Europe is a great place for a family vacation, whether you’re traveling with toddlers or preschoolers. Some of the top family vacation spots include Paris, Vienna, and Barcelona. These cities also serve as great bases for traveling throughout the continent. For a more cultural trip, check out Amsterdam or London.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam has a wide range of activities for children to enjoy. The city has a number of museums, including NEMO, which sets the standard for interactive exhibits by encouraging children to touch and feel everything. The Van Gogh Museum, meanwhile, offers an app for young fans of the Dutch master’s paintings which gives them an opportunity to complete assignments and solve clues. There are also a number of kid-friendly attractions and tours.
The small size of the city makes it easy to navigate with kids. Pedal bikes are a popular way to get around, and bakfiets are great for transporting little ones. The city is also known for its canals and picturesque parks. You can even take a kid-friendly canal boat tour or ride a double-decker train.
The city is full of quirky tourist spots, including the famous Manneken Pis statue. The city is also home to the Saint-Michel Cathedral, a 15th-century gothic cathedral. The Comic Strip Center is a fun place to visit with your kids and parents. The picturesque Place Royale is also a great location for a family photo.
Paris
If you’re looking for a romantic destination for a family holiday, Paris is a great place to go. The endless museums and monuments will delight older kids, while the vast parks have lots to do for everyone. The city is also affordable, with direct flights from many UK airports.
If you’re visiting Paris with your kids, consider taking them to the Jardin des Tuileries, a park located between the Louvre and the Musee d’Orsay. This former king’s property is now a public park with playgrounds and a carousel. Donkey/pony rides are also available. You might also want to check out the famous Big Wheel, also known as the Roue de Paris, which stands at 200 feet tall.
The first arrondissement is the most popular place for families, and it’s close to the Louvre, Jardin des Tuileries, Place Vendome, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. You can also visit the Place du Tertre, a street lined with cafes. Artists here can sketch your portrait. A caricature takes less time, while a realistic rendering costs more.
Vienna
With its central location, Vienna is an excellent base to explore other European cities. Several of its neighboring cities are easily reachable by train or bus. These include the picturesque city of Brno, home to the world’s largest Christmas market, and the UNESCO-listed city of Olomouc. The U-Bahn is also an excellent option, providing fast, efficient transport around the city.
The city is also a hub for cultural and culinary experiences. The Naschmarkt, a bustling bazaar, is a great place to sample Viennese food and drink. You can walk to the St Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg in about 30 minutes. The nearby Mariahilf district, meanwhile, boasts some of the city’s most beautiful Otto Wagner buildings, while the lively atmosphere of the Wieden district is a popular destination for young adults.
If you want to experience the city’s culture, you can check out the Museumsquartier, which is the world’s largest cultural quarter. Here, you’ll find multiple museums and galleries that showcase the work of prominent artists. The area also has plenty of outdoor space, and is a popular hangout for locals during nice weather. Another fun area is Neubau, which features industrial coffee shops, galleries, and a hip and stylish atmosphere.
Stockholm
Stockholm is an exciting and elegant city that has plenty of things to do with children. There are dozens of museums and interactive attractions for kids. The city is also close to the water and offers many dining options. You can also visit the Royal Palace, Storkyrkan Cathedral, or take a canal cruise.
If you have small children, you can take them to the local playgrounds. Stockholm has some of the best playgrounds in the world. There’s no need to pack a ton of things. Kids will have a great time running, biking, and playing in the parks.
Stockholm is easy to navigate, especially if you speak English. Though the Swedes are stereotyped as being reserved, the truth is that they tend to be very friendly once they break the ice. If you’re lost, just ask for directions. You’ll be given clear, detailed directions in English. You’ll also find customer service personnel to be chatty.
Florence
Florence is an incredible city filled with incredible art, architecture, and culture. The city has many attractions for people of all ages, including children. For a fun and educational vacation, consider a family trip to Florence. You can visit many museums and attractions, including the Uffizi Gallery.
Traveling by train is a good idea. It’s less stressful and makes your family vacation in Europe feel more like a real vacation. It also allows you to use your stroller for naps in museums and while eating out. The highlights of Florence include the Piazza Santo Spirito and the restaurants that surround it. Kids will love the fun vibe and the food around this beautiful square. You can also take a day trip to Siena, another beautiful city that is easily accessible from Florence.
You can also take a family vacation to Italy and visit Venice and Pisa. These cities are great for vacations with kids because they offer plenty of places to explore and eat. The gondola rides are a great way to experience the city in a completely different way.
Berlin
Berlin has many family-friendly attractions. The city’s natural history museum features exhibits on the evolution of life, space, minerals, birds, and native animals. You can even see a 13.7-meter Brachiosaurus skeleton! If you’re looking for a little more excitement, try a trip to the Berlin Zoo. This place features thousands of animals, an aquarium, and themed playground areas. The park is located near the S-Bahn, which makes it easy to get to and from the zoo.
Berlin is a great place for families to vacation. The city is beautiful any time of the year, but Christmas and spring are particularly lovely. The city is also known for its delicious street food, including currywurst and doner kebabs. There are many great places to stay in Berlin for families, and there are also many affordable Airbnbs in Berlin.
While the city’s history may be a little sordid, it has a great deal to offer. Berlin is a vibrant, family-friendly city full of museums and attractions for families of all ages. It’s also an excellent destination to tour on foot or by bike.
Afternoon tea in London is a treat for picky eaters
Afternoon tea in London is reminiscent of old-fashioned British afternoon teas, but with modern touches like a specially curated children’s menu. The menu features sandwiches on puzzle-shaped white or brown bread and a sweet menu with mini-cookies. It is sure to be a treat for children on family vacations to Europe.
Afternoon tea was originally invented by Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, who thought the time between lunch and dinner was too long. It soon became a huge social event for the aristocracy of the day, served in elegant silver teapots. There were lawn games and garden parties, too. The working class also enjoyed afternoon tea, dubbed high tea.
If you’re traveling with picky eaters, consider a themed afternoon tea. In London, there are several establishments offering themed afternoon teas. For example, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory afternoon tea is served at One The Aldwych, while Alice in Wonderland tea is served at The Franklin. You can also enjoy a “Peter Pan” themed afternoon tea at The Shard.