Best family friendly destinations in Europe
Best family friendly destinations in Europe
Historic fairy tale castles and family friendly resorts in Europe
Europe might be the easiest continent for family travel, with strong infrastructure, dependable healthcare and safe food and water almost everywhere you go. There is enough variety packed into a small area that a family trip can mix a beach stay, a city break and some history without long journeys in between.
Coastal spots around the Mediterranean and Atlantic make the simplest family base, with calm water, reliable sun and resorts that take a lot of the daily planning off your hands. Cities suit families with slightly older kids, since most major ones offer family friendly programs and reduced admission at their main sights, along with plenty of food worth trying along the way.
Prices and crowds climb fast during school holidays, so traveling in May, June or September usually means a much easier trip. Trains make getting between destinations simple, often more so than flying once kids are involved. Healthcare is reliable across much of the continent too, so a medical issue rarely turns into a serious complication. The destinations on our list for Europe cover all of these styles.
Lists by region
Region in Germany
Bavaria
Alps, castles, beer gardens and old towns
Neuschwanstein Castle looks like a fairy tale palace above a forested valley. Legoland Germany in Guenzburg has rides and a mini world of famous landmarks. Families can ride a cable car to the top of the Zugspitze at 2,962 meters. Lakes such as Chiemsee offer boat trips to Herrenchiemsee palace.
City in Germany
Munich
Bavarian capital of beer gardens and museums
The Deutsches Museum has a mine tunnel and full size aircraft for curious kids. Hellabrunn Zoo lets visitors wander through a Geozoo arranged by continent. Surfers ride the standing wave in the Englischer Garten as families watch from the bank. Playgrounds fill the parks and beer gardens.
Town in Germany
Rust
Europa-Park's home on the Upper Rhine
Europa Park has themed areas inspired by countries across the continent. Roller coasters and gentle rides suit both toddlers and teens. Resort hotels look like Spanish or Italian villages. The Rulantica water park next door has slides and a wave pool themed after Nordic myths.
National Park in Germany
Harz National Park
Brocken peak, steam trains and wild forests
A steam train climbs to the Brocken summit on a narrow gauge railway. Hexentanzplatz has witch folklore, a small zoo and rides above the Bode Valley. Zipliners fly across the Rappbode Reservoir beneath a huge dam wall. Gentle forest trails suit families with strollers or small hikers.
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