6 Exciting Family-Friendly Holiday Destinations That Deserve Your Attention!

If the usual beach vacation and zoo visit no longer spark joy, try bringing the whole fam to these awesome family friendly holiday destinations we’re about to unveil. Think: a world of imagination brought to life with the coolest rides and unforgettable adventures that’ll fuel you with excitement. From heart-pounding thrills at Abu Dhabi to whimsical explorations in Taiwan, get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime!

Also read: 10 Places in Japan That Are Perfect For Travelling With Kids

Fun-filled family friendly holiday destinations you can’t say ‘no’ to

1. Lotte World — Seoul, South Korea

Image credit: Lotte World | Official Facebook Page

Fly to South Korea and get ready to explore the exhilarating Lotte World in Seoul, where an indoor adventure park and an outdoor “Magic Island” reside. For the thrill seekers in the family, the iconic Gyro Drop plummets riders from a high tower while the French Revolution spins riders upside down at high speeds. 

For the younger ones, they can experience the gentle thrill of The Gyro Swing, enjoy a scenic boat ride at Happy Valley, or embark on a whimsical adventure with the Teacups ride. After these exciting rides, a visit to the Lotte World Aquarium offers a chance to see sharks, stingrays, and other sea creatures up close. And don’t miss the Lotte World Folk Museum, which showcases a collection of artefacts and exhibits that bring to life the traditional way of life in Korea.

P.S. Enjoy all of these fun-filled activities with Klook at S$10 off with min. spend S$150 sitewide using PAYLAH24XXX promo code by 31 Dec 2024! (XXX refers to first 3 alphabets of the month, e.g. In August, enter ‘PAYLAH24AUG).

Best places to stay near the Lotte World

Worry not about where to stay when visiting this wonderland. Rosana Hotel situated right next door of the park offers affordable options and comfortable rooms, perfectly suitable for a family stay. Don’t forget to dig in their tasty continental breakfast to fuel up before heading to the park! 

If you don’t mind spending extra, Lotte World Lake Hotel offers themed rooms decorated with characters from Lotte World, like Lotty & Lorry and even boasts a  “Wonder Door” which provides exclusive access to the theme park!

Have not booked on Trip.com? Sign up now and enjoy S$60 off with min. spend S$500 when you book your overseas stay by 31 Dec 2024! Simply pay with DBS/POSB Cards at checkout (limited redemptions monthly) to enjoy this perk.

2. Shanghai Disneyland — Shanghai, China

Image credit: Shanghai Disney Resort | Official Instagram Page

It’s almost impossible to not mention Shanghai Disneyland when discussing top family friendly holiday destinations in China. The theme park offers classic Disney experiences you know and love, but with a unique Chinese twist. Did we mention you can enjoy 20% off sitewide bookings with KKday when you pay with a DBS/POSB Card during checkout, before 29 Aug 2024.

Thrill-seekers can conquer heart-pounding rides like “Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure,“ while younger kids will be enchanted by gentle adventures like “Voyage to the Crystal Grotto.” After the fun rides, visit Disneytown, a charming entertainment district, providing shopping, dining, and live performances at the Walt Disney Grand Theatre. Talk about the experiences that will leave lasting memories!

Know what’s even better? You can fly to China and enjoy  6% off flight bookings from Singapore with China Airlines! Only applicable for bookings made using DBS/POSB Cards. T&Cs apply.

Best places to stay near Shanghai Disneyland

Looking for a unique family stay near Shanghai Disneyland? You might want to consider Hyakumangoku Onsen Hotel just a short walk from the Disney Resort Metro Station. Imagine unwinding at the on-site spa (known as an “onsen” in Japanese) after a long day at the park, how relaxing!

For those who want to get into the Disney mood earlier, The Toy Story Hotel located within a short walk from the park entrance offers just that. From oversized furniture that makes you feel like a toy, to playful murals and character cutouts, it’s a constant visual feast for every fan!

3. ESCAPE Penang – Penang, Malaysia

Image credit: ESCAPE Penang | Official Instagram Page

Fly to Malaysia from Singapore and enjoy S$20 off with min. spend S$250 with AirAsia when you checkout using your DBS/POSB Cards! If the daredevil blood runs through the entire family, ESCAPE Penang is the perfect holiday spot for you and your loved ones. The theme park is designed for families with a focus on getting active and having fun in a natural environment. One of the must tries here is soaring through the trees on thrilling zip lines, including the world’s longest zip coaster!

For a splashing good time, cool down and have a blast on the water slides, including the world’s longest tube water slide of 1,111 metres. The younger ones can relax and float around the lazy river or take a dip in the Tots Pool. Afterwards, race down the Family Twister slide, work together on the obstacle courses, or enjoy a game of giant chess.

Best places to stay near ESCAPE Penang

PARKROYAL Penang should be at the top of your list if you’re planning to visit this theme park. Aside from the minimal travel time (to the park) it offers, the hotel also boasts Amazonia Kid’s Club, which can keep the little ones entertained while parents relax or enjoy some “me-time” at the spa or pool.

Another great option is Hard Rock Hotel Penang, just a few kilometres away from the park. Some rooms have a Roxity Kids Suite theme, featuring a separate play area within the room, creating a fun and immersive experience for children. The best part? The hotel also boasts a huge free-form pool, complete with water slides, perfect for cooling down after a day at ESCAPE!

Worthy deals incoming: Get 8% off all of the above bookings with Expedia when you check out with DBS/POSB Cards before 31 Dec 2024!

4. Universal Studios Japan (USJ) — Osaka, Japan

Image credit: Universal Studios Japan | Official Facebook Page

Universal Studios Japan in Osaka is one of the best family-friendly holiday destinations to visit with the whole fam. Explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, featuring rides, shops, and restaurants themed after the beloved series. Afterwards, soar alongside dinosaurs in Jurassic Park, battle aliens in the world of Men in Black, or even encounter mischievous Minions in their own dedicated area.

Older children and teenagers can hop on the heart-pounding roller coasters like The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man and Hollywood Dream – The Ride while the younger ones get in on the action with attractions like Elmo’s World and Sesame Street 4-D Movie Magic. 

Also, don’t forget to experience the adrenaline rush of Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge in Super Nintendo World. Afterwards, discover hidden secrets and meet beloved characters like Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, and Dixie Kong at the all-new Donkey Kong Country. Did we mention USJ also offers a variety of food options from Japanese favourites to themed restaurants based on popular movies? 

Best places to stay near Universal Studios Japan

Families coming to USJ should consider staying at Hotel Keihan Universal Tower located literally right next door!  Imagine leaving your room and hopping into the park’s excitement in just a couple of minutes.  After a fun-filled day, take a relaxing dip in the hotel’s sauna, jet bath, and natural hot springs with city views.

Or, you can stay at Hotel Universal Port Vita, which allows you to beat the crowds and get on popular rides before the park opens to the general public. Plus, the hotel’s family rooms can accommodate up to four people with options for connecting rooms if you need even more space.

5. Ferrari World — Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Image credit (L-R): Ferrari World | Official Instagram Page; Ferrari World | Official Website

Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi is one of the dream family friendly holiday destinations for those who love speed, excitement, and all things Ferrari! The amusement park offers a variety of rides to cater to different ages and preferences. The daredevils in the family should try riding the record-breaking Formula Rossa: the world’s fastest rollercoaster, launching riders from zero to 240 km/h in under five seconds! 

Fret not, the little ones can still have fun riding the Formula Rossa Junior and Flying Wings. There’s also the Turbo Tower with its zero-gravity drops and the exciting carousel ride, Speedway Race. Families can also put their driving skills to the test in racing simulators and experience the thrill of a virtual reality race. Afterwards, explore interactive exhibits that showcase Ferrari’s rich history and racing heritage to make your visit a more meaningful one.

Escape to Abu Dhabi from Singapore with up to 10% off flight bookings when you fly with Qatar Airways! Make sure to use the promo code “DBSQR24” upon checkout (before 30 Sep 2024) to enjoy this attractive deal. 

Best places to stay near Ferrari World

After a long day of racing, retreat to your comfy beds at W Abu Dhabi Yas Island Hotel known for their upscale and trendy vibe. It is the only hotel located directly on the Yas Island F1 track, putting Ferrari World right on your doorstep.  Another top hotel to consider is the Yas Island Rotana Hotel, which provides a complimentary shuttle service, the Yas Express,  taking guests directly to Ferrari World. 

6. Rainbow Village — Taichung, Taiwan

Image credit (L-R): tawatchai07 | Freepik; Rainbow Village | Official Facebook Page

For a colourful adventure with your family, fly to Taiwan and immerse yourself in the vibrant Rainbow Village in Taichung. The entire village is a giant explosion of colour, with houses adorned in beautiful rainbows, playful characters, and whimsical scenes.  This magical atmosphere is sure to spark children’s imaginations and leave them with wonder.

Many areas feature interactive elements,  encouraging kids to explore hidden details, pose with playful characters, and maybe even create their own mini-murals on designated surfaces. Families can also enjoy scavenger hunts within the village, searching for specific characters or details hidden amongst the colourful chaos.

TripZilla Tip: Pair your Rainbow Village trip with other family-friendly activities in Taichung. Consider visiting the Gaomei Wetland for a scenic nature walk or the National Museum of Natural Science for a dose of educational fun.

For a limited time only, book your flight ticket departing from Singapore to Taiwan with EVA Air and enjoy up to 5% off flight bookings! Only applicable for bookings made using DBS/POSB Cards. T&Cs apply.

Best places to stay near Rainbow Village

Located seven-minute drive from Rainbow Village is Freshfields Hotel which offers amenities that cater to families,  like a kid’s club and a swimming pool. The hotel is relatively close to Taichung High Speed Rail Station, making it easier to get to the Rainbow Village.

Another great stay to consider is  The Castle Ballet Taichung A Boutique Hotel, conveniently located near the colourful village. The hotel offers a variety of rooms, including some with balconies or terraces — a nice feature for families who need a little extra space to spread out!

Enjoy up to 10% cashback when you book your stay with Booking.com and pay with your DBS/POSB Cards during checkout. How convenient!

Also read: 15 South Korea Theme Parks & Amusement Parks Worth Visiting

And that concludes our top picks for the most exciting family friendly holiday destinations that deserve your attention. So, which of these will be your first go-to family getaway? Whichever it is, we assure you these dream family wish lists will surely go beyond the expected and straight into everyone’s core memory!

Brought to you by DBS.