7 Amazing European Spots for Family Vacations

With travel picking up again, Europe offers some of the best destinations for a family adventure abroad.

While classic destinations like London and Paris are always great, there are countless other fantastic family-friendly locations to explore.

When planning, it's essential to choose places that offer activities for families, but also to explore the unique cultural experiences each European country has to offer.

No matter if you're traveling with teens, toddlers, babies, or grandparents, these are some of Europe's top family-friendly destinations.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh boasts one of Europe's most impressive castles. It's a mini-village in itself, with a royal palace, a cathedral, a war museum, and one of the largest cannons on the continent (Mons Meg). The castle is filled with all the elements that spark kids' imaginations: towers, dungeons, and more. Kids of all ages, and even adults, will enjoy exploring this vast historical site.

Afterward, kids will love playing on the scenic hills of Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat (watch 'Camelot' as a family before you go!). Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano, offers several hiking routes of varying difficulty, including an easy, child-friendly option that's more car ride than walk. If you're traveling with a stroller, this might not be the best activity for you, though.

Scotland is an ideal destination for families from the U.S. or Canada who prefer not to navigate a language barrier. With over 900 islands and two national parks, the country offers plenty of wide-open spaces where children can enjoy fresh air. Plus, Scotland is home to the real Harry Potter train!

Madrid, Spain

Dining out in Madrid — and across Spain — with kids is a common, accepted practice. Don’t worry if your little one has a meltdown or if baby Becky is fussing for a bit. Just sip your drink and relax, like the local parents do.

Madrid’s metro stations are equipped with elevators, making it easy to get around with a baby. The city is very stroller-friendly, and the soothing sound of your wheels over the cobblestones will likely lull your little one to sleep. Plus, Madrid’s vibrant squares are filled with people of all ages, from babies to retirees, especially during the summer months. Just be aware that July and August can get very hot. (Check out the best times to visit Spain.)

Book family-friendly guided tours at top art museums like the Prado and Reina Sofía, or simply enjoy exploring vibrant squares such as Plaza Mayor and the lush Retiro Park.

Salzburg, Austria

If your child loves 'The Sound of Music,' Salzburg is a must-visit. This charming city is as kid-friendly as it is adult-friendly, with attractions like the Toy Museum and the interactive Water Museum, offering fun and learning for everyone.

For 'Sound of Music' enthusiasts, a stroll through the Mirabell Palace Gardens will feel familiar, as several iconic scenes from the film were shot here. Plus, the city's family-oriented beer halls and gardens are the perfect spots for both kids and adults to enjoy.

A visit to Hohensalzburg Fortress is a fantastic experience for kids. They’ll enjoy the breathtaking hilltop views, exploring the fortress, and hearing the unique sounds of the massive mechanical organ, the 'Salzburg Bull.' But what they'll likely enjoy most is the funicular ride up, which offers stunning aerial views of the city and palace below.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is ideal for toddlers or preschoolers, as you can easily strap your little one into a bike seat and explore the city together.

Teens will appreciate Amsterdam’s bike culture, canals, and rich history. Many students read 'The Diary of a Young Girl' by Anne Frank, making this a perfect age for your tweens to visit the Anne Frank House and connect it to their studies.

Crete, Greece

Crete, with its endless beaches, is the perfect destination for a laid-back family vacation. As the largest Greek island, there’s no shortage of sandy spots to explore, giving kids plenty of room to run and play without disturbing others.

While many of Crete's beaches are family-friendly, Elafonissi Beach stands out for its shallow waters, making it ideal for kids. Plus, the unique pinkish hue of the sand will surely delight little ones. For added fun, Crete also offers several water parks for the whole family.

On days when you need a break from the sun, Crete offers attractions like Minoans World, a 3D museum and 9D cinema experience, the CretAquarium, and the Natural History Museum. Teens can take sailing lessons, go on food tours, or explore the vibrant, flower-filled streets of Chania.

The Dolomites, Italy

While cities like Rome and Florence are great for family visits, the Dolomites in northern Italy offer a nature-filled alternative for an unforgettable outdoor adventure with your family.

The Dolomites offer plenty of challenging hikes, but there are also easier rural paths perfect for children. Enjoy stunning scenery with goats grazing, lakeside picnics, visits to former war trenches, and waterfall explorations. With so much open space, the kids can run free across rolling hills or play in the many parks, particularly those near cable car stations with fun equipment like towers, tunnels, slides, and even zip lines.

Although the region is influenced by Austrian culture, you'll still find plenty of classic Italian dishes like pizza, pasta, and gelato to satisfy even the fussiest eaters. Though it’s a popular ski destination in the winter, consider visiting during the warmer spring, summer, or early fall months, especially if you're traveling with younger kids or prefer to avoid the snow.

Ireland

With its lush landscapes and wide, open spaces, Ireland is an ideal destination for families with active kids. The country's compact size—about the same as Indiana—means short driving distances, making it easy to explore various attractions without lengthy car rides, reducing those inevitable 'Are we there yet?' moments.

Begin your adventure in Dublin, where kid-friendly spots like the Irish Emigration Museum and Phoenix Park, one of Europe's largest enclosed parks, await. Many nearby destinations, such as Glendalough, a glacial monastic valley, and the Blarney Castle, home to the legendary Blarney Stone, are also easily accessible.

Kilkenny, a medieval town near Castlecomer Discovery Park, features the longest zip line in Ireland. In Limerick, children can embark on magical fairy hunts along dedicated trails. Be sure to pack your rain gear for the inevitable Irish weather.

In Conclusion

Planning a family trip to Europe might seem daunting—it's true that there are fewer large, family-friendly hotel rooms on the continent. You might also wonder how locals manage to navigate their strollers to their apartments in busy city centers.

However, Europe is generally very accommodating to traveling families. With a bit of research and planning (and choosing the right destination), families of all sizes and with kids of all ages can enjoy a fantastic vacation.