Europe is a diverse continent with many different cultures and people. It is home to some of the most beautiful cities in the world, and has a rich history that you can explore.
Don’t let having kids put you off travelling. Many European cities are incredibly welcoming for families, and have a huge range of activities that kids and their parents can enjoy together.
There are so many reasons why you should take your kids to Europe! The following city recommendations will help you plan your ideal trip.
Paris – A City For The Whole Family
Paris is a city that is full of amazing attractions for the whole family. From the Eiffel Tower to Versailles, there are plenty of things to do for kids and adults alike.
The best places to visit with kids in Paris are:
Disneyland Paris – Needs no explanation! It is one of the most popular theme parks in Europe, and it has something for everyone. There are rides for children, as well as restaurants and shops.
The Louvre – This museum houses some of the world’s most famous artworks, including Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. It’s a great place to spend a day exploring with your children.
Notre Dame Cathedral – This cathedral is one of the most iconic buildings in all of France and a beautiful landmark to visit with your child.
Palais Royal – This former royal residence a short walk from the Louvre is one of the most beautiful and historical places to visit for kids. There are gardens and lots of open space for kids to run around while you admire the architecture.
Champs Elysées – This large avenue has some of the most famous luxury shops in Europe, including Chanel and Louis Vuitton. Children will enjoy seeing the famous Arc de Triomphe and you can even climb up its 280 stairs if you’re feeling energetic!
Venice – The Best City for a Family Vacation
Venice is a wonderful place for families to visit. The city offers many kid-friendly attractions that are perfect for both parents and children. Venice is a unique city that has been around for centuries.
Venice offers many kid-friendly attractions such as the Gondola Ride, Piazza San Marco, and Murano Island. These attractions are perfect for both parents and children because they offer something for everyone to enjoy.
London – A Kid’s Paradise on Earth
London is a city that has plenty to offer for everyone. The city is known for its history, culture, and prestigious art scene. But what makes London an even more appealing destination for families with children is the plethora of activities that the city has to offer.
Kids will have a blast exploring museums, playing in parks, and looking at all of the sites in the city. And parents will love not having to worry about spending too much money on their entertainment due to the number of free activities in London – most museums and art galleries are free, plus of course all the fantastic parks. Here are some of the best things to do in London with kids:
HMS Belfast: The HMS Belfast, a museum ship and tourist attraction in the Royal Navy Dockyard on the River Thames, is open to visitors. There are tours and exhibitions of naval ships from different eras on board. A children’s exhibition for kids aged 5-12 is also available.
Natural History Museum: A firm favourite for families visiting the big city, the Natural History Museum is most famous for its extensive collection of dinosaur skeletons, plus its animals including a life size blue whale!
Buckingham Palace: Go and see if the Queen is home and try to catch the changing of the guard.
Amsterdam – The Ideal City for Kids
Amsterdam is a perfect city for family vacations. The Dutch capital has a lot to offer for kids of all ages, from amusement parks to museums and from outdoor activities to indoor fun. There are many family-friendly hotels in Amsterdam, and you can find plenty of restaurants with good child-friendly menus.
NEMO Science Museum – this museum is one of the world’s largest interactive science museum. The entire museum is designed for kids with hands-on exhibits and activities.
ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo – this zoo is the Holland’s most famous zoo. It’s nearly 200 years old and is located in central Amsterdam. A perfect place to spend a day with your family.
Copenhagen – the City of Children
Copenhagen is known as a city of children. It has so many attractions that it is hard to know where to start.
The best place to visit with kids in Copenhagen is the Tivoli Gardens. It has a lot of rides and attractions, but it also has some really cool gardens and restaurants.
If you are looking for something more educational, you can go to the Carlsberg brewery which is the world’s largest brewery (especially popular with bigger kids, aka dads!) or check out the Danish National Museum of Art and Design which houses some really interesting exhibits about Danish design history.
If you’re interested in architecture, visit the Royal Palace that was completed in 1703. The statue of Hans Christian Andersen is also located here.
Don’t be afraid of travelling with kids!
Any of these European cities would be a great first foray into travelling with kids. So pack your suitcases and get exploring!
Considering a trip further afield? See my recommendations for kid-friendly destinations in America.