Best Places to Travel in Europe With Kids

Europe may be filled with ancient landmarks, romantic cafes and world-class art — but it’s also home to some of the most exciting, imaginative and enriching destinations for kids. Whether you’re wandering through storybook castles, snorkeling off sun-drenched islands or learning to make pizza in Italy, European vacations for families can be just as adventurous as they are educational.

From active teens to wide-eyed toddlers, these are the best places to travel in Europe with kids — each destination offering walkable sightseeing, interactive experiences and enough gelato, crepes or churros to keep the little ones smiling from morning to night.

1. Barcelona, Spain – Park Playgrounds & Seaside Fun

Barcelona is bursting with kid-friendly energy — think colorful mosaics, giant food markets and beaches just steps from the city center. It’s one of the most dynamic cities for traveling with family in Europe, thanks to its walkable layout and endless mix of culture and play.

Families can explore Gaudí’s whimsical Park Güell, get hands-on at the CosmoCaixa science museum and snack their way through La Boqueria market. After sightseeing, relax on the soft sands of Barceloneta Beach or hop on a cable car for bird’s-eye views over the city.

Top Family Experiences:

• Explore Park Güell’s colorful playgrounds and lizard statues.
• Ride the funicular up Montjuïc and visit the Magic Fountain show at night.
• Visit L’Aquàrium de Barcelona — one of Europe’s largest.

2. Rome, Italy – Ruins, Pizza & Gladiator Dreams

Rome transforms into a giant outdoor classroom when seen through a child’s eyes. With epic ruins, ancient legends and interactive tours, it’s one of the best places to travel in Europe with kids who love history and imagination.

Young travelers can channel their inner gladiator at the Colosseum, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain and roam the ancient cobblestones of the Roman Forum. Between historical sights, there’s no shortage of pizza, pasta and gelato to refuel your crew.

Top Family Experiences:

• Join a kid-friendly Colosseum tour with interactive storytelling.
• Take a pizza- or gelato-making class together.
• Visit Villa Borghese Park for biking, paddle boating and a small zoo.

3. Amsterdam, Netherlands – Bikes, Boats & Science Galore

Amsterdam is incredibly family-friendly, with safe bike lanes, interactive museums and scenic canal rides. It’s one of the best European vacations for families who want a mix of culture and fun in a compact, easy-to-navigate city.

Rent bikes and ride through Vondelpark, then explore the hands-on exhibits at NEMO Science Museum. For something more low-key, cruise the canals with snacks or hop on a ferry to nearby beachy neighborhoods.

Top Family Experiences:

• Play and learn at NEMO Science Museum and ARTIS Zoo.
• Take a kid-friendly canal cruise with commentary and treats.
• Rent bikes or a bakfiets and explore the city like a local.

4. Copenhagen, Denmark – Whimsy, Hygge & LEGOs

Copenhagen is practically built for families. From Tivoli Gardens’ old-world amusement park charm to the home of LEGO, Denmark knows how to capture a child’s sense of wonder — and a parent’s love for clean, organized travel.

Explore castles, try traditional open-faced sandwiches and ride Viking ships at the National Museum. Don’t miss Tivoli’s evening light shows and cozy cafés that make downtime feel just as magical as the attractions.

Top Family Experiences:

• Spend a full day at Tivoli Gardens — rides, games, food and fireworks.
• Visit The Blue Planet Aquarium or take a boat ride through Nyhavn.
• Take a day trip to LEGOLAND Billund, the original park.

5. Lisbon, Portugal – Trams, Tile Art & Ocean Views

Lisbon combines old-world charm with youthful spirit, making it a hit for families traveling together. It’s compact, hilly (hello, fun trams!) and packed with parks, castles and epic coastal views.

Kids can climb the towers of São Jorge Castle, ride the iconic yellow Tram 28 and explore the Oceanário — one of the best aquariums in Europe. With pastel de nata in hand and sea breezes on your face, traveling with family in Europe feels especially relaxed in Lisbon.

Top Family Experiences:

• Visit Lisbon Oceanarium in the futuristic Parque das Nações.
• Ride Tram 28 for a historic tour on wheels.
• Take a day trip to the fairytale castles of Sintra.

6. Florence, Italy – Art for Kids & Tuscan Adventures

Florence might be known for its Renaissance masterpieces, but it’s also a surprisingly kid-friendly city. With its small size, hands-on museums and pizza-making classes, it offers an ideal blend of culture and creativity.

Families can visit Michelangelo’s David, climb the Duomo (with plenty of breaks) and explore Leonardo da Vinci–inspired workshops. Nearby Tuscan towns like Lucca offer day trips with open spaces and medieval walls you can walk or bike on.

Top Family Experiences:

• Join a family art workshop at the Palazzo Vecchio.
• Take a pasta- or pizza-making class with a local chef.
• Visit the interactive Leonardo da Vinci Museum.

7. Dubrovnik, Croatia – Walls, Islands & Fantasy Worlds

Dubrovnik captures kids’ imaginations with its towering stone walls, island adventures and fantasy-like Old Town (yes, it’s a filming location for "Game of Thrones"). It’s compact, coastal and easy to explore — ideal for families who want sunshine and history in one spot.

Walk the medieval city walls, swim at pebble beaches and take a cable car up Mount Srđ for panoramic views. A quick boat ride to Lokrum Island adds a nature twist to your Dubrovnik experience.

Top Family Experiences:

• Walk the full loop of Dubrovnik’s Old Town walls.
• Take a ferry to Lokrum Island for swimming and exploring.
• Ride the cable car for a sunset picnic on the hilltop.

8. Athens, Greece – Mythology, Ruins & Greek Treats

For families with budding history buffs, Athens delivers in full. Kids can learn about Greek mythology where it actually happened, walk among ancient ruins and enjoy relaxed evenings in Plaka — the historic heart of the city.

Interactive museum tours and open-air archaeological sites keep things engaging, while casual tavernas and pedestrian-friendly zones make Athens easy to navigate. It’s one of the best places to travel in Europe with kids who are curious and love stories.

Top Family Experiences:

• Explore the Acropolis with a kid-focused tour guide.
• Visit the Hellenic Children’s Museum or Museum of Illusions.
• Take a food tour that includes sweet loukoumades (Greek donuts).

9. Marseille, France – Coastal Castles & Seaside Explorations

Marseille is one of the most vibrant ports in southern France — a gateway to both cultural adventures and seaside fun. With historic forts, boat rides to mysterious islands and Provençal treats to sample, it’s a fantastic stop for European vacations for families.

Kids can explore the medieval towers of Fort Saint-Nicolas, take a boat to the Château d’If (the setting of The Count of Monte Cristo) or enjoy a beach day along the Mediterranean. A visit to the colorful Old Port and its bustling fish market brings the culture to life in a way kids can see, smell and taste.

Top Family Experiences:

• Take a boat ride to Château d’If for a pirate-style adventure.
• Ride the Petit Train up to Notre-Dame de la Garde for city views.
• Explore the Marseille History Museum and ancient Roman port ruins.

10. Naples, Italy – Pizza, Ancient Streets & Island Adventures

Naples offers an exciting mix of culture, cuisine and hands-on history — perfect for families who love to dive into local life. Known as the birthplace of pizza, the city is bursting with flavor, character and kid-friendly energy.

Families can explore the remarkably preserved ruins of Pompeii, stroll through lively open-air markets and take a ferry to the nearby island of Capri for seaside fun. In the historic center, winding alleyways lead to hidden piazzas, delicious street food and centuries-old churches that feel straight out of a storybook.

Top Family Experiences:

• Discover the ancient city of Pompeii with a kid-friendly guide who brings the ruins to life.
• Learn to make authentic Neapolitan pizza in a family-run pizzeria.
• Take a scenic boat ride to Capri and explore its charming towns and beaches.

Best Places to Travel in Europe With Kids

From the colorful mosaics of Barcelona to the ancient myths of Athens and the geothermal playgrounds of Reykjavik, Europe offers endless ways to make family memories. Whether you're exploring old cities or coastal gems, these destinations prove that traveling with family in Europe can be just as magical for parents as it is for kids. Each of these cities blends culture, adventure and plenty of kid-friendly experiences — making them the perfect places to start planning your next great family journey.