Whether visiting child-friendly attractions and museums or enjoying a gelato, family holidays to Europe with kids are the perfect opportunity to spend quality time and build memories with your little ones. And when looking for destinations, you’ll have to choose from endless options, from the scenic regions of France to the snowy peaks of Switzerland.
To give you an idea of which destination suits you best, here is our list of the top destinations in Europe perfect for families travelling with young children.
1. France
Most visitors assume France is only a destination for couples on a romantic getaway. But you’d be surprised to find many great things to do in France with kids, too. And while Paris is often the go-to destination, venture into the countryside to discover scenic regions like the South of France.
Booking a rental car is the best option for families with kids. Once you have a car, you’ll be free to drive wherever you want and venture into the countryside, including the stunning Loire Valley, home to gorgeous castles that your kids will love to explore. Some castles are within a small town, allowing you to add a bit of sightseeing as you visit these castles.
Be sure to stop by Provence, famous for its scenic lavender fields. The fields look even more magical when the purple flowers bloom, offering an incredible sensory experience for your little ones.
Spend fun days at the beach by taking the kids to the sophisticated Cote d’Azur region. It’s a lovely stretch of the South of France along the Mediterranean and home to glitzy cities and beautiful beaches. Antibes would be a great base, as it has numerous child-friendly attractions, including amusement parks and fun villages.
2. Spain
Spain is a diverse country offering various activities and attractions for families with kids. It’s a country you’ll love to visit any time of the year, especially for families looking for fun adventures. In addition, there are some amazing family-friendly villas in Spain, perfect for those travelling with the whole clan.
Malaga is an excellent alternative to escape Spain’s busy cities. Here, you and your kids can wander through fortress walls to discover ancient castles and Moorish remains. Check out the Alcazaba, a 10th-century palace fortress built to protect the city from invaders.
If you’re heading to Barcelona, the Chocolate Museum is one of those places you should not miss. Here, your kids can learn everything about the history of chocolates and the process of making them. They can also participate in workshops to make chocolate sculptures.
The Royal Palace and Casa de Campo Park are must-see in Madrid. While you cannot explore the entire Royal Palace, certain areas are available on tour. Casa de Campo is the best place to escape the chaos of the city centre. It’s a massive public playground with row boats to explore the lake and playgrounds.
3. Italy
Italians are very family-oriented and love to be around kids. So, it’s easy to see why it’s one of Europe’s top destinations for families with young children. The beautiful country is home to charming cities and picturesque villages offering activities for kids of all ages.
Tuscany is one of the best Italian regions to explore with kids. It has something for everyone, from scenic rolling hills with stunning vineyards to arts, architecture, and beaches. Take the kids to the famous Leaning Tower, book a cycling tour in Lucca to discover local villages, and spend a few days in Florence to visit its incredible museums and art galleries.
Sicily is another fantastic destination for families with kids. While it’s most renowned for its beautiful beaches, it has numerous archaeological and historical gems. Highlights include the vibrant city of Palermo, Taormina’s Greek Theatre, and the majestic Mount Etna.
The Dolomites would be the perfect destination for families who love to explore the great outdoors. It boasts picturesque sceneries offering outdoor activities, from exploring the beautiful mountain villages of Cortina d’Ampezzo and Castelrotto to hiking in Alpe di Siusi, one of Italy’s most stunning Alpine regions.
4. Portugal
Portugal is one of Europe’s most family-friendly countries. Locals welcome families with open arms, especially those with kids. Across the country, you’ll find child-friendly attractions like museums, beautiful town squares, playgrounds, and parks. For an even more enjoyable trip with your loved ones, consider staying in luxurious villas in Portugal, perfect for the whole family.
An hour north of Lisbon, you’ll reach Obidos, a small medieval city renowned for its old city walls. As one of Portugal’s well-preserved cities, you will love exploring it with your little ones. In Sintra, take your kids to Quinta da Regaleira. It’s a lovely castle with a gorgeous garden – a paradise for your little explorers!
Families with little kids who love to splash around in the water should visit Albufeira. The coastal region has kid-friendly beaches, perfect for relaxing and playing in the sand. Falesia Beach is great for families, with its colourful cliffs overlooking the long, sandy shoreline. While the kids play in the water, parents can lounge around and work on their tan!
5. Switzerland
Switzerland’s beautiful scenery, glistening lakes, medieval towns, and snow-capped mountain peaks are enough reasons why the country attracts millions of visitors, including families with little kids.
If your kids are into hiking, they will have a blast walking along the country’s themed trails, such as the Toggenburg Klangweg, which has trampolines, play structures, and musical stations. In addition, many of Switzerland’s mountain resorts have fun playgrounds with entertainment options for your little ones. The best part is you will ride a gondola to get to the top, which makes it more exciting and fun.
Switzerland is home to various adventure parks offering fun activities like outdoor sledging. Some parks have ziplines to delight your adventurous kids.
After all the fun adventures, treat your kids to a mouth-watering meal of chocolates, fondues, and cheeses. Many of the restaurants in Switzerland cater to kids and have an exclusive menu for them, so you won’t have to worry if your little ones are picky eaters.