Top Family-Friendly Destinations in Europe (Part One)

Europe is a treasure trove of exciting adventures for families, offering a perfect mix of history, culture, and fun. Whether you're exploring magical castles, taking scenic train rides, or indulging in delicious treats, there's something for every child to enjoy. Here are some of the best family-friendly destinations in Europe that promise unforgettable family experiences.

1. Denmark 

Denmark is a dream destination for families, blending whimsical charm with kid-friendly attractions. In Copenhagen, children will love climbing the Round Tower for city views, spotting the iconic Little Mermaid statue, and cruising the canals. Don’t miss Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, where magical rides and gardens inspired Walt Disney himself.

For the ultimate family adventure, head to Billund, the birthplace of LEGO® and home to the original LEGOLAND®. Kids can explore themed rides, interactive exhibits, and mind-blowing LEGO creations. Nearby, the LEGO House offers hands-on fun for all ages.

Don’t overlook the hidden gem of Odense, the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen. Families can wander through fairy-tale-inspired parks, visit the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, or see the charming sculpture trail celebrating his famous stories like The Little Mermaid and The Ugly Duckling. 

​2. France 

France isn’t just for romance - it’s filled with unforgettable family adventures! In Paris, kids will love climbing the Eiffel Tower, cruising the Seine River, or exploring the Louvre with a kid-friendly scavenger hunt tour. Families can also enjoy a a magical day at Disneyland Paris!

For a real-life fairytale, venture to Mont Saint-Michel, where kids can wander winding cobblestone streets and picture medieval knights and princesses. Or take a day trip to Versailles, where the palace gardens and musical fountains captivate young imaginations. France offers endless opportunities for family-friendly fun - from iconic landmarks to hidden gems - making it a perfect destination for creating lifelong memories.

​3. Switzerland 

Switzerland is a family travel dream, offering breathtaking scenery and endless kid-friendly activities. In Lucerne, take a cable car ride up Mt. Pilatus for stunning views, then ride the world’s steepest cogwheel railway back down. You can also visit the Swiss Museum of Transport, where interactive exhibits keep kids entertained for hours. 

In Interlaken, families can make their own Swiss chocolate or watch paragliders soaring over the mountains - and if you have teens, they might even want to join in the adventure! Also, a must is to enjoy cheese fondue on a mountain! Take a trip to the Jungfrau, known as the "Top of Europe", at over 3400m high, where you can also explore an ice palace. Scenic boat rides or swimming in crystal-clear lakes, easy family-friendly hikes, and playgrounds everywhere round out the perfect Swiss escape!

4. United Kingdom 

The UK is packed with family-friendly adventures, blending history, magic, and outdoor fun. In London, hop on a double-decker bus tour, ride on the London Eye, explore the Tower of London, watch the changing of the guards, or wander through the Natural History Museum. For Harry Potter fans, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is a must-see, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the Wizarding World. Families also love cruising the Thames River and visiting Hamleys, one of the world’s oldest toy stores.

In Edinburgh, kids can explore the Edinburgh Castle, get hands-on at the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, or join a spooky storytelling walk through the city’s medieval streets. Time your visit with the Royal Military Tattoo for an unforgettable cultural experience.
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For outdoor adventures, head to the Scottish Highlands. Ride the scenic Jacobite Steam Train (made famous in Harry Potter) or hunt for the Loch Ness Monster. Older kids and teens will love activities like canyoning, zip-lining, or mountain biking in the Highlands. For a coastal escape, consider Cornwall’s beaches, known for family-friendly surf schools and picturesque seaside villages.

5. Finland 

Finland offers a magical winter wonderland perfect for families seeking adventure and unforgettable experiences. In Lapland, kids can meet Santa Claus in his official village, visit a real reindeer farm, and race through snowy landscapes on a thrilling husky sled ride. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights dancing across the sky. Unique overnight stays like ice hotels or glass igloos make the experience even more memorable.

In Helsinki, families can explore the interactive exhibits at the Heureka Science Centre, visit the Helsinki Zoo, or hop on a ferry to Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage fortress perfect for kids to explore. Whether you're chasing the Northern Lights or discovering the charm of Helsinki, Finland offers unforgettable family-friendly adventures year-round.

6. Belgium 

Belgium is full of family-friendly surprises. In Brussels, visit Mini-Europe, an interactive park with mini landmarks, and explore the futuristic Atomium. Kids will love waffle-making workshops and creating their own chocolate bars.

In Bruges, take a horse-drawn carriage through cobblestone streets and enjoy a scenic canal boat tour. Don’t miss the Belfry Tower for stunning views or a family bike ride through the countryside.
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Ghent offers medieval charm with the Gravensteen Castle and interactive exhibits at the STAM Museum. Take a relaxing boat tour along the River Lys for beautiful city views.

​7. Italy 

Italy is packed with family-friendly experiences. In Rome, kids can train as gladiators and explore the Colosseum, making history come alive.

In Tuscany, enjoy a pasta-making class, visit a working farm, and go truffle hunting. For a fun ride, take a Vespa sidecar tour through the countryside or hop on a boat along the stunning Amalfi Coast.

In Venice, kids will love the classic gondola ride, exploring the Doge’s Palace, and wandering the city’s maze of canals and streets. The Murano glassblowing demonstrations are also a big hit for children.

For more outdoor adventure, head to Lake Garda where families can enjoy boat rides and visit the Gardaland amusement park. Or, explore the rugged beauty of Cinque Terre with family-friendly hikes along the coastline, offering breathtaking views of colorful villages.

And, of course, no trip to Italy is complete without indulging in endless gelato!

8. Austria 

In Vienna, Austria, visit the majestic Schönbrunn Palace, where kids can explore the palace, the gardens, the children's museum, and enjoy the Schönbrunn Zoo, the oldest in the world. For a magical experience, take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic streets of the city.

In Salzburg, step into the world of the Sound of Music with a family-friendly tour through the iconic locations from the film. Visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress for sweeping views of the city, or enjoy hands-on fun at interactive museums like the Haus der Natur and Salzburg Museum, which offer engaging exhibits for kids.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Austrian Alps provide endless opportunities for hiking, sledding, and skiing in the winter, while Lake Wolfgang is perfect for boat rides, cycling, and scenic walks in the warmer months.

9. Czech Republic 

The Czech Republic is a magical destination for families, with Prague offering endless opportunities for exploration. Kids will be captivated by the Astronomical Clock show, exploring the impressive Prague Castle, and a visit to the Museum of Illusions. For more interactive fun, visit the Lego Museum and get lost in the quirky Mirror Maze. Take a break and indulge in a delicious Trdelník (chimney cake), a local sweet treat that’s sure to please the whole family. Prague Zoo, one of the best in Europe, offers animal encounters and educational exhibits.

For a family-friendly getaway beyond Prague, head to Český Krumlov, a charming medieval town. Families can explore the Český Krumlov Castle, enjoy a scenic boat ride on the Vltava River, and wander through the picturesque old town. The Egon Schiele Art Centrum offers a fun introduction to art for kids.

10. Germany 

Germany is brimming with family-friendly attractions, offering a diverse mix of history, culture, and fun. In Munich, families can explore the Deutsches Museum, one of the world’s largest museums of science and technology, and marvel at the fairy-tale-like Neuschwanstein Castle. For more fun, visit Legoland or experience the lively, kid-friendly activities at the original Oktoberfest.

The Black Forest is a haven for families, with picturesque villages, the world’s largest cuckoo clock, and the exciting Europa-Park, Germany’s largest theme park. Nature lovers can also enjoy the Triberg Waterfalls and hiking trails through the forest.

Families can take a scenic cruise down the Rhine River, passing by enchanting castles and exploring historic towns like Bacharach and Koblenz. In Cologne, don't miss the Chocolate Museum, where kids can learn about chocolate’s history and even make their own, and climb the awe-inspiring Cologne Cathedral.
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Other fantastic family-friendly cities include Berlin, with its interactive museums like the German Museum of Technology, Nuremberg, home to the Toy Museum and medieval castle, and Hamburg, offering boat tours, Miniatur Wunderland (the world’s largest model railway), and the famous Hamburg Zoo. And don't forget, Germany is known for their Christmas markets! 

Europe is full of amazing family-friendly destinations, blending history, adventure, and hands-on experiences that will create lasting memories. From exploring castles and making chocolate to riding roller coasters, these destinations will thrill both kids and parents. While we didn't name all of the incredible destinations in this one blog, we hope this helps inspire your next family friendly trip.

​As experts in European and family travel, we understand the unique needs of traveling with children. We're here to help you craft the perfect family itinerary, offering guidance every step of the way and answering any questions or concerns along the journey! 

Contact Us to Plan Your Family European Adventure!