Planning a holiday that keeps the whole family entertained can involve a bit of legwork. You need to strike the perfect balance between entertaining the kids and ensuring you get a bit of a break in between parenting duties.
Europe is ideal for your big family break. Many destinations are within easy reach, and there’s an incredible mix of adventures that appeal to every generation.
Explore Fairytale Castles and Historic Landmarks
Perched high in the rugged German Alps is Neuschwanstein Castle. This Bavarian landmark looks exactly like the palace of a sleeping princess. You can catch a traditional horse-drawn carriage from the village of Hohenschwangau up the steep hill, which saves little legs.
Once inside, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy, from inline skating to a trip back in time to discover the princes and princesses who lived here. Booking your tickets online at least a month in advance ensures you secure a specific entry time slot.
Experience Europe’s Most Famous Theme Parks
A Disneyland Paris holiday is iconic. This combines classic Disney attractions with live entertainment, making it a popular choice for both first-time visitors and dedicated fans. You can opt to stay at one of the Disney hotels or nearby. There’s a train that runs right to the theme park, so you can easily access all the action if you do go with off-site accommodation.
In Denmark, Tivoli Gardens offers a charming blend of rides, gardens and evening performances, while Germany’s Europa-Park features themed areas inspired by different European countries. Or Efteling in the Netherlands offers a uniquely enchanting alternative rooted in ancient European folklore. You can wander through the Fairytale Forest, where animatronic trees tell stories and hidden speakers play classical melodies.
Take a Scenic Train Journey
The Bernina Express winds through the Swiss Alps, cutting through 55 tunnels and crossing 196 bridges on its way to Italy. You sit comfortably behind panoramic windows that stretch up to the ceiling, offering uninterrupted views of dramatic glaciers and tumbling waterfalls.
To make this journey seamless, buy a Swiss Travel Pass, which permits children under six to travel completely free, while those aged six to 16 get discounted fares.
Discover Wildlife and Natural Wonders
Iceland’s volcanic landscapes provide an extraordinary backdrop for introducing children to the power of the natural world. You can board a whale-watching boat from Akureyri harbour to spot humpback whales breaching in the calm waters of the Eyjafjörður. Kit the kids out in rented waterproof overalls from the harbour office to keep everyone warm against the Arctic winds during the three-hour voyage.
Experts guide these specific tours, giving your children the chance to ask questions about ocean conservation while watching giant mammals feed.
Enjoy Unforgettable City Experiences
Rome transforms into a massive interactive museum when you approach its ancient ruins from a child’s perspective. You can reimagine gladiator battles at the Colosseum or book a private family guide for the Roman Forum. This ensures the stories of the past are tailored to your children’s specific age group and attention spans.
DISCLOSURE – This is a collaborative post.
