The June school holidays are fast approaching but if you have yet to book your family trip, fret not as Curated Travel recommends 6 holiday destinations with hands-on activities, inspiring history and/or an animal or two to keep your children entertained and propel you to parent superstardom, at least in their eyes.

1. Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

Escape the heat and head down under where it’s the start of the winter season, as well as right smack in whale-watching season. Exmouth was named as one of the Top 10 whale-watching spots in Australia by Australian Geographic, and Ningaloo Reef is one of the only places where whale sharks return to regularly, in large numbers.

Fly to Exmouth from Perth or take a road trip down; Ningaloo Reef, a true fringing reef, is well worth the journey.

2. Methven, New Zealand

Singapore’s location on the map means that one can chase the slopes in the Southern hemisphere too.Take advantage of that with a family ski trip to Methven, New Zealand.

Located an hour’s drive from Christchurch, Methven township is offering a “Kids 4 Free” programme for children aged 10 and under. As long as they are accompanied by a paying adult, they get to ski for free at Mt Hutt ski area, enjoy free ski/board rental and meals, and participate in free activities. Who says a ski trip has to be expensive?

3. Seoul, South Korea

Seoul is renowned as a shopping haven but what many do not know is that Seoul has many museums, parks and other attractions to entertain and astound your kids.

Enjoy the last burst of Spring weather at Seoul Forest. Comprised of 5 different parks filled with playgrounds, nature trails and even a deer enclosure, you can spend a fun-filled family day there. On rainy days, seek shelter in Seoul Children’s Museum or the Coex Aquarium, Seoul’s largest aquarium.

4. Kyoto, Japan

Many plan Kyoto as a day trip or a stopover from Tokyo but with many kid-friendly activities available, you should consider Kyoto as a destination in itself.

Entertain kids of all ages with visits to a steam locomotive museum and an underground ninja labyrinth. Hop on a train to Nara, a picturesque town half an hour from Kyoto, to feed the friendly deer that wander its parks.

5. Beijing, China

Let your kids learn history the fun way! Bring their textbooks to life with visits to the Palace Museum and the National Museum of China.

When their eyes start to glaze over, Beijing has its share of theme parks and indoor skating rinks to revive their spirits. Amaze them with world landmarks in miniature at the Beijing World Park or have fun on the paddle boats at Beihai Park, a former imperial garden turned public park at the northwest of the Forbidden City.

6. Phuket, Thailand

If you need a city break as much as the kids do, sandy beaches, clear blue water and inexpensive spa treatments should be just what the doctor ordered.

What makes Phuket appealing is its large number of child-friendly resorts, and one that stands out is the Angsana Laguna Phuket. In addition to its family-friendly rooms and resident baby elephants strolling on the beach, its Tree House Kid’s Club offers activities such as indigenous crafts, cooking classes, and exploring; keeping your kids occupied while you work on your tan.