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
City in Finland
Helsinki
Nordic charm by the Baltic Sea
Linnanmaki amusement park has wooden roller coasters and free entry to the park grounds. Ferries carry families to Suomenlinna, a sea fortress on islands with tunnels to explore. Korkeasaari Zoo keeps snow leopards and Amur tigers. Playgrounds and libraries with kids corners are easy to find.
Village in France
Val-d'Isère
Legendary Alpine Skiing with Village Charm
Gentle beginner slopes sit right beside the village in the huge Espace Killy area. Children learn in snow gardens with magic carpets and friendly figures. Sleigh rides and husky tours run on quiet valley tracks. Pretty stone chalets line the cobbled village centre in the evening.
City in Italy
Rimini
Beaches, Roman Ruins and Nightlife
The beach runs for kilometres with fine sand and shallow water. Italia in Miniatura has models of Italian landmarks and rides. Aquafan in nearby Riccione is a large water park with towering slides. Beach clubs offer kids clubs and lifeguards on duty all day in summer.
Town in France
Les Deux Alpes
Year-Round Glacier Skiing and Adventure
Kids ski year round on a glacier above 3,000 metres. An ice cave near the summit is carved into the glacier each year. Gentle beginner slopes sit right by the village. Toboggan runs and ice skating fill the afternoons after ski lessons for younger children.
Region in Croatia
Dalmatia
Adriatic Coastline of Ancient Wonders
Wooden boardwalks wind beside the cascading waterfalls of Krka National Park. Small boats visit Visovac Island and its monastery. Pebble beaches on Brac slope gently into clear water. Zlatni Rat beach has a tongue of pebbles that shifts with the wind and tide throughout the day.
Region in United Kingdom
Cotswolds National Landscape
Honey-Colored Villages and Rolling Hills
The Cotswold Wildlife Park near Burford has rhinos and lemurs plus a walk through tropical house. Bourton on the Water has a model village built from local golden stone. Cotswold Farm Park lets kids bottle feed lambs in spring. Gentle walking trails cross honey coloured villages with ponds and ducks.
Town in Norway
Trysil
Norway’s Biggest Ski and Adventure Playground
Wide gentle beginner slopes and a large kids area with magic carpets sit near the village. Many hotels are ski in ski out for easy days with small children. Cross country tracks and dog sledding start close by. Summer brings mountain biking and lake swimming.
Region in Croatia
Istria
Heart-shaped peninsula of cultural fusion
Pula has a Roman arena built almost 2,000 years ago that hosts gladiator shows. Baredine Cave near Porec has an underground lake and stalactites. Quiet pebble coves around Rovinj have clear shallow water. Bike trails follow the old Parenzana railway through vineyards and olive groves.
Island in Spain
Canary Islands
Spain's volcanic paradise year-round
Siam Park on Tenerife has giant waterslides and a huge wave pool. Loro Parque in Puerto de la Cruz shows parrots and sea lions. A cable car lifts families up Mount Teide to 3,555 metres. Mild weather keeps beaches comfortable through the cooler winter months.
City in Sweden
Stockholm
Where islands, history and modernity meet
Skansen is an open air museum with bears and moose beside old wooden farms. The Vasa Museum displays a huge warship that sank in 1628. Junibacken lets children ride through Astrid Lindgren story scenes. Ferries cross between islands with playgrounds and swimming spots in summer.
Village in France
Tignes
Year-Round Glacier Skiing Paradise
A cable car runs to the Grande Motte glacier above 3,000 metres for snow into summer. The lake side village sits at 2,100 metres with easy access to slopes. Ski schools run games on beginner areas. The Lagon centre has pools and a slide for rest days.
City in Finland
Rovaniemi
Santa's Arctic Wonderland
Santa Claus Village sits on the Arctic Circle line near the city. Children meet Santa in a cosy cabin all year round. Reindeer sleighs and husky rides glide through snowy forests. Winter nights bring northern lights over the frozen lakes and forests nearby on clear nights.
City in France
Paris
The city of love, art and history
Kids sail wooden toy boats on the pond in the Luxembourg Gardens. The Jardin d'Acclimatation has a vintage carousel and small rides. Eiffel Tower lifts carry families to open air viewing decks. Disneyland Paris is a short train ride east of the city centre by metro.
City in Switzerland
Zurich
A city of lakes, luxury and history
The Masoala rainforest hall at Zurich Zoo has lemurs and birds roaming free. Kids swim in the clean lake at public lidos with lawns and slides. A short train ride climbs Uetliberg for city views and a playground. Boats and trams keep getting around easy.
Town in Austria
Kitzbühel
Alpine Elegance Meets Outdoor Adventure
The pastel painted medieval town centre is easy to explore with pushchairs. Lake Schwarzsee has warm water for swimming and small boats. Gentle beginner slopes start at Kitzbueheler Horn and Hahnenkamm. The Aquarena pool has slides and a play area that suits rainy days well.
Nature Reserve in Portugal
Sintra-Cascais Nature Park
Where Europe meets the Atlantic
Pena Palace shines in yellow and red above the forested hills of Sintra. Quinta da Regaleira has a spiral well and secret tunnels for kids to explore. Cabo da Roca marks the westernmost point of mainland Europe. Sandy beaches at Cascais suit swimming after a day of castle exploring.
Town in France
Morzine
Alpine charm meets year-round adventure
Gentle blue slopes link the town to the huge Portes du Soleil ski area. The Aquariaz water park at Avoriaz has heated slides and pools. Lake Montriond offers pedal boats and swimming among pine forests. Summer visitors ride lifts up for easy alpine walks with cows and marmots.
City in Switzerland
Thun
Medieval Charm Meets Alpine Beauty
Thun Castle towers above the old town with a museum inside its keep. Boats cruise across Lake Thun beneath the snowy peaks of the Bernese Oberland. Lakeside beaches have gentle entry and lawns for picnics. The old town has raised pavements above the shops with small cafes.
City in Austria
Vienna
A Symphony of Culture and Elegance
The Giant Ferris Wheel in the Prater has turned since 1897 above a lively amusement park. Schonbrunn Zoo sits beside the palace gardens and has an elephant house. Haus des Meeres aquarium fills an old flak tower with sharks and a tropical house. Trams and metro trains are clean and easy for families.
Region in Germany
Bavaria
Alpine beauty meets medieval charm
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 metres. Lakes such as Chiemsee offer boat trips to Herrenchiemsee palace.
City in Cyprus
Limassol
Seaside Vibes, Ancient Ruins, Lively Nights
Fasouri Watermania has slides and pools spread across a large tropical themed park. Limassol Zoo keeps lions and parrots. Sandy beaches such as Dasoudi have shallow water for young children. Kourion has a Greek Roman theatre above the sea where kids can run around the ruins.
Town in Austria
Zell am See
Lakes, Mountains and Alpine Charm
Lake Zell has warm summer water and sandy patches for splashing. The Schmittenhohe cable car climbs to a family hiking area with a playground. Kaprun's glacier lift takes families to snow above 3,000 metres. Bikes and ferries make lake side travel easy for whole families.
Island in Spain
Mallorca
Mediterranean Magic: Beaches & Mountains
The Caves of Drach hold an underground lake where musicians play from small boats. Alcudia Bay has a long sandy beach with shallow water. Aqualand near Palma has waterslides for all ages. Cycle paths cross the quiet plains and small villages inland for easy family rides.
City in Italy
Rome
The Eternal City of history and charm
Kids can imagine gladiator fights inside the Colosseum built nearly 2,000 years ago. Villa Borghese park rents bikes and pedal carts and has a small lake for rowing boats. Explora museum lets young children play in real size shops. Fountains such as Trevi tempt tossed coins.
City in United Kingdom
London
A Tapestry of History and Modernity
The Natural History Museum hangs a blue whale skeleton above its main hall. The Science Museum has hands on galleries and is free to enter. River boats pass the Tower of London and Big Ben. Parks like Hyde Park have playgrounds and rowing boats in summer.
Region in Austria
Carinthia
Land of Lakes and Alpine Beauty
Klopeiner See warms above 25 degrees in summer for easy swimming. Minimundus in Klagenfurt displays miniature models of world landmarks. Kids can ride a paddle boat or try a stand up paddleboard on Worthersee. Mountain lifts carry hikers to gentle summit paths in the Nockberge.
City in Sweden
Gothenburg
Where coastal charm meets cool culture
Liseberg amusement park has roller coasters and a Christmas market in winter. Universeum science centre holds a tropical rainforest with monkeys and snakes. Slottsskogen park has seals and deer with free entry. Trams and ferries link the city to car free islands in the archipelago.
City in Croatia
Split
Roman Ruins, Adriatic Vibes, Beaches
Bacvice beach has sand instead of pebbles and shallow water for small swimmers. Locals play picigin, a ball game in the shallows. Diocletian's Palace has narrow lanes where kids can explore old Roman cellars. Marjan Hill has forest paths and playgrounds above the city centre.
Island in Greece
Kefalonia
Wild Beauty of the Ionian Sea
Boats glide across the blue lake inside Melissani Cave as sunlight shines through the roof. Loggerhead turtles swim in Argostoli harbour beside fishing boats. Myrtos Beach curves beneath white cliffs with pebbles and clear water. Shallow sandy bays near Skala suit small children very well.
Town in Switzerland
Zermatt
Alpine Magic and the Matterhorn
The Gornergrat cogwheel train climbs to 3,089 metres with views of the Matterhorn. The village has no petrol cars, only quiet electric taxis. Kids walk the Five Lakes trail past ponds that mirror the peak. Marmots whistle in the alpine meadows near Riffelalp in summer.
Island in Spain
La Palma
Volcanic beauty under starry skies
Clear dark skies above the Roque de los Muchachos make stargazing easy. Families can join guided night tours with telescopes. Los Cancajos has black sand and calm swimming behind breakwaters. The Caldera de Taburiente crater has forest trails with gentle walks under tall pine trees and past mossy streams.
City in Norway
Oslo
Scandinavia’s modern capital in nature’s embrace
The Fram Museum lets kids climb aboard a real polar exploration ship. Vigeland Park has more than 200 sculptures set among wide lawns. Ferries hop to small fjord islands with swimming rocks. The Holmenkollen ski jump has a simulator that mimics a real jump for kids.
Region in Italy
South Tyrol
Alpine culture where worlds collide
Seiser Alm is a wide alpine meadow with gentle trails for pushchairs and hikers. Dolomite peaks such as the Rosengarten glow pink at sunset. Cable cars carry families up from the villages. Farm stays let kids feed animals and drink fresh milk at breakfast time.
City in Iceland
Reykjavík
Vibrant city amidst stunning nature
Perlan museum has a man made ice cave and a planetarium show about the northern lights. Whale watching boats leave from the old harbour. Laugardalur has a big pool with hot tubs and slides. Geothermal pools stay warm year round even in the deepest winter snow.
City in Germany
Munich
Bavarian Tradition Meets Modern Flair
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.
Region in Portugal
Algarve
Golden cliffs and azure waters
Wide sandy beaches with calm water line the coast near Lagos and Albufeira. Praia da Marinha has golden cliffs and rock arches that kids love to explore. Zoomarine near Albufeira offers dolphin shows and water slides. Warm weather lasts well into October for late family trips.
Town in Germany
Rust
Quaint town with thrilling attractions
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.
Village in Switzerland
Wengen
Car-Free Alpine Bliss and Epic Views
The village has no cars, so children play safely in the streets. A cogwheel train from Lauterbrunnen climbs up to the terrace above the valley. The Mannlichen gondola leads to the Panorama trail with Eiger views. Winter brings beginner slopes and sledding right at the village edge.
Region in Austria
Salzkammergut
Alpine lakes meet imperial heritage
Wooden chutes let kids slide down inside the Hallstatt salt mine. A funicular takes families up to the mine entrance. Warm lakes such as Attersee have clean swimming spots. The lakeside village of Hallstatt is easy to explore on foot in one relaxed afternoon by the water.
Lake in Italy
Lake Garda
Italy's largest lake of wonders
Gardaland in Peschiera has roller coasters and a Sea Life aquarium. Caneva Aqua Park has slides and a wave pool nearby. Sirmione has a castle surrounded by water at the tip of a narrow peninsula. Families swim from pebble beaches and rent pedal boats on the lake.
City in Croatia
Dubrovnik
The Pearl of the Adriatic
Kids can walk the old city walls, which stretch about two kilometres around the town. A cable car rises to Mount Srd for views of the red roofs. Ferries reach Lokrum island where peacocks roam free. Sea kayak tours paddle beneath the fortress walls at sunset.
Town in Spain
Calpe
Mediterranean gem with iconic rock
The Penon de Ifach is a huge rock that rises 332 metres from the sea. A short trail leads up through a tunnel to a lookout. Arenal Bol beach has shallow calm water for small children. Cafes and playgrounds line the promenade behind the sand.
Village in Switzerland
Andermatt
Alpine Adventure Awaits You
Beginner slopes at Natschen sit right above the village with easy lifts. Children join ski school in a snow park with magic carpets. The Gemsstock cable car climbs to 2,961 metres for views over the Alps. In summer families hike beside the Devil's Bridge in Schollenen Gorge.
Town in Sweden
Åre
Sweden’s Alpine Playground, Year-Round
The Bjornen area at the base of the mountain has gentle slopes and a magic carpet. Ski schools run fun courses with games and prizes. Summer brings lift served downhill bike parks and lakeside swimming. Families can also spot moose on quiet forest trails near the village.
Town in France
Alpe d'Huez
Legendary Cycling and Alpine Skiing Paradise
Sunny south facing slopes keep the resort bright through most of winter. Ski schools run children's snow gardens for beginners. A sled track and an indoor swimming pool keep non skiers busy. The road up has 21 famous hairpin bends known from the Tour de France.
Village in Austria
Sankt Gilgen
Lakeside Charm in the Alps
Wolfgangsee has clean warm water for swimming from wooden piers. A cable car climbs the Zwolferhorn for easy mountain walks and a playground. Mozart's mother was born in the village. Paddle boats and small sailboats are easy to rent by the hour at the pier.
Region in Spain
Costa Brava
Rugged Beauty Meets Mediterranean Charm
Small sandy coves like Cala Sa Tuna sit between pine covered cliffs. Calm turquoise water makes snorkelling easy for children. The Dali Theatre Museum in Figueres has surreal rooms that fascinate kids. Medieval Tossa de Mar has a walled old town above the main beach.
Town in Denmark
Billund
Playful Heart of Denmark’s West
Legoland Billund opened in 1968 next to the original LEGO factory. Kids ride roller coasters and walk through Miniland models built from millions of bricks. LEGO House in town has play zones with colourful bricks for every age. Many hotels offer themed rooms with LEGO built decor.
Village in France
Méribel
Heart of Three Valleys ski paradise
Easy green runs sit close to the village centre in the middle of the Three Valleys. Children learn in small groups on snow gardens with magic carpets. The Olympic ice rink hosted hockey games during the 1992 Winter Games. Families also swim in the heated pool at the Aquatic centre.
City in Cyprus
Larnaca
Ancient Shores, Flamingos and Sun
Planes roar low over Mackenzie Beach as they land at the nearby airport. Kids love watching them from the sand. Finikoudes promenade has palm trees and ice cream stands. Flamingos gather on the Salt Lake in winter and wade through the shallows near the shore.
Town in France
Courchevel
Luxury alpine paradise year-round
Gentle green runs at Courchevel 1850 link easily to nursery slopes. The Aquamotion water park has slides and warm pools for tired kids. Ski schools offer small group lessons for children from three years old. Cable cars link the villages of Courchevel and Meribel in minutes.
National Park in Germany
Harz National Park
Legendary mountain wilderness in transition
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 pushchairs or small hikers.
Island in Spain
Lanzarote
Volcanic Landscapes and Sunny Shores
Camels carry visitors across the volcanic slopes of Timanfaya National Park. Guides show how the earth's heat can roast food at El Diablo restaurant. Papagayo beaches near Playa Blanca have calm turquoise coves. Cueva de los Verdes is a lava tube that kids can walk through.
Village in France
Val Thorens
Europe's highest alpine ski paradise
At 2,300 metres the resort keeps reliable snow from November to May. Beginner slopes start right outside the door in the ski in ski out village. A big indoor sports centre has a pool and climbing wall. Kids can try tobogganing and snowshoeing after lessons.
Region in Austria
Tyrol
Alpine paradise in all seasons
Swarovski Crystal Worlds has a giant fountain head and playful underground chambers. Innsbruck's Alpine Zoo shows animals of the mountains. Lake Achensee has clear water for boat rides and swimming. Cable cars lift families up to easy trails with views of snowy peaks in summer.
Town in Switzerland
Gruyères
Medieval Charm and Cheese Delights
La Maison du Gruyere shows how the famous cheese is made in giant copper vats. Cailler chocolate factory in nearby Broc offers tastings for kids. The medieval hilltop town has a castle with a tower to climb. Cows graze on green pastures around the village.
National Park in United Kingdom
Cairngorms National Park
Scotland’s Wild Heart of Adventure
The Cairngorm Reindeer Centre lets families walk with a free ranging herd on the mountain. Loch Morlich has a sandy beach and boat hire. The Highland Wildlife Park near Kingussie keeps polar bears and wildcats. Steam trains run beside the River Spey near Aviemore in summer.
Village in Switzerland
Grindelwald
A Majestic Swiss Mountain Village
Kids ride the Flyer zipline high above the valley near the Eiger. Mountain carts roll down a gentle track from the top station. The Cliff Walk hangs a metal path along a rock wall. Winter sled runs on the mountain stay open into the evening.
Village in Switzerland
Lauterbrunnen
Valley of 72 waterfalls
Trummelbach Falls thunders through the inside of a mountain with lifts and walkways. Staubbach Falls drops almost 300 metres beside the village. Flat valley paths suit pushchairs between meadows and grazing cows and streams. Cable cars climb to car free Murren high above the valley floor.
City in Denmark
Copenhagen
Scandi-cool vibes and world-class food
Tivoli Gardens opened in 1843 and mixes old wooden rides with modern roller coasters. The Blue Planet aquarium has a giant tank with hammerhead sharks. Families cycle safely on wide bike lanes across the city. A harbour bath lets kids swim in clean water at Islands Brygge.
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