FORGET any assumptions about this generation of i-kids, as surprising research from outdoor holiday specialist Eurocamp reveals the top ten Bucket (& Spade) List of the nation's kids' must-do holiday activities with one notable exception - technology.

When it comes to favourite holiday activities abroad for primary school aged children, the UK's mini holidaymakers become semi-aquatic in nature, voting water-based pool and beach activities top when on holiday with a whopping 75%.

In the world of today's under 11 year olds, building sandcastles (56%), trips to the zoo/aquarium (51%), playing hide and seek/climbing trees (46%) and adventuring to castles and ruins (27%) also found their way on to the Bucket (& Spade) List top ten.

A poll base of over 1,500 families, made up of both parents, and children before they turned 11, found that families really are happiest when they're together with 76% of parents revealing they felt family bonds are at their strongest when enjoying activities together on holiday – switching off from modern day distractions. One in seven parents stated that they enjoyed family holidays to get away from the pull of social media.

Meanwhile, it seems the apple doesn't fall far from the tree as the kids' wish list of holiday activities almost exactly mirrors that of their parents' own happy childhood holiday memories – showing that while technology has moved on, classic holiday activities really do stand the test of time.

TV presenter and father of four Craig Doyle, who's supporting the research, comments: “It's great to see that kids are still embracing classic childhood activities when on holiday. I have fantastic memories of all the simple things in life, swimming in sea, playing in the sand and finding great places to eat with my four that will last a lifetime, and it really is what family holidays should be all about.”

Chris Hilton, Head of Brand at Eurocamp, adds: “I'm not all that surprised by these findings. The families we see staying with Eurocamp on a day-to-day basis are in their element splashing about in the pool or enjoying a family BBQ. It's important for families to share precious quality time together when on holiday and this research hears kids loud and clear. They want to kick back, relax and create fun memories, just like their parents, whether at the pool, beach or out and about sightseeing.”

The similarities between what parents and kids want from a holiday are extremely surprising, with beach holidays voted as the firm favourite across the nation with 79% of parents and 77% of kids in agreement, closely followed by theme park holidays (49% of parents and 63% of kids).

It appears holidaying for the nation's youngsters really is a family affair too, when it comes to who they most want to holiday with. A massive 93% placed parents at the top of the list with siblings (49%) and grandparents (26%) ranked higher than that of friends (23%).

The great outdoors also provides an opportunity to bond on holiday, with over half of parents wanting to explore different places together as a family – and give children the freedom they don't often get at home.

Find out more at www.eurocamp.co.uk/bucketandspade

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Alex Clough

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Email: A.Clough@amaze.com