Ideas for holiday abroad; July/August with 2 boys aged 8&11

We went to lake Bled on our way home from Bulgaria. It was so crowded that people were actually camping on the pavement. But I have to say that it's even more beautiful than the pictures.

We went to Lake Bled once, when the children were little. Wewere staying in Southern Austria - it was raining and we decided to go for a "three countries" drive - we passed through Yugoslavia and Italy and then back into Austria. When we were actually at the lake, it was pouring so much, we just got out of the car, had a look through the window of the Eastern-bloc-style cafe, and drove on - not being able to see much of the countryside.

In 2003 (I think) my husband and I went on our own to Slovenia (as it had become). We went again to look at Lake Bled. It was absolutely pouring again. People said they hadn't had rain like that for 20 years. To which we could say "We know, we were here!".

On the subject of lakes, though, my DS2 just spent a few days climbing near Lake Garda. He says that that is a lovely area where you can do all sorts of sporting and child-friendly activities - on, in and around the water.

I agree with other responses, Holland is really a nice idea, there's really much to see and in case of cycling it's perfect, it's really truth that in such way you can easily move to Germany. There are also special trains from one country to another and crossing the border won't take much time
Finland could be a cool decision too, we had there a family vacation two years ago. Nature there is really amazing, also many interesting historical sightseeings and cool beaches so there will be enough activities both for adults and children. Our family enjoyed very much with trip there and we had children with the same age as in your case.
I can recommend Latvia too, it's very similiar to Finland in this case greentourbaltic.com/tourcats/latvia/, there are many amazing parks, zoos, also interesting art workshops specially for children etc. www.latvia.travel/en/article/families-children.
Euro Camp is a cool idea too, as I heard from my friends it's one of the best places in case of vacation for children

Tegan2 - nothing better for walking, cycling, swimming in lakes, canoeing, etc, than 'my' Jura mountains, French or Swiss side- and such easy access by car from UK. If anyone ever want advice about this region, happy to help. Can even do B&B - own wing, own super shower room, own kitchen and lounge, etc- with or without guiding, or even French course ...

But Lake Bled is defo on my list for the near future. My mother went there when it was still a private Island, in the old days of the former Yugoslavia, when she was 16 and 18 - and I have tons of photos. I think the most beautiful time there would be October though.

Thanks for all the advice. They've decided to go to Lake Bled; trekking, watersports, castles etc. Trouble is, the way they've raved about Iceland the more desperate I am to go there!

Brittany ?- not too hot but lots of water sports, cycling, outdoorsy things and lots of interesting towns with festivals in the summer. You could go to one campsite and they often have kids clubs etc where they'll meet other children. we had several good holidays there with our family.

I know you specified abroad, but I take my DGDs of a similar age to Haven holiday parks in the UK and they love it. There's so much for them to do.
A friend of mine goes with her DC and DGC to similar campsites in the south of France.

I suggest Finland, great healthy living opportunities and boys this age can do a lot of everything from seeing some historical sites to beaches and a must, the sauna!
Plan to go north to the open spaces, don't stay in the city only. The farther you go, the more you will enjoy it.

Oh and DD1, SIL and our DGC want to go back to Florida to take the younger children. They would like us to go too. I said we'd be exhausted. SIL quickly said "brilliant, we'll get you both mobility scooters and we can go to the head of the queues"! I think he was joking!

We've had family hols in Minorca too for years-lovely beach hols and guaranteed sunshine too. France is my absolute favourite. Personally wouldn't want to camp anymore, mobile homes are so much better IMHO. Cornwall is great but weather can be iffy. Center Parcs always seem expensive to me. Hosteling sounds fun.

How about Center Parks. Loads to do, swimming, cycling etc. You can cycle all over the site. We went to Holland this summer but there are sites in Belgium, France, and Germany as well.

Just been thinking. My DD and her husband and children went Youth Hosteling in the Highlands of Scotland last summer. They all thoroughly enjoyed it, but they are all outdoorsy types, even my youngest GS who was only 4 at the time.

Funnily enough we were just talking about Eurocamp, because we did the 'grand tour' with them when they were in their teens and we loved making ourselves at home at each new tent. I don't think they want to drive around, though. We did; we did everywhere; Venice, Florence, Pisa etc. DD said she didn't know if it was the worst holiday anyone ever had or the best. To be honest, by the time next years holiday comes around I reckon they'll just want to fly somewhere and lie on a beach again; SIL seems to spend most of his life on planes these days. I think their holiday in Iceland was so amazing they don't know how to top it, and Florida is on the cards but not for a couple more years.

I don't know about the heat because children are not usually bothered by it, its their parents. Anyhow friends of ours swear by Euro Camp in France. There are beds in the tents some kind of food able to be bought and the parents hardly ever see their children.
Apart from that we always went to North Germany (Danish border)on a farm and there is always a lot to do but they all have to like animals and to be old enough and there might not be a mobile phone signal.

The Youth Hostels have a great variety of activity holidays. Maybe a week's active holiday and a week in a holiday home, visiting amusement parks and cycling through the countryside or walking and playing on the beach.

Don't travel too far. Remember you have to come home the same way. Its no fun with, or for, children even of that age.

Island hopping in Channel islands

My children were 8 and 10 when we went to Cala'n Porter on Minorca. We stayed in an apartment complex and the children joined the Kids Club there. We had a fabulous holiday, and the children cried all the way to the airport on the way home. This was 1994 btw.

Florida, loads to do.

Holland! You can cycle safely everywhere, even into Germany. Such fun!