From New Friends to Big Adventures: What Kids Really Want on Their Dream Holidays

Key Takeaways:

• 90% of children want holiday activities that help them make new friends.
• 89% wish to experience their favorite games or movies in real life during holidays.
• Peer influence is significant, with 95% wanting activities they can share with friends.
• The survey polled over 7,000 children from nine countries, indicating global trends.
• Imagination and connection are key themes in children’s holiday desires.

A Global Survey Unveils Children’s Vacation Dreams

As summer approaches, parents might be surprised to learn that their children’s holiday wish lists extend far beyond ice cream and cartoons. A new global survey commissioned by Experience Abu Dhabi, the destination brand of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), reveals that 90% of children aged 5 to 12 worldwide yearn for holiday activities that help them make new friends.

Craving Connection in a Digital Age

In an era dominated by screens and streaming, kids are expressing a profound desire for real-world connections. The survey, which polled over 7,000 children and their parents across nine countries—including France, Italy, Germany, China, the UK, the US, India, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia—highlights a universal trend: the quest for friendship during vacations.

“Whether it’s exploring a children’s library, splashing at a waterpark, or a day out at the aquarium, shared adventures can help children form new bonds that stretch across the globe,” the survey suggests. Moreover, peer influence plays a powerful role, with 95% of kids wanting to try activities they can tell their friends about, and 91% being inspired by what their friends have done.

Imagining Adventures Beyond Screens

While connection is key, the power of imagination remains a significant draw for young travelers. An impressive 89% of children expressed that their ideal holiday allows them to experience their favorite video games or movies in real life. These kids aren’t just passive consumers of media; they’re eager to immerse themselves in the worlds they love.

“They Want Connection and Adventure”

H.E. Nouf Mohamed Al-Bushlaibi, Executive Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications at DCT Abu Dhabi, remarked on the findings: “As both a parent and a marketer, I know firsthand how important it is to really listen to kids, to understand what lights them up, what sparks their imagination, and what makes a holiday unforgettable. We commissioned this research to hear what truly matters to children when they look at holidays, and what they told us was inspiring: they want connection, adventure, and the freedom to play out the stories they love. Abu Dhabi brings all of that to life as a place where kids can dream big, try new things, and feel right at home doing it with their loved ones.”

Country-Specific Passions

While the desire for connection and imaginative play is universal, the survey also uncovered unique interests across different countries. In the UAE, a striking 98% of kids said that big, exciting adventures are a must for their holidays. In India, more than three in four children expressed a keen interest in visiting museums.

Shaping Unforgettable Family Vacations

These insights offer valuable guidance for parents planning their next family vacation. By prioritizing activities that foster new friendships and bring imaginative worlds to life, families can create experiences that resonate deeply with their children’s hopes and dreams. As the survey indicates, today’s young adventurers are bringing big imaginations to their travel wish lists—it’s up to us to help make those dreams a reality.