Kids are made to feel welcome at the stately Giraffe Manor in Nairobi by hotel staff and resident wildlife alike. Just don’t be surprised when long-legged giraffes stretch through the windows looking to share your breakfast. You won’t have to share your croissants if you don’t want to, however – jars of healthy snacks are provided for guests to feed these gentle beauties. Before you leave Nairobi, be sure to visit The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust orphanage to meet rescued baby elephants.

At Santa Claus Village in Lapland’s Rovaniemi, families can rug up for a magical sleigh ride that takes them deep into the forest. The 3-kilometre Winter Adventure ride runs from November to April and leaves from the Santa Claus Office, so be sure to pop in and meet Santa while you’re there. Kids of all ages can also learn how to drive a reindeer from the sleigh, taking home a reindeer driving license as their reward.

Kids and teens can join Lindblad’s National Geographic Global Explorers program on a seven-day cruise through Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands. Staying aboard the 48-guest National Geographic Islander expedition ship, families will encounter blue-footed boobies, pink flamingoes, sea lions and giant tortoises – all completely unfazed by humans – on hikes, kayak trips and snorkelling adventures.

Intrepid’s family-oriented trip from Beijing to Hong Kong will have you ticking off bucket list items by the day, but for animal lovers the highlight will be the panda research centre in Chengdu. You’ll have the rare opportunity to see giant and red pandas up close during the most active period of their day, and learn about conservation efforts to protect this endearing endangered species.

Whale sharks can grow up to a whopping 10 metres long, and they call the islands of the Maldives home all year round. LUX* South Ari Atoll runs regular snorkelling trips to swim with these docile giants out beyond the reef that protects this family-friendly resort. Kids of all ages will feel safe in the calm, warm waters of this idyllic part of the world.