Children most value “ice cream for lunch,” waterslides, and freedom from chores on family holidays, according to new research, says Marriott Bonvoy on April 16.

The research found that 58% of children ranked ice cream for lunch as one of the best parts of a family trip, Marriott Bonvoy reported.

It also found that 57% of children saw a big pool with waterslides as a key feature of a family trip, according to Marriott Bonvoy.

The research stated that 53% of children valued staying up late during family trips.

When asked about hotel stays, 63% of children cited having whatever they want at breakfast as the best part, Marriott Bonvoy said.

The release reported that 30% of children cited not having to tidy their room as a top benefit of staying in a hotel.

The research stated that 39% of children said boredom was the hardest part of a family holiday.

It also reported that 35% of children disliked being made to do “adult stuff” on trips.

When describing a dream holiday, 63% of children chose free choice at the breakfast buffet, 42% chose messy rooms, 58% chose ice cream for lunch, 57% chose waterslides, and 35% chose no adult activities, according to Marriott Bonvoy.

The research found that 40% of parents said it was hard to please everyone when planning a family holiday.

Marriott Bonvoy reported that 35% of parents already let children help decide where to go or stay.

The release also stated that 39% of parents had already let a child plan a holiday.

According to the research, 72% of parents said they would feel curious or excited about letting a child lead the next trip.

The survey found that 66% of parents named time together as their top holiday aim, Marriott Bonvoy reported.

It also stated that 47% of parents saw an easy, low‑stress trip as a key priority.

When asked about future trips, 33% of children chose Spain as their next family holiday destination, according to Marriott Bonvoy.

The same question found that 18% of children chose Italy and 16% chose Greece, the release said.

The research also asked children about hotel features, with 61% naming a big pool with many waterslides as a desired feature, Marriott Bonvoy reported.

The release cited examples of properties with such features, including “The Westin Resort, Costa Navarino,” “Domes of Corfu, Autograph Collection,” “JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa,” “Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club,” “Algarve Marriott Salgados Golf Resort & Spa,” and “The Westin La Quinta Golf Resort & Spa, Benahavis, Marbella.”

Marriott Bonvoy presented the findings as evidence that children influence both how and where families travel on holiday.