10 Best Places to Visit in Europe with Kids

Planning a family trip to Europe? This guide breaks down the best places to visit in Europe with kids, from Italy’s ancient ruins and France’s fairytale castles to Finland’s Arctic magic. Read on for family-friendly cities, hidden gem regions, and unforgettable experiences for your family.

Want to plan a family trip to Europe but don’t know where to go? I’ve got you.

Europe is full of cultures and diverse landscapes. And best of all? It’s all close together and easy to travel with kids. Within a quick train ride, you can be skiing in the Alps or lounging by the beach on the Italian Riviera.

But with so many amazing destinations all in one place, how are families supposed to decide which is the best for their family?

In this post, I’m breaking down the top destinations for a family vacation in Europe. Each delivers its own kind of magic with unforgettable experiences, but also kid-friendly features.

Ready to find out the best places to visit in Europe with your family this year?

Read on for 10 fool-proof European destinations for an unforgettable family trip.

A little disclaimer: this post contains links to affiliate websites, such as Amazon and LTK, and I may receive an affiliate commission (at no cost to you!) for any purchases made by you using these links. Your support is much appreciated!

pin it for later:

1 | Italy

When it comes to the best family destinations in Europe, Italy is a natural first choice.

With a culture where family is everything, children will never feel out of place. From chasing pigeons through piazzas to exploring ancient Roman ruins, Italy feels like a dream for both parents and kids. And let’s not forget about the food. Naturally kid-friendly, the whole family will enjoy feasting on pasta, pizza and gelato for days.

The diversity of Italy also means there’s truly something for everyone in the family. In Northern Italy, relax along the shores of Lake Como, sail the canals in Venice, or go hiking in the Dolomites. 

Further south, experience the food and wine culture of Tuscany, with hands-on cooking classes, farm stays and kid-friendly guided tours of world-class museums like the Uffizi Gallery. Likewise, Rome holds its own treasures for little history buffs, from exploring the Colosseum and Roman Forum to eating gelato by the Trevi Fountain. 

For a bit more off the beaten path experience, head to the fishing villages of the Ligurian Coast or the beaches of Puglia. 

No matter where you choose, trains connect everything easily, making multi-city travel through Italy simple with kids in tow.

2 | France

Of course, there’s iconic Paris, with its sparkling Eiffel Tower, beautiful parks, and plethora of kid-friendly museums. A trip to Versailles and Disneyland Paris should be on every family’s bucket list. 

But France really shines for families outside of its most famous city, making it one of the best places to visit in Europe with kids.

In Normandy, explore history with the beaches of D-Day and the backdrop of towering Mont Saint-Michel. 

Or perhaps a trip to Loire Valley is more suited for your family, where regal castles like the Chateau Chambord feel like they’re straight out of a storybook. Family-friendly wine tours and cooking classes keep the whole family entertained.

If southern France is more your vibe, perhaps opt for lavender fields in Provence, a boat tour of the Calanques, or the gentle, kid-friendly beaches of the French Riviera.

Just don’t forget to build plenty of French pastry shop breaks into your itinerary.

3 | Spain

It’s not hard to see why the warm weather and laid-back culture of Spain makes it a perfect choice for families planning a trip to Europe. And with a country so incredibly diverse, families will have their pick of adventures. 

Mealtimes in Spain are slow and relaxed, with playgrounds often right next to the restaurants patio. Tapas style dining makes ordering a variety of options (like patatas bravas or jamon iberico for the littles) a breeze.

Most families visiting Spain naturally gravitate to Barcelona, where the whimsical architecture of Gaudi’s Park Güell and Sagrada Família set the tone for a cultural adventure. Foodie kids will love tasting their way through La Boqueria market or learning to cook their own paella, while those more interested in art can make their own tile mosaics or learn to paint like Picasso. And when you’re ready to get outdoors, the Montserrat mountain range is a short day trip away.

Perhaps Madrid is more your family’s style, with its opulent Royal Palace and relaxing Retiro Park. This chic city gets a bad rap as “boring”, but we loved this city that feels like the Paris of Spain.

In southern Spain, don’t discount a trip to beautiful Andalusia, which shines with its vibrant Moorish palaces and flamenco, alongside beautiful whitewashed hilltop villages. Pair it with a trip to the sunny beaches of Costa del Sol for the perfect relaxing end to a culture-filled trip.

4 | United Kingdom

For American families planning their first trip to Europe, the UK is an easy way to dip your toe into European travel. Shared language brings down barriers, so families can focus more on exploring and less stressing over communicating and logistics.

And with so much shared culture, so many uniquely British things hold nostalgia for Americans too. The whole family will love seeing royal life in action in London, from the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace to high tea at Kensington Palace. And while there’s no limit to historic sites, there’s plenty of green space too. Spots like Greenwich Park’s Royal Observatory Garden or Regent’s Park’s London Zoo offer a reprieve from city life.

Of course, London is a natural choice, packed with kid-friendly museum and parks (many free!), but outside of the city, families will love the storybook charm of the Cotswolds or the Lake District. 

Have a little Harry Potter fan in the family? Immerse yourself in the life of the young wizard, exploring various filming locations and sites of JK Rowling’s inspiration from London to Scotland.

While you’re there, Scotland brings its own unique adventures. You can’t beat the picturesque streets of Edinburgh, a train ride through the Scottish Highlands, or a day exploring castles. It’s truly a fairytale come true kind of family trip.

5 | Portugal

Often overlooked by families in the US, Portugal is a fantastic choice for a laid-back family trip to Europe that blends warm-weather beaches with interesting architecture and history.

Plus, kids get the five star treatment in Portugal, with most museums and attractions allowing families to skip long lines or bypass security (a huge plus for those traveling with babies or toddlers).

In Lisbon, enjoy picturesque tram rides, Europe’s largest aquarium, scaling the walls of Castelo Sao Jorge, and day trip to Sintra, a hillside town filled with colorful palaces and gardens. While in Lisbon, kids can enjoy hands on activities like a pasties de Nata baking class or creating their own Azulejo tile.

For even more off-the-beaten path adventures, head north to Porto where riverfront strolls and colorful tiled buildings abound. Day trip to the Duoro Valley for countryside indulgence in Portugal’s most famous wine region.

And if it’s sun you’re after, don’t overlook southern Portugal’s Algarve coast, where calm beaches and cliffside caves offer a mix of relaxation and adventure.

6 | Germany

Germany blends culture with kid-friendliness seamlessly. Families will appreciate the efficient, streamlined nature of culture in Germany: clearly posted directions, timely trains, and a straightforward attitude towards daily living which all help families explore without stress.

In Berlin, explore history with an alternative twist, where hands-on museums like the Checkpoint Charlie Museum are just as engaging as its expansive parks and trendy eateries. Don’t miss Germany’s most famous street food, the döner kebab, as you explore the capital city.

Further south, Munich’s beer halls, green parks and fairytale castles like Neuschwanstein bring Bavaria’s vibrant culture to life. 

And as the unofficial theme park capital of Europe, Germany is also home to some of the world’s best amusement parks. From the massive Europa Park, where each land is themed after a different country in Europe, to Phantasialand, a beautiful small-scaled theme park with major Disneyland vibes, theme parks are dotted all over Germany and make a fun add-on to any itinerary.

And of course, I can’t talk about family travel in Germany without mentioning the Christmas markets. For the ultimate holiday experience, you can’t beat the market stalls of Dresden’s Striezelmarkt (the oldest Christmas market in the world!), or the fairytale streets of Rothenburg ob der Tauber dressed in greenery. It’s a magical experience you truly have to see to understand.

7 | Denmark

Denmark practically invented family travel perfection. The Danes value family time, so restaurants, hotels, and attractions are all naturally set up for kids.

Home to child-friendly cafes, an emphasis on cozy hygge culture, and streets that are easily walkable or bike-able, Copenhagen is a natural first choice for families visiting Denmark any time of year.

Plus, did you know that Denmark is home to not one but two of the world’s oldest amusement parks? Bakken, opened in Klampenborg in 1583, is officially the oldest and still offers free entry to experience its nostalgic vibes. In Copenhagen proper, Tivoli Gardens draws over 4 million visitors per year and is said to have served as Walt Disney’s inspiration for Disneyland. 

For little LEGO lovers, head to Billund, about 3 hours west of Copenhagen, for a kids dream come true at the original LEGOLAND.

Outside of the city, children will enjoy swimming Denmark’s calm Baltic Sea beaches, “troll hunting” in the forests, or exploring famous castles like Frederiksborg Castle (also known as ‘Nordic Versailles‘).

8 | Netherlands

With family-friendly values and a relaxed go-with-the-flow culture, it’s no wonder that families flock to the Netherlands when planning a trip to Europe with kids.

Amsterdam is the obvious first stop for most families visiting the Netherlands. Enjoy boat rides through the canals, hands-on museums like the NEMO Science Museum, or even a kid-friendly scavenger hunt through the Van Gogh Museum followed by a painting class. It’s a city break that feels truly immersive. 

But don’t count out the Dutch countryside on your visit. Take the train outside the city to visit the windmills in Zaanse Schans, make your own Dutch cheese in Gouda, or even head out to the beaches of Zaandvoort to experience a classic European summer vibe with playgrounds built directly on the sand.

It’s an easy, compact country that allows you to truly relax and enjoy all aspects of Dutch culture.

9 | Austria

You might not think of Austria as one of the best places to visit in Europe with kids, but it’s actually a dream for families who love palaces, parks and cities with regal, old-fashioned charm. Nothing is rushed here, with families encouraged to savor every moment.

In Vienna, enjoy wide pedestrian streets and spotless public transportation as you take in world-class museums, parks and palaces. Spend the day at Schönbrunn Palace, with a children’s museum built right inside, plus a zoo and gardens to explore afterwards. During the holidays, you can’t miss Vienna’s famous Christmas markets, which are renowned as some of the best in the world.

Further west, Salzburg fits the true Alpine storybook feeling, with castles and Sound of Music nostalgia. Walk in the footsteps of Mozart, learn to dance the waltz, or see a performance at the quirky Salzburg Marionette Theater.

And while you’re in Austria, you absolutely can’t skip a trip to the Austrian Alps, where snow-capped mountains in places like Innsbruck and the Salzkammergut region were made for luxury family stays. Ride mountain coasters, enjoy gentle hikes, or relax at an alpine resort where the fresh air and mountain views just don’t quit.

10 | Finland

Last but not least, Finland. 

Everything about Finland screams easy family living: from coffee shops with play corners to a belief that kids should be able to explore the outdoors freely.

Helsinki will likely be your first stop in Finland, where sleek, modern architecture is balanced with plenty of green space and waterfront trails. Hop a ferry to explore underground tunnels at the sea fortress of Suomenlinna, take a dip in the Allas Sea Pool, or end the day like a local in one of the city’s many beloved saunas.

But for a truly epic family trip to Finland, it’s the natural beauty of Finnish Lapland that’s the real showstopper. Brave the cold in winter and venture north to the Arctic Circle for a family vacation that’s sure to build core memories. From reindeer sleigh rides and Northern Lights spotting, to meeting Santa himself at Santa Claus Village, Finnish Lapland is a European destination families can’t stop talking about.

Free Resource: 15 Itineraries for the Best of Europe with Kids

The Best Places to Visit in Europe with Kids, Perfectly Planned

You’ve got the inspiration, now let’s turn it into something amazing.

Europe’s packed with storybook experiences, from Italy’s piazzas and France’s fairytale castles to the snowy wonder of Finland. Each destination brings its own kind of magic, making travel with kids feel both easy and fun!

But here’s the honest truth: even the best destinations don’t plan themselves. Getting the trains, the hotels, and the kid-friendly activities that keep everyone happy in place can quickly go from inspiring to chaotic.

That’s where I come in! 👋🏻 With a passion for thoughtful travel, intel on the best family-friendly hotels and hidden gems, and a real understanding of what it means to travel with kids (and actually enjoy it), I take the heavy lifting off your plate and build you an itinerary that feels effortless.

If you’re ready to turn your European dream into a trip your family will remember forever (zero stress involved!), I’d love to take care of it for you! Explore my travel planning services, and let’s make your dream Europe family trip a reality!

Which European destination is calling your family’s name?

xo laura