Release your inner child this summer: Top spots from Belfast to relive childhood magic in 2026
For travellers feeling nostalgic and looking to recreate a childhood trip, TUI’s family friendly travel experts have analysed over 150 European destinations to uncover the top holiday spots for adults wanting to reconnect with their inner child in 2026.
TUI have identified where travellers can tap into nostalgic experiences, from seaside treats and hands-on attractions to museums and more, all bookable through TUI Musement, to complement your perfect package holiday.
By analysing the number of theme parks, aquariums, ice cream shops, arcades, water parks and zoos in each destination, alongside weather conditions, TUI have highlighted the places offering the best mix of attractions for those looking to relive those carefree childhood moments.
Key findings:
Europe’s best destination for channelling your inner child is Rhodes, Greece (9.22/10), with 17 ice cream parlours, one of the highest average temperatures (27.64°C), and a wide range of nostalgia-friendly attractions.
Limassol, Porto, Barcelona and Majorca round out the top five destinations holidaymakers from Northern Ireland can visit with TUI to embrace their inner child this summer.
Rhodes is the ultimate destination for your inner child
Rhodes ranks first overall, achieving the highest score for unleashing your inner child with 9.22/10. The hotspot boasts 92 TUI Musement excursions and experiences, with a broad mix of child-like attractions, from 17 ice cream parlors, 27 playgrounds and 2 water parks, scoring 7.08/10 for entertainment. Rhodes records one of the highest average summer temperatures in the top 10 (27.6°C), alongside minimal rainfall and light winds, reinforcing its appeal as a reliable destination to let loose.
Altogether, its sun-soaked shores, abundance of playful attractions, and carefree summer atmosphere makes Rhodes the ultimate setting to rediscover simple pleasures and embrace that youthful spontaneity you’re craving.
Limassol ranks second with top temperatures
Coming in second with 9.04/10, Limassol in Cyprus has one of the highest-ranking mean temperatures on the list at nearly 27°C. These temperatures combined with an overall entertainment score of almost 6 out of 10 bumps the Cypriot city to second place for Northern Ireland travellers looking to embrace their inner child this summer.
Porto’s parks help place in third spot
Porto in Portugal is home to over 150 different excursions or experiences available with TUI. These experiences include private tuk tuk tours, exciting art museums and more to help you connect with your inner child. Porto also boasts an impressive 13.53 parks per 10 km² to help you enjoy the Portuguese sunshine – temperatures here can hit an average of up to 21.25°C!
Over 400 experiences boost Barcelona’s ranking
With a whopping 439 TUI Musement excursions and experiences available, teamed with an impressive near 32 parks per 10 km² , Barcelona comes fourth in the rankings with 8.94/10 - only just behind Porto, which scored 9.03. The popular coastal city offers a host of activities to help relive your childhood, with 4 zoos, an aquarium, 148 ice cream shops and a whopping 896 swimming pools on offer. Temperatures in Barcelona also reach an average 23.6°C, making it an ideal spot to visit this summer.
Family favourite Majorca rounds out the list
A firm favourite for sunseekers, Majorca is a perfect spot to help unleash your inner-child. As a package holiday staple that’s remained popular throughout the years, there’s something for everyone on this Spanish island with over 300 TUI excursions available to indulge in across the island. With an average entertainment score of 6.31, and temperatures soaring to as high as 25°C, Majorca’s spot in the top 5 is well earned.