All eyes are on Paris right now, as we watch athletes from around the world compete in the world’s most prestigious sporting competition. If you’d like to take it one step further and get your family off screens and into sports there are plenty of action-packed adventures to try, from football academies with pros to hiking, cycling and swimming programmes. Forget fly and flop, this year’s all about holidays to get fit and learn new skills.
Horse-riding in France
Equestrian sports are also a super popular part of the Olympics. From show jumping to cross country and dressage, the horsey events taking place at the Palace of Versailles are a real spectacle and, if they’re inspiring your brood to get in the saddle, you might want to consider a holiday at Park La Pignade in France. Just south of La Rochelle, this popular holiday park has its own riding stable, where families can learn to ride and go on guided treks through local forests and even on the beach. In addition, there’s cycling, yoga, archery, swimming lessons and football tournaments to compete in, and even a giant screen so you don’t miss any of the Olympic action.
How to do it: Seven nights at Siblu holiday Park La Pignade from £899 in August 2024, based on a family of four sharing a two-bedroom self-catered chalet.
Run, swim and bike in the Azores
Triathlons are mind-blowing. Running? Fine. Swimming? Love it. Biking? Lots of fun. Put them all together? Exhausting. It takes a lot of time and effort to do all three well, but if you want to keep things casual while incorporating them into a holiday, check out Sunvil’s amazing adventure in the Azores. Portugal’s secret islands in the Atlantic Ocean offer the chance to try biking in Sao Miguel, canyoning and a spot of wild swimming. There’s also coasteering, whale watching and paddle-boarding included.
How to do it: From £7,396 based on a family of four travelling in May half-term 2025, flights and activities included, with Sunvil.
Sailing in Greece
Sailing has been a big part of the Olympics since the sport was first introduced in 1900, and if you’re tempted to get the gang afloat you can’t do better than a luxury yacht with Fleewinter. Sail around the northern Ionian islands in splendour, dropping anchor to snorkel, paddle board and dine in secluded coves and, although there’s a captain and private chef aboard, there’s a chance for the kids (and you) to learn the ropes as you navigate the beautiful Greek coastline.
How to do it: From £1,730 pp, excluding flights, with Fleewinter.
Football camp in the Maldives
Team GB might not have a squad at the Paris Olympics, but Argentina, Spain and France do, so there’s plenty of opportunity to watch some of the best players in the world compete. If you’ve got footie-mad off-spring on your hands you’ll be interested to hear Siyam World resort in the Maldives has teamed up with Rio Ferdinand to host an intimate football camp for kids aged 5-15 years this October half-term. Unexpectedly, it has a beautiful grass pitch edged by a turquoise lagoon and, while they learn to perfect their volleys and nutmegs, you can escape to the spa and relax in your over-water bungalow. Bliss.
How to do it: Seven nights at Siyam World Resort from £7,200 for a villa for a family of four, including seaplane transfers and stay on an all-inclusive basis. International flights not included.
Tennis in the Caribbean
Some of the world’s greats are on court at the Paris Olympics, including Andy Murray, Coco Gaugh and Carlos Alcaraz. If you’re inspired to take the enthusiasm off the sofa and onto the court, why not book a tennis escape? Curtain Bluff hotel in Antigua is the dream place to learn or brush up skills, with a tennis centre featuring four championship flood-lit courts and three full-time tennis pros who cater for all ages from tots to teens and will whip you all into shape in no time.
How to do it: Seven nights at Curtain Bluff from £3,755 pp, all-inclusive and flights included with Tropical Sky.
Basketball in Corfu
Basketball became an official Olympic sport in 1936 and hasn’t looked back since. Though the US team are dominant, it’s such an exciting, fun sport that people from all around the world come to spectate. If it’s captured your child’s imagination, check out MarBella Elix resort in Corfu, which features mini basketball (alongside other cool court sports like volleyball and tennis) and has loads of other facilities, including water sports, biking, and badminton. The kids’ club even has sports competition each Monday, ideal for mini Olympians.
How to do it: Family rooms at MarBella Elix from £193 per night, half-board based on two adults and two children sharing, during October half-term 2024.
Ping pong in Cyprus
Ping pong? Yep, table tennis is an Olympic sport we can all have a go at, and where better to break out your serve than Columbia Beach Resort in sunny Cyprus? Not only can you take on the kids and be in with a chance of winning at the numerous tables dotted around the resort, but there are lots of other Olympic (and otherwise) sports to try while you’re there, including tennis, swimming, cycling, archery, basketball, water sports, boules and darts.
How to do it: From £143 per room, per night, with i-escape.