22 Best European Summer Holiday Destinations for Families - merry-go-round. slowly (2024)

Are you looking for a place in Europe to visit this summer with your family? Look no more! Here are some handpicked European destinations for families, where both adults and kids can enjoy their summer break.

Mountains, islands, city breaks, beaches and forests. Explore Europe in its variety.

Southern Europe

Sardinia, Italy

By Claudia Tavani from Strictly Sardinia

At the heart of the Mediterranean, the Italian island of Sardinia is by far the best summer holiday destination for families. It is blessed with thousands of gorgeous beaches, pristine nature, quaint villages, clean beaches, archeological sites, delicious food and wine. Sardinia is the kind of place where children have a blast. Take them to the beach and they will enjoy endless sand-castle games, snorkeling in the clear, shallow waters, and playing soccer with other children they will befriend.

With so many places to pick from in Sardinia, where should you spend your holidays then?

La Maddalena Archipelago, at the northeastern tip of Sardinia, is certainly a favorite place. Easy to reach by ferry from Palau, a quick drive from Olbia airport, and now a national park, this set of islands is a sight to behold. Only 7 of them are inhabited – most are highly protected!

Make sure to enjoy a boat tour around La Maddalena. It will take you to the best beaches such as Cala Coticcio, in Caprera island, or places such as Spargi island and Budelli, one of the most beautiful (and highly protected) pink beaches in Sardinia.

Fancy exploring the south of Sardinia instead? Head to Villasimius, at easy driving distance from Cagliari. A sleepy small town in the winter, Villasimius swells with visitors in the summer months. The tourists from Sardinia, Italy and Europe come then to enjoy the gorgeous beaches of Porto Giunco, Punta Molentis, and more.

The Island of Zakynthos, Greece

by Stéphanie from Bey Of Travel

The beautiful Greek island Zakynthos is the perfect getaway for a family holiday in Europe. The exotic island is known for its breathtaking landscapes, crazy nightlife, beautiful beaches, and turquoise waters. The most famous trademark of Zakynthos is the Shipwreck beach. You can visit the wreck and its surrounding cliffs by boat, or you can enjoy the breathtaking view from above.

Another famous beach on the island is Laganas beach. This is the island’s largest beach and the nesting grounds for endangered Caretta-caretta sea turtles. They lay their eggs on the beach during spring and summer. You might be lucky enough to see them getting out of the sea to hide their eggs under the sand, but you should by no means disturb them!

Located on the southeast peninsular of Zakynthos, you will find the small town Vasilikos. This is the perfect area if you like nature and less touristic places. Or if you are looking for a quieter place on the island to enjoy a family holiday. You can explore the area on foot, by bike, or by quad. You will find many traditional Greek cuisines in one of the many family restaurants.

Make sure to book a room in Porto Zante Villas And Spa. The hotel offers luxurious villas with private heated pools and private gardens set right on the beachfront.

There is a Kids’ Club and an outdoor playground. Babysitting services and baby equipment are also provided.

The best time of the year to visit Zakynthos is during summer, the temperatures are amazing. It is the perfect holiday destination for families if you love water sports, snorkeling, boat rides, and adventure.

Cyprus

By Lavina from Continent Hop

There are many family-friendly destinations in Europe that people think of when it comes to spending summer in Europe. Some of the popular ones are Greece and Italy. However, places like Cyprus are perfect because they are not only more budget-friendly but also are less crowded. Cyprus is also a great European family holiday destination because it has options for a stay that serve multi-generational families.

The weather is warm for most of the year, so Cyrpus is one of the few places in Europe that one can play in the sea. Although in summer temperatures here reach quite a high, the mornings and evenings are very pleasant and have the best sunrises and sunsets!

The beaches are clean and many resorts are located by the sea. So some of the family can relax and others can take a walk, hike or do other activities.

The island isn’t huge however it has a lot to offer. It has many archaeological attractions that one can enjoy. Among them are Neo Paphos, Tomb of the Kings, Paphos Castle, and the Agios Neophytos Monastery. Most of these are concentrated in the capital Paphos but many are scattered around the country too.

In addition to this, there’s also Petra Tou Romiou and the Adonis Baths waterfalls. These natural landmarks are stunning and worth a visit.

Cyprus is great not only because it has great history and architecture but it also has great food. Traditional food in Cyprus is delicious and simple.

One of the ways to taste as many things as possible is to order a mezze platter. You can get tzatziki, hummus, grilled halloumi, local sausages, stuffed vine leaves – ten or more items on one platter.

Cyprus offers a lot for the whole family. Kids and grown-ups can indulge in surfing, kayaking, exploring caves, going for walks, and even scuba diving. Stay busy yet have a great time!

The Algarve, Portugal

By Nichola from the Global Mouse Travels

The Algarve is one of the best locations for a family summer holiday. The Algarve, the region at the bottom of Portugal, is particularly welcoming to those travelling with kids. There are water parks and fun activities at every turn.

The Algarve has amazing stretches of sandy beaches and the temperature can be balmy even in winter. In summer it really comes into its own though with almost guaranteed sunshine every day and a temperature that is perfect for a beachside break. It’s the perfect place to get active too with golf, horse riding and mountain biking perfect activities.

Head to the Ria Formosa Natural Park to spot wildlife and wind your way to the gorgeous beach here. Head to the furthest point west, to the sleepy town of Sagres. It looks out across the rocks to the sea beyond. It is in Sagres that Europeans once thought the world ended and it is a really atmospheric spot. Visit the lighthouse and walk along the top here for beautiful views, particularly as the sun sets.

There are plenty of fantastic restaurants in the Algarve too. A place like “2 Passos”, set out on the sand, is ideal for casual dining where you will be greeted like family. If you’re planning a trip to Portugal with kids, make sure the Algarve is your number one destination – however long you come for won’t be enough.

The French Riviera, France

By Ophelie from Limitless Secrets

The French Riviera in the South of France is one of the best family holiday destinations for summer! This region, named “Côte d’Azur” in French, is located on the eastern part of the Mediterranean coastline between Marseille and the Italian border. The French Riviera is a perfect place to visit in summer. Here there is usually a lot of sun and no wind, and the sky is bright blue like the sea!

But the French Riviera also has a lot of assets for a family vacation! First of all, it offers a great number of beautiful beaches. Whether you want to lie down on the sand and rest or play with your kids and swim, you will have plenty of choices! Check out the beaches of Plage de la Mala in Cap d’Ail, plage de l’Île de Porquerolles or Plage de la Salis in Antibes.

Also, in this region, you will find a great variety of stunning landscapes that you can explore. For example, the National Park of the Calanques near Marseille and Cassis is a great place for a hike and a swim. It will satisfy all the young adventurers out there!

But the cities in the French Riviera are also very interesting. You can check out the big cities like Nice and Marseille. Here you can visit a lot of museums and do other cultural activities.

Besides that, you shouldn’t miss the towns and villages. They are full of colors like Villefranche-sur-Mer and Menton or will take you back in time as the medieval Èze.

Last but not least, you can do a lot of boat trips on the French Riviera. It’s located on the Mediterranean coastline: a great kid-friendly activity!

Malaga, Spain

By Joana from Andalucia in My Pocket

Malaga is a wonderful destination to visit with your family in the summer. You are guaranteed days of sunshine, not a cloud in the sky, and plenty of things to do. Malaga is the gateway to Costa del Sol, but it’s also a great city to visit. It offers everything a traveller wants: beaches, culture, good food and lively nightlife.

Malaga is fortunate to have two wonderful beaches right in the city, walking distance from the old town. The most famous one is La Malagueta, which is a wide, sandy beach, with shallow and warm water. The beaches are serviced by lifeguards and benefit from all the facilities, including play centres for children and boat rentals.

Alongside the beach, you will find plenty of chiringuitos (Spanish beach bars). There you can indulge in the local speciality, the espetos. These are skewers of sardines grilled over an open fire and served with lemon and fries. You must try it when you visit Malaga. It is one of the dishes that make the destination famous with the foodies.

Malaga has been under the Moorish occupation for centuries, the same as the entire South of Spain. The Moors have built here a beautiful fortress and palace with landscaped gardens overlooking the sea. Visiting the Alcazaba is a great way to learn about the history of the city.

Malaga is also home to the famous painter Pablo Picasso. You can visit here the home he was born in but also the museum desiccated to his works.

Eastern Europe

Georgia’s Black Sea Coast

By Emily from Wander-Lush

Budget-friendly and with a vast diversity of landscapes and cultural activities on offer, the Republic of Georgia is one of the best destinations in the region for a summer family holiday.

Georgia’s Black Sea Coast is extremely popular as a summer destination. Tourists and locals alike flock to the beach to escape the heat of the cities. Batumi, the biggest resort city, has an international airport and is easy to reach by high-speed train from Tbilisi. It does tend to get crowded and a touch expensive in July and August. However, so it’s best to spend a few days exploring then venture elsewhere.

Kids will love the Roman fortresses on the Black Sea Coast, including Gonio Apsaros and Petra. The quality of the beaches improves vastly as you head north from Batumi with beautiful fine-grain black sand around Ureki and Shekvetili in particular. Both these resort towns are a lot smaller and quieter by comparison.

Shekvetili is a great choice for families. It boasts a lot of kid-friendly activities beyond the beach. In the Miniatures Museum you can see scaled models of Georgia’s most important churches and monuments. One of the best resorts in the country, Paragraph, is located in Shekvetili. It has outdoor play areas for younger kids plus a large pool. It’s a good idea to bring your own car. This way you have the freedom to explore the other coves, gardens, and charming seaside towns dotted along the coast.

The sunsets on Georgia’s west-facing beaches are outstanding and will make your family holiday all the more memorable.
Hotel: https://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/paragraph-resort-spa-shekvetili-autograph-collection.es-mx.html

Istria, Croatia

By Martina & Jürgen from Places of Juma

One of our most amazing destinations for a perfect summer family holiday is for sure Istria in Croatia!

The best way to explore all the main places is by car. While driving around you will explore gorgeous beaches, fascinating hilly landscapes, and romantic mountain villages! Don’t miss the coastal towns of Pula, Poreč, and Rovinj that attract countless visitors from all over the world.

Istria is not just only for sightseeing, there are also lots of kid-friendly activities. One of the main highlights is the Dinopark Funtana. Built on an area of 80,000 m², this great amusem*nt park offers a variety of life-size and movable dinosaur statues, which are guaranteed to amaze children. The two main water parks: Istralandia near Novigrad and Aquapark Aquacolors in Porec are great fun for young and old!

Istria offers countless possibilities for sportive family activities. Go cycling along the coast or hiking in the green, hilly hinterland. Explore the coast by kayak tours, boat tours, or by SUB.

Istria in summer is one of the most recommended places for a family holiday and should be high up on any bucket list!

Slovakia

By Jiayi from The Diary of the Nomad

If you’re looking to spend an unforgettable summer with your family, Slovakia is definitely one of the most underrated European destinations to consider. Many tourists who visit Slovakia usually just drop by Bratislava for a day. However, there is so much to see and do in the rest of the country. Also, most of it is devoid of crowds, making it the perfect spot for a quiet and relaxing family getaway.

One of the best places in Slovakia is the majestic Tatras Mountains. They offer a variety of stunning hiking trails and scenic walks in the summer. Many of the walking paths are very family-friendly, and you’ll come across lots of local families with kids vacationing there. Moreover, AquaPark Tatralandia, the biggest aquapark in Slovakia, is also located right next to the Tatras Mountains and is filled with fun slides and pools.

If your family is into historic places, Slovakia has tons of beautiful castles to keep you busy. Kids will especially love Bojnice Castle, which looks straight out of a fairytale. Orava Castle is also very pleasant to visit and offers spectacular views from its upper floors.

Slovakia is also home to lots of gorgeous medieval towns such as Bardejov, Kremnica, and Levoča. Walking around the quiet streets of these towns is a wonderful way to relax and sightsee as a family.

Don’t miss out on Košice if you’re a foodie family and want to taste the best of the local cuisine. There’s also a gorgeous botanical garden in Košice with lots of butterflies and beautiful plants. It is the perfect place to spend an afternoon with your kids.

Saint Petersburg, Russia

By Ellis from Backpack Adventures

Saint Petersburg in Russia is a great destination in Europe in summer. Because of its northern latitude, you can enjoy white nights as well as warm and sunny weather without it becoming too hot. The biggest reason to visit Saint Petersburg with your family though is the variety of things to do.

Saint Petersburg is a beautiful city that has a lot to offer for everyone, no matter their age. It’s full of history, culture, and architecture. The amount of museums, palaces, and cathedrals to choose from is astounding. Children will love the Leningrad zoo, the Bolshoi puppet theatre, the Aurora battleship, the railway museum, or the largest planetarium in Europe.

In general, Saint Petersburg is a very child-friendly city. Lots of restaurants have a children’s menu or even a playroom. Most attractions have made an effort to be sure that they will pick the interest of younger members of the family too. Even art museums like the Hermitage or the Kunstkamera are interactive enough for children to enjoy.

In summer, there are lots of outdoor activities as well. You can join the local families in the city’s parks and palace gardens. Many of them will have children’s playgrounds. There are even a few beaches where you can go swimming on the seashore. A boat tour on the beautiful canals or a cruise to nearby islands in the Neva River is another highlight of St Petersburg in summer.

Finally, St Petersburg is a great base for a number of day trips. The Peterhof Palace, where the Russian tsars once roamed around, is a must-visit. Especially in summer when you get there by hydrofoil. Other palaces where children will feel like a prince or princess in the lavishly decorated rooms are the Catherine and Pavlovsk palaces.

Northern Europe

Jutland, Denmark

By Nichola from the Family Hotel Expert

There can’t be many better places to visit, at any time of the year, than Jutland in Denmark. This region at the top of the country is filled with castles and culture and lots of fun too. Summer is the perfect time to visit when balmy temperatures allow for long, lingering days out exploring. Visit the beaches where the waves crash spectacularly and rolling sand dunes are perfect for clambering up.

If you’re looking for a family holiday to Denmark then this region, with all its links to Legoland is perfect. Visit the world’s first Legoland theme park and explore the history of this famous brick in the new, interactive Lego House. There’s plenty more here though, particularly in the form of culture.

Visit the sweet town of Jelling where you can see the original Viking rune stones. Or make your way to picturesque Ribe, the oldest town in Denmark. Every street there seems more beautiful than the last.

For somewhere really spectacular head to the top of Jutland and the atmospheric town of Skagen. Here the sea seems a little wilder and the beaches even more beautiful. It’s the perfect place to spot seals basking on the sand.

With plenty of holiday homes and great resorts, Jutland provides the perfect place for a summer holiday. Denmark is wonderful for families, couples, and solo travellers and Jutland has so much of the best the country has on offer.

North Norfolk Coast, UK

by Anisa from Norfolk Local Guide

The North Norfolk Coast is a perfect place for a summer vacation as a family away from the hustle and bustle of London. Of course, there are pristine beaches, but the coast has much more to offer.

Base yourself about 140 miles from London in the Victorian seaside resort town of Cromer, famous for its pier. Kids will enjoy trying to catch some Cromer crabs from the pier. They will also love the beach, which is one of six that was awarded the blue flag in Norfolk. In Cromer, there are also arcades, a crazy golf course, beach huts, and plenty of family-friendly dining options. It’s also worth visiting the Henry Blogg Museum, where kids will be inspired to learn about the local hero through interactive displays.

Just to the west of Cromer, you will find the charming town of Sheringham. It’s home to another blue flag-winning beach and more beach huts. The short walk up the Beeston Bump is suitable for children and offers fantastic views of the coast. Here you can also catch a ride on the North Norfolk Railway’s historic steam train.

Great Yarmouth, which is a bit southeast of Cromer, is another great town for families. While it does have a beach, that is not the main attraction. You can take the kids to Pleasure Beach, which is a traditional theme park with 28 rides and attractions. There is also a Sea Life Centre, the historic Hippodrome Circus, and the family-friendly Elizabethan House Museum.

Rovaniemi, Finland

By Ucman from Brown Boy Travels

Rovaniemi is located close to the Arctic circle and it is one of the best spots to spend vacation time with kids and families. What better place than the Santa village to visit for a holiday!

Rovaniemi has its own airport with a good selection of hotels. The city is small and fairly quaint but there are plenty of options when it comes to food. Reindeer and salmon are must-try, that goes without saying.

Santa village is a short drive away. You can also stay in the village but that comes with a hefty price tag. The village is at its best in winters with lots of snow around but summer is equally festive. It truly is magical and if Santa had to choose a hometown, it would be here for sure. There are many activities to do around here from mailing postcards to your friends and family back home to playing tons of games.

Outdoors you can meet the reindeers and huskies. Learning about the local lifestyle is added fun. There are tons of lakes around to spend a great time in and take advantage of those long summer days.

One of the most interesting activities for adults is floating in a lake at night.

Rovaniemi is a fun visit no matter which age you belong to, it offers fun and excitement for everyone.

Edinburgh, Scotland

By Gemma from Everything Edinburgh

Whether you have a weekend in Edinburgh or a week in Scotland’s capital, there is so much to do for families! You’ll want to return for your next trip!

Starting in the Old Town, kids love the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions with its five floors of crazy activities such as a magic mirror maze! Head to the top floor for epic views of its neighbour, Edinburgh Castle.

Don’t miss Victoria Street, which is the inspiration for Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley. Are you a family of Potterheads? Join fellow muggles on The Potter Trail tour around the Old Town.

The National Museum of Scotland is a free attraction with floors of artefacts, science, technology and Scottish history. The viewpoint, which is also free, provides lovely views of the buildings. Don’t forget to say hi to Greyfriars Bobby, who lives close by.

If parents are worried about dragging their kids around the Royal Yacht Britannia while they get their Crown fix, don’t stress! There’s a corgi dog hunt around the royal yacht.

Once you’ve exhausted the indoor activities and the budget is feeling a tad tight, it’s time to get outdoors! Walk to the top of Calton Hill to see the monuments; kids love to climb the National Monument of Scotland.

For a longer hike, consider Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park. The walk takes around an hour and starts at the Scottish Parliament. It often has ponds filled with kids and the occasional dog!

On the rare sunny day, head to one of Edinburgh’s beaches. There are two to choose from, Portobello and Cramond.

Peak District, UK

By Jenny from Peak District Kids

The Peak District, nestled between the big cities of Manchester, Sheffield, and Derby, is the oldest National Park in the UK. It’s a wonderful destination for outdoor families with an abundance of family walks through winding valleys. For example, the Dovedale walk or Lathkill Dale or along dramatic escarpments, such as Baslow Edge or Stanage Edge. Many of disused railway tracks in the District have been transformed into traffic-free cycle paths that criss-cross the National Park. These are relatively flat and wide, so perfect for families (such as the Monsal Trail and High Peak Trail).

Whilst the Peak District offers a fantastic array of outdoor activities for families (also including wild swimming, canoeing, and abseiling), there are also some excellent attractions. Among these:

• the cable car ride up to the caverns at Heights of Abraham
• the adventure playground, and farmyard at Chatsworth (one of the grandest estates in the country)
• the deep underground caves around Castleton and Buxton
• feeding the farm animals at Matlock Farm Park
• …not forgetting the thrilling rides at Gulliver’s Kingdom Matlock (best suited to kids aged 3-10).

The weather is very unpredictable in the Peak District. Summer though is a great time as all the campsites are open, the days are longer and generally warmer. On an especially hot day, the kids can go for a paddle in the river at Padley Gorge, or even a wild swim at Three Shires Head. Plus, over the summer holidays, there are often special events laid on for families at the main attractions.

Skåne, Sweden

By Kirstie from Hall Around The World

Skåne, Sweden’s southernmost province, is the perfect holiday destination for families who love the outdoors. Located just a short trip over the Öresund Bridge from the bustling Danish capital of Copenhagen, Skåne’s coast is dotted with pristine beaches, quaint seaside villages, lush forests, and charming cities. The idyllic coastal county offers ample outdoor spaces to explore and a number of activities are sure to be fun and entertaining for the whole family.

Older kids will love outdoor adventures and water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding in Skåne’s lakes, rivers, and seas. Younger family members can enjoy up close and personal wildlife encounters. In Skåne, you can try activities like horseback riding and alpaca trekking. Or spend a day at Skånes Djurpark, an animal park that is home to more than a thousand Nordic animals.

While you’re here, head to Kungsbygget Adventure Park in Hallandsåsen. There your family can test its limits with exhilarating activities like zip-lining, climbing, and bungee jumping. Or spend the day exploring Malmö, Sweden’s third-largest city. This region is also a paradise for foodie lovers with plenty of locally sourced culinary options available.

Whatever you choose to do while visiting Skåne, this is a holiday destination that will not disappoint… especially in the summer when the days never seem to end. The early sunrises and late sunsets create plenty of extra time for outdoor activities, making this region the go-to getaway for families who love to explore.

Western Europe

French Alps, France

By Elisa from France Bucket List

The French Alps is an excellent destination for a summer trip in Europe with kids. In addition to some of the highest peaks in Europe, the French Alps in the summer offer gorgeous landscapes, endless outdoor activities for all ages, and great food.

It is never too hot in the summer in the French Alps, with the temperatures more bearable for kids than on the coast. Depending on the altitude, you may need an extra layer for sleep!

The French Alps are well connected to the rest of France via an excellent network of trains and motorways. If you are coming from other countries in Europe, you can easily travel to the French Alps by train with a change in Paris or Lyon. Flying to the French Alps is possible too, with four major airports serving Savoie Mont Blanc in Geneva (Switzerland), Lyon, Grenoble, and Chambéry.

The best way to visit the French Alps is on a road trip. Hit the road and explore quaint towns and villages, forests, alpine lakes, and more. You can also decide to set your base in one of the main alpine cities – Annecy, Chambéry, Chamonix – and explore the surroundings on day trips or guided tours. Typical activities for families in the French Alps are biking, hiking (all distances and levels), swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. Also, keep some time for sightseeing, shopping, and enjoying the regional specialties.

If possible, avoid the second half of the summer, when the French families are on holiday. If you can travel to the French Alps sometime between June and mid-July, you will find fewer crowds and more accommodation options.

Basque Country, Spain

By Roxanne from Far Away Worlds

With beaches, great food and culture, Basque Country in Northern Spain is a great destination for a family holiday. While Spain is very popular in the summer, Basque Country is a lot quieter than the southern parts of the country, with more local tourists visiting its beach towns than foreign visitors. Its climate is temperate, even in the summer months, although the rainfall is significantly less this time of year. It is definitely warm enough to swim. The region’s varied landscapes also make it a fascinating place to visit as a family.

Start your trip by visiting Bilbao, the de facto capital of the Basque region. There you can explore the Guggenheim Museum, which has art spaces and interactive exhibitions for families. The giant spider sculpture at the entrance is sure to be a favourite with the kids!

San Sebastián is also a must for any Basque Country itinerary. There’s plenty for children to do, from the various beaches to the aquarium. For more active families, there’s are some beautiful walks and lovely villages tucked into the nearby Pyrenees.

Base yourself in one of the charming coastal towns for at least a week. Explore the nearby beaches, wander through the cobblestoned streets of small towns, and go on day trips up the coast.

The region is also renowned for its food. The pintxos, the local version of tapas, are similar to mini-sandwiches and very accessible for children. Whether you choose to focus just on that region or include it as a stop on a Northern Spain road trip, Basque Country is an idyllic place for families to experience together.

Giethoorn, Netherlands

By Angelie from Ask the Dutch Guy

Giethoorn is an enchanting little village in the Dutch province of Overijssel. Coming here is like stepping into a make-believe neighborhood where everything is perfect. The sun shines brightly in summer, snow is glistening in winter, the locals are friendly, and the gardens are fresh and lovely. There is peace and quiet (except for the many other tourists who are lining up to get on a “whisper” boat to cruise along the lovely canals).

Everyone is welcome to Giethoorn, except for corporate people who intend to bring their business here. Giethoorn is strictly for holiday, rest, and leisurely rides along the canals, rivers, and lakes.

Cars are also not welcome in the village. When arriving in Giethoorn in your car, you will be asked to leave it at a designated parking area. You will walk the rest of the way, or ride a bicycle or rent a boat. Most accommodations here include a boat or access to boat rentals. Other cool and fun rides that can take you around the village are the kick bike step, e-bike, e-chopper, moped, and kinderfeet.

No matter how you wish to see Giethoorn, make sure to visit Olde Maat Uus Museum to understand better how the Dutch people lived hundreds of years ago. Head to the De Oude Aarde museum to see precious gemstones, fossil minerals, and the world’s largest egg. The popular De Weerribben-Wieden National Park is home to a number of lakes, forests, and an array of wildlife.

Getting to Giethoorn from Amsterdam is easy. Take a train from Amsterdam Centraal to Steenwijk and then ride Bus 70 to the Dominee Hylkemaweg. From there, the village is just 10 more minutes away on foot.

Texel, Netherlands

By Cosette from KarsTravels

Texel in The Netherlands is a perfect island to visit in the Summertime. It has many beaches and these are perfect for a whole or half a day in the Summer. Nothing beats building a sandcastle with your kids, flying a kite on the beach on a windy day or swimming in the sea.

The beach however isn’t the only option on Texel for families: go cycling on Texel. The island is flat and has ample opportunities for biking. There are 140 kilometers (87 miles) of biking paths on Texel. You can rent bikes and tandems all over the island. There are kids’ bikes, tandems suitable for a kid and adult, and bike seats available. When exploring by bike, visit the lighthouse De co*cksdorp up North, the fishing village Oudeschild or the picturesque village Den Burg.

Perfect for kids is the Schipbreuk- en Juttersmuseum Flora or Kaap Skil museum, each with a different take on beachcombing. Both have a collection of finds from beachcombing on display. The Juttersmuseum has a scavenger hunt for kids throughout the museum.

At Ecomare seals and porpoises are being sheltered temporarily. When visiting you can check them out and learn more about these animals. You can also spot seals in the wild on a boat trip from Oudeschild. They can come rather close to the boat. Another fun boat tour is to go shrimp fishing. In which you head out to sea, they fish on shrimp and you get educated on everything they find.

Texel is an island and is reachable by ferry from the mainland, departing from the city of Den Helde.

Tyrol, Austria

By Jurga from Full Suitcase family travel blog

While we have traveled all over Europe with kids, there’s one destination that always stands out above all others as being most family-friendly, and that is the Tyrol region in Austria.

Austrian Tyrol is a mountainous region with stunning Alpine scenery and a huge variety of outdoor activities – perfect for those looking for an active summer holiday with kids. In addition to the typical summer activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, or swimming, you can also visit ice caves, ride Alpine coasters, go ziplining, or spend hours at the adventure parks… And the best thing is that most of these activities are really family-friendly.

No matter how old your children are, you’ll always find plenty to do with them in Tyrol. There are so many easy hiking trails with all kinds of treasure hunts and quests to keep children busy along the way, but there are also amazing hikes in the mountains for families with older kids or teens. You’ll also find playgrounds literally everywhere you go. And not just any playgrounds, but state-of-the-art installations with so much to do and to discover that even older kids will not want to leave.

If your budget allows it, you can stay at one of the many family resorts with indoor pools, amazing playrooms indoors and playgrounds outdoors, kids clubs, babysitters, kids meals, and even all kinds of baby gear that you can use during your stay…

But even if you are on a lower budget, Tyrol is a great destination for families. It’s quite easy to find affordable accommodations (even in the peak summer season) and also food is very reasonably priced (and kids will love Tyrolean dishes).

Furthermore, many accommodations offer free regional cards that include all kinds of tickets and activities, allowing you to see and do a lot without having to worry about the budget. For more inspiration and tips on where exactly to go and what to see, take a look at this guide to the best things to do in Tirol with kids in summer.

Munich, Germany

By Diana from The Globetrotting Detective

Summertime, Munich literally ticks all the right boxes for families. Both Munich and its surroundings offer a boatload of exciting activities for children of all ages.

On top of the touristic things to do, there are countless children-friendly activities in Munich.

The parks of Munich are the best playgrounds for children: Englischer Garten, Olympia Park, Nymphenburger Park, and Hirschgarten are not only perfect for strolling around but for other awesome activities. In Englischer Garten the kids can even splash in the water in one of the streams of the park or in the Isar River next to Englischer Garten.

In Olympia Park, the kids can have some fun in the trampoline park and visit Sea Life to discover an amazing underwater world. Nymphenburger Park, is full of ducks and swans, and there is also a lavishly organized botanical garden with a butterfly house. In Hirschgarten, while the kids are feeding deers, the parents can nosh on traditional Bavarian dishes with a pint of Bavarian beer.

You can enjoy epic waterparks with exciting adventure pools and a myriad of wellness activities in Munich, in the world’s largest spa, in Therme Erding. That will speak not only to the kids but to the parents.

If your kids love cars, there is no better place for them than the BMW Museum. The old classical cars are exhibited there and the latest BMW releases are shining the BMW Welt. Had enough of just looking at cars? Grab a roller or bicycle and cruise around in Olympia Park.

The best museum in Munich for children is the Toy Museum (Spielzeugmuseum). It has an extraordinary toy collection including antique teddy bears and dolls.

There are also abundant outdoor activities somewhat off the tourist radar. If your kids are animal-loving adventurers, take them to the Poing WildPark in Munich. There deer and goats are roaming around freely waiting for you to feed them. Just an hour or so from Munich in the Alps there are a lot of alpaca farms.

You can also take a lot of amazing day trips to castles and medieval towns. Visit the Neuschwanstein Castle and the Linderhof castle where your children will feel part of a fairy tale. Explore the most magical towns of Germany – Regensburg, Nuremberg, and Rothenburg ob der Tauber to immerse yourself in a medieval fantasy.

Encourage your kids to step out of their comfort zone to experience Bavaria to the fullest. Head off on a road trip and discover the mountains and lakes of Bavaria.

Children will be easily smitten with hiking on the countless epic hiking trails of the German Alps, visiting the highest mountain of Germany, Zugspitze, and swimming in alpine lakes.

The most beautiful lakes in Bavaria are Lake Königssee, Eibsee, and Walchensee. Walchensee is the place where you can do a myriad of outdoor activities with kids: playing in the sand, swimming, surfing, cycling, hiking, and camping.

You might want to push the envelope further if your children really love adventure. Try the climbing parks, alpine coasters, and zip-lining in the forests of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. They will have a blast for sure!

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