Planning a family trip requires careful consideration. Keeping everyone entertained and happy while navigating through unexpected events can be stressful. This is especially the case when it’s harder to scope things out beforehand, like in international travel. This article highlights the best European countries for family travel. There will also be tips on planning experiences and accommodation on your trip.
What European countries are best for families?
Choosing the right country for your family comes down to a few things. These include if the area is accessible, especially by stroller, and how well the nation's offerings meet your family's interests. Any major metropolitan area will have its fair share of art museums, quality food, and cultural events.
Some European countries boast special attractions like theme parks and more. Below, we’ll briefly touch on several nations and what they offer.
Sweden
Sweden and many other Scandinavian nations are among the best places to raise a family. It makes sense that for accessibility and tourism, it is also one of the best places to bring a family.
Sweden is a country that boasts an impressively high fluency rate in English. This makes it especially easy for English-speaking families to travel safely in the country.
The capital, Stockholm, features a relatively simple metro system that is also friendly to strollers. This makes navigating between transit and cobblestone streets simple.
Sweden is filled with science museums if your child or family loves the sciences. One of the most family-friendly is the Universeum in Gothenburg.
This science museum has dedicated exhibits to space, marine life, reptiles, tropical animals, insects, and more. It’s an entertaining way to add education to your family excursion.
Austria
Austria, meanwhile, is home to exhibits that may interest everyone from one-year-olds to older kids. Many of these are in Vienna, the capital.
Prater is a public park and one of the world's oldest amusement parks. This theme park has numerous attractions, stalls, and games for entertainment.
Families interested in exposing their children to more arts can also take in any number of concerts in the area. Vienna remains internationally one of the world hubs of classical music.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands is host to a variety of family-friendly activities perfect for a family vacation. In Amsterdam, various natural history museums and science museums offer kid-friendly exhibits.
Outdoor guided tours of the gorgeous Dutch countryside and several windmills make for an easy way to explore outside busy cities.
England
England is arguably one of the most popular destinations for travellers with kids. A majority-English-speaking populace means that navigating the cities is exceptionally easy.
London is one of the most visited sites in England, and it’s large enough that not everything can be visited in one trip. There is plenty to do as far as arts, culture, and entertainment is related.
You can take in a West End show or take older kids on tour at the London Dungeon. Plenty of national parks and green space means taking a break during a busy day is always an option.
Italy
Italy is an evergreen destination for solo travellers, couples, and families. Nobody is too old to enjoy a gelato on a warm day or marvel at Venice's canals.
Italian culture is widely varied, and you have countless options for family trips. If artwork interests you, you must spend time in Florence, Tuscany, to visit the renowned Uffizi gallery.
In any given major city in Italy, you’ll have a mixture of old-town elements and new, contemporary fixtures. Nowhere is this more present than in Rome, where you can see such ancient sites as the Colosseum.
Italian amusement parks are also something to pay attention to. You can ride a coaster at 110 km/h at Mirabilandia and then sit down at a cafe to recover.
We, of course, cannot mention Italy without mentioning food. Italy has a rich dining history, especially concerning pasta and seafood. In addition to travel guides, we also have guides for how and what to eat when visiting Italy.
Belgium
Belgium is a smaller nation than many others on its list, but one no less wonderful. The nation is known for its culinary confections and a railway system that’s effective even by European standards.
For kids' attractions, families can visit the Atomium in Brussels. This massive building is built to represent a magnified iron molecule. The building is an iconic part of the skyline and a symbol of Brussels.
A complex series of escalators and elevators inside the building provide access to various enclosed spheres. Each sphere is dedicated to a particular purpose, with one permanent exhibition dedicated to the Exposition of 1958. Other spheres act as concert venues, restaurants, and even dedicated educational spaces for children.
Spain
Spain is great for families in cities like Barcelona and Madrid or on countryside road trips. Spain is home to several waterparks, with the Siam Park being one of the largest in the world. It can be a remarkable and exciting way to spend part of your vacation.
Spain is also home to a wide variety of waterfalls if you choose to go into the countryside. Visitors to the coast can also have must-see boat rides across aquatic seascapes. For lovers of anything marine or culinary, a Spanish vacation belongs on your itinerary.
Germany
Germany, even among European countries, has excellent public transportation. Close to the Austrian border, Munich makes for a great multinational stop. For a more centralized experience, Berlin offers plenty of cultural opportunities for adults and kids alike.
Family travel can happen on a hop-on-hop-off tour. These tours allow you to get off at the stops you love, then return to the same trolley when finished. It’s a great way to see Berlin, and many other cities while paying special attention to the most interesting areas.
Berlin is also full of playgrounds. It’s a massive metropolitan area with a population of four million, with nearly 2,000 playgrounds. The 520-acre Tiergarten park has six playgrounds alone. In such a densely populated city, it offers a rare moment of relaxation.
Denmark
Denmark may be the most child-friendly country on this list, with Copenhagen being home to Tivoli. Tivoli is one of the oldest amusement parks located near a major railway. This makes it not only accessible but easily visited.
Travelling to a different side of Denmark, there is even a Legoland to visit. In the meantime, the scenery, beaches, museums, and more make it wonderful for families of any makeup.
Czech Republic
Prague is arguably among the best European cities in the Czech Republic.
There is the National Technical Museum for those interested in transportation of any kind. This museum is dedicated to the technological history of the nation. It also has an extensive collection of automobiles, planes, and locomotives.
The Prague Zoo is also regarded as one of the best in the world. It also serves as a breeding ground for several endangered species.
Greece
Greece offers plenty of fun for a family holiday. You can stick to the mainland, go island-hopping along the Greek Islands for weeks, or take a day trip. Either way, this Mediterranean nation has much to offer for both sightseeing and recreation.
Greece has a prominent place in the ancient world, and its greatest architectural achievements have been preserved. Anywhere you go, you’ll likely never be far from Greek ruins or reminders of antiquity. There are also plenty of beaches to enjoy the sun.
We also can’t suggest Greece without highlighting the importance of Greek cuisine. There are plenty of rich delicacies to try. Even more, the standard fare is often made with freshly-acquired ingredients.
If you visit no other city, visit Athens, the historical and current capital. The trek upwards to the Acropolis, which towers over the city, is long, but it offers an incredible view.
Portugal
There’s plenty to do in Portugal, whether you explore the capital of Lisbon or other parts of the nation.
Rich cave systems like Grutas de Mira de Aire and ancient, protected forests make for unforgettable nature excursions. Closer to the city, sailing tours and rides on trains, tuk-tuks, and more make urban exploration fun.
Portugal is a wonderfully colorful country. Eclectic architecture and technicolor castle tours provide insight into the nation's culture.
The Lisbon Oceanarium is also the largest indoor aquarium in Europe. One can step into another world, entering this space for hours on end.
France
France is one of the most romanticized countries in all of Europe, for good reason. The place is home to extensive food and fashion history and dozens of UNESCO sites. Many of these are lesser-known attractions to international visitors, meaning they are better protected from tourists.
Disneyland Paris offers a unique alternative to many other parks. Some of its attractions are on an island that is only accessible through underwater tunnels. This creates a distinct but memorable way to experience Disney.
When you leave metropolitan France and enter the countryside, you will see verdant, rich environments. These include hills and forests, as well as locations for kayaking. Rural France is a great place to embrace the outdoors while on your vacation.
Finland
Finland is beautiful any time of year. However, dense snowfall can make for an ideal winter retreat from work and the semester. The Lapland area of Finland offers some gorgeous sites in particular.
It is home to Santa Claus Village, an amusement park right along the Arctic Circle. You can even see the Aurora Borealis in the night sky from this area.
If you’d rather experience something closer to the heart of the nation, you can explore Helsinki. Helsinki is home to plentiful zoos and museums, as well as one of the largest sea fortresses in the world. The tunnels of the fortress can be explored today.
Switzerland
Switzerland is widely regarded as one of the safest nations in the world. Therefore, it’s ideal for families, especially first-time international travellers.
If you choose to visit Switzerland and want to travel, don’t do it by car. Travel by train. With the travel pass system, you can get a pass for adults and free rides for children under 15. Train rides also provide a leisurely, pleasant view of the Swiss countryside.
In some places, you can even travel by open-air funiculars: Steep cable cars made for easy movement along mountains. When exploring the country, be on the lookout for themed trails. These are paths with games and more to play along your route.
Zurich might be one of the busiest cities in Switzerland, but it has a peaceful, relaxed energy. You can go sightseeing and explore plenty of shops in this European city. There are also plenty of candy companies and chocolatiers operating out of the area, with some even allowing tours.
What are the best family hotel options in Europe?
Europe has a variety of hotel and location options depending on your area. One of the most immediately affordable and easily found online is AirBnB.
However, these services can end up driving away the people who call these places home. Instead, we will highlight ways to have a better, more personalized European vacation.
Bed and Breakfasts
One of the most personal ways to explore Europe is by staying in a bed and breakfast. Many homes tend to have specific themes and are slightly further away from busy cities. This can be a good way to relax after an undoubtedly packed itinerary.
If your family is extroverted, you might also make good connections with fellow travellers or with the owners. Also excellent is the breakfast portion of the bed and breakfast. A home-cooked meal is generally better than the minimalist morning spread hotels typically offer.
The one downside of choosing a bed and breakfast is that it will have less privacy. However, this intimacy is part of what, for many, gives the place its charm.
Pensions
Pensions are ideal when you are looking for somewhere to serve as a base of operations for an extended stay. They are usually guest or boarding houses and offer slightly more intimacy than hotels. However, pensions are often more inclusive of needs than bed and breakfasts.
At a pension house, breakfast is usually served, but also lunch and dinner. Options are often variable, with each traveller served to their own needs. Depending on the pension, these plans may be selected ahead of time or daily.
These are unique forms of lodging, especially particular to Europe and South America. This makes choosing a pension a particularly European style of lodging.
Hotels
For something more traditional, there are always hotels. You can choose a local hotel or opt for something that’s part of a larger chain. When in Europe, you’ll likely be travelling in unfamiliar territory. Coming to something familiar at night can be a source of ease for you and your loved ones.
Be sure to plan well in advance, whichever way you aim to sleep or travel. This is the best way to get cheaper tickets and accommodations.
How do you plan a family trip to Europe?
The possibilities of a European vacation are hampered by only one thing: planning.
To plan your trip, once you’ve chosen your destination, get your major expenses out of the way immediately. These include airfare, accommodations, and potentially tickets for anything experiential you want. Ticket prices can rise or can sell out beforehand, so it’s often better to not risk disappointment if financially possible.
Most importantly, if you are travelling with on a U.S., Canadian, or other visa-free passport, understand the travel requirements to Europe.
Everyone will need ETIAS for your family trip
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is a new addition for international travellers entering the Schengen Area. The goal is to improve safety within the EU and simplify the visa process when travelling between member countries. Since the UK left the EU, it is not participating in the ETIAS program and has launched its own travel authorisation, the UK ETA.
All eligible travellers, regardless of age, will need to apply for ETIAS. To find out if you are exempt from ETIAS, need an ETIAS or a Schengen Visa, try the ETIAS assessment for more information.