The New Breed of Kid’s Clubs is Here…
Family holidays are a time for parents and children to unwind, explore new destinations, and create lasting memories. For many families, an important part of choosing any hotel is the kid’s clubs. These dedicated kids’ spaces are designed to engage and entertain young guests. They have long been a staple in family-friendly resorts. If I say to you kid’s club, what would generally come to mind? Visions of pirate parties, face painting, mini discos, and games around the pool. That’s what a kids club always was to me, and I have to say I absolutely loved it!
However, there’s a new breed of kid’s club in town. These focus less on crazy face paints and more on experiences. Clubs are teaching kids about nature and sustainability, whilst giving them an authentic taste of the destination they’re in.
What will kid’s clubs look like in the future?
- Immersive and Educational Experiences. Kids’ clubs will no longer be based around traditional indoor play areas, but will provide immersive and educational experiences. These will blend entertainment with learning. From interactive science experiments to nature-based adventures. Kid’s clubs will focus on exploration so children can discover and appreciate the world around them.
- Integration of technology. Kids clubs of the future will use cutting-edge tools and interactive platforms to enhance children’s experience. Virtual and augmented reality will transport children to imaginary worlds, bringing local stories and educational content to life. Whilst gamification will also play a vital role. This will allow children to learn through play, solving puzzles, and learning teamwork skills.
- Personalised and tailored experiences. Hotels of the future will recognise that every child is unique, and do their best to cater to individual interests. Kid’s clubs will embrace personalisation by allowing children to choose activities based on their preferences. Whether it’s arts and crafts, sports, cooking, or coding, children will have the freedom to pursue their passions.
- Family engagement. This last point is probably the most important. Hotels increasingly recognise the importance of bonding experiences and shared adventures. In the future, kid’s clubs will emphasise family engagement, encouraging parents to participate in activities alongside their children. Hotels might offer workshops and classes that cater to the whole family. These could include cooking lessons, outdoor excursions, or sports sessions. By fostering quality time together, hotels will help families create treasured memories that will last a lifetime.
With the future of kid’s clubs looking much more immersive and educational, how are hotel chains meeting the demand for new experiences? From getting mucky in the kitchen garden to learning about coral restoration. I took a look at the hotel chains leading the way in changing up the future of kid’s clubs…
Ikos Hotels
Ikos is a collection of 7 all-inclusive hotels in Greece and Spain. The hotels are all about offering sustainable luxury, with impressive green credentials. They provide a range of experiences to help you make the most of your time with them. This definitely extends to their kid’s clubs whose strapline is ‘an action-packed adventure for the kids’.
Ikos Hotels run a programme of events for children aged from 4 months to 17 years old. Their clubs still include the mini discos and arts and crafts that kids love. There is also an emphasis on outdoor discovery, and sports, and sensory play has also been incorporated into their sessions. Children are encouraged to explore the natural world around them, whilst learning new skills such as cooking.
Ikos Resorts offers football academies at some of their properties run by licensed EUFA coaches. They give footie-mad kids the chance to be coached by legends such as Peter Crouch.
Domes Hotels
Domes are a collection of luxury resorts spread throughout the Greek Islands and the Algarve. Kid’s clubs at Domes Resorts take on a Montessori-focused approach so children can explore, make friends, and find new interests. Activities involving nature, technology, sports, music, and more are on offer. They allow the children to take part in new experiences such as camping under the stars, bonfire beach parties and nature trails.
The Domes Aulus property has introduced a club designed to help children learn about sustainability, eco-responsibility, and healthy eating. Children can plant their own greens, herbs, and flowers during their stay. The sensory experience is designed to demonstrate ideas around sustainability, eco-responsibility, and healthy eating. They take a hands-on approach so children understand the concepts introduced better.
Domes also have a range of activities for the whole family to take part in together. These include horseback riding along ancient paths and through traditional villages. Hiking through the Samaria Gorge. Taking a day trip on a traditional Greek ‘kaiki’ boat, visiting secret coves and hidden beaches. Making memories together as a whole family, while experiencing something new.
Iberostar Hotels
Iberostar is a larger chain with 70 beachfront resorts and all-inclusive hotels around Spain, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and more. They have invested heavily in their hotels over recent years, introducing a concept which is based around their wave of change. This is a commitment to the oceans and leading responsible tourism.
Their Star Camps for kids’ aim to help children relax, learn new skills, pick up healthy habits, and make friends from other parts of the world. The clubs are available for children from 4 to 17. Overall they offer over 140 activities including cooking, creating works of art, and taking part in scientific experiments. They also children get involved in learning about the protection of underwater life.
Iberostar has a coral lab in the Dominican Republic to help breed and restore dying coral in the area. Kids taking part in Star Camp activities can visit the coral lab and learn more about why reviving the coral is so important. Iberostar has plans to open further labs in the future, opening this opportunity up to even more children.
Grecotel Hotels
Grecotel is a chain of luxury hotels with properties throughout the Greek islands. Several of their family properties have waterparks on site to help keep the kids entertained even when they’re not taking part in club activities. Some of the hotels also have kids pampering at their spa. Select properties offer a ‘Be a Farmer’ experience. Junior farmers can enjoy activities such as baking, picking vegetables, and preparing dishes for their lunch.
Grecotel’s clubs also offer activities such as water sports for children. They have discovery adventures in the garden where they can learn about composting and also planting food. There are also experiences where children can learn about mythology and star gazing. Or take part in activities based around learning about solar power. These include cooking in a solar oven and creating things made from junk.
Another of the hotel chain’s highlights is the Grecoland Shows. Budding entertainers get to take part in shows; singing, dancing, and performing for their parents and guests.
Sani Resort
When it comes to family activities, Sani Resort is going to be pretty hard to beat! There’s so much to do you’d probably struggle to fit into a week’s break! Sani Resort is in Halkidiki and is made up of 5 individual hotels (a mix of family-friendly and adults-only), in one resort. They’re consistently recognised as the world’s leading family resort. The facilities for kids at the resort are amazing!
The resort’s in-house kids club features a range of activities to help them learn new skills and make new friends. They spend hours outdoors in nature and there is a whole pine forest for them to explore.
As well as the in-house kids club, Sani Resorts also have a range of academies:
- The Rafa Nadal Tennis Center for kids over 5
- The Football Academy by Chelsea FCF for kids aged over 4
- A Bear Grylls survival academy for the whole family
- A biking academy by KTM Bike Club with lessons for kids and adults, scheduled tours and bike rental
- Water Ski Academy for kids aged 6+ – with lessons for all ages from absolute beginners to more experienced water skiers
- Sailing Academy for kids aged 6+ – an intensive 10-hour course for all ages organised in conjunction with professional instructors
- Triathlon Academy in association with SeaWorld
- Scuba Diving Academy certified by PADI
- Lego Robotics lessons
- The Sani Bee Spot. A Bee Camp that’s the largest and most interactive in Greece, focussing on the protection of bees and other pollinators found at the resort. The Bee Spot hosts a range of educational activities. It is also a place to rest and relax while raising awareness about biodiversity and the importance of bees.
Kid’s Clubs Round-Up
As the travel and hospitality industry evolves, the future of kid’s clubs in family hotels looks promising. From immersive and educational experiences to personalised activities and global connectivity. Kid’s clubs are being reimagined to offer children unforgettable adventures that go far beyond traditional playrooms. By combining entertainment, learning, and family engagement, the hotels of tomorrow will undoubtedly set the stage for incredible family holidays. They will foster learning, fun, and lifelong connections. Get ready to embark on a journey into the future, where kids’ clubs become gateways to exploration and imagination for the young minds of tomorrow.
If you want to try one of these family hotels for your next holiday, get in touch, and let’s start planning. Fill in my contact form here, or find me on Facebook
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