Have you narrowed down your European adventure to include the little ones? Fantastic choice! Europe offers a treasure trove of destinations perfect for families. From charming towns steeped in history to exhilarating adventures in stunning natural landscapes, there’s something for every kind of traveller. This follow-up to our first list of the best places to visit with children in Europe Part 1, dives into even more amazing places to visit with children in Europe. So go on, and take a look at our next best places to visit with children in Europe.
Croatia
Zagreb
Zagreb, Croatia’s vibrant capital, might be known for its impressive museums, but it offers a surprising amount of family fun too! This city buzzes with energy, boasting charming trams, funicular rides, and exciting activities that will keep your little ones on their toes. Explore the scenic Zagreb Funicular, a funicular railway offering breathtaking views of the Upper Town, or even learn about the history of chocolate (and sampling some delicious treats!) in a playful workshop at the Choco Museum. Attend a traditional puppet show or taking a ride on the iconic yellow tram. From delicious štrukli (cheese pastries) to fascinating cultural discoveries, Zagreb is a lovely European city to visit with children. Get your free family-friendly travel guide to Zagreb and get ready for a fantastic holiday!
Zadar
Zadar, a gem on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, offers more than just stunning beaches and historic sites for families. This vibrant city boasts a unique blend of history, exciting activities, and stunning natural beauty. Explore the charming Old Town with its narrow streets and ancient walls, take a boat trip to explore hidden coves and secluded beaches, or visit the fascinating Museum of Illusions for a mind-bending experience. For a touch of history, explore the Roman Forum, a well-preserved archaeological site, and imagine life in Roman times. Discover more about visiting Zadar with children with our free family-friendly travel guide to Zadar.
Porec
Poreč, a charming town on Croatia’s Istrian peninsula, offers a delightful escape for families seeking a taste of Croatian culture and fairytale charm. Imagine your children exploring the maze-like streets of the Old Town, spotting colourful houses and hidden courtyards, or even learning about the fascinating legend of St. George slaying a dragon at the iconic Euphrasian Basilica. Take a walk through the beautiful Marafor Square, a lively hub with street performers and local artists. For a touch of excitement, visit the Aquacolors Waterpark Poreč, offering thrilling slides and splash pools for a day of watery fun. Discover more with our free family-friendly travel guide to Porec.
Istria
Istria, a beautiful peninsula in northern Croatia, offers a haven for families seeking a taste of local life, breathtaking scenery, and exciting adventures. Imagine your children exploring the rolling hills on bikes, stopping at charming villages for delicious local treats. For a touch of excitement, visit the Baredine Cave, a fascinating underground network with stalactites and stalagmites, or take a boat trip to the Brijuni National Park, a group of islands with stunning scenery and wildlife. Visit the fascinating Pula Arena, a Roman amphitheatre, and imagine gladiatorial battles of the past. For a dose of nature, hike through the Učka Nature Park, offering breathtaking views and opportunities to spot wildlife. Get your free family-friendly travel guide to Istria.
Austria
Vienna
Vienna, Austria’s grand capital, has many exciting activities that will keep your little ones entertained. Imagine your children exploring the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace with a fun scavenger hunt to discover hidden secrets, or even learning about the art of waltzing in a playful workshop. They will even enjoy a ride on the iconic Giant Ferris Wheel at Vienna Prater amusement park. Many museums offer engaging exhibits designed to spark young imaginations, like the ZOOM Kindermuseum with its interactive displays and hands-on activities. Discover more about travelling to Vienna with kids by getting your free family-friendly travel guide to Vienna.
Tirol
Tirol, is a breathtaking region in the Austrian Alps! It offers more than just stunning scenery and charming villages for families. This playground in the mountains boasts exciting activities, thrilling adventures, and opportunities to connect with nature. Enjoy the slides at a summer toboggan run, explore waterfalls on a family hike, or even experience the thrill of white-water rafting down a rushing river. Want to know more about a holiday in Tirol with kids? Download your free family-friendly travel guide to Tirol.
Innsbruck
Innsbruck, Austria’s captivating mountain city, might be known for its stunning Alpine setting and Olympic history. However, it offers a surprising amount of family fun too! Many museums offer engaging displays for children, you can visit the Alpine Zoo and there are other activities that you can do. From delicious kaiserschmarrn (a fluffy pancake dish) to exhilarating Alpine adventures, Innsbruck promises an unforgettable family experience. Get your free family-friendly travel guide to Innsbruck.
Graz
Graz, Austria’s second-largest city, offers a delightful escape for families seeking a taste of Austrian culture with a modern twist. Nestled on the Mur River, this charming city boasts a vibrant atmosphere, exciting activities, and stunning architecture. Explore the Schlossberg Castle, check out the bustling Hauptplatz square, lined with cafes and shops and take a walk through the beautiful Stadtpark, a haven of peace and tranquility with charming gardens and playgrounds. Get your free family-friendly travel guide to Graz.
Hallstatt
Hallstatt, a picturesque village nestled amidst the Austrian Alps, might seem like a scene straight out of a storybook. This charming village offers a wonderful escape for families seeking breathtaking scenery and unique experiences. Explore the Hallstatt Lake on a boat trip, spot playful ducks and majestic swans. Explore the charming village with its colourful houses, stopping for delicious Apfelstrudel (apple strudel) in a traditional cafe. Take a walk through the beautiful Echerndorf district, a car-free zone offering stunning views of the lake and mountains. Discover more with our free family-friendly travel guide to Hallstatt.
Sweden
Stockholm
Stockholm, Sweden’s enchanting capital city is another splendid European city to visit! Many museums offer engaging exhibits, like Junibacken, a children’s museum based on the stories of Astrid Lindgren, author of Pippi Longstocking. Take a ride on the iconic double-decker sightseeing bus. Get your free family-friendly travel guide to Stockholm and start planning your holiday today.
Gothenburg
Gothenburg, Sweden’s vibrant second city, offers more than just charming canals and historic sites for families. This maritime hub boasts a playful spirit, exciting activities, and stunning natural beauty. A visit to the Maritiman Museum is a must. Then there is Liseberg amusement park, a wonderland of thrilling rides, enchanting shows, and delicious treats. Take a walk through the beautiful Trädgårdsföreningen park, a haven of peace and tranquility with its botanical gardens and playgrounds. For a touch of science exploration, visit the Universeum, a science centre filled with interactive exhibits and fascinating displays. Discover more about visiting Gothenburg with kids in our family-friendly travel guide to Gothenburg.
Czech Republic
Prague
Prague, the enchanting capital of the Czech Republic is a beautiful destination. With an impressive 280 museums, Prague is not only culturally rich but also a treasure trove of fun for the little ones. The city’s vibrant atmosphere and welcoming spirit make it a top choice for families. Enjoy a traditional paddle boat ride on the Vltava River, offering a unique perspective of the city’s iconic landmarks.Discover the Museum of Toys, filled with an incredible collection of toys from all over the world or take a ride on the funicular railway to Petřín Hill for breathtaking panoramic views. Download your free family-friendly travel guide to Prague.
Slovenia
Soča Valley
Imagine emerald green waters rushing through a breathtaking valley, surrounded by towering peaks. This isn’t a dream, it’s the Soča Valley in Slovenia, a haven for families with older kids seeking unforgettable thrills and heart-pounding memories. The Soča River, nicknamed the “Emerald Beauty,” is the star of the show. Here, your children can splash in crystal-clear pools, kayak down exciting rapids, or even try their hand at canyoning, exploring hidden waterfalls and carved rock formations. But the adventures don’t stop there! Ziplining through the lush forests, hiking through wildflower meadows, or spotting playful otters on a boat trip are just a few ways to create lasting memories with your little explorers. Get your free family-friendly travel guide to Soča Valley.
Denmark
Copenhagen
Discover the capital of Denmark. Visit the iconic Nyhavn harbour with its colourful houses, hopping on a canal boat for a unique perspective of the city. And whilst there,the Tivoli Gardens amusement park, are a must! For a touch of science exploration, visit Experimentarium City, a science center filled with interactive exhibits that bring scientific concepts to life in a fun and engaging way. Plan your holiday to Copenhagen with kids with our free family-friendly travel guide to Copenhagen.
Horsens
Horsens is a perfect family-friendly destination! Traditional Danish summerhouses are scattered along the coastline of East Jutland north and south of Horsens, offering the perfect surroundings for a family getaway near nature, beaches with shallow water, amazing playgrounds, and coastal quaintness galore. Within Horsens’s city center, you will find museums, shopping, eateries, indoor play parks and cultural experiences enthrall. All museums have made sure, that their exhibitions also cater to a young crowd, with games, riddles and tasks to be solved during the visit. If you’re an active family, Horsens has an abundance of nature too. Start planning your trip by downloading your free family-friendly travel guide to Horsens.
Finland
Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi – the official hometown of Santa Claus, is a great city to visit with children. There are lots of interesting activities for families around the city and in the surrounding areas. Visiting Rovaniemi with kids is an absolute dream come true. Some of the must see places and activities to do would be the Santa Claus Village, the Museum and Science Centre of Arktikum. The Ounasvaara walking trail is open all year round. In this trail, you can stop along the campfire or admire the view of Rovaniemi from an observation tower. Get your free family-friendly travel guide to Lapland.
Helsinki
Finland’s vibrant capital city, Helsinki, boasts a cool, modern atmosphere with plenty to keep children entertained. Explore the fascinating Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a glimpse into Finland’s maritime history. For a touch of science exploration, head to the Luomus National Museum of Natural History, where interactive exhibits showcase the wonders of the natural world. Children will be captivated by the fascinating creatures that inhabit Finland’s vast forests and lakes. During the winter months, families can embark on a thrilling husky safari through the snow-covered landscapes, an experience that will create lasting memories. Get your free family-friendly travel guide to Helsinki.
Tampere
This energetic city on the shores of Lake Näsijärvi offers a vibrant cultural scene and a variety of family-friendly activities. Explore the world-renowned Moomin Museum, dedicated to the whimsical characters created by Finnish author Tove Jansson. The museum brings the Moomins’ stories to life with interactive exhibits and playful displays that will spark children’s imaginations. For a touch of excitement, Särkänniemi amusement park offers thrilling rides, water attractions, and a planetarium, guaranteeing a fun-filled day for the whole family. So go on, and download your free family-friendly travel guide to Tampere.
Espoo
Just a short distance from Helsinki, Espoo offers a haven for families seeking a blend of nature and urban exploration. Nuuksio National Park, with its hiking trails, lakes, and opportunities to spot wildlife, is a great place to escape the city and connect with nature. Children will be delighted by WeeGee Exhibition Centre, a wonderland of interactive exhibits and creative workshops that cater specifically to young minds. Get your free family-friendly travel guide to Espoo.
Norway
The Faroe Islands
This archipelago of volcanic islands in the North Atlantic Ocean offers a unique and rugged landscape. Explore the dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and charming villages with brightly colored houses. Boat tours allow families to spot playful seals and puffins in their natural habitat, creating unforgettable wildlife encounters. Get your free family-friendly travel guide to The Faroe Islands.
Bergen
Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, is nestled amidst breathtaking fjords and offers a charming atmosphere. Explore the Bryggen Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its colorful wooden houses and cobbled streets. Take a ride on the Fløibanen funicular railway for panoramic views of the city and surrounding fjords. The Bergen Aquarium is a must-visit for families, showcasing the diverse marine life found in Norway’s coastal waters. Discover more with our free family-friendly travel guide to Bergen.
Trondheim
This historic city, once the Viking capital of Norway, offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s rich past. The Nidaros Cathedral, a magnificent structure dating back to the 11th century, is a must-see. The Trondheim Science Center offers interactive exhibits and workshops that will spark children’s curiosity about science and technology. For a touch of excitement, families can take a white-water rafting trip down the rapids surrounding the city, an adventure that is sure to get everyone’s adrenaline pumping. Get your free family-friendly travel guide to Trondheim.
Oslo
Norway’s capital city, Oslo, offers a vibrant mix of history, culture, and outdoor activities. Explore the Viking Ship Museum, where Viking longships dating back centuries are preserved. Vigeland Park, the largest sculpture park in the world, features over 200 sculptures depicting all stages of human life. Families can take a boat trip on the Oslo Fjord, enjoying stunning views of the city skyline and surrounding islands. Discover more with our free family-friendly travel guide to Oslo.
Hungary
Budapest
Often referred to as the “Paris of the East,” Budapest is a city divided by the Danube River, with Buda on the hilly west bank and Pest on the flat east bank. This dynamic city boasts stunning architecture, thermal baths, and a variety of family-friendly activities. Explore Buda Castle, a historic complex offering stunning views of the city. For a touch of excitement, take a ride on the Budapest Castle Hill Funicular, a funicular railway that takes you up the Castle Hill for panoramic views.
Children will be captivated by the Hungarian Parliament Building, a magnificent neo-Gothic structure along the Danube River. Budapest is also famous for its thermal baths, some dating back centuries. Szechenyi Baths, the largest thermal bath complex in Europe, offers a variety of pools, saunas, and steam rooms, perfect for a relaxing family outing. Download your free family-friendly travel guide to Budapest and start planning your holiday today!
Latvia
Cesis
This medieval town nestled amidst rolling hills offers a fairytale escape for families. Explore the historic center, a maze of cobbled streets lined with red-roofed houses. The ruins of the Cesis Castle, a 13th-century fortress, will spark children’s imaginations and ignite their interest in history. Take a walk through the beautiful Cesis Town Park, a haven of peace with walking trails, a lake, and a sculpture garden. For a touch of excitement, children can enjoy a ride on a small train through the park. Download your free family-friendly travel guide to Cesis.
Jurmala
If you’re seeking a relaxing beach vacation, Jurmala is the perfect destination. This resort town boasts a long stretch of sandy beach, perfect for building sandcastles, swimming in the Baltic Sea, and soaking up the sun. Jurmala also offers a variety of water sports activities, such as windsurfing and kayaking, for those seeking a bit more adventure. The Dzintari Forest Park, with its walking trails, playgrounds, and a miniature railway, is a great place for families to explore and connect with nature. Discover more with our free family-friendly travel guide to Jurmala.
Lithuania
Kaunas
Lithuania’s second-largest city, Kaunas, boasts a rich history and a vibrant art scene. Explore the Ninth Fort, a former prison turned museum that offers a glimpse into Lithuania’s Soviet past. The interactive exhibits and educational programs are perfect for sparking conversations about history with older children. For a touch of excitement, families can take a hot air balloon ride over the city, offering breathtaking panoramic views. The Ciurlionis National Museum of Art is a great place to introduce children to Lithuanian art, showcasing works by famous Lithuanian painter Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis. Download your free family-travel guide to Kaunas.
Belgium
Bruges
Often referred to as the “Venice of the North,” Bruges is a picturesque town famous for its canals, medieval architecture, and of course, chocolate! Explore the historic center on foot, taking a canal cruise, or renting bikes for a more adventurous exploration. The Markt, the main square, is lined with guild halls and a magnificent Belfry tower that offers panoramic views of the city. No trip to Bruges would be complete without indulging in some of the city’s famous chocolate. Many chocolate shops offer demonstrations and workshops, allowing children to learn about the chocolate-making process and create their own delicious treats. Start planning your holiday today by downloading our free family-travel guide to Bruges.
Durbuy
Nestled amidst rolling hills in the Belgian Ardennes, Durbuy is a charming town that seems to come straight out of a fairytale. Explore the narrow cobbled streets lined with stone houses, many dating back to the 17th century. The Durbuy Castle, a 17th-century castle perched on a hilltop, offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. For a touch of excitement, families can take a kayak trip down the Ourthe River, a scenic journey that allows you to spot local wildlife and explore the natural beauty of the region. The Adventure Park Durbuy offers a variety of rope courses, ziplines, and climbing walls, perfect for families seeking an adrenaline rush. Don’t forget to sample some of Durbuy’s local specialties, such as Durbuy ham and Ardennes cheese, for a delightful taste of Belgian cuisine. Discover more with our free family-friendly travel guide to Durbuy.
Ready to head to Europe with children?
We all know Europe is bursting with history, culture, and enough charm to melt even the iciest grown-up heart. But let’s be honest, sometimes you just want to find a place that caters to the little ones in your family. Fear not! Apart from showcasing the best places to visit with children in Europe Part 1, this time around, we’ve been digging deep to find other incredible places to visit with children in Europe that are guaranteed to make your little ones shout “Woohoo!”
We’re talking Croatia’s sun-drenched coastlines, perfect for building sandcastle empires and splashing in turquoise waters. Imagine their delight exploring charming towns with colorful houses and hidden courtyards! Austria isn’t just about waltzing and grand palaces (although those are pretty cool too). We’re talking thrilling summer toboggan runs, heart-pounding white-water rafting adventures, and even a chance to get up close to adorable critters at the Alpine Zoo.
Feeling like venturing a little further? Scandinavia throws open its doors with Finland’s magical world of Santa Claus (hello, unforgettable photo ops!) and Norway’s breathtaking fjords that look like they’re straight out of a fairytale.
Eastern Europe joins the party too! Hungary’s Budapest wows with its thermal baths (perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring) and a magnificent Parliament Building that will have your little architects in awe.
This whistle-stop tour through Europe is just a taste of the incredible adventures waiting for you and your family. Remember, the most important thing is to pick a place that excites everyone. So chat with your little ones, get their input on what they’d love to see and do, and get ready for a fantastic European trip!
