyland Paris is opening its brand‑new World of Frozen in March 2026, bringing Arendelle to life with new attractions, shops, restaurants, and a lakeside area as part of the resort’s transformation into Disney Adventure World.

Best for: Families who want big smiles, magical moments, and a high‑energy break without travelling far — perfect for kids who love characters, parades, and immersive experiences.

Click to see our review of our favourite Disneyland Paris Hotel and whether on-site or off-site is the right option for you!

🌟 Final Thoughts

Half‑term is one of those rare chances to escape the routine, soak up some sunshine (or magic), and make memories as a family — and the good news is there’s no single “right” destination. Whether you’re chasing guaranteed heat in Dubai, tropical beaches in the Caribbean, easy sunshine in the Canaries, culture and food in Greece, or the full‑on magic of Disneyland Paris, there’s something for every family, every budget, and every travel style.

The key is knowing what you want from the week:

Warm pools and reliable sunshine? Dubai or Egypt.
Tropical beaches and warm seas? Caribbean.
Short flights and easy family resorts? Canaries.
Culture, food, and relaxed exploring? Greece.
Maximum magic in minimum time? Disneyland Paris.

Wherever you choose, half‑term is the perfect excuse to press pause, recharge, and enjoy some proper family time — whether that’s on a beach, by a pool, or in front of a castle.

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