If your children are happy on holiday, then Mum and Dad are too... easier said than done! When you've got a mixture of ages and interests in your family, it's even harder.

Activity holidays are a great way of keeping everybody happy. It also means that parents can relax with a good book, laze by the pool for a few hours or take in a game of tennis.

Fun for toddlers
With under-4s, it's important to know they can play in a secure, supervised area but just as important for parents to be able to unwind. Look for a holiday destination offering a children’s courier service.

A specially equipped toddler centre is a must - an adventure-style playground is challenging and fun for an older child, but frightening (and potentially dangerous) for a 3 yr-old. Most resorts require a parent to be in attendance for toddler clubs, but do your research – the better ones offer comfortable adult seating areas and cool drinks!

Kids' clubs
The right activities for the right age-groups are vital so steer clear of 'kids' clubs' which lump all the under-13s together and expect them to get on. Playing dodgeball with 11 yr-olds isn't a preschooler's idea of fun, and neither will a feisty pre-teen be very keen on a puppet show. Younger children enjoy scaled-down versions of cricket, rounders or football, and some companies organise mini-Olympics, nature trails and talent contests.

Your pre-teens can burn off excess energy with more boisterous (supervised) games like 5-a-side, hockey and softball, and are ready for the more grown-up challenges of orienteering and treasure hunts. Junior discos are also a winner, although at this age, it's mostly about the girls dancing whilst the boys hang around the sides of the room!

And in case of bad weather, there should be enough to keep everybody occupied indoors. Some companies provide table tennis, carpet boules and indoor games such as chess, draughts, Scrabble and Monopoly - more fun for the children and less packing for you.

Teenage kicks
Teenagers are ready for ‘all action’ programmes, and most enjoy the challenge of learning something new. They can get their teeth into adventurous activities such as archery, windsurfing, canoeing, and even white water rafting. For parents to be able to relax, it's essential to know that the instructors are fully-qualified so make sure you check their credentials first.

If your teen isn't so gung-ho, how about gentler pursuits like stained-glass making, cookery, drawing and painting or ceramics? And for teenagers missing their usual social whirl, look out for evening entertainment such as beach parties and karaoke.

• More Travel Stories
• Tell Us About Your Own Holiday Heaven Or Hell!