Where to go during the school holidays in 2025

Alex Keshen
16 May 2025 - 11 min read

School holidays creeping up? Don’t stress. Whether you're craving warm weather, new sights, or just a break from lunchbox duty, there’s a trip that fits. July is prime time to head north for tropical beach days or stick closer to home for mountain views and winter thrills.

The best part? These destinations are big on fun, light on effort, and great for families travelling on any budget. Pack the bags (and maybe leave the jackets behind) because your next school holiday starts here.

9 best places to go during winter school holidays

Bali, Indonesia

Best for: Families and beach lovers

Bali’s a no-brainer. Warm weather, easy flights, and spots like Nusa Dua and Sanur that are made for families. Think beach days, smoothie bowls, and resorts with kids’ clubs (so you can sneak in a proper nap). If you’re after a bit of green, Ubud’s rice paddies and jungle swings are just an hour away.

Things to do

Where to stay nearby

Padma Resort Legian: Beachfront, laid-back, and packed with fun. This lush Legian resort has five pools, a kids’ club, foam parties, and even mermaid swimming lessons.
The Westin Resort Nusa Dua: A family favourite right on the sand, with a kids’ club, spa, six restaurants, and big rooms that come with garden or ocean views.
Prama Sanur Beach Hotel Bali: A chilled-out beachfront stay in Sanur with a family splash zone, watersports, and loads of dining options just steps from the sea.

Singapore

Best for: Foodies and first-time travellers

Singapore is clean, super easy to get around, and packed with things to do. It’s a top pick if you’re travelling with kids…or just hungry. From the hawker stalls to the theme parks, there’s something happening on every corner.

Things to do

Where to stay nearby

Marina Bay Sands: Go big with epic views, luxe rooms, and that famous infinity pool — great for families who want a wow-factor city stay.
Holiday Inn Express Clarke Quay: A solid pick for families, with connecting rooms, free brekkie, and a rooftop pool that’s made for cooling off after a hot day out.
Hotel Boss: Close to Little India and Bugis, this budget-friendly option has an outdoor pool, playground, and easy MRT access to everywhere you need to be.

Gold Coast, Australia

Best for: Theme park fans and beachgoers

Not keen on international flights? No worries. The Goldie’s got sunshine, surf, and all the thrill rides you could want. It’s easy to get around, packed with family-friendly places to stay, and a great mix of action and chill.

Things to do

Where to stay nearby

JW Marriott Gold Coast: Fancy but still super family-friendly. There’s a saltwater lagoon with tropical fish, waterslides, and enough space for everyone to spread out.
RACV Royal Pines: Sporty families, this one’s for you. Expect golf, tennis, a splash park, and big rooms just a short drive from the theme parks.
Sea World Resort: Stay right next to the action with direct access to Sea World, waterslides, character appearances, and kid-approved buffet nights.

Langkawi, Malaysia

Best for: Slow travellers and sun seekers

Langkawi’s your tropical island escape without the price tag. It’s laid-back, lush, and lined with quiet beaches. Plus, it’s duty-free, so snacks and souvenirs come cheap. Perfect for families or couples keen to switch off for a week.

Things to do

Where to stay nearby

Temple Tree Resort: A one-of-a-kind stay in rescued heritage houses, with loads of space for families, a pool, and a few friendly cats roaming the gardens.
The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa: Beachfront bliss with family-sized suites, a top kids’ club, multiple pools, and just enough luxury to keep everyone happy.
Berjaya Langkawi Resort: Tucked into the rainforest with a private beach, this resort has family chalets, a great pool, and easy access to nature adventures.

Queenstown, New Zealand

Best for: Adventure junkies and snow chasers

For those chasing winter rather than escaping it, Queenstown has you sorted. Nestled among the Southern Alps, it’s packed with action and also offers cosy pubs and scenic spots for non-skiers. A great pick for families with older kids or teens.

Things to do

Where to stay nearby

Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa: Spacious two-bedroom apartments with full kitchens and a heated lap pool perfect for ski trips or lake breaks with the kids.
Rydges Lakeland Resort Queenstown: Lakeside and close to town, this value pick has family rooms, a pool, and plenty of space to unwind after a day out.
Heritage Queenstown: Great mix of room types for families, plus an outdoor pool, spa, and mountain views that make it feel like a proper alpine escape.

Da Nang, Vietnam

Best for: Culture lovers and beachside chill

Da Nang hits the sweet spot between a beach town and a culture hub. It’s super relaxed, with great food and easy day trips to places like Hoi An and Hue. The beach is wide, sandy, and rarely packed, even in July.

Things to do

Where to stay nearby

Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa: A beachfront resort with five pools, a kids’ club, and easy access to both the beach and day trips to Hoi An.
Bay Capital Danang: Sleek and family-friendly, this hotel has spacious rooms, a rooftop pool, and extras like a spa and golf nearby to keep everyone entertained.
Merry Hotel Da Nang: A solid budget-friendly stay near the city, with family rooms, friendly service, and easy access to food, shops, and local sights.

Phuket, Thailand

Best for: Beach bums and active families

Phuket’s got it all: warm seas, family-sized resorts, water activities, and plenty of day trips. Whether you're snorkelling off nearby islands or grabbing a pad thai by the beach, it’s a stress-free pick that’s easy on the wallet. Patong is lively, while Karon and Kata offer a more relaxed pace.

Things to do

Where to stay nearby

The Slate Phuket: Just minutes from the airport, this creative beachside resort has family villas, a top kids’ club, daily activities, and a “Kids Eat Free” deal that makes it a win for parents, too.
Aleenta Phuket: A quieter, eco-conscious spot north of the crowds, with beachfront villas, wellness classes for parents, and a kids’ club packed with fun activities.
Holiday Inn Resort Phuket: Right in Patong, this family-friendly stay comes with themed rooms, a splash zone, a kids’ club, and the bonus of kids eating free.

Tokyo, Japan

Best for: Curious minds and culture lovers

Tokyo in July is buzzing. It’s summer, so expect festivals, fireworks, and heaps of family fun. It's easy to get around, incredibly safe, and packed with everything from theme parks to quirky cafés. Great for older kids and teens who love anime, gaming, or trying new foods.

Things to do

Where to stay nearby

&Here Ueno: Right next to Ueno Park, this apartment-style hotel has space for the whole crew, bunk beds, public baths, and a location that’s super handy for trains and family outings.
Mimaru Asakusa Station: Built for families, with apartment layouts, blackout screens, a kitchenette, and space to spread out just minutes from Sensoji Temple and riverfront strolls.
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku: Smack in the middle of the action with small but efficient rooms, laundry facilities, and a roaring Godzilla head that’s a hit with the kids.

Cairns, Australia

Best for: Nature lovers and reef adventurers

If you want to stay warm in winter without leaving the country, Cairns is a solid option. It’s the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, with plenty of day tours and snorkelling trips for families.

Things to do

Where to stay nearby

Mantra Esplanade Cairns: These spacious, self-contained apartments are perfect for families wanting a home routine on holiday, with a pool, gym, and top location near the Reef Terminal.
Pullman Cairns International: One of the tallest hotels in town with big views, this 5-star stay offers interconnecting rooms and the option to use Accor points if you’ve got them.
Rydges Esplanade Resort: Just a short walk from Muddy’s Playground, this resort has family rooms with bunks, Xbox consoles, and space for kids to play and parents to relax.

In This Article

• 9 best places to go during winter school holidays
• Bali, Indonesia
• Things to do
• Where to stay nearby
• Singapore
• Things to do
• Where to stay nearby
• Gold Coast, Australia
• Things to do
• Where to stay nearby
• Langkawi, Malaysia
• Things to do
• Where to stay nearby
• Queenstown, New Zealand
• Things to do
• Where to stay nearby
• Da Nang, Vietnam
• Things to do
• Where to stay nearby
• Phuket, Thailand
• Things to do
• Where to stay nearby
• Tokyo, Japan
• Things to do
• Where to stay nearby
• Cairns, Australia
• Things to do
• Where to stay nearby
Hotels
Flights
Things to Do
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