From standout new theme park worlds and next-generation cruise ships to hands-on museums and luxury beach resorts, summer 2026 is shaping up to be an excellent time to plan a family holiday. Across the globe, major brands are unveiling concepts shaped around little ones, teenagers and multi-generational groups, proving that holidays of this kind are becoming more inventive, more refined and a lot more fun.
Universal Kids Resort, Texas
Just outside Dallas in Frisco, Universal is preparing to debut its first ever park created specifically for younger audiences. Opening in 2026, it will feature seven immersive lands inspired by favourites including Shrek, Trolls, Minions, Jurassic World and SpongeBob SquarePants. Rather than all-out thrills, the emphasis is on interactive play, character encounters and gentler rides, with a themed on-site hotel making the whole experience feel part storybook, part soft introduction to the theme park world.
PortAventura World, Spain
A Spanish escape is about to get even more tempting this summer thanks to two thrilling additions at PortAventura World, one of Europe’s largest family holiday and leisure destinations. At Caribe Aquatic Park, Coral Bay, The Lost Legend is a 6,000 square metre pirate-themed zone with a water coaster unique in Europe, an adventure pool boasting a world-first aquatic obstacle course and a new dining spot. Over at PortAventura Park, Makamanu Jungle, The Adventure Trek will introduce an exhilarating outdoor trail of hanging bridges, hidden pathways and nature-led challenges.
Lino Land, Caorle, Italy
1 May will see the Adriatic coast welcome Cavallino Bianco Caorle Venezia, a new five-star luxury resort in Caorle designed with modern family stays in mind. One of its key features is Lino Land, a striking space featuring tailored programmes spanning nursery age to teenagers, giving the classic seaside break a more elevated feel through creative activities, beach games and just the right amount of guided independence.
National Geographic Museum of Exploration, Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. gains a huge new draw this summer with the arrival of the National Geographic Museum of Exploration. Blending immersive exhibits, hands-on storytelling and cutting-edge technology, it is designed to spark curiosity about science, nature and global cultures in a way that feels genuinely engaging. For travellers who enjoy an urban break with a dose of discovery, this new opening offers a lively new reason to put the US capital into the city break mix.
Legend of the Seas, Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean is going bigger once again with Legend of the Seas, the newest Icon Class ship to make waves from July 2026. The appeal to families is obvious: the largest waterpark at sea, seven pools, neighbourhood-style entertainment zones and more than two dozen places to eat. Dedicated spaces including Surfside and the colourful Splashaway Bay water-play area, while the ship’s scale still leaves grown-ups plenty of room to do their own thing. It begins with Mediterranean sailings before heading to the Caribbean later in the year.
