Listopedia: the best value family destinations

Keen to travel with the kids, but not sure how to keep the little ones occupied without the cost of a full time nanny? From kid-friendly museums and adrenaline-inducing theme parks to unforgettable wildlife experiences and fantastic kids clubs, there’s something on this Listopedia for every type of family.

Malaysia

The kids will be spoilt for choice in theme park mecca Malaysia, which has a bunch of adrenaline-inducing activities both in and out of the city. Kuala Lumpur’s Berjaya Times Square shopping centre is home to Malaysia’s largest indoor theme park and you can cool off with a splash of fun at Kuala Lumpur’s Sunway Lagoon. If you’re keen to get out of the city, head to Johor. It’s the home of LEGOLAND and Sanrio Hello Kitty Town. Recharging the family’s batteries won’t cost much, with a local meal like satay skewers, laksa or curry around only $3.

Fiji

World-renowned for its picture-perfect islands, Fiji boasts some of the best kids clubs around. If you’re looking to save on your trip, average flight prices from Australia to Fiji are down 15% during the first half of 2016, to just $378. The ankle biters can keep themselves busy with swimming, snorkelling, beach soccer and sandcastles. Keen for a cocktail pool-side? Kick back at the Sheraton Resort Denarau Island while the little ones use up that energy in six swimming pools, playing water sports and at the LaiLai kids club.

South Africa

If you’re looking for a value family trip, now’s the time to go, with the average cost of a flight from Australia to South Africa falling 11% during the first six months of 2016. The kids might have already seen them at the local zoo – but nothing beats seeing the “Big Five” up close and in real life. Jump aboard a safari tour in Kruger National Park to spot wildlife like buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhino. For an educational buzz, take the kids to Johannesburg’s Planetarium to learn about the wonders of the universe. You can look around for free or attend a show – like the out-of-this-world “Space Travel” show at 10.30 on Saturday morning.

Singapore

Singapore has a bunch to offer families – from urban adventures and museums to a heap of top theme parks. Spend a day exploring Sentosa Island, Singapore’s playground, which only costs around $1 to enter. Admire Singapore’s city-scape and pretty coastline from the Sentosa Island Skyride and Skyline Luge – you can get a pass for both for around $14 a person. Fuel up with a cheap local meal of noodles for about $12 a head, before getting hands-on at Singapore’s interactive Science Centre. The fun doesn’t stop there though, with theme parks like Universal Studios, Legoland, Adventure Cove Waterpark and Wild Wild Wet Singapore waiting for you. You’ll also save on your hotel, with the average nightly cost of a room in Singapore down 5% for the first six months of 2016.

Thailand

With beautiful calm beaches, sunny tropical weather and a bunch of kid-friendly activities, Thailand offers oodles for the affordable family vacation. Kids can snorkel in clear, calm water, get active at a surf school or rent a paddle board for around $5 an hour in Phuket. If you’re looking to escape the sun, head to Bangkok’s Art in Paradise. Entry only costs around $10 for adults and $6 for kids and the 3D Museum will trick you with funny, photographable optical illusions. The average nightly cost of hotel is only $96, so if you’re knackered after a day exploring, you can wind down in comfort.

There are plenty of great options in our own backyard as well. Read up on the different types of adventures available for families on the beautiful Gold Coast here.