Kids' Ultimate Holiday Wishlist: Ice Cream, Water Fights, and Family Time
If children were in charge of holiday planning, they would prioritize dessert before dinner, embark on treasure hunts, and engage in massive water fights, according to a new survey. The research, commissioned by Sykes Holiday Cottages, polled 1,000 youngsters aged 6 to 12 to uncover their dream getaway ideas.
Survey Highlights Children's Holiday Preferences
The findings reveal that kids would eat three ice creams per day, use bikes or scooters as their primary transport, and play board games every evening. Additionally, 20% of respondents would enjoy hide and seek with family, while 14% would opt for a pyjama day, and 40% would spend the entire day in the pool.
When it comes to accommodation, an overwhelming 93% of children prefer holiday parks, with 72% citing them as fun locations packed with activities. James Shaw, a spokesperson for Sykes Holiday Cottages, commented: "It's always interesting to see what kids would do if they were in charge of the whole holiday – and it turns out it would be pretty fun for everyone else too."
Competition for Young Directors of Fun
In response to these insights, Sykes Holiday Cottages has launched a competition to recruit two children as resident Directors of Fun. This initiative aims to place kids at the heart of holiday planning. Applicants must demonstrate spontaneity, a vivid imagination, and daily enthusiasm, submitting their perfect holiday itineraries by April 30, 2026, for a chance to bring their ideas to life.
Shaw added: "While there's plenty of excitement around things like unlimited ice cream and activities, what really stands out is how much they value simply spending time together. That's why we wanted to bring children back into the heart of holiday planning with this competition."
Family Time and Holiday Control
The survey also found that 51% of children cherish spending time with family as their favorite holiday aspect, and 35% value meeting peers. Moreover, 79% expressed a desire to take charge of family holidays, with top reasons including leading activities (63%), directing relatives (41%), and feeling grown-up (40%).
Conducted via OnePoll.com, the research noted that 19% view holiday parks as a home from home, thanks to amenities like swimming pools, adventure playgrounds, and arcade games. Shaw emphasized: "Holidays should give families the chance to properly switch off, reconnect, and enjoy shared experiences all in one place."
Top 10 Activities Kids Would Choose on Holiday
- Eat ice cream every day
- Spend all day in the pool
- Have a giant water fight
- Ride bikes or scooters everywhere
- Play hide and seek with my family
- Go on a treasure hunt
- Have a midnight feast
- Eat dessert before dinner
- Stay up late playing board games every night
- Have a pyjama day
This playful approach highlights how children prioritize fun, freedom, and family bonding in their holiday visions, offering a refreshing perspective on travel planning.
