How to plan an affordable family surf trip with kids: A step-by-step guide
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A mother and her daughter sit together on the sofa and point to an open map
Step 1. Set a realistic family budget
Surf trips don’t have to be expensive... especially if you make a few strategic choices.
Having a clear budget helps prevent last-minute surprises. It also ensures the trip stays fun for everyone!
Start by listing your main expenses: flights, airport transfers, accommodation, food, surf lessons or equipment (plus extra activities like yoga or cultural excursions)
Consider staying at a family surf camp that includes meals, lessons and surf equipment. This keeps your budget predictable
In places like El Palmar, you’ll find more affordable options than in major surf resorts in France, Portugal or Morocco, including local cafés and small surf camps (that's us!) within walking distance of the beach
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A wide aerial view shows the long sandy beach of El Palmar with the coastal town behind it
Step 2. Choose the right destination
A successful family surf trip is all about picking a destination that works for the whole family.
It's got to balance comfort and ease with surf conditions. You want somewhere safe, welcoming and not overrun with crowds.
The beaches should be family-friendly and daily life relaxed. You're here to enjoy yourself, after all!
El Palmar, on the southern coast of Spain, is ideal for this kind of trip
It’s a laidback beach town with a mellow vibe that's perfect for families looking to slow down and enjoy nature
The area has a range of surf spots that suit all levels, from total beginners to those looking to progress
The surf here is well-suited to beginners and intermediates, and the sandy (rock and reef-free) beach gives kids space to play safely
It’s a great place to learn to surf or improve your skills with lessons from experienced instructors
El Palmar remains relatively affordable (especially during the off-peak spring and autumn months)
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A surfer walks along the shore with his surfboard, silhouetted by the golden light of the sunset
Step 3. Pick the right time to travel
This one is a bit of a luxury. Naturally, most families travel around school holidays. But if you can sneak away outside of high-season, you'll save big bucks.
Focusing on shoulder seasons like spring and autumn can make your trip more enjoyable (and more budget-friendly).
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit El Palmar
The weather is warm, the water conditions are friendly for all levels and the beaches are far less crowded than the peak summer months
Booking during these seasons also means a more personalised experience, with smaller surf lessons and more availability at accommodation near the beach
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Arne, the owner of the A-Frame surf camp, smiles as he kneels in the courtyard next to a group of children proudly holding up their surfing certificates
Step 4. Book accommodation that suits families
Speaking of accommodation, where you stay will affect not only your budget but also the overall mood of your trip. The right home away from home makes life easier... especially when you're travelling with young children.
Look for places that offer private space for your family, such as apartments or small houses, ideally with a kitchen and living area so you can prepare meals as needed
Family-friendly surf camps like ours provide this kind of setup, often just a few minutes from the beach
We also offer services like childcare, baby equipment and family-style meals
A location where kids can play freely outside while adults unwind in a shared yoga room or sunny terrace helps everyone feel more at home during their stay
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A girl holds the hand of a toddler as she and her brother walk towards the sea
Step 5. Pack smart and stay light
Packing for a surf trip with kids can easily become a chore, but you don’t need to bring everything. Most surf camps, including ours, have all the surf gear ready to go!
Essentials include sun protection, swimwear, warm layers for evenings and comfort items for the kids (books, toys, etc.)
Most family-friendly camps provide surfboards, wetsuits, beach towels and even yoga mats (check what’s available so you don’t overpack)
Think about what you need per day rather than packing for every situation. A small kit with snacks and reusable water bottles can keep kids happy during travel and beach breaks
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A group of vital-looking men and women practise yoga on a seawall under a clear morning sky
Step 6. Mix surfing with other fun activities
Kids (and adults) might not want to surf all day, every day. And that's totally ok! A good family surf trip includes time to explore and play together.
El Palmar is surrounded by nature, with plenty of space to explore
From scenic coastal walks to day trips to nearby white-washed villages, there’s something for every age group
Beach games, ice cream stops and warm evening strolls keep the days varied and fun without adding cost
Some camps also organise community-style activities, giving kids the chance to make new friends while adults enjoy a relaxing moment of peace
Surfing holidays for families FAQ
A-Frame is a family surf camp in El Palmar on the sunny southern coast of Spain. We offer everything families want for a relaxed surf holiday: comfortable accommodation close to the beach, licensed instructors, healthy meals and kid-friendly extras like toys, bikes and optional childcare.
Kids can join our surf lessons from 8 years old. They’ll learn alongside others of similar age and experience, with safety and fun as the top priorities.
Yes! Surf equipment like surfboards and wetsuits is included in the price. You’re welcome to use the gear even outside of lesson times too. This way you can enjoy the waves whenever you like.
During family week, you’ll have 5 days of surfing, time to relax in your own garden or terrace, optional yoga and healthy meals served throughout the day. Surf lessons and group times are tailored to your level and the tides.
Absolutely. Each family stays in their own private holiday home with a fully equipped kitchen, living room, bathroom and garden or terrace. It’s a peaceful space to unwind after a session at our local surf breaks.
The price per person includes 7 hearty breakfasts, 5 healthy lunches with dessert and 5 delicious three-course dinners. Water, coffee, organic tea and fresh fruit are available throughout the day.
Yes! During our family weeks, families are our central focus, and everything from surf sessions to mealtimes is shaped around your family’s experience. Learn more.
No problem at all. Whether it’s building sandcastles, reading on the terrace, enjoying yoga or cycling around the area, there’s something for everyone. Surfing is always there, but it's totally your choice whether you take part.
Of course! All A-Frame surf instructors are fully licensed with the SLSA lifeguard and ILS surf instructor certifications.
You can easily book online via our website. Just choose your preferred week, accommodation type, and any extras you’d like to add. We’re happy to help if you have any questions before you come.
Final thoughts
Not sure whether to take a family surf trip this year? Let us make it easy for you!
We offer family surf camp packages designed to cater to the needs of all members, from the little ones to the parents. Hit the link below to book yours today!
What others have to say
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Sebastian Münkel
a week ago
Absolutely fantastic time we had here, great beaches, lovely staff, fantastic food, -- no really, the food is among the best I have ever had, day after day -- very lovely guests and super convenient distances to the surfing.
- Surfing: the whole schedule is centered around the surf times, and for good reason. The staff make sure that the groups always get the best waves of the day, even if that means taking a short drive somewhere else. The equipment is great for learners (I cannot judge the hard tops etc) with clean, relatively new, and fitting wet-suits. In addition to the lessons we can always go for more sessions privately, with access to the equipment.
- Lessons: The teachers are fantastic, their joy is contagious, they made learning super fun. In addition to great individual feedback there are additional offerings in terms of lectures, e.g. on wave theory. The video analysis also really helps to internalize some additional feedback. But again, the teachers are great!
- Food: Great food, always accommodating dietary restrictions, and with great variety. Every meal is different to the last, the meals are flexible if you're almost an hour late it's still usually fine, and they make sure you have enough of all the food you could want. Unlimited coffee, tea and fruit is also a great addition. Beer and wine cost extra, but at basically no markup. But once again: best food, fantastic, 6/5.
- Lodgings: Apartments where you will either be with the group you traveled with, or other guests. Clean, quiet, daily cleaning, everything you really need if you want to retreat during the day, or even cook a meal. WiFi is fast enough to fulfill most use cases.
- Common areas: allow all levels of socializing, provide fantastic views, promote meeting your fellow surfers.
- Yoga: I am not a fan of yoga, so I didn't do any, but the ones who did said is was great.
- Additional services: Photos from your surfing adventures and mishaps are available, massages, additional outings outside of the surf lessons (for example surf-skating) are on offer as well, providing a beautiful well rounded programme for the entire day.
- Vibes: 10/10, chill, social, down-to-earth, helpful.
Overall, better holiday than for example a ski trip in November (and I love skiing too). Come here! -
Tobias_ keller.t
6 months ago
This has already been our second stay at A-Frame and again it was a super relaxed week and overall a holiday that can‘t be much better. We, a family with a toddler, can ony recommend this place to other families who are looking for a relaxed holiday with yoga, surf and amazing food. The people at A-Frame from surf coach to kitchen staff are just super friendly and you feel very much taken care at all times. Thanks so much to the whole team for another great holiday experience. We‘ll be back for sure.
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Victor Lombardi
6 months ago
Pretty much a perfect vacation. I learned to surf, did a lot of yoga, soaked up the beautiful weather, ate delicious food, and met some wonderful people. I don't speak German or Spanish and the staff switched to English to make everything easy for me. El Palmar is a very chill area and from there it's easy to make day trips to Conil, Vejer, and Cádiz.
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Yoav Nassau
a year ago
Thoroughly enjoyed our stayed at A-Frame. Super friendly and helpful staff. We were always received with a smile and welcoming attitude. Shoutout to the kitchen people who were kind, and did an incredible job of serving tasty, healthy, and varied food that we all loved. We came with three small children and they all had a great time - surf lessons, board games, ping-pong table among other fun activities.
The house was spacious, well-kept, and clean. Would definitely stay there again if visiting El Palmar in the future. -
Inga
a month ago
One of the best sufcamps I´ve visited so far. Excellent sufcoaches with a great accomodation and catering nearby the beach.
