A study of 1,000 children aged six to 13 revealed 58 per cent want to be entertained more, however seven in 10 said their parents and guardians are too distracted by other things.
The top things kids would like to do with others include going swimming, trips to water parks and watching live shows.
Others want to go on picnics together, head to a bowling alley or go on a bike ride.
It also emerged the average youngster wants four hours of quality time with their parents at the weekend - nearly double the two-and-a-half hours they are currently getting.
And 84 per cent of children enjoy family time together.
More than eight in 10 will feel giddy over short breaks away with family, but more than half are missing out by only getting the opportunity to do so every six months or less.
The study was commissioned by Butlin’s to celebrate the search for its first ‘Funbassadors’, which will see one lucky family win £1,000 and the chance to visit all three Butlin’s resorts.
Psychologist Emma Kenny said: “During the day-to-day, we quite easily slip into routines and forget to make space for that quality time together.
"So a break away with the family, whether it’s mid-week or weekend, is a great opportunity to switch off and engage in fun activities with your kids.
“The findings show two thirds of children claim their parents are preoccupied with work with three in 10 constantly distracted by their phones.
"Getting away to a resort like Butlin’s is the perfect antidote to bring the family back together.”
The research also found playing football, meals out and, quite simply, going for a walk together are among the activities kids would like to do more of with their parents.
The children surveyed via OnePoll claimed their parents working too hard, being overloaded with cooking and cleaning, and also not being able to afford it are the top reasons they don’t get as many breaks away together.
Mike Godolphin, entertainment director at Butlin’s, said: “This new research shows three in four children agree their parents are capable of having fun, so becoming our new Funbassadors is the perfect starting point for that.
"Our resorts have all the activities kids are craving to do with their families.
“We’re excited to welcome our Funbassadors to the team. They’ll have an amazing time experiencing all of our resorts’ endless family-friendly fun – whilst getting paid for it.”
Apply to the Funbassador competition by visiting www.butlins.com/funbassadors
TOP 20 ACTIVITIES CHILDREN WANT TO DO MORE WITH THEIR PARENTS
1. Go swimming
2. Go on theme park rides
3. Go to watch a live show
4. Go to the cinema
5. Go to the zoo
6. Play video games
7. Go to the park
8. Go to fun fairs
9. Go to a water park
10. Play football
11. Play with toys
12. Eat dinner out
13. Go to softplay
14. Bake
15. Fly kites
16. Have picnics
17. Go bowling
18. Go for a bike ride
19. Get takeaways
20. Walk together
