8 in 10 children find holidays abroad boring

The average UK child is bored for two and a half hours a day while on holiday abroad -complaining there’s “nothing to do” more than 20 times a week, according to new research.

The study into overseas holiday habits from Butlin’s revealed one in ten (10%) children are bored for more than four hours a day, adding up to 28 hours over the course of a week.

What’s more, 85% of parents say their child regularly gets bored while on holiday abroad, with the average child complaining there’s ‘nothing to do’ an average of three times a day.

Butlin’s provides an answer to the problem, with its UK-based family breaks renowned for entertainment value, offering families with children of all ages a variety of activity options.

Whether it’s parents of toddlers or early-teens, there’s something for everyone with so much included in the price, from unlimited fairground rides to headline acts and live shows.

According to the research, overseas holiday boredom kicks in straight away, with 37% unhappy while waiting at the airport and more than a third (35%) getting grouchy on the plane.
As a result, more than a quarter of parents (28%) end up regretting taking their children on a family holiday overseas.

Therefore, it comes as no surprise to discover parents find it difficult to unwind while abroad, with two thirds (66%) saying they struggle to relax because they’re constantly looking for ways to entertain the kids.

This combined with the fact six in ten parents (60%) struggle to find suitable forms of entertainment for their children while overseas means families are increasingly opting for UK staycations over foreign holidays.

The data also shows half of Brits (50%) say less travel time is one of the main benefits of staying in the UK – with long travel times (33%) the number one factor in children’s boredom.

Parents further report holidaying in the UK is far more cost-effective than hopping on a plane, with more than four in ten (41%) parents choosing staycations because they’re more affordable.

Mike Godolphin, Entertainment Director at Butlin’s, said: “Family holidays can be both rewarding and hectic in equal measure, but one thing they definitely should be is fun. Our survey reveals just how many children end up bored on holidays abroad, which we can confidently say is not the case at Butlin’s!

“At our three resorts, the chances of boredom are slim to none as children of all ages can enjoy countless fun-filled activities with so much included in the price, from exclusive live shows to endless fairground rides and much more”.

Butlin’s also offers a brand-new All Inclusive drinks package on family breaks starting from just £25 per adult per day or £10 per child, with under 5s free. The package includes a wide range of alcohol, soft drinks and Costa Coffee from ‘Proud to Serve’ venues.

Early summer breaks start from £59. Price is based on four sharing a two-bedroom Silver Room in Minehead on a four-night break starting 24 June 2024. Break includes all live shows and activities with free flow access to the pool and unlimited fairground rides.