I have traveled to more than eighty countries and worked in the travel world for over twenty years. My husband and I often talk for weeks about where to take our boys. We want our children to meet locals and eat authentic food. It is my mission to share my travel stories so you can find the best places to travel in Europe with kids. Europe is a magical place where history and fun mix perfectly. I have put together this guide to help you decide on the perfect vacation.
Our Plan for the Best Family Holiday
The process for how to plan a family trip to Europe starts with a few simple choices. First of all, you should decide how long you want to stay. I think two weeks is the perfect amount of time for a family with children. One week can feel too short and three weeks might make the family feel tired. Additionally, you should be flexible with your dates to find cheap flights. Flexibility is the key. Use tools like Google Flights to find the best deals.
Our family prefers to stay in the city center so we can walk to the main sights. However, many hotels in Europe only allow two or three people in a room. Large families should search for family rooms or apartments. First of all, book your stay as early as possible to get the best price. Later, you can look into train travel. Eurail is a great way for how to travel Europe with family because children under four travel for free. Up to two children under eleven can also travel free with each adult. Trains let you slow down and watch the beautiful views together.
Italy – The Most Child Friendly Country
If you ask me which country is the best, Italy is the first one that comes to mind. It is one of the most kid friendly countries in Europe. The people there dote on children and the food is a favorite for every age. Restaurants are full of families that enjoy pasta and gelato. Rome is at the top of our list for kid friendly european vacations.
History is everywhere you turn in Rome. The Colosseum and the Pantheon are amazing to see. My boys loved chasing pigeons in the beautiful Piazza Navona. Additionally, we rented a four-wheel bike in the Villa Borghese Gardens. On top of that, you can visit the Vatican and cross another country off your list. Small children will love to see the hole in the roof of the Pantheon. Rome is one of the best places to travel in europe with small kids.
Similarly, Florence is a city of incredible art. The city is very compact and easy to walk. You can climb the Duomo or the bell tower for a great view. Gradually, you can walk across the Ponte Vecchio to see the jewelry shops. We also did a cooking class to learn how to make pizza from scratch. Florence is one of the best places to travel in europe with kids for summer.
Lake Garda is another top spot for families. It is a very easy places to travel in europe. The lake is the largest in Italy and has many activities. First of all, you should visit Gardaland. It is a great amusement park for children aged two to fourteen. Additionally, the mountain trails and historic towns are beautiful. Finally, the lakeside beaches are perfect for a swim.
Theme Park Magic in France and The Netherlands
Our boys love theme parks, so we spend a lot of time at them. Disneyland Paris is pure magic for everyone. There is no feeling like walking down Main Street hand in hand with your kids. We love to visit during the winter because it is very atmospheric. Big Thunder Mountain in Paris is the best version in the world. Therefore, it is one of the best places to travel.in europe with kids in winter. Even babies can ride on the ‘It is a Small World’ boat adventure.
Parc Asterix is another great choice in France. It is based on the famous comics and is great for older kids. The rollercoasters are excellent and the shows are very funny. Plus, the food options include a huge buffet that kids love. However, it is much less crowded than Disneyland.
In the Netherlands, Efteling is an enchanting place. It is full of fairytales and has a very laid-back feel. Teens will love the fast rides while small children will enjoy the Fairytale Forest. We visited at Christmas and the park felt like a winter wonderland. Gradually, you will see why it is a favorite for Dutch families. It is one of the best places to travel in europe with young kids.
Hidden Winter Escapes
We often look for a winter escape that is not too crowded. Kranjska Gora in Slovenia feels like a snow globe. The ski slopes are perfect for children who are learning to ski. Additionally, the lift lines are short, so you get more time on the snow. First of all, you should visit Lake Jasna. Later, you can see the 300-year-old farmhouse called Liznjek House. It is one of the best places to travel in europe with kids in winter.
Porvoo in Finland is another winter treasure. This medieval wooden town is very close to Helsinki. You can rent fat-tire bikes for the snowy forest trails. Children can also join workshops to paint Finnish designs on ceramics. Also, you can try ice fishing on the frozen river. Therefore, it offers authentic winter magic without a high price.
The Picos de Europa in Spain is a mountain range that stays quiet. You can take the Fuente De cable car for amazing views. Additionally, you can see wild bears in the winter. At that time, you should also visit the medieval town of Potes for a treasure hunt. It is one of the best places to travel in europe with kids if you love nature.
Sunny Summer Destinations
Crete is the largest Greek island and it has over 130 Blue Flag beaches. Variety is the keyword. You can find secluded beaches or large ones with water sports. Balos beach has turquoise water and white sand. Elafonissi is famous for its pink sand and cedar trees. Additionally, the Palace of Knossos is a great place for kids to feel like explorers. Crete is one of the best places to travel in europe in july with kids.
Sardinia is a dream for families who love the sea. It blends natural beauty with comfort. The water at Cala Brandinchi is very calm and clear. It is described as a private paradise for small children. Finally, the hospitality is very warm. It is one of the best places to travel in europe with young kids.
The island of Naxos in Greece is another summer favorite. There are no large cruise ships to ruin the vibe. We spend weeks enjoying the beach and long lunches at outdoor cafes. First of all, walk up to the castle in the late afternoon. Later, you can have a perfect meal of seafood and tzatziki. It is a perfect spot for best places to travel in europe with kids for summer.
Beautiful Cities for Families
Amsterdam is a city of canals and bicycle bells. It is one of the most child friendly european cities. The tram system makes it easy to get around with kids. On top of that, there are many green spaces. You can hire bikes and cycle through Vondelpark. However, do not miss the NEMO Science Museum. It is highly interactive and will keep children busy for hours. Amsterdam is a very easy places to travel with toddlers.
Vienna is exceptionally friendly for strollers. There are not many bumpy cobblestones and elevators are at all public stations. First of all, you should visit the Schonbrunn Zoo. It has giant pandas and polar bears. Additionally, the museums have massive collections of fossils and Egyptian art. Gradually, you will see why it is a top-tier city for families. It is one of the best places to travel in europe.in april.with kids.
Prague feels like a real-life storybook. The city is very safe and easy to navigate. You can cross the iconic Charles Bridge or visit the Prague Castle. Children can travel for free on public transport with a pass. Similarly, there are many nice playgrounds on the islands in the river. Prague is one of the best places to travel in europe with small kids.
The Rugged Beauty of Portugal and Croatia
We spent nearly three weeks in Portugal and loved it. It is more affordable than Italy or France. Porto was our first stop. We took a Tuktuk tour and the kids absolutely loved it. Additionally, the Bolhao Market has delicious food. Later, we took the train to Lisbon. If you have a child under two, you can skip almost every line in Portugal. This makes it one of the easy places to travel in europe.
Dubrovnik in Croatia is a stunning place for adventure. You can walk the historic city walls for great views. Our kids loved exploring and climbing the old walls. Additionally, you can take a ferry to Lokrum Island to see wild peacocks. Gradually, you will fall in love with the turquoise water of the Adriatic Sea. It is one of the best places to travel in europe with kids.
Split is another great Croatian city with ancient history. Kids can explore the maze of Diocletian’s Palace. It feels like a giant playground. On the contrary to busy cities, you can also unwind at Kasjuni Beach. Therefore, it is a great mix of culture and relaxation.
Adventures in the North and West
Oslo in Norway balances urban life with nature. You can walk on the roof of the modern Opera House. First of all, visit Frognerparken to see hundreds of sculptures and a large playground. Additionally, the Viking Ship Museum shows how people lived long ago. It is one of the best places to travel in europe with kids.
Edinburgh in Scotland has a mix of culture and outdoor fun. You can hike up Arthur’s Seat for a great view of the city. First of all, explore Edinburgh Castle to see the cannons and crown jewels. Gradually, you can walk through the National Museum of Scotland. It is packed with interactive exhibits that kids love. Scotland is a great place for how to travel europe with family.
Galway in Ireland is a city full of art and music. You can find many cafes and galleries in the Latin Quarter. Additionally, the coastal path is perfect for a relaxing walk. We love to visit during one of the many festivals. Ireland is a very welcoming place for kids.
Logistical Tips for a Smooth Trip
A plan for your luggage is very important. We suggest you pack as lightly as possible. My husband and I each carried one backpack. This left our hands free to help the kids on busy streets. Additionally, we chose places with laundry so we could wash our clothes. First of all, a lightweight stroller is a must for toddlers.
Jet lag is a challenge when you fly from far away. We make sure to get outside on the first day. Sunlight and hydration help you get on the local schedule. Therefore, do not take a nap on your first afternoon. Finally, keep a journal for your children to write about their day. It will be a great souvenir for the future.
FAQ
Which city break is best for kids?
Vienna is a top choice because it is very stroller friendly and has many museums for children. Amsterdam and London are also excellent because they have many parks and easy transport.
In which country are kids happiest?
Italy is often the best because the culture dotes on children and the food is very kid friendly. The Netherlands and Switzerland also score high for child autonomy and respect.
What is the safest country in Europe for kids?
Switzerland is ranked number one for safety. It has a long history of peace and law. Additionally, drivers are very aware of pedestrians and cyclists.
What is the no. 1 safest country?
Switzerland is the top country for safety according to major reports. It is a perfect place to travel if you want to avoid crime and worry.
Concluding Words
The popular best places to travel in Europe with kids offer something for every family. You can choose the sunny beaches of Crete and Sardinia or the winter magic of Slovenia and Finland. Cities like Rome, Amsterdam, and Prague provide history and culture that is fun for all ages. Therefore, Europe is a top destination for a family adventure. Use this guide to plan your next trip and create memories that will last a lifetime.
