6 best European vacations for families (that both parents and kids will love)

Planning a family trip can be a handful, but thankfully, Europe has something for everyone.

Date published:  
July 15, 2025

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If you’ve ever planned a family trip, you know how tricky it can be to find a destination everyone’s happy with.

“Let’s go somewhere beachy!”

“I vote for a city break. Art galleries and cool cafés, anyone?”

“No thanks, I’d rather find a cabin in the forest and not see anyone for a whole week.”

It can be a handful, we know—but thankfully, Europe has something for everyone. If you’re traveling with your family and aren’t sure where to go, these six destinations are sure to tick everyone’s boxes, from kids to parents, and even grandparents if they’re tagging along too!

The best part? Each of these destinations is well-connected to major cities across Europe, with frequent flights from hubs like London, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam. Travelling from outside Europe? No problem—many of them also have direct connections from the US, Canada, and even Australia (with a stop or two).

Here are some of the best places to travel in Europe with kids:

Copenhagen, Denmark

Clean, easy to navigate, and packed full of kid-friendly activities, Copenhagen is a traveling parent’s secret weapon. Known for being one of the safest cities in the world, it’s a place where you can soak up all the fun without a second thought.

Reliable public transport makes exploring the city a breeze, or you can rent a cargo bike—a Christiania bike—and pedal around together.

If you’re traveling with babies, you can rent a high-quality stroller and have it delivered straight to your hotel, then picked up when it’s time to leave. You’ll also be pleased to find clean baby-changing facilities throughout the city, which will take a lot of stress out of sightseeing with little ones.

Must visit:

  • Tivoli Gardens, the world’s second-oldest amusement park, located smack in the middle of the city. With 30 thrilling rides, over 30 restaurants, and a jam-packed seasonal lineup of shows, it’s like Disneyland, minus the never-ending lines.
  • Legoland®—because what child (or adult, let’s be honest) can resist an entire universe built out of bricks? 
  • The Round Tower for the most incredible (and Instagrammable) 360-degree view of Copenhagen.

Barcelona, Spain 

If you’re looking for a destination that will get the kids’ imagination going, look no further than Barcelona. Between the whimsical Gaudí architecture, hands-on science museums, and lively beach culture, Barcelona ticks all the boxes for a memorable family holiday in Spain.

The city center is quite compact, which means you can get to most places on foot. And if little legs get tired and start begging for a break, you can always grab a family metro pass, which is valid for eight journeys over 30 days. 

Many museums and attractions also offer skip-the-line or timed-entry tickets that can be booked online in advance—ideal for avoiding long queues (and potential tantrums).

Must visit:

  • Cosmocaixa, a science museum that’s anything but boring. Whether your kids are into dinosaurs, planets, or geology, there’s an interactive exhibition to spark their curiosity.
  • Casa Batlló, one of Gaudí’s most magical creations. The dragon-like rooftop, colorful mosaic facade, wavy walls, fantastical light shows… It feels straight out of a storybook.
  • Granda Viader, an old-school café that has been around since 1870, and has become a kid favorite for good reason (mainly the sweet, sweet churros and thick hot chocolate to dunk them in).

Paris, France

When you think of Paris, you probably think ‘city of love’. But there’s more to the French capital than romance—and we’re not just talking about Disneyland (although, spoiler alert, it is on our ‘must-visit’ list). 

Getting around is easy thanks to the fast, reliable metro, and kids under four can travel for free. For a more scenic option, you can hop on a bateau-mouche—a Seine river cruise where parents (and grandparents) can enjoy a well-earned moment of relaxation.

It’s also worth mentioning that many museums in Paris offer free entry for kids under 18, and most major attractions are stroller-friendly, with lifts, ramps, or pram parking available.

Must visit:

  • Disneyland. Five words: the happiest place on Earth. A theme park that’s just as magical for parents as it is for kids.
  • Jardin du Luxembourg, one of Paris’s most beloved parks, where the whole family can spend hours making memories on the vintage carousel, at the puppet shows, and in the many playgrounds.
  • Centre Pompidou, a vibrant modern art museum packed with colourful, interactive exhibits and a dedicated Children’s Gallery where little ones can create and explore.

Algarve, Portugal

Did you know that the Algarve enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year? If it’s a warm, beachy escape your family is after, it doesn’t get much better than that. While the south of Portugal might be known for its nightlife in certain spots, the Algarve is surprisingly family-friendly, with walkable streets, laid-back vibes, and plenty of space for kids to run around.

Many resorts also have kids’ clubs, family pools, and on-site activities, making it easy to keep little ones entertained while parents get a moment to unwind.

And then there are the beaches. Whether your kids are just learning to swim or like a bit of adventure, there’s a patch of sand for everyone—from calm, shallow waters to dramatic cliffs and caves. Many beaches are also Blue Flag certified, so you know they’re safe, clean, and equipped with handy facilities like lifeguards, bathrooms, and beachside cafés.

Must visit:

  • Zoomarine—part water park, part animal show, part theme park, where you can watch a pirate acrobatic show, swim with dolphins, or slide down water rides.
  • Lagos Zoo. Home to more than 140 animals and 200 botanical species, this peaceful zoo offers an intimate (and unforgettable) wildlife experience.
  • Meia Praia, one of the Algarve’s longest beaches, with gentle waves and plenty of space to build sandcastles, kick a ball, or just stretch out and soak up the Portuguese sun.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Strolling down the streets of Dubrovnik is like stepping into a real-life castle adventure—the kind your kids have only read about in storybooks. From old forts to towering stone walls to winding cobblestone alleys, there’s something about this Croatian city that instantly sparks the imagination.

There are beaches right around the corner, too, as well as scenic hiking trails if your family’s up for a bit of outdoor adventure.

Need a change of scenery? Time for some island-hopping! Whether you choose the peaceful Elafiti Islands, the laid-back Lopud, or the lush Koločep, there are plenty of idyllic spots for a family escape—perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and feasting on fresh seafood by the sea. The best part? Some ferry rides take as little as 15 minutes, which is music to any parent’s ears when travelling with little ones prone to boredom.

Pro tip: Dubrovnik’s Old Town is pedestrian-only with lots of steps and cobblestones. WWe recommend using a baby carrier or lightweight travel stroller during your family holiday to Croatia.

Must visit:

  • City Walls Walk—1940 meters of medieval walls, featuring sixteen towers, three fortresses, six bastions, and incredible views in the city.
  • Dubrovnik Cable Car. Remember the scenic trails we mentioned before? Mount Srđ is one of the top spots for panoramic views and outdoor adventures, and the Dubrovnik Cable Car gets you there in just five minutes.
  • Banje beach, a pebbly beach located just a short walk from the Old Town. With its calm waves, crystal clear waters, and loungers for hire, it’s the perfect setting for a relaxing family afternoon.

Lake Garda, Italy

Lake Garda is the perfect mix of natural beauty, outdoor fun, and kid-friendly attractions—all wrapped up in a laid-back, safe environment. The beaches are an obvious highlight, and many have shallow, sandy areas where kids can splash safely. For teens and tweens, there are also spots to try kayaking, paddleboarding, or even windsurfing.

The region is dotted with medieval towns and castles to explore—perfect for kids with big imaginations and grandparents who enjoy a slower pace.

Needless to say, the food is incredibly family-friendly. Between the pasta, pizza, and gelato, even the fussiest eaters will be asking for seconds.

Must visit:

  • Sirmione Castle. Got a mini history lover in the family? They will absolutely love this fairytale-like fortress surrounded by water, complete with towers, drawbridges, and panoramic lake views.
  • Gardaland. A Legoland® water park, a dragon empire, Peppa Pig Land, plus dozens of adventure rides for the thrill-seekers out there? It’s easy to see why Gardaland tops the list for so many families.
  • Parco Natura Viva. Part safari park, part zoo, this conservation-focused wildlife park will take you on an adventure across five continents and introduce you to the most majestic animals from all around the globe.

Ready to start planning your family trip to Europe? With PayLater, you can secure the best flight deal now and pay it off in easy weekly or bi-weekly instalments. This means more time to get excited and less time worrying about the budget. Book now and get one step closer to your next family adventure.