admin Europe is the perfect family getaway destination. It’s full of history, culture, and natural beauty. In addition, there are many historical sites to explore that will make your kids feel like they’re in another era. From quaint villages to bustling metropolises, Europe has something for everyone! Here are eight must-see family destinations in Europe.
1. Ireland
Ireland is home to some of the most famous seascapes in Europe and a culture that will make your kids feel like they were living 100 years ago. The Old Bushmills Distillery offers a tour where you can learn about whiskey distilling and taste their world-famous beverages! For other fun activities, check out Dublin Zoo or Tayto Park. For something more outdoorsy, visit one of Ireland’s many beautiful beaches, explore the Cliffs of Moher during low tide, or hike through Killary Fjord National Park for an incredible view. Europe has so much to offer families, but this destination should be at the top of your list!
2. Greece
Greece has so much to offer families. Athens is a bustling metropolis full of history and culture, but it also offers beaches where your kids can learn to swim in the Mediterranean Sea! Visit one of Greece’s many museums like the Acropolis Museum or The National Archaeological Museum for an educational family outing that will keep everyone entertained. If you want something more outdoorsy, visit Sounio Beach along Attica’s southeastern coastline, home to a beautiful temple dedicated to Poseidon- God of seas and earthquakes. Or head over to Nafplio Town, which sits on top of three hills offering a spectacular view from its castle walls!
3. France
France is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe that will make you feel like you’re living out a fairy tale. With castles that date back centuries and picturesque towns straight from your favourite children’s book! Take a train ride through the French countryside on The Train Jaune (le Petit Train de la Rhune), or check out Shakespeare and Company Bookstore, where JK Rowling wrote her first Harry Potter novel when she lived in Paris. For something more outdoorsy, take a walk along La Promenade Plantée- which was once an abandoned railway line and turned into a stunning park! Or rent bikes at VélÔToulouse and go through Canal du Midi or along the banks of River Garonne.
4. Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a family-friendly city full of fun activities for everyone. Head to the world-famous Rijksmuseum, which houses over 800 years’ worth of art and history. Or visit The Van Gogh museum, where you can see some original works from the Dutch master! For something more outdoorsy, check out Vondelpark or bikes at locals’ favourite bike shop- MacBike Bicycle Rental Amsterdam and explore the beautiful winding bike paths throughout this gorgeous canal-side city. Be sure to check for all of the best countries requiring etias, which will ensure you’re not left in the dark. And if you’re looking for food, your kids will love to try one of Amsterdam’s many Pancake restaurants like Cafe de Klos or Pannenkoekenhuis Upstairs!
5. Germany
Germany is a country full of history, culture, and natural beauty that will leave you feeling like you’ve stepped into another time. Head over to the Berlin Wall Memorial Site, where your kids can learn about life during Communism in East Germany! Or take them on an educational tour at Checkpoint Charlie Museum, which has information about daily life for civilians living under Communist rule. For something more outdoorsy, visit Tiergarten or Tempelhof Park- both are filled with lush green landscapes perfect for picnicking during the spring months! You can also see the Bavarian Alps to go skiing or snowboarding in the winter months.
6. Italy
Italy is a country full of beautiful landscapes, delicious food, and a rich history that everyone will enjoy. Start your trip with a visit to The Vatican Museums, where you can see pieces from some of the world’s most famous artists like Michelangelo! Or head over to Galleria Borghese in Rome – home to Renaissance masterpieces, including Caravaggio’s “The Madonna of Loreto.” For something more outdoorsy, check out one of Italy’s many National Parks or take a drive up to Mount Vesuvius, an active volcano! You can also rent bikes at Cicli Sgariglia Bicycle Rental for a leisurely ride around town.
7. Spain
Spain is a country full of natural beauty, delicious food, and warm people that will keep your kids entertained for hours. Start by visiting The Prado Museum, which houses over 8000 works from artists like Rembrandt, Monet, Picasso & El Greco’s “The Disrobing of Christ”! Or take them to the Royal Palace in Madrid, where they can see original paintings by Velazquez- including Las Meninas, which was painted around 1656. For something more outdoorsy, you can visit one of Spain’s many National Parks or head down south to Costa del Sol- an area known for its beautiful beaches! You can also check out Barcelona if you want to go somewhere bustling with culture and activities for kids. Try visiting the Barcelona Zoo to see over 400 species of animals or take a trip to PortAventura World- one of Europe’s largest theme parks!
Booking.com8. London
London is a city full of history, beautiful architecture, and delicious food to keep your kids entertained for days. Start by visiting The British Museum, where you can see excellent pieces like the Rosetta Stone! Or head over to London’s Science museum, which has hundreds of hands-on exhibits- including one about electricity called “Watt’s Up?” For something more outdoorsy, check out some of England’s National Parks or visit Hampton Court Palace, where Henry VIII lived in Tudor times! You can also take them down south to Brighton Beach – an area known for its bright-coloured buildings and stunning waterfront views.
Europe has much to offer! First, visit the Van Gogh museum, Vondelpark, or one of Amsterdam’s pancake restaurants. Then head over to Berlin for a trip through history at Checkpoint Charlie Museum and Tiergarten Park. Finish up with some skiing in Bavaria before ending your journey in Italy. You can see original pieces from artists like Caravaggio at Galleria Borghese or take them on an educational tour at The Vatican Museums.
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Love this! I really want to visit all these places haha, but France and Italy have been at the top of my bucket list for ages now and I’m dying to go! Thanks for sharing x
I am desperate to do a road trip to France, Spain, Italy and Greece! Not all at the same time but maybe a couple at a time. Once travelling is a little easier. Thank you for your comment. I do appreciate a good bucket list!
Of the places you’ve listed in your post, I’ve been to Ireland, Italy and London so I can definitely recommend them. I have yet to travel as much as I’d like but the places you’ve shared are definitely on my bucket list. Germany would probably be where I’d want to go next! Thanks for sharing!