Ten Europe-Based, Child-Oriented Vacation Concepts to Explore
Europe boasts an assortment of fantastic, offbeat family holidays that cater to both kids and parental desires. Escape the familiar with these unique European getaways brimming with culture, adventure, and novel experiences. Regardless of age or budget, these destinations offer a blend of history, outdoor activities, and local traditions to keep everyone entertained.
1. Romagna Riviera, Italy
- Best for: Summer beach fun with family-focused camping resorts
Italy is renowned for being a family-friendly destination, with delicious food, accommodating restaurants, and a rich cultural atmosphere. The Romagna Riviera offers miles of golden sands and inviting waters, making it perfect for a week-long seaside getaway. Explore Ravenna, known for its Byzantine mosaics, or the enchanting Po Delta, home to flamingos. The family-friendly resorts along the coast provide a range of accommodations and activities to suit various budgets.
2. Summer Camps, Switzerland
- Best for: Language and cultural immersion for older kids and teens
Switzerland is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, appealing society, and multiple languages. Summer camps here provide young adults with an exceptional opportunity to learn or practice a second language amidst outdoor activities. Camps like Camp Suisse offer programs tailored to cultural, language, or natural immersion, ensuring a memorable experience for your teen.
3. Bansko, Bulgaria
- Best for: Affordable winter sports education for all ages
Looking for an enticing winter holiday destination? Bansko, Bulgaria, offers affordable skiing lessons, equipment hire, and lift passes ideally suited for children aged five and up. The resort's setup allows parents to easily access warm cafes and Apres-Ski areas while the children are enjoying the slopes, making it a budget-friendly and family-oriented choice for the winter season.
4. Glamping, Great Britain
- Best for: Luxurious nature reconnection without sacrificing comfort
For those seeking a staycation with a twist, luxury camping (glamping) in Great Britain provides an incredible opportunity to experience nature without giving up comfort. From yurts to converted vehicles, the glamping sites thrown in across the UK cater to the needs of families, offering a rural retreat amidst well-appointed facilities.
5. Copenhagen, Denmark
- Best for: Culturally rich family weekend with entertaining activities for all ages
Copenhagen offers an abundance of family-friendly activities, ensuring a memorable cultural weekend for all. LEGOLAND® Billund, Tivoli Gardens, and various museums cater to diverse interests and ages, while the city’s colorful and playful streets are perfect for a family stroll.
6. Normandy and Brittany, France
- Best for: No-fly, ferry vacation in charming historic towns and scenic coastlines
Accessible by ferry from Poole or Portsmouth, Normandy and Brittany offer numerous family-friendly activities, from historical sites like the Bayeux Tapestry to the magical Mont Saint-Michel. The region's varied accommodations and attractions make it an excellent choice for a weekend getaway or week-long holiday.
7. Innsbruck, Austria
- Best for: Easy access to the Austrian Alps for outdoor adventures
Innsbruck provides a gateway to the Austrian Alps, boasting numerous hiking trails, family-friendly facilities, and breathtaking vistas. The summer Innsbruck card offers discounts on museums and mountain lifts, making it an affordable choice for a family holiday.
8. Multi-generation trip across Sicily, Italy
- Best for: Slow-paced family escapes in mild weather
Sicily offers an ideal destination for multi-generational family holidays, with stunning beaches, cultural landmarks, and an easy-going atmosphere. Embrace the island's unique history, indulge in local cuisine, and explore the picturesque towns along the coast.
9. Combine city and seaside in The Hague, The Netherlands
- Best for: Variety with its beach, museums, and miniatures
The Hague offers a blend of city life and beach holidays, with family-friendly museums, cultural attractions, and a vibrant boardwalk. Scheveningen’s beautiful coastline and local amusement parks make it a perfect choice for a family weekend.
10. Portugal's Algarve
- Best for: Sun-soaked family holidays filled with adventure and culture
From its stunning blue flag beaches to water parks and ancient sites, the Algarve region in Portugal caters to families seeking a stimulating and picturesque holiday. With a focus on safety and welcoming atmosphere, Portugal makes for an excellent family holiday destination.
Beyond these ten options, delve into underrated family-friendly destinations like Alta Badia in Italy, Minho in Portugal, La Rioja in Spain, Pelion Peninsula in Greece, and Central Austria. Each of these locations combines culture, adventure, and unique experiences for a memorable family holiday in Europe.
- Europe's diverse offerings extend to lifestyle choices, with the Romagna Riviera in Italy, known for its family-friendly beach resorts, serving as an ideal destination for home-and-garden enthusiasts seeking a relaxing vacation by the sea.
- Travelers with a passion for language and cultural immersion can embark on an unforgettable journey by enrolling their older kids or teens in summer camps in Switzerland, where they'll experience the breathtaking landscapes, appealing society, and multiple languages of the country.
