Table of Contents
Hotels in Europe for Families
- Lodgings for Families in Amsterdam
- Athens – Lodgings for Families
- Accommodations for Families in Barcelona
- Dublin – Accommodations for Families Travelling with Children
- Places to Stay for Families in Edinburgh
- Florence – Accommodations best for families with children
- Lodging in Istanbul suitable for families
- Accommodations in Dublin Welcoming Families
- Lodging in London Catering to Families
- Milan – Accommodations for Families
- Hotels on Mykonos Welcoming Families with Young ones
- Paris – Accommodations for Families
- Hotels in Rome appropriate for families
- Locations on Santorini Appropriate for Families Staying With Children
- Places to Stay in Madrid Appreciated by Families
The Best Kid-Friendly Destinations in Europe
- Best City for Kid-Friendly Attractions: London – Paris
- Optimal for Family-friendly Beaches: Naxos (Greece)
- Best for History and Culture: Italy
- Best for First Timers: UK & Ireland
- Best for Beach Vacation: Greece
- Best Value: Portugal
- Best for Outdoor Activities: Switzerland & Germany
- Best for Train Excursions: France
- Best for River and Canal Cruises: Germany & France
- Best for Fun and Relaxation: Greece
- Best locations for scenic evening meals are: Spain and Greece
- Best for Kid-Friendly Cycle Journeys: Amsterdam
Greek Islands with Kids
Traveling between the Greek Islands through ferry rides is enjoyable and straightforward (though if your schedule is tight, booking tickets in advance can be frustrating). If visiting multiple Greek islands is your objective then the Cyclades (Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Milos, Ios) are optimal as they`re proximal and have numerous ferry links between them).
Greece Highlights
- Santorini – Amazing landscapes and scenery. Take a boat tour of the caldera which was caused by a volcanic eruption and forms an enormous cliff running the full length of the whole island. The beaches are not among Greece’s best but there exists a water park with slides.
- Best Greek Island for Food:Crete – Folegandros – Santorini – Naxos
- Rhodes – A great island if you’re looking to visit Turkey, whether it be a day trip or a more involved trip up to Istanbul. Rhodes has excellent beaches and an incredible Old Town.
- Naxos – The best island for families located throughout Greece. Wonderful kid-friendly coastlines, with a gentle grade, and calm shallow water. The main town is jam-packed with enjoyable restaurants and stores. The island’s interior offers intriguing traditional villages and superb walks.
- Paros – A trendier version of Naxos with more nightlife and shopping options and beaches that may not be as family-friendly, though still beautiful. The nearby island of Antiparos offers a relaxed charm and quiet beaches, making for a great day trip.
- Corfu – One of Greece’s most stunning islands. Corfu Town is a lovely old city and makes a great base for exploring the island. Lots of kid-friendly activities on the island (which includes a water park) and some wonderful beaches.
Book in Advance
- Half-Day Athens Food Tour with Guide
- Guided walking tour of Athens` highlights
- 5-Hour Catamaran Sunset Cruise on Santorini
- Mykonos to Delos 4-Hour Tour
- Crete: Hiking Tour in Samaria Gorge
Further Reading
- Guide to Traveling in Mykonos
- Comprehensive travel resource about visiting Greece
• See also: Premium Lodgings in Fira
London With Kids
• Accommodation options in London
London Highlights
- Natural History Museum: A collection of exhibits for children including dinosaurs and an enormous blue whale model.
- The London Transport Museum and The Imperial War Museum: My kids greatly enjoyed these museums and they’re 2 of London’s best attractions for children.
- London Eye: Wonderful perspectives of the city from the tallest observation wheel on Earth.
- The Science Museum,British Museum,National Portrait Gallery, and the Victoria and Albert Museum all host kid friendly excursions and planned activities.
Hotel website • Consider expense alternatives on Booking.com
Book in Advance
- Guided tour through the Tower of London including the Crown Jewels
- A visit to the Warner Brothers studio and transportation in London:
- Afternoon Tea on a River Thames Boat Cruise
Hotel Website • Check rates for Long Beach Lodge
Further Reading on London
- Travel guide for visiting London with children
- Website: pacifichotelcairns.com.au
- Book guided tours & activities in advance
- The Premier Recreation Areas in London
- Guidance for seeing the British Museum
- Recommendations for Visiting Stonehenge
- A Guide to the Best Markets in London
- The most excellent castles in England to visit with children
Paris With Kids
Paris Highlights
- The towering iron structure (of course): Views that often bore children can be found stimulating instead from atop, as the city appears tiny far down without a sense of detachment. If your young ones are ready to walk up instead of wait, taking the stairs provides an experience.
- The Catacombs: You may wish to discuss this outing with your youths up front – you`ll descend 20 metres underground where you`ll have the chance to explore 1.7km of tunnels lined with the remains of long deceased Parisians. They`ll either be thrilled or terrified and you can adjust your plans accordingly.
- Musée d’Histoire Naturelle de Paris: France’s best science museum could fill a whole day. The highlight for kids is usually the Galerie de l’Evolution.
- Notre Dame Cathedral: One can climb the 422 steps to the cathedral’s towers and be face to face with fierce sculptures and an incredible view of Paris. Young people will recognize the scenes from The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
The renowned Musée de Louvre is a huge museum that some children may find overwhelming or tedious due to its size, whereas others could find it a profoundly educational cultural experience depending on how a visit is approached. Reading about and discussing some of the celebrated paintings and sculptures in advance can help. Purchasing postcards of world-famous artworks and searching for them during the outing may maintain kids` interest. The Skip the Line Guided Tour is worth the cost
Book in Advance
- Priority Access To View The Eiffel Tower
- Tasting Tour of Confectionery Treats
- Experience Touring Kitchen Stores
- Guided Bike Tour of Versailles Palace
Here is a rephrased version while maintaining the original formatting: “• Skip-the-line ticket for Acropolis Museum (no tour)
Further Reading
- A guide to enjoying Paris with children
- The Most Useful Hotels & Apartments in Paris for Family Vacations
- Book Paris Tours Tickets in Advance
- Guide: Exploring Paris with Children
- Montmartre Family Outing
- Guidelines for Visiting the Louvre
- The Cost of Common Items in Paris
Amsterdam With Kids
A useful discussion regarding lodging destinations within Amsterdam can be found here: Where to Stay in Amsterdam
Amsterdam Highlights
- Watercraft tour: Board a canal tour or lease your own paddle boat (from the same shop) to view Amsterdam’s well known canals. There are 3 lines for the canal tours and 14 stops. Day passes are accessible and most of Amsterdam’s major sites are simply reachable from the
- Bicycle trip: Amsterdam is famous for its bike friendly culture and guests will feel quite comfy getting around its compact center on two wheels. Numerous shops rent bicycles and little ones can hop into a bakfiets — the local version of a bike trailer.
- The museum of NEMO: Lots of engaging activities at the largest science museum in the Netherlands for children aged 6 to 16 focused on hands-on learning.
Travelling a bit farther could allow one to explore the country’s seat of government, Washington D.C. We have written an entire article about making a day trip to Washington from NYC, so be sure to read it if you’re touring independently. If planning isn’t something you want to tackle, this one-day excursion is a suitable alternative.
Book in Advance
- Volendam, Edam, & Zaanse Schans Small-Bus Tour
- Passes to bypass queues at the Louvre
- Culinary Excursion through Jordaan
Further Reading
- A guide to activities for families in Amsterdam
- Recommended Accommodations in Amsterdam for Families
- Pre-book Amsterdam Excursions & Admissions in Advance
- Amsterdam Activities for Families and Children
Barcelona With Kids
Barcelona Highlights
- Parc Güell: A park featuring amusing creations by Gaudi including colorful sculptures children will love exploring.
- Travel one of the city’s cable cars which offer two different experiences: one takes visitors to the shoreline, the other upwards towards an ancient fortress. Both experiences delight children seeking adventure.
- The famous coastal areas and the city’s vibrant and colorful main street Las Ramblas offer enjoyable casual outdoor family activities.
The Dolphin Hotel Antiparos website and Booking.com prices
Book in Advance
- Private Cooking Session and Market Tour
- Barcelona Highlights and Montjuic Cable Car – Half-Day Tour.
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Further Reading
- Best Places to Stay in Barcelona for Children & Families
- Things to do in Barcelona that are suitable for children
- Book Barcelona tours and tickets in advance
- 15 Things to Do with Kids in Barcelona
Cornwall & Devon Counties With Kids
Cornwall & Devon Highlights
- The fantastic beaches of Southwest England: Kid friendly beaches can be found up and down the coasts` of both counties.
- Reside in a independent cabin — on a ranch, close to the ocean, or in a little Cornish village.
- Dartmoor National Park: Camp, hike, and explore this scenic park.
- The Eden Venture: An amazing all-weather destination focused on nature, the environment, the arts, and having fun.
• Experiencing a cruise along the St Lawrence River is a popular activity in the Old Port area. Bateau-Mouche conducts a series of daily or dinner cruises aboard glass-top boats.
voco Strasbourg Centre – The Garden • Hotel phone: +33 3 88 10 10 47
Book in Advance
Further Reading on Cornwall & Devon
- Pre-book Cornwall Excursions & Admissions in Advance
- Top 10 Camping Sites and Family Day Trip Options in Cornwall
- Official Southwest England Travel Guide
- Information on the resorts and towns of South Devon
Dublin With Kids
Dublin Highlights
- The Dublin Zoo: One of Europe’s best zoos. Easy access with the hop-on hop-off bus.
- Kilmainham Gaol Historical Museum offers a insightful introduction to Ireland’s history. Located outside of the city center but accessible via the hop-on, hop-off bus route.
- The National Museum – Archaeology: Features items recovered from the bogs (which includes mummified bodies) and a viking exhibit that are really popular with kids.
- The Natural History Museum in Dublin, also known as the Dead Zoo, houses an amazing collection of animals that fascinates young visitors.
- Viking Splash: Take a tour of Dublin and obtain a (small) sprinkling of history aboard a amphibious vehicle from World War II.
- Take the DART train to Howth (north) or Bray (south): Access the coast, go for a stroll, play on the beach, and take a respite from the city.
Book in Advance
- Full-Day Excursion to Cliffs of Moher from Dublin
- Full-Day Scenic Tour of Giant’s Causeway Coast
- All-Day Excursion to Blarney Castle from Dublin
- Dublin: Afternoon Tea on a Vintage Bus Trip
Further Reading
- Lodgings for Families in Dublin
- Schedule Tours & Tickets in Advance
- PitoGyros: Unquestionably, the finest gyros in Oia. Space is constrained.
Edinburgh With Kids
• Where to Locate in Edinburgh
Edinburgh Highlights
- Crete – As the largest Greek island, it offers lots of attractions and activities. Visitors can enjoy beautiful beaches, historic sites, small traditional villages, thriving urban areas, and wonderful hiking trails. With its variety of options, Crete has something to interest everyone.
- Edinburgh Castle: Pretty much everyone’s favorite attraction in Edinburgh. A must-see.
- Museum for the Young: Spanning 4 levels stocked with games, toys, and action figures. Loads of interactive delights for kids of varying ages.
- Dynamic Earth: This is an engaging, educational and fun interactive museum with films and presentations.
- National Museum of Scotland: Entertaining activities for children. Abundance of Scottish history for adults.
- The Edinburgh Fringe Festival: If you find yourself in Edinburgh in August — and can locate lodging — be certain to take in the festival`s children`s theatre, puppetry, kids comedy, and dance and music workshops. If your visit is in May then the Imaginate Children’s Theatre Festival is an event not to miss. And for April there’s the wonderful Edinburgh International Science Festival.
Book in Advance
- A guided walking tour in Edinburgh
- Tour of Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Highlands – Small Group
- Small Group Tour of West Highland Lochs and Castles
Further Reading
- Best hotels in Edinburgh for families
- Pre-book Edinburgh Excursions & Admissions in Advance
- Top Attractions and Scenic Views in Edinburgh
- Glasgow.com: Glasgow is only 55 minutes away by train and makes a perfect day trip if you’re short on time.
More information on the Bahi Villa and reservations can be made by calling +596 6963 84480.
Prague With Kids
Prague Highlights
- Petřín Hill has a method of transportation that goes up to the top where you’ll have excellent perspectives, an optical illusion corridor for children, pony trips on ends of the week, and a sizable rose garden. For an even finer perspective, climb up to the highest point of Lookout Tower or go to the observatory to take in the stars through their accumulation of telescopes.
- Nostalgic Tram No. 91 offers a unique way to experience the city. Vintage tram cars dating back to the early 1900s travel along a designated route throughout Prague, passing many of the top attractions. Not as well known among visitors and costing just $1.50, it appeals to both youth and older crowds.
- Theater and Puppet Shows – There are several child-friendly theater options unique to Prague including the Black Light Theater which combines elements of dance, animation, mimes and illusions. Puppet shows also have a strong tradition in the Czech Republic and the National Marionette Theater does puppet versions of Mozart’s Don Giovanni and the Magic Flute.
- Kid-Friendly Museums – At the Gallery of Art for Children (Galerie umění pro děti) children are encouraged to interact in this multimedia space by touching, creating or even altering the art installations. Workshops are available for kids 5-12 and it’s a great way to introduce them to art. Or visit the Lego Museum – the largest in Europe. You’ll get to see lego versions of classic Prague landmarks like the 5 meter tall Charles Bridge.
- Children’s Island – Though there are many outdoor playgrounds around Prague, this one is dedicated entirely to kids. It features a full range of swings, slides, climbing nets, sandpits, open space to run around. Most importantly it offers a great place for parents to sit and relax on the bank of the Vltava River with a nearby café for coffee and refreshments.
Book in Advance
- City Tour of Prague via Bus, Boat, and Walking
- Cycling tour of Prague
- Prague Castle Tour (and Admission Ticket)
- Eating Prague: Half-Day Food Tour
- A one-day trip from Prague to Český Krumlov including lunch
Further Reading
- Accommodations that are optimal for families exploring Prague
- A review of notable attractions in Prague
- One can experience Prague`s fairy tale-like atmosphere, as discussed in the article Prague is a Real Life Fairy Tale.
- Spa locations in the Czech Republic
Provence & the Cote d’Azur With Kids
Provence & the Cote d’Azur Highlights
- The prominent cities of Arles,Avignon, and Aix-en-Provence — Three cultural giants that are lovely, walkable, and brimming with fascinating attractions. Each overflows with art and architecture and all are within an hour’s drive of each other.
- The beaches located along the southern shore of France, specifically between St Tropez and St Raphael, are renowned for their fantastic beaches.
- Monaco: A small city-state whose narrow winding streets are fun to explore. Highlights for the kids will undoubtedly be the magnificent Oceanographic Museum, the Prince’s collection of antique vehicles, and the parks and gardens that fill the city.
- Le Pont du Gard: This acclaimed World Heritage Site demonstrates remarkable Roman planning and construction abilities. The youth program for ages 5-12 offers enriching and well-designed descriptions of how the aqueduct was built and applied.
- Carcassonne: A remarkably preserved medieval town. Le Cite can be painfully busy during July and August but as it’s one of Europe’s largest city fortifications it’s probably worth tolerating the crowds.
Book in Advance
- One day excursion to the Provence region from Cannes
- Tour of Coastal Cities (departing from various cities nearby)
- Green Market Organics: Modestly sized however well-supplied grocery store in Fira with speciality goods (gluten-free, lactose-free, vegan, and so on.), organic, and local products.
Further Reading
- Top things to do with children in southern France
- The Best Family Accommodations in Nice
- Edinburgh.org provides insights into accommodations, cultural events, and trip planning for Edinburgh.
- Experience sampling pastries and chocolate
- This link has details on things to do with families in Provence
Rome With Kids
Rome Highlights
- The Colosseum and Roman Forum: A highlight of any Rome visit (likely for all ages). Plan to visit early to avoid the heat and large crowds.
- The Villa Borghese Gardens: visitors can rent row boats and bikes, have a picnic, take the #3 tram for a tour of Rome, and see children’s movies at the Cinema dei Piccoli in the afternoon and evening. This expansive park can easily fill an entire day with activities.
- Privately guided exploration of West Cornwall
- Tivoli`s temples and gardens make a worthwhile day trip away from Rome. The nearby Aquapiper water park also makes it worthwhile for children. ( Hydromania is another water park closer to Rome.)
- Visiting the Vatican and the Vatican Museum probably won`t be at the top of your children`s schedule of activities. If you choose to go regardless, a private guided tour will allow you to bypass the lengthy entrance lines and pick out the highlights of the extensive works within the museum.
Book in Advance
- A session at an ancient martial competition center in Rome for children and adults could be experienced by clicking here.
- Walking excursion of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill
- Skip The Line: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s
- Pizza preparation class with meal in Rome
Further Reading
- Guide to traveling in Italy
- Accommodation options in Rome designed for families travelling with children
- Top sights for kids in Rome – the 10 best things to do with children in Rome
- Reserve Rome Tours & Tickets In Advance
- 5 Unique Activities to Participate in In Rome
Tuscany: Agriturismo With Kids
Family vacations spent at one of the Highest-Rated Agriturismo in Tuscany or Top Agriturismo in Umbria can be tremendously enjoyable. These working farms typically feature beautiful natural settings and a rustic atmosphere (though the accommodations may range from basic to luxurious). Securing a villa with a swimming pool is a smart choice when traveling with children. Meals are often part of the rates and quite delicious. Renting a vehicle is nearly essential as agriturismos tend to be located away from standard bus and train routes
Best Agriturismo for Families in Italy
- Salvadonica Hotel – Family rooms sleep family of five. Nice swimming pool.
- Multi-bedroom apartments and family suites. Swimming area.
Book in Advance
- Avoid queues with tickets for the Leaning Tower of Pisa and cathedral:
- walking Tour of Florence and Priority Access to the Uffizi Gallery
