School holiday retreats for children and teenagers

Our guide to retreats for children and teenagers this summer

With the long school holidays looming, and our children’s love of screens growing, we know how important it is to turn off the tech and find engaging activities and places for our square-eyed offspring, whether they’re toddlers or teenagers.  

For a digital detox, take some time out in nature, add some of their favourite activities, and sprinkle in some newness and excitement, and you have the perfect recipe for getting them off their iPhones, iPads and tablets, and back into the real world. They’ll emerge different children.

FOR CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS:

Skyros, Greece

A coastal holistic holiday where teenagers are welcome with their parents during school holidays (and up to 15-year-olds go half price). There’s limited phone signal and Wi-Fi is in one set area only. Instead children can access a brilliant creative club, and for older children and teens there is a choice of up to three courses each week, from art and singing to kayaking and abseiling to yoga and writing, they can do with and without their parents. 1 and 2 week sessions run for 6 weeks during the school holidays. 2025 dates released in December 2024.

FOR MOTHERS AND TEENAGE DAUGHTERS: Mother and Teen Daughter Retreat, Les Marguerites, France

A four-night retreat for mums and their daughters to deepen their connections. You’ll learn tools to deal with the dynamics in your relationship, and you’ll leave feeling rejuvenated and reconnected. Stay in an elegant mansion house in Alet-les-Bains, and enjoy group coaching, workshops, massages and creative activities, along with breathwork, meditation and sound healing. More dates coming for 2025.

FOR TEENAGE GIRLS: REWIRE™, Somerset, England

A ‘phone-free, nature immersion’ retreat for teenage girls with transformational life coach Natasha K Richardson. Girls from 13 to 16 will focus on life skills and critical thinking, and nature activities, TLC workshops and wellness sessions will keep them so engaged they’ll forget their phones! This is for teenagers only – no parents - and will run in other venues next year. More dates coming for 2025.

FOR ALL GENERATIONS: Rewild With Your Child at 42 Acres, Somerset, England

Swap screens and busyness for the simple joys in life. Slow down and reconnect with each other and nature, as you build fires, go wild swimming, forage for food, and enjoy outdoor yoga and guided nature walks. You’ll sing by the campfire, relax with breathwork and explore 173 acres of wild spaces. All ages are welcome – bring Grandma and Grandpa too! More dates coming for 2025.

FOR NATURE LOVERS OF ALL AGES: Broughton Sanctuary, Yorkshire, England

The emphasis is firmly on health and wellbeing at this back-to-nature retreat for parents and their children in the foothills of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Over four days build some family bonds as together you discover yoga, meditation, foraging and forest bathing. And then take it to another level with wild swimming, campfires and survival skills. Who needs TikTok? Available all year.

FOR CULTURE KIDS: Borgo Egnazia, Italy

On-demand Happiness Breaks in Puglia offers laughter workshops, mindfulness and fitness sessions, cycle rides, picnic lunches, to-die-for treatments, cooking classes, food harvesting, and dancing. With beach clubs for three different age groups, with games, swimming, crafts and treasure hunts, and a restaurant dedicated to children, it’s a win-win retreat for everyone. Available all year.

FOR THE PERSONAL TOUCH: Ralia Retreats, Costa Rica and Canada

Private family retreats that can be arranged on dates to suit you. Choose from the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and the Laurentians of Quebec in Canada. Or have an adventure and do a two-location retreat. You’ll bond en famille as you take part in activities specially chosen for you and your family. With hatha yoga, surfing, dance, cooking and culture. Available all year.

FOR FAMILIES SEEKING HARMONY: The Place Retreat, Bali

A Family and Siblings Therapy Retreat to work through the barriers to a harmonious family. Take a seven or nine-night break and, via therapy sessions with an expert team, look at what is and isn’t working, and implement healthy systems and behaviours. There’s no shying away from troubles - abuse, sexual issues, self-esteem and anger are among problems catered for. Available all year.

FOR YOUNGER CHILDREN: JOALI BEING, Maldives

Have fun as a family on Bodufushi island, a secluded haven so devoted to wellbeing, none of you will care if there’s a signal or not. The Joy of Being Kids Retreat helps 6 to 12-year-olds discover themselves and wellbeing. From herbology workshops and watercolour painting to making your own creams and learning about turtles. Or head to B’Kidult, a fun area for all ages. Available all year.

FOR TIME WITH PEERS: SANGHA Retreat by Octave Institute, China

These one or two-night family bonding retreats know just what every age group wants. Based near the near the ancient city of Suzhou, a bullet train ride from the bright lights of Shanghai, they offer adults relationship coaching and a spa experience, while teenagers can try out cookery, job roleplay, fitness and art. Children get to enjoy crafts, nature and play. Available all year.