Family-Friendly Adventures: Top 10 Destinations for Kids in Europe
Turn up the fun factor with these kid-pleasing holiday ideas.
Kids can have fun in various situations and locations, which is good news when it comes to holiday planning.
As long as there are plenty of things to do, games, delicious food - and quality time with parents and siblings - they’ll likely be happy.
However, some holiday destinations are better than others.
Taking your youngsters to the site of a terrible World War Two battle, for example, won’t go down as well as a break in Disneyland. And a trip to Great Yarmouth, while undeniably fun, won’t draw smiles like an adventure in the Florida Everglades.
So when it comes to planning kids breaks, “Location, Location, Location” - could be a useful adage.
Because when the kids are happy, so are you - usually.
With this in mind we’ve put together a list of child-pleasing destinations to consider for your next holiday.
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1. Disneyland Paris, France
It’s virtually unheard of for a child to turn their nose up at a phrase like: “We’re off to Disneyland, kids!”. The legendary French incarnation of Walt’s wonderland offers a dizzying array of rides, from the adrenaline-packed Big Thunder Mountain (the US version is so thrilling it has caused people to pass kidney stones while riding it!), to low-key affairs like the Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups.
While undeniably fun, it can be expensive, especially if you have numerous progeny. Undated tickets cost around £100 for 1 park, or £130 for both parks (Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park).
You’re also likely to have to queue for long periods, especially for popular rides like Peter Pan. However, you can skip the lines with Premier Access - for a fee!
On-site food is pricey, too.
Footnote: Disneyland is one of the few enterprises that classifies somebody aged 12+ as an adult (and then charges them accordingly!).
- Legendary theme park with magical attractions for all ages.
- Parades, fireworks, and classic rides like Big Thunder Mountain and It’s a Small World.
- On-site hotel rooms available
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2. Legoland, Billund, Denmark
Denmark’s Legoland is aimed squarely at younger kids - with a variety of rides and playground and fun interactive installations. If any of your children are Lego fans, then a visit here is sure to delight.
Of course, there are other Legolands to choose from, including our own Windsor version, and one in Germany. All the parks are fairly similar, so it's worth considering what else is good about the location, whether that’s interesting historical attractions, or plain old sunshine (in which case consider Legoland California or Florida!).
- A mecca for LEGO enthusiasts with themed rides, playgrounds, and workshops.
- Adjacent Legoland Hotel offers kid-centric amenities.
- Combine with a visit to the LEGO House for hands-on creativity.
3. PortAventura World, Spain
Located in sunny Catalonia, PortAventura has been going strong since 1995, opening a little later than Disneyland Paris (1993). One of its most famous rides is the Dragon Khan, which was present on the opening day and features eight inversions - including a zero-g roll (also probably good for passing kidney stones!).
This theme park is often enjoyed as part of a wider holiday on the Costa Daurada, which boasts plenty of kid-pleasing beaches.
Barcelona is also nearby, with all manner of activities and attractions for children, including Park Güell, Cosmocaixa (Science Museum), Montjuïc Magic Fountain and Tibidabo Amusement Park.
- Theme park near Barcelona featuring roller coasters and a Sesame Street-themed area.
- Includes a water park and Ferrari Land for more thrills.
- Family-friendly resorts can be booked on-site for multi-day trips.
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4. Bavaria’s Fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Disney’s cartoony castle is impressive, but it pales in comparison to the structure it was purportedly modelled on: Neuschwanstein Castle in the Bavarian forest.
A short hike is required to reach the castle; or you can pay for a horse-drawn carriage.
It’s a truly lavish structure that’s sure to enthrall younger visitors. Highlights include walled courtyard, an indoor garden, multiple spires and towers - and even an artificial cave.
- Visit Neuschwanstein Castle, said to be the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.
- Nearby Tegelberg Mountain offers child-friendly hiking and a toboggan run in summer.
- Presents a great way to trigger your kids’ interest in history
5. Reykjavik, Iceland
Your little ones are sure to be impressed by the unique vistas and natural features that surround the Icelandic capital.
The main event is likely to be a trip around the Golden Circle (Thingvellir, Geysir Hot Spring, Gullfoss, and the Kerid volcanic crater), followed by a dip in the vast Blue Lagoon, whose superheated water comes from a nearby geothermal power station.
Reykjavik can be costly, but it’s very family-friendly, with discounts for those with children, high chairs and children’s menus in restaurants and family rooms in hotels. You're also never far from a playground or park.
- Child-pleasing natural wonders like geysers, waterfalls, and hot springs.
- Whale-watching tours and puffin spotting.
- Safe and compact city with plenty of outdoor activities and quality accommodation.
6. Rome, Italy
On the face of it, this sounds like the sort of destination that an adult would choose. However, while there are few kid-centric amusements, younger visitors are often amazed by the remnants of Imperial Rome, particularly the vastness of the Coliseum, or the creepiness of the Catacombs.
And let’s not forget about the food: pizza followed by ice cream will always draw smiles.
- Incredible historical sites like the Coliseum and Roman Forum.
- Interactive museums, such as Explora: The Children’s Museum of Rome.
- Delicious family-friendly cuisine - great for picky eaters.
7. Edinburgh, Scotland
Keeping to the historical theme, the Scottish capital is another atmospheric city that kids often love. Indeed, few large British cities can match the grandeur and downright oldness of Edinburgh, with its precipitous old buildings perched around Castle Rock and its stunning Old Town.
And like Rome, Edinburgh is said to be built on seven hills.
Harry Potter fans will be particularly taken by the city, since J.K. Rowling is said to have based many of her books’ locations on these hallowed streets - notably Diagon Alley (inspired by Victoria Street) and Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (George Heriot’s School).
- Edinburgh Castle and its historical treasures should appeal to curious kids.
- The Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is packed with interactive fun.
- Nearby Arthur’s Seat offers an accessible hike with stunning views.
8. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Aside from absorbing attractions like the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum (Rembrandt and Vermeer) and the Stedelijk (modern art), there are lots of fun, active things to try. More than 350 different playgrounds await at Linnaeushof in the Flower Strip, including obstacle courses and cable cars.
Then there’s the 700-year-old moated Castle Muiderslot in Muiden, Space Expo (with the original Soyuz space capsule on display), and The Spaarnwoude recreational area, where you can skate, canoe, swim and more.
- Canal cruises are a hit with children of all ages.
- Visit Space Expo to see the starting rocket and the actual Soyuz capsule
- Easy-to-navigate city with plenty of green spaces and cycling paths.
9. Lapland, Finland
Seeing the Aurora Borealis light show, aka the Northern Lights, is a memory your kids are likely to cherish forever. And the good news is you don’t have to go in mid-winter (although that's fun too): the Northern Lights season lasts from September to early April.
If you do decide to visit over the festive season, Rovaniemi’s Santa Claus Village is a must - especially if you’re visiting with younger children.
- The original winter wonderland, with activities like husky sledding, reindeer safaris, and snowmobile rides.
- Your kids can meet Santa Claus at Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi.
- Northern Lights (aurora borealis) sightings offer unforgettable family moments.
10. Lake Bled, Slovenia
If you’re looking for that extra-unique destination for your next family getaway, then Slovenia’s Lake Bled could be ideal.
Wholesome, outdoor activities are the name of the game, with castles, caves, paddle boating, biking and even ziplining (although under-16s can participate only when accompanied with an adult).
- Stunning lake area with lots of family-friendly activities like paddle boating.
- Short hike to Bled Castle for panoramic views and many kid-friendly exhibits.
- Try the famous Bled Cream Cake to reward yourself after a day of exploring.